Well, it's official! The first edition of 'Arizona for Dummies' has been published. We stumbled across it in the Cottonwood Fry's. We figured, 'Ah, HA!' and thumbed through the basically banal book looking for their 'hiking' advice. It's easy to find being right there in the index where it belongs. Any ol' dummy could figure that one out!
Each area of the state has a few hikes listed so we kinda guess you could call those hikes 'official dummies hikes.'
We are listing them only for the Sedona area since that's our main 'stomping grounds.' You might want to seek out a copy of this book (or buy the Cliff's Notes version-lol) and get the scoop on your favorite area, too.
OK--the envelope please!
The hikes listed for Sedona in 'Arizona for Dummies' are:
1. Boynton Canyon
2. Loy Canyon
3. West Fork
4. Bell Rock
Is it just me or is there just WAAAAAY too many 'for dummies' books out there? Furthermore - is it just me or is the 'dummies' trend the most insipid and annoying literary trend to come along since the dime novel?
You'd think the whole world was populated by idiots/dummies/clueless/stupid/morons or whatever other adjective they choose to title their books with.
I'm just waiting for a 'Human Interaction for Dummies' book to be published - then I'll know that the end of society as we know it is truly at an end.
[quote='olesma']
I'm just waiting for a 'Human Interaction for Dummies' book to be published - then I'll know that the end of society as we know it is truly at an end.[/quote]
Well, as usual, Olesma got us to thinking again. So we went over to the John Wiley publishing company (IDG Books on your Funk & Googles) and, sure 'nuf, there's a 'Relationships for Dummies!' That's pretty close to 'human interaction,' olesma, so we suspect the 'end of society' clock is a tickin' right away, right now, kinda like the ol' Doomsday Clock of Dr. Strangelove fame.
Moving right along...Since we are proud owners of a 1991 first edition 'DOS for Dummies' which we actually bought when it was brand new and fresh off the press, we were interested to see that 100-million Dummies books have been published in 39 languages and distributed in 40 countries. And sure 'nuf, there's a 'Camping for Dummies.' Here are some of the juicy promo teasers:
'With this trailblazing guide to the great outdoors, anyone can master camping fundamentals and plan safe and rewarding back-to-nature adventures from easygoing family vacations to challenging backcountry treks.'
'The wilderness can be tamed with this For Dummies book, which contains
All the fundamentals from camping gear to wilderness safety -- even camp cooking--Expert advice on activities from hiking and wildlife watching to canoeing and horseback riding--Tips on trip planning, including coverage of the best camping destinations in North America!'
'Tossing a sleeping bag and tent into the back of your car to get back to Mother Nature will become second nature to you in no time at all. Just remember to pack Camping For Dummies'
They do not have a 'Hiking For Dummies,' as the 'Camping For Dummies' apparently covers both bases. They do, however, have an intriguing title:
'America's National Parks For Dummies®, 1st Edition'
We suspect this title is required reading for all new NPS employees.
Well, that's the State of The Dummies Report and, no, this HAS NOT been an April Fool Joke. It just seemed like one! :twisted:
Well, I have to say - as much as I dislike the 'dummies' phenomenon it has made a lot of money. But then, most annoying pop-culture trends make someone a lot of money as well (beanie-babies, bobble-heads, Britney, Spice Girls, etc.)
I have seen the 'Relationships' book for sale at Bookmans (the single greatest bookstore on the planet) and I laughed/sighed when I saw it.
I do like your style montezumawell - solid commentary and research.
I agree with the overkill on the Dummie stuff tho with AZ (or any other type ) hiking I qualify as a novice/dummie. Recent hike in Boynton Canyon so moved me that I think this is for me, even in my "old age" any help to get me started and comfortable will be most appreciated. :
Route Editor
Route Scout
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