Blog Post
Summer Traveling
And Summer Travel Adventures
A few years ago a friend told me she was hooked on the traveling adventures of Dervla Murphy. Dervla was an eccentric Irish lady, a definite type one associates with what was called hippies. I tried a few of Dervla's books and by far my favorite was Eight Feet In The Andes.
The author trekked well over a thousand miles through the Andes in South America accompanied by a mule - and her nine year old daughter! The daughter is close to fifty now, but I couldn't help but wonder if some present day readers wouldn't think it was very inappropriate to subject your child to the dangers of such a trip. The more extreme opinion might be it was child abuse, although Rachel would have strongly disagreed.
Many countries are still battling serious covid 19 virus outbreaks and currently have stringent restrictions regarding visitors from outside. Even if overseas travel was a more practical option this summer, few of us are interested in the rugged traveling choices Dervla usually made.
Vacationers are out en mass this summer here in Colorado. You see scores of campers and travel trailers every where you go. That got me to thinking about another part of the book industry that is thriving: travelogues.
As I scrolled down the HUGE catalog of options listed on Amazon, it became apparent here is a whole new world of reading enjoyment I've barely scratched the surface of!
The United States is a big country, and those with an itch to get away for their rest and relaxation after over a year of confinement have plenty of choices right here at home.
And while you are relaxing at the campsite, the poolside, the seashore, in the mountain lodge, you can expand your mind to the ends of the earth by reading a travelogue.
Almost everyone knows who Rick Steves is, and the travel guides he's published are worthy of consideration for anyone visiting a foreign country. But let's consider the more intimate experiences others have had. Here are a few examples - none of which I've read myself, not yet.
Where's Me Plaid?: A Scottish Roots Odyssey
The Happy Isles of Oceania; Paddling the Pacific
In A Sunburned Country
Bantustan:Atlas of an African Journey
All of the titles listed above are about overseas travel, and none are priced above $10.00 either in book or e-book format. All have over a 4 star review rating. And this is only the tip of the travelogue iceberg. The other iceberg is travelogues that cover adventures in our own beautiful country.
And if you're interested in reading about the Murphy's jaunt through the Andes, here's the book cover and the link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X9T8TX/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Thanks for the travel tip! Blessings. 🧡
ReplyDeleteA new genre to consider - I've read a couple in the past but one does get in a rut with mysteries - and favorite authors. Years ago I read a book by a man who traveled across post cold war Europe - through the USSR all the way through China. It was so much more enlightening than any news report. He told about the workers he'd met on the train and in the towns, the attitude of not even desperation but hopelessness - carelessness. Whew!
ReplyDeleteAnd there is the story of that lady that went to the North Pole with only her sled dog . . . you're right! This is a gold mine of things to read. Thanks
Always glad to oblige!
DeleteAnd speaking of obliging, apparently subscribers are still getting notifications of new posts. It was early May when I - among others - was told feed burner was discontinuing this courtesy by the end of May. Obviously it is now mid- July, and as long as it lasts, great.
Great timing! We have toyed off and on with the idea of buying some sort of recreational vehicle, and we are seriously considering buying one.
ReplyDeleteWe became really interested after looking at the newer styles, which can get off the beaten path with solar panels and water filters or bigger tanks. But the tipping point may be the cat, who would be miserable if she were left behind.
As for reading, I have enjoyed books about Everest expeditions as a counter to summertime heat. I have friends who spend cold winters reading about the tropics.
Right, make your own adventure! And if you camp out, be sure to bring some reading material.... like a travelogue about exploring New Zealand. :)
DeleteAnd don't forget your helmets.