Chris Scott Knihy

Highland County, known as "Virginia's Little Switzerland," features a unique history shaped by its high altitude and small population. Officially formed in 1847 from parts of Bath and Pendleton Counties, its early German and Scotch Irish settlers displayed remarkable perseverance in the face of isolation. This book captures the county's identity, blending strong individualism with community spirit, and showcases its rich tradition through captivating photographs spanning the 19th century to the present day, illustrating the evolution of both the rural landscape and its inhabitants.

Filled with practical wisdom and motivational insights, this book offers readers a refreshing perspective on everyday challenges. Its straightforward approach encourages personal growth and empowerment, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their life with actionable advice and inspiration.

The Adventure Motorcycling Handbook has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 90s, a term I helped popularize. Now in its third decade, the revised AMH 6.1 addresses a range of essential topics, including planning, sponsorship, riding seasons, fuel prices, bike selection, and necessary gear. It also features a section on road-legal quad bikes and explores life on the road, covering borders, communication, police interactions, satnav, filming, and troubleshooting. The book provides comprehensive overland route outlines in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, known as the Adventure Motorcycling Zone. Contributions from notable adventurers like Lois Pryce, Walter Colebatch, Gaurav Jani, and Grant Johnson enrich the content. With nearly 200 additional pages, AMH 6.1 caters to a broader audience, including those new to adventure riding. It doesn't assume prior mechanical knowledge or navigation expertise, offering clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance. This makes it a practical companion for both planning and on-the-road reference. The inclusion of insights from over 30 globetrotting contributors adds depth, making the handbook a legendary resource after nearly 30 years in print. AMH provides everything you need to know in one comprehensive volume.

Australia is a vast and sparsely populated land, comparable in size to the USA but home to just over eighteen million people. This ancient continent features some of the most eroded and arid landscapes, particularly in its central and western regions. In contrast, its cities, established mainly in the mid-nineteenth century, exude a youthful energy. The Outback, with its striking geological features and unique wildlife, showcases a vivid ecology that has supported the oldest surviving human culture for over fifty thousand years. The harsh interior has led to a coastal lifestyle, with most Australians living within 20km of the ocean, particularly in a suburban arc from southern Queensland to Adelaide. Urban Australians embrace New World values of material self-improvement, often enjoying a vibrant outdoor life characterized by beach culture and backyard barbecues. While this lifestyle may seem mundane to some visitors, opportunities exist, especially in the Northern Territory, to engage with Australia's indigenous cultures through ancient art sites and tours. Many Aboriginal people in central Australia maintain traditional lifestyles, yet those in urban areas often face challenges related to "welfare colonialism," leading to cycles of poverty and ill-health. Achieving genuine equality between black and white Australians remains a significant challenge.