Let the Adventure Find You in Puerto Varas,Chile

 Puerto Varas, nestled sweetly on the south shore of Llanquihue (“yan key way”) the largest lake in Chile, is the adventure hub of the Chilean Lake District.  On the far shore, the snow-tipped Orsorno Volcano offers head-spinning vistas for hikers in the summer (November-March) and in winter, thrilling downhill ski runs.

In the glacier moraine valley below lies the gateway to Vincent Perez National Park where you can explore the Petrohue Falls. Puerto Varas is also the headquarters for the Pumalin Park, a pristine wilderness area with native forests laced with cascading waterfalls.Full article on my "Boomer Column."

NOTE: My sojourn in South America with Overseas Adventure Travel began and ended in Buenos Aires where half the population of Argentina reside. Like most Americans, my knowledge of the geography of South America is a bit fuzzy. The journey took me to less-traveled parts of Argentina and Chile providing an overview of the landscape and high points I will be sharing in a series of pieces. This is the second:

My mission is to get to as many beautiful places she can before they are gone! I shares a host of travel articles on my site, along with information about my travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales.  

www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.  

Join her at Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/linda.ballou.9

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

Let Your Spirit be Free

Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a treat. From the very first sentence you are drawn into the scene with descriptions of the sea and the Cornwall Coast that becomes a character in the story.
“When the east wind blows up Helford River the shining waters become troubled and disturbed and little waves beat angrily upon the sandy shores.”
Du Maurier infuses the story of an English aristocratic woman in the 1800’s, a caged bird, who yearns to escape the stilted trappings of court life in London. Dona yearns to be a man with all the privledges and freedom accorded her brothers and for adventure and romance. She is an intelligent, beautiful woman who wields power over her husband, but still yearns to escape the confines of her marriage. She meets the Frenchman, a pirate by trade, who spends hours doing sketches of birds. He takes her with him on a raid and lets her spread her adventurous wings. She falls in love with a mirror image of the spirit within her that yearns to be free. I was not happy with the ending because I would have let my heart lead the way. But, this story is set in time when women were struggling for emotional and financial independence. Still, the writing is superb with insights into the human dilemma, marvelous descriptions that place you at sea and in the forest where you smell the moss and dark earth. Plus, an intriguing plot filled with suspense. I have much to learn from this great writer


View all my reviews

Can We Talk? Interview on Author Express

Interview with travel-writer, Linda Ballou from Cindy Bauer

Buenos Aires to Splendid Bariloche

As promised, here is the first article Buenos to Bariloche in the heart of the Lake District in Argentina posted on my "Boomer Column" at www.nabbw.com

First Stop: Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Argentina

Church bells ring outside my window and remind me that Buenos Aires is a strongly Catholic town.

You may recall that Pope Francis is from Buenos Aires and and he often returns to speak at the Metropolitan Cathedral, considered the heart of the city—a city that is a frenetic beehive of activity. 

read full article here

Enjoy learning more about this diverse region full of outdoor adventures.

Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Sojourn in South America

My sojourn in South America began and ended in Buenos Aires. Like most Americans my knowledge of the geography of the South America was a bit fuzzy. This journey took me to less-traveled parts of Argentina and Chile providing me with an over-view of the landscape and high points I want to share in a series of pieces on my “Boomer” Column at www.NABBW.com. I will share the links of the pieces as they are published.

First Stop Buenos Aires

to Baraloche Lake
District-the chocolate capital of Argentina.

Second I take you across the Andes to Puerto Varas nestled on the shores of the largest lake in Chile where I hiked the flank of Orsono Volcano.

Not last, and certainly not least, Punta Arenas to Torres Del Paine the wild land at the end of the Earth.

 Finale: Christmas dinner in El Calafate and hiking the maze in Los Glaciares National Park

I hope you will join me on this epic journey orchistrated by Overseas Adventure Travel OATtravel.com

Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Heart felt thanks to my readers

I have been on the journey of a self-published author for nearly a decade. In this time of year end reflection it dawns on me that I owe a debt of gratitude to my readers. The collateral goodness of writing is connection with the hearts and minds of kindred spirits. Making a buck is always a good thing, but that is not why writers write. They do it because they want to share experiences in a way that engages and inspires others.
 The act of writing our thoughts comes back to us in strange and mysterious ways.

While I was at a guest ranch a man took a tumble off his horse. He bounced back up smiling and said" I want to thank you little lady. You just saved my life! I read you article the "Art of Falling" and I knew just what to do to break my fall and keep from getting hurt." That meant more to me than I can express here.

Fun Night Sharing Wai-nani with Book Club

It has been so wonderful meeting people online who have read one of my books and have found it worthwhile, even rewarding to travel with me, and my characters. Even though my books are in different genres, a common theme is that they are all destination pieces. They all take you to a places you can't get to any other way. It is my extreme pleasure to give back to the world in this way.


This a note of thanks to all of you have purchased my books and posted reveiws for them. That means so much to get feedback and to know that people have enjoyed my work. I hope there will be many more readers who want to see the ancient Hawaiian culture through Wai-nani's eyes, or will take a thrilling ride with Gemcie in the Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon, or become a stow away in the " Lost Angel's "backpack for more wonderful outdoor adventures.

I am busy gathering more tales for my second travel collection. You can help me by selecting the title you like best.

(1) The Lost Angel Rides Again
(2) Wild Ballou Wander
(3) 50 Shades of Ballou

Please leave a comment letting me know which one you like the best.

Wishing you a Bountiful New Year filled with love and laughter!!

Last Blast for 2017

Rocky Mountain National Park

It's been a wonderful year for me filled with exciting journeys. Here are some of the articles I published that give you details on how to walk in my footsteps if you get a yen for adventure.
It's not over yet! I am leaving for Patagonia in a couple of days and will return with articles about the exotic locales I visit with Overseas Adventure Travel.

Patagonia

Morro Bay

Highlights of the year include attending the Bird Fest in  Morro Bay that takes place in February and kayaking in the estuary.

Exploring Discovery Highway 1 through Caycos, Cambria and points north. This piece details points on the Whale Trail for your viewing pleasure

Hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park just outside of Estes Park.

Riding in the Hoofprints of Isabella Bird at Sylvan Ranch The Lady of Rockies first stop when she rode solo here in 1873.

Getting a real horseback riding experience at the Laramie River Ranch located on the border of Colorado and  Wyoming.

Hiking in the Jack London Beauty Ranch two weeks prior to the dreaful fires that scorched the area.

Linda at Jack London Beauty Ranch

Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Horse Book Holiday Giveaways from 4 Great Authors.

Gifts and Giveaways for Horse Lovers

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift? Adventure. Romance. Action. Drama. Inspiration. Check out the Christmas giveaways from these 4 amazing authors!     Let these equine adventure stories by Laura Hesse, Linda Ballou, Carly Kade and Carole T. Beers, help keep you warm this holiday season.   Author, Laura Hesse One Frosty Christmas is a heartwarming, hanky-waving Christmas classics for girls 8 – 14. The River Bend Trilogy includes the inspiring and action-packed Walt Disney type of Young Adult equine novels in The Holiday Series: One Frosty Christmas, The Great Pumpkin Ride, and A Filly Called Easter. Where do I get my FREE copies? One Frosty Christmas - E-book — FREE worldwide on Amazon.com  Amazon.ca  Amazon UK  Amazon Australia  Apple Store Kobo  Barnes and Noble  Audible—Free to subscribers, December 10, 2017 The Holiday Series: The Complete River Bend Trilogy – E-Book only - FREE on Kindle Unlimited, but only until Christmas - Amazon.com, Amazon.uk, Amazon.ca, Amazon.australia Author, Linda Ballou The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon: "An adventure that captivates, from show arena to back country wilderness. Inspirational in the power of the human spirit.”  Charisse Glenn - International Endurance Rider and Trainer Where do I get my FREE copies? Enter for a FREE book and Audio Book giveaway of The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon via email to lballou6@sbcglobal.net Available on Amazon Visit Linda Ballou (website)   Author, Carly Kade In the Reins is a story of mystery, suspense, romance (enter handsome cowboy), and self-discovery as a woman returns to her horse riding roots. Where do I get my FREE copies? Enter to Win a FREE copy of In the Reins: https://goo.gl/forms/3Rx1Y037e9UlVX0l1 In the Reins (Sequel coming soon!) on Amazon Visit Carly Kade(website)   Author, Carole T. Beers Saddle Tramps: Meet Pepper Kane … a sassy ex-reporter, cowgirl, mother of wayward adult kids and daughter of aged parents, who’s putting her brand on a new career in the romantic, mystery-filled modern American West. Over the Edge (book 2): Danger and desire swirl about modern cowgirl-sleuth Pepper Kane as she uses her ex-reporter skills to solve mysteries she suspects are related. Where do I get my FREE copies? Enter to win a FREE copy of Saddle Tramps and Over the Edge on Goodreads: Saddle Tramps on Amazon Saddle Tramps on Goodreads Over the Edge on Amazon Over the Edge on Goodreads Visit Carole T. Beers

Winnie Award for Cowgirl at the Equus Film Fest

On Thanksgiving eve I was thrilled to learn that Lisa Diersen, the director of the prestigious 2017 Equus Film Festival selected The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon for the Founders Choice Winnie Award. To receive recognition running in such good company was beyond my expectations.

The response to the book has been extremely gratifying. I wrote the first draft twenty years ago. It was part of the healing process that ensued after an injury that forced me to give up the riding world that I loved. In 2015 I polished and expanded the story for publication.It’s been a tumultuous journey with a very happy ending.

2017 was a wild ride for the Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon.  The first half of the year was dedicated to producing a quality audio book.  Narrator, Scott Glennon, delivered an energetic, authentic rendering of my story that is receiving ALL-STAR REVIEWS on audible.  I had the pleasure of meeting Scott in Denver after my horseback riding adventure at the Laramie River Ranch. He is a part cowboy, part actor and 100% fine human being. I feel so lucky to have him giving voice to my characters.

I still have a few coupons available if you would like to provide an honest review in exchange for a free copy of the audio book email me at lballou6@sbcglobal.net

Audible

I am an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on my site, along with information about my travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, my historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i, as well as my latest novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.

 Subscribe to my blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Great Outdoor Day in L.A. - A Trail to Share

Trail mates come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes.  Get outside of your career coop and hike with someone that gives you fresh points of view. Learn while you burn unwanted calories on this easily accessed 2.5 mile loop.

The Sara Wan trailhead located on Pacific Coast Highway at the foot of Corral Canyon is one of the Santa Monica Conservancy’s newer acquisitions. The well-maintained path is wide enough for two and switches back and forth to heavenly vistas. Bear to the left on your way up canyon and enjoy the murmur of Corral Creek as you begin your hike. Fog chased by a cool breeze off the Pacific drifts through stands of eucalyptus, alder, Coastal Live Oak and willow tracing the path of the creek and keeping things comfortable. Soon you will be in mountains frosted with pink bush mallow and lavender Chia sage, so bring a hat, water, and sun block. Once aloft, you enjoy an easy stroll with sweeping views of the coast all the way to Point Dume. It is hoped that one day the path will connect to  trails across adjacent coastal bluffs, but for now it takes you to a vantage point with stunning views of Catalina and the Santa Monica Bay before leading you back to the parking lot.

The best ahi burger on the entire 27-mile stretch of scenic Malibu Coastline awaits your return at the open air Malibu Seafood Café adjacent to the parking lot. You can treat yourself to lobster live from the tank, or be happy with scrumptious fish and chips. From the upstairs covered patio, dolphins are often seen cavorting in the deep channel. A flock of wild parrots, migrants from Mexico, have made homes in the palms swaying overhead.

A siesta on the Dan Blocker beach on the other side of PCH is a wonderful way to cap off this outdoor day. Bring your swimsuit, umbrella, and a good book and wait for sunset.

You can park in the Santa Monica Conservancy lot all day for seven bucks—such a deal!

Your friend will thank you for bringing them here.

Directions: Malibu SeafoodMarket 25653 Pacific Coast Highway is about 11/2 miles up the coast from Pepperdine University between Malibu Canyon and Kanaan Road. An MTA bus stop is there for those who prefer not to drive.

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