The poorest of peasants in France in the 17th century did not have horses, mules, carts, and carriages. They traveled on foot and, by necessity, carried whatever they could–but only what they needed. They used baskets, wooded frames, cross-body satchels, fardes (like a hobo’s bindle,) and sac à dos — literally, ‘bag for the back.’ … Continue reading Time Travel Tuesday
Tag: camping
Mystery Monday-I like mine cozy
My debut mystery novel, Rim to Rim- Death in the Grand Canyon is an Adventure Mystery because it doesn’t quite fit the criteria for a cozy mystery––but almost. Here’s the story behind the story…I was on a five-day backpacking trip with the Sierra Club from the Grand Canyon’s north rim, down and across the floor … Continue reading Mystery Monday-I like mine cozy
What is your cat reading?
A Reader's Review One of my readers, and fellow author, Patti Walsh, sent me a very clever review of Rim to Rim….Her cat's opinion of my novel. What a great idea. Here it is: At 19 years old, Cici Brannen may be slow, deaf, and nearly blind. To accommodate her limitations, her human mate, Pam, … Continue reading What is your cat reading?
Baking in Ashes
It feels wrong not to know basic survival skills our ancestors knew. We’ve let too many fade from our collective knowledge. I try to do my part by learning outdoor skills the pioneers used, so I was thrilled to receive an antique book, Camping and Woodcraft, as a gift. Horace Kephart wrote the first edition … Continue reading Baking in Ashes
Hoosier in the Rain
The weatherman forecasted rain for our early-May backpacking trip to Hoosier National Forest. A few less-determined people canceled the trip because the weather wasn’t to their liking. Thursday afternoon we drove away from the threatening rain in Illinois into the blue skies of southern Indiana. Fourteen hikers gathered at Yellow River State Park, had an … Continue reading Hoosier in the Rain
