Author Jane Kirkpatrick writes historical fiction. This book is set in late 1800's-
early 1900's and was pieced together from a scrapbook . It 'd be interesting to
see exactly how much is fact and how much is poetic license.

Based on a true story, it follows the cross country walk ( Spokane, WA to NYC)....
yes, walk- along railroad tracks- of a woman and her 18 year old daughter. Keep
in mind, the timeframe....not an era of women going out unescorted or owning
property or having much freedom . The challenge: to walk at least 29 miles per
day ( to complete the trek in 7 months), not ask for any help or lodging, earn
money along the way , and "showcase" women's latest liberation: the divided
traveling skirt. The reward: $10,000 to save the family farm. Complications:
a stoic Norwegian husband and family who vehemently opposed the walk;
safety concerns- both 2 legged and 4 legged creatures; health issues, weather
concerns.
I enjoyed the book, but felt that the writing was kind of simplistic and sometimes repetitive. It does put the reader back to an era that's hard for us to imagine. The further "journey" of the daughter, Clara, made me root for this Underdog
and hope that all turned out well for her. A young woman's progress in the
world of business..and in a man's world....
I'd recommend this leisurely-read book to anyone who has an interest in women's passage through history.....and who enjoys filling in the gaps between history
and fiction. Kate or Megan: a mother-daughter trek cross country??

Sent from my iPad

Blue skies, sunshine, fresh air, mountains...
lots of excellent restaurants, health- conscious people...lots of walkers, bikers,
kids playing sports during school recess and after school in the parks, many art events, museums, great libraries.

Nice place to visit, but "there's no place like home."

Sent from my iPad

a view from an overlook; Jan & David, enjoying the desert trek; cacti...

Drove about 30 miles to reach Usery Mountains.
This mountain range has a different rock formation: schist rocks are metamorphic,
containing gems and minerals...and unique ledges were formed....the sun sparkled in the rocks....the trail we chose was not steep, but curved around and up'n
down crevices.....and the view from the lookout was great: other mt ranges, nearby
towns, valley, and canal with walking path....a few surprises along the way-
bright yellow flowers popped up from rocks...and the ocotillo bushes started
sprouting greenery with bright red tips.... a few desert lizards and birds chirping
loudly- hidden in the bushes. The hike back down was faster- knowing that
picnic lunch and cold beer were waiting.
After exiting the park and driving along a highway, a coyote crossed the road!
They're bigger than you'd expect. Usually, they're nocturnal, but during mating
season ( that would be now) they wander around during the day....guess they
won't attack unless they feel threatened. Trust me, Mr Coyote, I'm not a threat!
I'll post a few photos soon.

Sent from my iPad

Piestawa (Squaw) Peak has lots of jagged peaks and several of them overlook the downtown
area of Phoenix....interesting to be Hiking and see the city way below. This peak made
the news on 2-14: two men hiked to the summit ( waaaay up there) at sunrise to plant
the state flag, commemorating the 100th anniversary of statehood. So, we decided
on Piestawa for today's hike...a bit later in the a.m. and not quite to the summit:)
Terrain is rugged, craggy , jagged- rather than small stones and desert sand -
some ravines and some huffing 'n puffing going up....made it "over the saddle"
before heading down. In the midst of pure rock ( marble- like white & black as coal
granite) a tiny purple flower poked out every now and then.....and the cacti are just starting to come to sprout...another scenic trail to enjoy!

Not as steep, but every bit as dramatic as some "higher hills". Notice signs of desert
blooming: yellow flowers & blooming cacti; One peak is called " Tom's Thumb Peak"-
can you pick it out? Perfect day to hike: bit cool, but

sunshine, interspersed with
clouds....make the mt peaks 'n valleys stand out.

perfect combo: lake and mountains....hiking path around lake.....

Sounds pretty relaxing and laid-back, huh? Well, 40 min drive was on a rugged road- dirt and
small stones- around twisty curves...no guardrails between you and " down below"....
Scenery was awesome IF you dared take your eyes off the road to look.
After arriving at trailhead, it was about 1/2 hour trek up & down- river bed way down below....eventually, the trail headed down to river bed....very scenic to see
water flowing in middle of desert and mountains in background......different trees and
vegetation....even some pretty purple flowers! Many signs warning "Do not enter if
flooded" ...sure don't want to go there if even a chance of rain.
It sure was a different hike...if I feel the need to go again, maybe I'll just
pull out the photos taken along the trail:)

Sent from my iPad

Very scenic spot to hike....

Jeffrey Archer's latest book is a winner! Though lengthy, it kept my attention
long into the night.....a sure sign of a "good read"!

The drama begins with a happy occasion: an engagement and champagne.....
and turns deadly within hours. Rich versus poor; educated versus street-wise;
white collar versus blue collar. Who wins?
That's the basis of the story.....
Without giving away the story, an innocent man ends up in prison and vows to
restore his good name and see the guilty parties punished. And, so, the legal drama begins......how can a poor, uneducated man fight
a rich, well-connected one? Education is the key! He learns to read and soaks
up all the subject matter that he can.....fortunately, his cell-mate is an upper-class,
educated man who is more than willing to share his love of learning. The legal drama is exciting.....there are twists and turns....and I found myself
rooting for the underdog! Does justice prevail? Would society believe a man
from the wrong side of town over a well-known, politically- connected one?
Pick up this book to find out. It's exciting right to the end!!

Sent from my iPad