The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize

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The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize Belize is a land rich with history and adventure, and for those who love to explore, its ancient Mayan ruins offer a glimpse into a world both magnificent and mysterious. My wife, Linda, and our friends, Eamon and Athena, and I dedicated our third day in Belize to exploring one of the most magnificent of these sites: Xunantunich, or "The Maiden of the Rock." This post will serve as your comprehensive guide to this breathtaking archaeological site, sharing our firsthand experience and helping you prepare for your own unforgettable journey. The grounds are well-kept, which we noticed the moment we walked into the central plaza, and the site is much bigger than we anticipated. The Journey Begins with a Hand-Cranked Ferry Getting to Xunantunich is a part of the adventure in itself, and it’s a detail that adds to the site's remote and timeless feel. The day of our visit was incredibly sunny, and the dri...
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Book Review: Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide

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A Book Review Covering Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide

Editor's Note: A 2025 Update

This review of "The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking" was originally published in 2014. While many aspects of the backpacking world have changed since then, this book remains a valuable resource. It covers evergreen concepts like the importance of keeping your pack weight low, maintaining your fitness on the trail, and the mental aspects of a long hike. While some of the gear and brands may have changed over time, the core principles discussed in this review remain as relevant today as they were ten years ago.

Today, I am going to do a book review covering 'Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started on Your First Backpacking Trip.'  This book was a pretty short and quick read. Additionally, the book can offer valuable insights to beginners seeking to enhance their adventure skills. If you want to see even more book reviews, you can check out all our past book reviews here.
 

Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide





The Background

Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started on Your First Backpacking Trip is approximately a 36-page book written by Timothy S. Morris. Morris is a self-publisher and has a few other books covering prepper topics. The Ultimate Guide is available in both eBook and paperback formats, and I have the eBook version. Ultimately, Morris’s goal was to cover all the fundamental basics of backpacking.

I purchased it to see if there was anything that could be useful in my future adventures. I constantly strive to increase my knowledge and skill set. Plus, I was able to grab it while it was available for free (I love a bargain). If you are interested, it's available in both eBook and paperback formats.

The Good Stuff

I highly recommend this guidebook to anyone new to backpacking or looking for a place to start. Moreover, Morris has experience backpacking, and everything I read seemed like solid advice. Additionally, every basic concept necessary for backpacking was covered. The content itself is an easy read and pretty entertaining (for a backpacking guidebook at least). I was able to breeze right through the book without getting bored. Finally, a good checklist is provided at the end in an appendix. This will help both beginners and experienced backpackers determine a good packing list and ensure that all necessary gear makes it out to the trail. 
 

The Not So Good

While I have mostly praise for Backpacking: The Ultimate Guide, there are a few issues. The first is that the title is misleading. This is hardly the ultimate guide, as the book itself is pretty short. Although almost every topic is covered, there isn’t always a great amount of detail available. An example of this is in the “Choosing the Perfect Pack” section. Morris discusses the different kinds of packs on the market and provides basic guidelines for loading a pack, but offers no information on how to adjust a pack so it fits the user comfortably. Therefore, other books or sources will be needed to learn more in-depth about subjects; however, this isn’t a huge issue because everyone should continue their quest for knowledge into more specific topics. 
 

Final Thoughts

If you are a beginner or want to get into backpacking, then this book will set you on the right path. It’s an easy read and has the information you need to get started. Plus, if you can get the eBook on sale, go ahead and pick it up! However, the normal price is a little step for only 36ish pages, but I feel it is worth the price as a starting point.

What outdoor books are on your fall reading list? If you like the blog, go ahead and follow us on Facebook.

Jarrett Morgan

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