FEATURES
MJ Expedition
Trekking the Sierras | 78
When the author first learned of a rugged route over the Sierras into Yosemite National Park, he thought, No possible way. Then Google Earth made it look deceptively doable. BY DANIEL DUANE

A Father's Hope | 86
Stricken with a rare genetic syndrome, the author's seven-year-old son faces a life of isolation -- until he experiences the transformative power of surfing. BY PAUL SOLOTAROFF

Vintage Roadsters | 92
A perfectly restored sports car makes the ultimate style statement. We bring you top specimens in every price range and show you how to get your own. BY EDDIE ALTERMAN

Timeless Design | 98
From a handcrafted wooden canoe to the world's most forgiving golf club, a tribute to the classics that make for a life well lived. BY PAUL HOCHMAN AND JOEL WEBER

Young Explorers | 124
A new crop of gentleman explorers --alpinists, free-climbers, dinosaur hunters, and others -- proves that the spirit of adventure is surviving just fine in the 21st century. BY CHARLES GRAEBER

The New TV Guides | 130
These days TV hosts are more likely to search the jungle for endangered species than to quiz contestants in a studio. A behind-the-scenes look at the men with the coolest jobs in entertainment. BY EVELYN SPENCE

ADVENTURE
28 Devils Tower
Celebrate the centennial of America's first national monument by climbing it.
32 What's New
Class IV rafting, trekking the Great Wall in China, travel podcasts, and more.
36 World's Greatest Wilderness Lodges
Architectural innovation meets unspoiled nature at these seven hideouts.
44 Adventure Guide: Iceland
Europe's best off-roading, hottest women, and trippiest music all live on this Arctic Circle island.
50 City Guide: Los Angeles
Start on the west side to make the most of the city's shores and desert trails.
52 Books & Screen
Travels through Alaska's wildest places, a new Apocalypse Now DVD, and more.
54 Chesapeake Bay Biking
Exploring the trails, beaches, and crab shacks of the Chesapeake Bay's shoreline.
58 My Escapes: Ben Harper
The surfer-snowboarder-rocker divulges his favorite breaks, books, and strategies for chilling out.

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
60 Reinventing America's Wheels
Gary Fisher, the godfather of mountain biking, has a new quest: kick America's oil habit with car-bike hybrids.

HEALTH AND FITNESS
67 Optimal Hydration
Too much water can be worse than too little. Here's how to stay safely soaked.
70 Superbugs
With drug-resistant infections on the rise, you can't afford to ignore that cut.
72 Back Pain
Keep your back in perfect condition.
76 Ask Dr. Bob
Answers to questions on chest pain, Eastern medicine, and more. PLUS: Is a new weight-loss pill a real silver bullet?

STYLE
136 Watches
The best timepieces for all occasions.

THE RECORD BOOK
160 Astonishing Feats
A 238-foot snowmobile jump, 22 South American peaks in 21 days, paddleboarding the English Channel, and more adrenalized accomplishments.

Mail 20
Contributors 24

On the Cover: 1958 Corvette Roadster from the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum. Photographed by Michael Furman.