Not All Outfitters are Created Equal By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert The story“Falling in the Footsteps of John Muir” in my book Lost Angel Walkabout, describes the scariest situation I’ve experienced in my travels. I tripped and fell upon a splintered log that broke two ribs. This would not have been so horrific, but I was in the heart of the High Sierras at about 10,000 feet surrounded by even taller granite spires that blocked cell phone transmissions. The total medical arsenal of my guides consisted of one sleeping tablet. I was told the assessment of my medical... Read More

Get Ready for Good Times –Part II By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert In the first half of this piece I talked about preparing your body for adventure. Now, I will share a few tips about developing a mindset that will allow you enjoy your journey more. (1) Remember who you are. Don’t forget that even though you may wear the same jean size as your guide, they are used to the climate, and the pace of the activity. You are calling muscles into action that you haven’t talked to for a long time or maybe have never previously met before. Pace yourself. Don’t be competitive... Read More

Get Ready for Good Times-Part I By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert Soft adventure is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.  People want to get outdoors, breathe fresh air and rid themselves of city stress.  But, do they have the stamina, and energy to withstand the rigors of sleeping in a tent, paddling a kayak, or hiking all day? Outfitters are fond of saying that anyone can enjoy outdoor adventure holidays that include horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, kayaking and birding. I think this is true with the caveat that you prepare yourself for your adventure. Since... Read More

Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i Her Epic Journey Linda Ballou http://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This story of a Hawaiian woman of the 18th century, Wai-nani, is based upon the life of Hawaiian chiefess Kaahumanu. It is filled with vivid imagery and rife with details that make this time period come to life. I especially enjoyed the way the voice of the book reflects Hawaiian thinking and values. Hawai\’i was a very different place in the late 1700s. Wai-nani is young, impetuous and rebellious. She is, as at home in the water as she is on land and... Read More

Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler’s Tales Linda Ballou http://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This is a spirited collection of travel narratives, a beautifully written collection of personal experiences of Linda’s many travels to different continents and environments. It is easy to see why Linda Ballou is a well-known adventure travel writer, each of the stories takes you to a special place and allows you to share the sensual experience of being there without straining a muscle, getting altitude sickness or losing control of your horse. Her use of words is... Read More

Fifty, an age blessed with knowledge, but burdened with the collection of good and bad experiences, is simultaneously a powerful, yet fragile age. Some accumulated trauma goes so deep it is a part of our physiology, affecting what we do and how we feel. The fast darting of cars can rekindle the horror of a forgotten automobile accident, triggering adrenaline that settles into muscle tissue as harmful lactic acid. The memory of experience is in our bodies, as well as our minds. A genuine Mid-Life Rehabilitation helps eliminate negative physic influences and enables us to enjoy healthier and happier... Read More