I'm a hiker, backpacker, traveler, author, and publisher. After I started backpacking at age 48, I decided to find out about other women "of a certain age" who backpacked. That led to "We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers," which supports women exploring the rewards and challenges of the wilderness. After hiking across Spain on the Camino de Santiago (2001), I decided to learn more about the ancient trail and then wrote "Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago." The long-distance hikes have continued—in Patagonia, in the U.S., and on additional pilgrimage routes in France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. I like seeing a country on foot—the slow pace of travel allows me to more fully immerse myself in the culture and to gather information for my books. It's also a much less expensive way to travel! My husband and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we can enjoy the abundant hiking trails, great music, amazing restaurants, and good weather—as well as our friends and family. I like going on book tours because I get to go to interesting places and share my passion for travel and long-distance hiking. I love doing presentations—especially when there's time to meet people who share my interests!