Rating: 4 Stars
This is the fascinating true story of one women’s dream to see the Pacific Ocean and how she, along with her dog, fulfills it by riding across America on her horse. A truly heartwarming story about one women’s determination and experiences on this epic journey. Highly entertaining and informative!
Annie Wilkins is 63 and her health is failing. She has worked hard all of her life and yet has little to show for it. She has hardly any money and she is on the cusp of losing her home. She feels she has nothing to lose; therefore, she buys a horse, a Morgan named Tarzan, packs a few belongings and heads out on the road alone with no one but her dog Depeche Toi.
She plans to ride from her hometown of Minot, Maine all the way to California. California is a long way from Maine, even in a car! Yet, Annie is undaunted. Despite the lack of money she sets out with purpose. She plans to sleep in barns and stop when needed to work to raise money along the way. She soon discovers that hospitality is still abundant in America. More often than not, she usually can find someone willing to stable her horse and even provide a hot meal and bed.
As she slowly winds her way across the country she meets all kinds of people who offer her assistance. Sometimes just a simple meal, other times it might be shoes for her horse and even a second horse to help carry the load. The media picks up her story and people everywhere want her to stop in their town. She finds herself giving interviews to newspapers, lectures to civil clubs and participating in parades throughout her journey.
I am truly amazed at the feat she managed to accomplish. I have been a rider all my life and currently own a horse that I enjoy immensely and my bum hurts just thinking about all the miles she did in a saddle and without the luxury of a fancy gel saddle cushion. She embodies the very idea of a pioneer woman. What a truly amazing individual!
What I loved about this story was Annie’s tenacity, indomitable spirit and love for her 4 legged friends. In addition, I found this to be well researched and loved all the history that the author included about the places Annie visited and the people she meet.
The author truly did justice to Annie’s story and there is something in this book for everyone. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy true stories around strong women.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.