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.

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!!

Shady Glades and Sparkling Cascades are Calling

Several years I ago I hiked in the White Mountains with New England Hiking Holidays. In my article “Peak Experience” I detail what an exquisite experience it was to hike in the buttery glow of the autumn sun beneath a canopy of tangelo leaves. Graham, our lead trip guide, told me that the Columbia River Gorge hike was his favorite offering of NEHH because of the dramatic cluster of waterfalls, scent of pine-sheathed mountains, and meadows choked with wildflowers. This image never left me, so I am thrilled to be joining NEHH once

again for their outing in Oregon. Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt, owners and operators of NEHH, make it possible for the average outdoor enthusiastic to experience the wonders of nature by day and the comforts of posh inns offering fine cuisine by night. They run hiking tours in North America, Hawai’i, Italy, the Swiss Alps, and England, as well as historic walks in Spain. I wanted to know more about what goes into creating these top-tier trips around the globe, so I asked Clare a few questions.

Read full interview here    

There are a few spaces left in the June Columbia River Gorge/Mt Hood Hiking Holiday for more go to

New England Hiking Holidays. 

Get Ready For Good Times - Part II

In the first part of my article, Get Ready for Good Times I talked about preparing your body for adventure. The second part continues with a few tips about developing a mindset that will allow you to enjoy your journey more. Please join me there for Get Ready for Good Times Part II at NAABW.



Linda Ballou is the Adventure Travel Expert for the National Association of Baby Boomer Women.