Exploring the Outdoors: Southwestern B.C.

M.M. Glenn was a freelance librarian residing in Oakville, Ontario.

The authors’ purpose in compiling these articles was to encourage people to experience the wonders and beauties of nature without the need for cumbersome equipment.

The front end papers contain a map showing the location of the 40 hikes that Eberts and Grass describe. The first section, devoted to outdoor lore, includes a section on survival, since nature or human error can disrupt even the best of plans. The authors explain edible and medicinal plants, and they show how to read the sky for weather predictions.

The next section deals with eleven hikes and strolls; this is followed by six areas that emphasize the birds and animals that can be seen. The section describing fishing hole areas is written in a more narrative fashion as the authors explore the regions, describing their adventures as they go. Ten trails are listed under the heading Parks and Picnics, and five under Sea and River.

Each of the 40 four-page articles begins with a pencil drawing map of the area and contains black-and-white pictures pertinent to the area. The authors provide directions, indicate the ease or difficulty of the trail, and suggest the approximate time it will take to traverse the terrain. They mention the various flora and fauna that might be viewed and point out certain structures and formations to watch for at various points.

This highly enjoyable book — well written, informative, and efficiently formatted — is worth owning even if there are no imminent plans to “enjoy the magnificent outdoor wonderland of southwestern B.C.”