Did you know that European royalty once used cheetahs to hunt deer, or that caracals can capture birds by leaping six and a half feet straight up into the air from a standing start? Have you ever wondered whether domestic cats really do land on their feet when they fall, or how Canada lynx can stalk their prey in the winter without falling through the deep snow? Wild Cats of the World is a treasure trove of answers to questions like these, and many others, for anyone who's interested in learning more about the world's felids, including the ones with whom we share our homes. Mel and Fiona Sunquist have spent more than a decade gathering information about cats from every available source, many of them quite difficult to find, including scientific papers, descriptions of hunts, archeological findings, observations by naturalists and travelers, reports from government agencies, and newsletters from a wide variety of organizations. Weaving information from these sources together with their own experiences observing wild cats around the world, the Sunquists have created the most comprehensive reference on felids available. Each of their accounts of the 36 species of cat contains a description of the cat, including human interactions with it, as well as detailed data on its distribution, ecology and behavior, status in the wild, and efforts to conserve it. Numerous photographs, including more than 40 in full color, illustrate these accounts. Ranging from the two-pound black-footed cat to the five-hundred-pound tiger, and from the African serval with its satellite-dish ears to the web-footed fishing cat of Asia, Wild Cats of the World will fascinate and educate felid fans of any stripe (or spot).
From short, easy one-night escapes suitable for the whole family, to hard-core mountain adventures that will test even the most experienced, competitive racers, the 34 trails of southern Africa's best multi-day trails and wilderness journeys featured in Free Wheeling cover the full spectrum of mountain bike tours on offer in South Africa and neighbouring countries. A guide and support vehicle accompanies most of the tours, meaning that someone else takes care of the logistics and you are left free to enjoy the best that mountain biking offers. Whether you want to ride with big game, along empty beaches, through verdant forest or across barren deserts you'll find a trail to suit, and there are also some specialist trails that are aimed at birders, gourmands and culture-vultures. As the waiting lists for the stage races grow (and with them the entry fees) touring offers an alternative way to get your dirt fix - an active holiday with a group of friends or family. After riding the inaugural Tour de Wilderness mountain bike tour, photojournalist Fiona McIntosh tried her hand at stage racing, completing the ABSA Cape Epic in 2007. She's now a social rider who looks forward to a soft bed, good meal and some fine wine after a hard day in the saddle.
What happens when you want to take a holiday or even just pop out for a drink and your dog looks up at you with expectant eyes? Do you know which pubs welcome muddy paws with a bowl of water and a dog biscuit? Or where you and your dog can both enjoy a comfortable overnight stay? From the editors of the UK's No 1 travel guide, the much loved Good Pub Guide, comes the latest edition of the Good Guide to Dog Friendly Pubs, Hotels and B&Bs. Featuring fully updated information, the guide provides you with hundreds of wonderful places in the UK to drink, eat and stay with your pet. With this book to hand there's no need to leave your dog at home. Faithful friends deserve a break too!
The 32nd edition of The Good Pub Guide is as invaluable as ever. Organised county by county, its comprehensive yearly updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade. Here you will find classic country pubs, town-centre inns, riverside retreats, historic havens and exciting newcomers, plus gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky or own-brew beer. Discover the top pubs in each county for beer, dining and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide 2014 provides a wealth of honest, entertaining and indispensable information. Whether you are planning a night out, a weekend away, holidaying in the UK or simply looking for a local pub, Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley have it covered.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.