LAND OF CLEAR LIGHT: Wild Regions of the American Southwest and Northwestern Mexico. . .

An energetic, affectionate tour of the Southwest's lesser, known areas, threaded with historical anecdotes, local legends, and one-of-a-kind features. Jenkinson values the irregularities and vast space of the region which he has explored thoroughly. Favoring jeep trails and tricky footpaths, he gives directions for slickrock canyons and remote campsites, points out archeological puzzles and a pterosaur footprint site, weaves in Indian lore and bear encounters. One can find movie set facades, eroded rock formations, cave paintings, and memorable place names--Dirty Devil River, Bloated Goat Saloon, Thorny Pasture a.k.a. Kodachrome Flats. Juxtaposing stories of mining towns and peculiar characters with weather variables and geology, Jenkinson proves himself both guide and companion for those seeking an uncommon excursion.