His first original book in nearly 30 years, but also sadly his last, Back Roads to the California Coast is Earl Thollander's final tribute to the back roads in his beloved home state. 'One can live a lifetime in California and not know it,' Thollander said, and then he set out with traveling partner and co-author Herb McGrew to depict 15 of the state's most enchanting scenic byways, those that travel to and along the coast. Illustrated in full color in Thollander's inimitable style and described with engaging narrative by McGrew, these drives are through country that is stunning and dramatic: the mystical Ojai Valley to Ventura; Carmel Valley to Big Sur; and the wine-lover's favorite, Highway 128 through Napa Valley to Mendocino. No other California guidebook is organized using roads to the coast, making this the perfect gift for anyone devoted to the enjoyment of meandering about the Golden State.