2nd Edition? (or Twilight of the Travel Guidebook)

Flickr photo by AltemarkARE GUIDEBOOKS STILL WORTH THE PAPER THEY'RE PRINTED ON?

Maybe. Fact is, they're still considerably cheaper to start a fire with than an iPhone.

Here's the thing: my publisher, Countryman Press, wants to do a 2nd Edition of Yosemite, the Southern Sierra Nevada and Death Valley. Which is good news, of course. But the question arises: in the age of GPS, Wi-Fi, googlemaps and lithium-ion batteries, what makes a travel book worth the cost of the paper it's printed on?

Read more about what the next incarnation might look like at The Traveler's Notebook. Your honest input sincerely appreciated.

Chap. 5: New Life for The Village Ghost Town

Gomez's Mexican Restaurant moves into the old Hennessey's space, MMSA bangs out a new theme restaurant & bar across the way—country & western? (probably w/out a mechnical bull)—and the Mammoth Gallery comes back. Read all about it in the 50-center

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p. 230: New Chef at Sequoia High Sierra Camp

Now into its third full season, the Sequoia High Sierra Camp brings on executive chef Fidgeir Helgason, from New Orleans, to replace Ryan Solein. Dana Nichols has the full scoop here.

p. 196: Mono Inn Roadhouse Closed for 2008

And yes, we miss it sorely. No word yet from proprietor Sara Adams about when or if it might re-open. The venue is still available for special events. Check for updates here. In the meantime, head to Tioga Toomey's for the best fish tacos and mango margaritas this side of the LA Aqueduct.

p. 181: Restaurant Lulu Packs up, Moves Back to SF

Read the SheetAlas. We'll miss the oysters, the happy-hour pizzas and the basil gimlets. The service... not so much.