From Alice to Ocean: Alone Across the Outback

In April 1977, Robyn Davidson set out with four camels and a dog to cross the deserts of Western Australia--1700 miles from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. Her sponsor, National Geographic , arranged for photographer Rick Smolan to meet her at various locations along the way. Davidson's riveting account of her journey, Tracks, won awards and became a bestseller. Here, Smolan presents his color photographs alongside excerpts from Tracks. It is a rewarding combination that dramatizes the hardships Davidson encountered and the stark beauty of a hostile landscape. Smolen, creator of the Day in the Life series, photographed tourists, aborigines, scenery and Davidson with her animals--riding, resting, playing. His images make a great adventure even more memorable. (Nov.)