This winter has been hard on us all. With hardly a flake of snow on the ground to be found within driving distance, we are chained to the couches every weekend. Normally we would all be out snowshoeing, skiing, ice climbing, and generally wreaking havoc, but this winter has not been easy on the outdoor enthusiast.

We are left with one one option to combat this sad state of affairs we find ourselves in. Reading.

Yup, we have been relegated to become the infamous armchair adventurers that pish posh from the comfort of our homes. Oh well. Things could always be worse, being warm under a blanket with a nice book is nothing to get upset about.

Photo By Ian Wilson

The only logical step is to find the 3 most adventure inspiring books this winter. If we can't have our own adventures we might as well be able to day dream about someone else's'. Besides, a little more knowlege won't hurt us. These are not your history books from highschool.

Book #1
"K2 : Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain"
This awesome and classic mountaineering and adventure read by Ed Veisturs is a must for anyone languishing in the doldrums. It is sure to get your mind juices running thick and fast.

The book takes a in-depth look into expeditions and their successes and failures on the famous K2 mountain in the Himalayas. With a personal recount of his own adventures on the mountain Ed also takes a swipe at history and all the mystery, drama, death, and triumph surrounding K2.

This book is sure to give you a greater understanding of mountaineering and the work that goes on behind the scenes. It is truly amazing to read about expeditions from beginning to end, and the interactions between climbers and teams.

If you want the whole picture when it comes to adventure on the mountain, this book is for you.

Book#2
"River Monsters: True Stories of the Ones that Didn't Get Away"

Looking for something out of the ordinary to keep you captivated and inspired for your own adventure all winter long? This book by the host of Animal Planet's River Monsters, Jeremy Wade, is one of a kind.

This book is a great read about Jeremy's life long obsession to catch and discover if the monsters and creatures talked about behind closed doors are really true.

True tales of investigations from Germany to the Amazon are told of killer river monsters, and the authors quest to find the truth.

Not your average read, "True Stories of the Ones that Didn't Get Away" will captivate you through every thrilling adventure and in some cases leave you wondering and unwilling to step foot in another river in your life.

There you have it. Now this weekend instead of sitting around bemoaning the fact that this weather is going to be the death of us all, you have a few books to relax with.

These books are sure to get your adventure juices flowing and the imagination spinning about expeditions on the high mountain peaks, and unknown monsters looking in some deep dark pool.

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Have you read either of these books? Did you like them? Have any suggestions of your own?