Whether four-legged animals or two-legged humans, trails are followed and retraced by an assortment of creatures through the centuries on the easiest paths through the landscape. They were always on some type of mission whether looking for forage, food, water or ports of call. Humans, from the 16th through the 19st centuries are most always on some military or commercial enterprise between destination points. The Old Spanish Trail was used for both purposes: Spanish traders from at least 1795 to the railroad surveys of the early-1850s. Commercially, hundreds of mules left Santa Fe carrying woolen goods for the Californios. In return, thousands of horses and mules were herded back to New Mexico and then up the Santa Fe trail to Middle America. Trail of Many Tales relates the history of the trail in south central Utah by combining first hand accounts, tribal lore, works of history, archaeology and state of the art scientific methods. Come on along and learn how large groups of animals were herded by not so many men and the identification of their trails, some 1,000 feet wide, that still can be isolated on small sections of the overland route.
"Tales from the Medicine Trail" offers readers an adventure into the healing practices of ancient and modern cultures. This is blended with actionable health remedies, such as teas for tension, meditations for migraines, and poultices for pain. 32 color photos.
During the 2020 pandemic, one thing held true: Scores of people headed out for a day hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) as if being in the woods, immersed in beauty and mystery, immunized them against an invisible enemy. The AT became a hospital for souls locked up in quarantine, needing to breathe, stretch, and be grounded by the earth beneath their feet. For decades, the AT has been a sanctuary for seekers, the tired and the lost; those hungry for renewal, the broken and the grieving; and those who want to face and answer questions they have lugged around with them in invisible backpacks. Questions like, what is next for me? Is there a God? Should I live or end it all? How can I liberate my life from what weighs it down? How can I forgive God? This book pays tribute to all those who dare such a grueling and soul-satisfying adventure. It tells the tales of those on a pilgrimage through insightful conversations and encounters, exploring and revealing what angels the hikers are wrestling with in the wilderness, angels who call out to name them again. This collection unveils the spirituality of any such journey in sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching portraits. Tales from the Trail explores the longings within us to lose our life, only to find it.
At 14 years old, Roni McFadden was already headed for trouble. When her mother divorced Roni's abusive step-father, whatever closeness existed between mother and daughter disappeared. The only thing that Roni had left in her life with any meaning was her little horse Sparol. When she met an old cowboy who lived down the road, she saw they shared the same love and respect for those magnificent animals. More importantly, that old cowboy was an adult she could trust. Under his guidance, Roni evolves from a girl stumbling along treacherous and twisted paths to become a strong young woman who knows where she is going, how to get there, and that she will have help along the way. "Ride along with young Roni as she discovers the lessons of the ancient spirits of mountains, deserts and horses - a wonderful coming-of-age tale in a magnificent setting." -D.H. Eraldi, author of "Settler's Chase" "A powerful personal journey so well written, you become a part of the story before you realize it." -D.B. Jackson, author of "Unbroke Horses"
Avalanche and Gorilla Jim is a true picture of what it's like to hike over 1300 miles of fun-filled, gut-wrenching, awe inspiring trail. It is filled with the humor of two guys on a long trek over grueling terrain. You actually live and feel Appalachian trail life, its exciting adventures and fun . . . and, in a sometimes crappy world, meet people who enrich your faith in humanity. This is the Appalachian Trail with all its beauty and flaws, written in a style of fresh sharp adventure with a pleasing edge.
An Account, From a Woman's Viewpoint, Of the Crossing of the Plains inOx Caravan in 1864, and Settlement of the Boise Valley of Idaho; A Wagon Trip to Texas, andSettlement and Life There; A Wagon Trip to Washington Territory from Texas, and Settlement in the Kittitas Valley.FOREWORDS: Grandmother Fulton, at the age of eighty years, began writing her memories of pioneer days in the Northwest. Without recourse to anything but her wonderful memory, she collected the material for this book, and then undertook the almost incredible task of transcribing in longhand the voluminous mass of facts which she had accumulated.This writing she accomplished between times as she worked in her garden or looked after her chickens and turkeys on her little farm in California. Primarily, as a sort of family story for her descendants, she worked to leave them a remembrance of the conditions of life which all pioneer people had lived. Her story tells of the struggles in pioneer times; in which woman bore her share of the burden. Most of her companions have joined the silent ranks, but their children and children's children may learn here something of the heroic work their parents accomplished in building homes in a new country.W. S.(Will) Cooper (husband of Estelle Fulton)1930This is the most interesting and exciting factual history of crossing the Plains and settling the West you will ever hope to read. Every chapter is written in such a manner that you cannot wait to read the next few paragraphs to see how each drama is going to play out. If you grew up in the Methow Valley before World War II, your genes are loaded with those of your Grandparents and Great Grandparents who made this western trek across the Plains, over the Rocky Mountains and into the Northwest Territory of Washington by wagon train to open up new frontiers never before settled by white families. Up to 80% of the first 150 pioneers to settle in the Methow Valley were either their children, children of relatives or close friends of Frank and Arabella Fulton coming from Wise County in Texas and later to the Ellensburg area in Washington.Four of Frank and Belle Fulton's children (Lee, Frank, Jr., Nellie, and Jacqueline (sic) along with numerous nephews, nieces and in-laws and some of their parents, came to stake out homesteads in the Methow Valley including Hartles, Pattersons, Barnharts, Germans, and Sullivans. Mason Thurlow (perhaps the first farmer in Methow Valley) lived with Frank and Belle Fulton in Texas for several years during his teenage years. Mason Thurlow came to Northwest Territory with the Fultons on the same wagon train.Dale W. Dibble (Methow Valley pioneer family, part of the wagon train from Texas in April, 1883.)1994Arabella finished her writing in the home of her daughter, Della, at Caldwell, Idaho in 1930. Arabella's grandson, David "Lee" Nickell (son of Jacquelyn) paid for a private printing in 1965 in cooperation with Payette Radio of Montreal, Canada. There were 500 copies printed at that time. Lee often discussed with the family that Grandma Fulton's story should be reprinted. Some 30 years later, permission was given by Lee for an adaptation for school use to Judith Greenberg and Helen Carey McKeever - portions are included in A Pioneer Woman's Memoir Based on the Journal of Arabella Clemens Fulton (1995). There has been no attempt to rewrite Belle's language. This is Belle's story, and it is with pleasure that her voice may continue to speak through this unique memoir.Jacquelyn Nickell Fewkes (grand-daughter of Jacquelyn Fulton) 2018.Additional writing included from Arabella's oldest son, Joseph Lee Fulton on the early settlement of the Methow Valley, Washington.
The Appalachian Trail was beautiful, evil, demanding but forgiving. It taught us the importance of individuality, luck and determination. The best lesson, however, was the value of each person who hiked it, maintained it, and provided trail magic to the random anonymous hiker. We're all family on the Trail. Shared hardships act as a bond. This book offers observations of the same experiences from a variety of viewpoints complete with the good and bad memories. From a married couple, a father-son team, sisters, a hostel owner, a Marine who just finished his military career, a retired orthopedic surgeon, an Australian long distance hiker, young, middle-aged and senior men and women.....all have their stories to tell. If you like fun, adventure, raw emotion, and honesty you'll find it all in these chapters. Because each author can't tell their whole story they must condense their trail experience to events most meaningful to them. As you will see, we all suffered, rejoiced, were disappointed, and rewarded almost daily during the many months we hiked through the "green tunnel." OUR TIME ON THE TRAIL CHANGED US, EACH AND EVERY ONE.
An exciting and deeply moving story of survival, courage, and friendship on the Appalachian Trail. Toby has to finish the final thing on The List. It's a list of brave, daring, totally awesome things that he and his best friend, Lucas, planned to do together, and the only item left is to hike the Appalachian Trail. But now Lucas isn't there to do it with him. Toby's determined to hike the trail alone and fulfill their pact, which means dealing with little things -- the blisters, the heat, the hunger -- and the big things -- the bears, the loneliness, and the memories. When a storm comes, Toby finds himself tangled up in someone else's mess: Two boys desperately need his help. But does Toby have any help to give? The Trail is a remarkable story of physical survival and true friendship, about a boy who's determined to forge his own path -- and to survive.
The anthology "60 WESTERNS: Cowboy Adventures, Yukon & Oregon Trail Tales, Famous Outlaws, Gold Rush Adventures" encapsulates the essence and ethos of the American frontiers, offering an exploratory journey through the diverse terrains of Western literature. This collection is remarkable not only for the breadth of its geographic and thematic scope but also for the variety of its literary styles, including adventure tales, reflective narratives, and depictions of historical events. The selected works engage deeply with the complexities of frontier life, reflecting on the themes of bravery, exploration, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of freedom and prosperity. Standout pieces within the collection vividly reanimate the rugged landscapes of the American West, making tangible the untamed spirit of its inhabitants and the period's cultural ethos. The contributing authors and editors to this comprehensive collection bring a wealth of perspectives to the evocation of the Western experience. Comprising icons such as Mark Twain, Jack London, and Willa Cather, among others, the anthology intersects with critical historical, cultural, and literary movements spanning the tumultuous Gold Rush era to the mythic storytelling of the Yukon. The magnitude of contributing talents provides a panoramic view of the West, delving into its legends, its hardships, and its enduring allure. Collectively, their works offer profound insights into the transformation of the American landscape and identity. "60 WESTERNS" invites readers to traverse the rich and varied landscapes of Western American literature. Each story, drawn from a unique voice and perspective, weaves together a broader narrative of struggle, survival, and triumph against the backdrop of some of history's most defining moments and locales. This anthology stands as an indispensable resource for students, historians, and literature aficionados alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of Western American culture and the narrative potential it holds. Through engaging with this extensive collection, readers are given the unique opportunity to explore the frontiers of human experience, guided by some of the most influential voices of American literature.
