Adventures Afar: A Nature Trails Book

Whether on their own or as tour leaders for the Smithsonian Institution and other organizations, John and Gloria Tveten have encountered the world's wildlife with an unfailing appreciation not only for animals of all kinds but also for the places those animals call home. For more than two decades, from some of the most beautiful and fascinating locations in the Western Hemisphere, the Tvetens brought their adventures alive for the readers of their weekly "Nature Trails" column in the Houston Chronicle.

In this new book, with contemporary notes and updates, the Tvetens have gathered a sampling of their favorite, most recommended, most unforgettable trips to see wildlife and nature, which also include the Guatemalan Highlands, the International Crane Foundation, the Andes, the Grand Canyon, and Utah's Redrock Country.

Polar bears in the high Arctic. Butterflies on Mexico's mountains. Gray whales in Baja, California. Golden toads in Costa Rica. Parrots in the West Indies. Albatrosses off the Olympic Peninsula.

Whether on their own or as tour leaders for the Smithsonian Institution and other organizations, John and Gloria Tveten have encountered the world's wildlife with an unfailing appreciation not only for animals of all kinds but also for the places those animals call home. For more than two decades, from some of the most beautiful and fascinating locations in the Western Hemisphere, the Tvetens brought their adventures alive for the readers of their weekly "Nature Trails" column in the Houston Chronicle.

In this new book, with contemporary notes and updates, the Tvetens have gathered a sampling of their favorite, most recommended, most unforgettable trips to see wildlife and nature, which also include the Guatemalan Highlands, the International Crane Foundation, the Andes, the Grand Canyon, and Utah's Redrock Country.

Houston Chronicle

We could feel goose bumps on our necks as we read about Arctic adventures to see polar bears, gyrfalcons and beluga whales. We could imagine our muscles twitching as we read about hiking and rafting through the Grand Canyon.

John Tveten and Gloria Tveten are Texas naturalists, writers, and photographers. Residents of Baytown, they are frequent speakers and field trip leaders at nature and birding festivals throughout the state.