Laurie McAndish King details travel adventures at Distant Lands reading

TRAVEL

Presentation

Laurie McAndish King will read from her new collection of travel essays, “Lost, Kidnapped, Eaten Alive,” and show accompanying slides.

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Distant Lands, 20 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Admission, info: Free. RSVP to (626) 449-3220.

BACKPACKING

Workshop

Experts will offer tips on lightweight backpacking techniques.

When, where: 7 p.m. Wednesday at the REI store in Arcadia, 214 N. Santa Anita Ave.

Admission, info: Free. (626) 447-1062.

EUROPE

Workshop

Hostelling International will conduct a workshop on rail travel in Europe, with information on Eurail passes, classes of service and other topics.

When, where: 7 p.m. Thursday at the REI store in Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave.

Admission, info: Free. RSVP to (310) 393-9913 Ext. 3104.

JOSHUA TREE

Field class

Learn about the Joshua tree’s evolution, its biological functions and the role it plays in the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

When, where: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Black Rock Visitor Center, Black Rock Canyon Campground, Yucca Valley.

Admission, info: $70. (760) 367-5535.

Please email announcements at least three weeks before the event to travel@latimes.com.