Get in the Flow With Hank Meals River Presentation October 5, 2008

The river brought the pioneers to this green valley. Hardships and hopes were equally doled out by the "the tricky Yuba," as W.T. Ellis would say. Its secret trails and jaunts have captivated hiker, traveler and local residents for well over a hundred years. Finally, an informative, useful guide is available. Join author Hank Meals for his presentation on " The River: Hiking Trails and History of the South Fork of the Yuba River," his most recent book, a guide to the Yuba River and its trails for a presentation at Amicus Books, 413 D Street Marysville, California from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on October 4, 2008. Meals presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. For more details call 530-237-6402


Review:
The River: Hiking Trails and History of the South Fork of the Yuba River, by Nevada City resident Hank Meals, is a rare find in a guidebook these days. It provides a good amount of information on areas which are covered in few other guide books, and I’ve seen most of them. When they are mentioned, they are given only a frustratingly small amount of space and coverage. Cheers, Hank.

What also makes this guide a bit different is that it offers an interesting historical context to the areas through which readers may travel. Without this book, one may never happen across the place where Beat Poet Lew Welsh was last spotted, for instance. And both are presented in Meals’ clear, direct style which tells of a great understanding of the Yuba River area of which he speaks and a strong ability to communicate his expertise to readers.

For anyone wanting to explore the trails and tales of the South Fork of the Yuba River, Hank Meals’ The River provides an excellent source of information both broad and deep to jump into. The River offers something of interest to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of every level. In-depth trail guides and clear directions, as well as pictures and topographic maps of the described areas-including USGS Quad specification, give any trail neophyte the tools they need to navigate themselves toward an enjoyable day by the river and beyond. In case a short trip turns out to be
much harder and longer than you’d expected, The River also provides a section on
trail safety and survival tips specific to the Yuba River region (important items like snake, bear and mountain lion safety, poison oak identification tips, and river/water safety are covered in concise and informative sections). For the more serious trail-junky, The River’s historical sections provide content for thoughtful reflections on days when the trail may have seen a much different use. The sometimes destructive accounts of early mining and other settlers are included with stories of people native to the region, allowing readers and hikers alike to envision what that use may have been.

The River’s unique combination of historical and trail information make it the all-around trail guide for travelers of the South Fork of the Yuba River.

Review by -David M Glines of Amicus Books

Official Website: http://www.amicusbooks.com