Friday, July 20, 2018

Going off the grid-Bye Bye Busy World




 I am answering the "Call of the Wild" by taking a horsepack trip in the back country of  British Columbia with Tyslos outfitters. I am looking forward to pulling the plug on technology and  getting a soul-cleansing experience. Eight days rocking along on horseback in gorgeous country is my RX for "urbanitis." Yes, there may be a few mosquitoes and Chilko Lake is where Grizzlies
congregate in the fall to gorge on Salmon runs. But, driving on the freeways in L.A. is probably more dangerous and nerve racking than  any of the dangers large or small on the journey.

The Chilcotin region is a vast roadless wilderness area with the 50-mile Chilko Lake as the centerpiece. Resting on the east side of the Coast Range it is dryer than the coastal regions of B.C. This means the  footing will be better for the horses and I hope the rain will be minimal.


So, goodbye busy world. I'm off duty until August 1. I'm sure you will manage without me.

Yeehaw

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.





Thursday, July 12, 2018

Hop on board Cowgirl Blog Tour Giveway


Hop on board the the Blog tour from July 12-18th for The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon.  Winner at the Equus Film Fest, Cowgirl receives 5-star reviews on Audible and Amazon.  Sign up at any of the hosts below to win a free audio book and/or Amazon cash gift card.
Founder's Choice Equus Film Fest
Gemcie and her Irish Hunter, Marshal, are about to capture the World Cup when a nasty fall dashes their chances. While she is mending, her arch rival seizes this opportunity to catch a ride on Marshal, and to seduce her young husband. Confused and dazed by her new circumstances, Gemcie heads for the high Sierras hoping the majestic spires that captured the heart of the father she never met will provide the answers she seeks.

She finds strength and solace riding solo on the John Muir Trail, but a bear attack ends her time of introspection and places her in the care of a solitary cowboy manning a fire lookout. Brady shows her love and gives her the courage to get back in the saddle. Haunted by images of Marshal being abused by his owners, Gemcie returns to rescue him and fly high with him once more.

Ballou's prose gallops ahead at breakneck speed as she takes you along on this wild ride.
Jul. 13th:
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Saturday, July 7, 2018

Let Your Spirit Free in B.C.


While searching for images to spotlight The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon that takes the reader into the backcountry of the High Sierras, I ran into the Tyslos Lodge in British Columbia.  The Lodge sits on the dazzling blue Chilko Lake in the heart of a pristine wilderness. For 60 years the McClean family has hosted guests from around the globe on horseback adventures in this remarkable setting.

The more I saw and read about what might be one of LAST GREAT RIDES, I knew I had to go. My character, Gemcie, rides solo in the John Muir Wilderness. Writing her story made me want to pull the plug on the internet, the congestion of the city and to get back in the saddle.

I fly to Vancouver in July where I will connect with a charter flight over the Coastal Range to the back country of British Columbia to meet my mount for the week at the TyslosLodge. It promises to be a once in a lifetime escape that makes your heart beat a little faster, takes the rust off your soul and fills your mind with beauty.
A glass of wine at the end of an adventure filled riding day is my RX for” urbanitis.”  What’s yours?






Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales; historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i; as well as her 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.



Monday, July 2, 2018

Ojai-Rising from the Ashes





Ojai, about an hour north of L.A. has long been one of my favorite getaways.  I was saddened to see the flames of the Thomas Fire, said to be the largest fire in California history, scorching the mountains surrounding the idyllic valley. I was delighted to see that the ring of fire threatening to swallow the town just snarled at the edges of the village.  Artists of all stripes who have hideaways tucked in the hills and shady glens gathered refuse from the fire and created mobiles and other objects de art that are on display in the galleries that line Ojai Avenue.

Sadly, heading north on Hwy 33 did not fare so well. The Wheeler Gorge was singed and a rock slide has generated road work that will last for at least a year.  The Cozy Dell Trail which was my favorite was badly damaged. What was a shady, flower infested walk is now lined with the spiky blackened limbs of dead trees.
Cozy Dell Trail Before Thomas Fire
Cozy Dell Trail June 2018

I decided to explore the Oso Trail that takes you into the through sage-littered meadows lining the rocky river bottom. I was delighted to discover an inviting swimming hole I had no idea existed. If only I had brought my baby suit, I could have taken a swim with the local family enjoying a picnic there.
Ventura River Preserve
Swimming Hole Ventura River Preserve

The scenic drive from Carpentaria to Ojai on Hwy 150 was spared. The curvaceous road past avocado farms through lush green tree tunnels remains the same. However, when you crest the summit overlooking Castaic Lake you see the mountains framing the valley for miles around are nude. Splotches of orange witches dodder are all that decorate the barren scene.
View from Second Floor Oakridge Inn


Ojai is still a joyous place known for its meditative and restful qualities. The Oakridge Inn is a comfortable, clean economical place to stay. If you get a room on the second floor you will enjoy a view of the mountains a sweet breeze wafting up canyon. It is conveniently located walking distance to the Bocalli’s Italian satellite cafe, famous for farm to table fresh produce.

Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site, along with information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales; historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i; as well as her 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.