Finding Solace in the High Country

In The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon Gemcie determines to ride solo on the John Muir Trail in an attempt to sort out the confusion in her life.  While trying to capture the ethereal beauty of the John Muir Wilderness, I hoped to capture the imaginations of those who have not been privileged to ride or hike in the fragile beauty of the high country.

Nevermore, no matter how weary, should one faint by the way who gains the blessings of one mountain day; whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever. John Muir”- My Summer in the Sierra’s 1869

With this thought in mind I can only feel gratitude that I was able to ride amongst the spires that inspired his musings that touched my soul so deeply. I tried in my own less masterful way to bring this experience home to readers .
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On my recent trip to Yosemite I was once again inspired by the imutable beauty of the Sierra Mountains Muir loved so well.

I am very proud that The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon was a winner at the Equus Film Fest in New York. It has also won the Indie Excellence Award and is receiving 5-star Reviews on the print, kindle and audio Book!

Find a host of adventure travel articles at www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.

 Subscribe to her blog   http://lindaballoutalkingtoyou.blogspot.com

Praise for Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler's Tales

Book Review by Bonnie Neely, Editor at Real Travel Adventures

Lost Angel Walkabout by Linda Ballou is one of the most beautifully written travel books I have ever read. Linda tells her personal experiences of her many travels in different continents and environs. She is well-known as a top adventure travel writer, and her tales of her intrepid soul's search for beauty in the wilds and her ability to rouse physically to any demands of the setting will thrill the reader. She increased my desire to become more physically fit so that I could do some of the things she is daring and fit enough to do. She grew up in Alaska and has always loved horses. Her travel tales about returning to that wonderful environ and her experiences in many different places which involved riding horses are so beautifully inspiring. Linda also leads walkabouts in Los Angeles. I highly recommend her book as a treasure you will want to read, and then to re-read aloud to anyone who might want to listen. Her use of words is very commanding and her descriptions so vivid you will feel you have traveled alongside her and seen all the beauty of the surroundings which she so deeply appreciates. This is a MUST READ

Review by Bonnie Neely, Editor at Real Travel Adventures

Purchase copies of this book at Linda Ballou

View the Media Page for this book Lost Angel Walkabout

#2 of my list of things you must do before you can't!

Hike up Soldiers Pass Trail at sunrise or sunset to the top of Brim’s Mesa. Once aloft you will see what Sedona, Arizona is all about. Sandstone hoodoos, buttes, mesas and cathedral like buttresses float on a purple horizon. Stay here long enough and you might find yourself thanking the Great Spirit for these wonderfully imaginative creations.
Heading for the spirit well to drink deeply again next week!

Pound of Prevention

Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road by Marybeth Bond


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an indispensable handbook full of information that can save you time, trouble and maybe even your life. Women make up the largest segment of the traveling population and many of them are choosing to travel alone. When I was a student for a summer session in England I walked the streets of London cloaked in a red riding hood cape that covered me from head to toe. This might seem a bit over the top, but I truly did not want to be raped, mugged or noticed by would be Romeos. Marybeth Bond doesn’t suggest you go to these lengths but does give practical nuts and bolts tips on how to protect yourself on the road. Not just from predators, but from you own carelessness that can land you into a very uncomfortable place. She says this book is about more than travel. “It is about risk-taking, living, feeling, and learning, and loving.” In the “Travelers Tales” tradition, this little book is well worth the price of admission.
www.lindaballouauthor.com
Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales


View all my reviews >>

Dolphins with minds of their own

Wai-nani's best friend is a dolphin named Eku. In my research for my historical novel set in pre-contact Hawaii, I learned that these creatures are credited with intelligence that rivals our own. This video dramatically demonstrates thier ability to come up with solutions to problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ50PYMXDCQ&NR=1

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?

An autographed copy of Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii-Her Epic Journey will be awarded to one lucky person on Valentine’s Day. Just sign in on Wai-nani’s page where you will find reviews, an excerpt and more.

From the cauldron of controversy that is Hawaiian history, emerges Wai-nani, a reflection of the passionate chiefess Ka'ahumanu. Like all Islanders, she is a water baby finding pleasure, sustenance, solace, wisdom and courage in the grand and vibrant sea. She is born fifteen years prior to the landing of Captain Cook in Kealakekua in 1779, and is the favorite wife of Makaha, a fierce warrior modeled after Kamehameha the Great. Her story awaits you at the link below.

http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/Books.html

If you are already a Wai-nani lover, please forward this offer to
friends you think would enjoy entering her beautiful world.

In Search of a Natural High

My article In Search of a Natural High in Sedona, featured in the Jan-Feb issue of American Fitness Magazine explores the mysteries of vortexes. Are the magical red rock formations really power places? Find out in this piece that takes you on the best hikes in the fabled region. This link takes you to my articles pay on my website

http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/Articles.html

Feel Good Story

In search of traditional Hawaiian healing venues I circumnavigated the Big Island sampling lomi-lomi, and other forms of massage along the way. What better way to rejuvenate body and mind than in the knowing hands of masters and restorative waters of Hawai’i. If you follow in my footsteps, I promise you won’t be sorry.

Healing Hawaiian Holiday featured article in Real Travel Adventures Nov. 15 issue

http://www.realtraveladventures.com/

Individual link to Linda’s article.
http://www.realtraveladventures.com/2Nov2009/healing_hawaiian_holiday.htm

Linda Ballou,Author Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i

First of five things you must do before you die!

Raft the Pacuare River in Costa Rica is a must do before you die. Class III-IV rapids are spaced nicely between peaceful glides through a primordial rain forest populated with colorful birds, grunting monkeys and three-toed sloth dozing in the canopy. Neon blue butterflies waft by on a warm breeze. Clear water invites a swim in deep pools beside a waterfall. All seems perfect in the world as you float feet first downstream.

Travel Talk

My message about “How to Make Travel Writing Work for You “was well-received at Distant Lands—The best travel store in Los Angeles.

If you missed my talk go to www.LindaBallouAuthor.com for the free download with a roadmap of what you need to do if you are serious about becoming a travel writer.

Running in Good Company

I am proud to announce that my story Irish Mist about my cross-country jumping days in the wild west of Ireland is included in a wonderful anthology titled WHY WE RIDE. It is a collection of women writers talking about the horses in thier lives. Forward by Jane Smiley of Horse Heaven fame.

You can make advance purchase on Amazon. It will be out in 2010.