TRAVELLER: Linda Ballou, author of “Lost Angel Walkabout ~ One Traveler’s Tales”.

Linda Ballou is Alaskan born but currently residing in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles, California. Linda is the author of “Lost Angel Walkabout ~ One Traveler’s Tales” as well as “Wai-nani – A Voice from Old Hawai’i” and “The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon”. She loves to explore and write about her adventure treks along off-the-beaten paths. She claims that her connection with Mother Earth began during her teenage years in southeastern Alaska where she enjoyed many lonely walks along the misty shores which allowed her tumultuous adolescent thoughts to settle. Linda is a big fan of Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and other adventure destinations. Do check out her books at lindaballouauthor.com.

Globerovers Magazine (GR): How many countries have you been to?

Linda Ballou (LB): I’ve never counted. I’m from Alaska which some people think is a foreign land. I toured Europe a couple of times, but I prefer outdoor adventure travel. River rafting in Costa Rica, horse treks in Ireland and Ecuador stand out in my mind, along with my recent safari in Africa.

GR: Which is your most preferred country for travel and why?

LB: Phantasmagorical New Zealand remains my favorite destination. The South Island is so easy to navigate with exciting discoveries around every bend in the road. The Kiwis are fun-loving people who have provided a myriad of ways to enjoy their environmentally conscious country. Hut to hut treks through gorgeous country, kayaks at the ready in beautiful lagoons, and then there is Milford Sound.

GR: Among the countries you have visited which do you feel people must visit?

LB: Africa is the last of the great wild places, but the national parks are turning into island sanctuaries as people continue to nibble on their borders. The African population is expected to double by 2050. I suggest you get there soon. I was privileged to go on safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia where 120k elephants still roam, and huge herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra compete for grass in the savannah. Africa has its troubles, but the regions I visited are safe.

GR: Where you do wish you were right now?

LB: I long to go to the Cook Islands. I envision the Cook’s with their in tranquil, turquoise lagoons to be like Hawai’i was 5o-years ago-pristine, laid back and gorgeous.

GR: Among those countries you have not yet visited, which ones are at the top of your “must do” list?

LB: Patagonia and the Lake District of Chile are on the top of my list. On the way there, I want to stop in Buenos Aires and go to the Iguazu Falls.

GR: If you could spend the rest of your life somewhere other than your current home country, which country would that be?

The North Island of NZ, where the majority of the people live, is like California was 50-years ago with miles of undeveloped beaches. Auckland is like a baby San Francisco with sail boats peppering the bay, but with mild temps year round. It is not congested like California. Plus, I love the people.

GR: Tell us about the most incredible and memorable experience you have ever had while traveling?

LB: Rafting the Tatshenshini River from the Yukon to the Gulf of Alaska through the largest pristine wilderness area in North America was a phenomenal experience. When I began the 125-mile run I was a thrill-seeking tourist at the end I was an environmentalist feeling the responsibility to help save the last of our wild places and animals that live in them from

Read more about Linda Ballou at www.lindaballouauthor.com.

Linda’s books are also available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Goodreads.com

Follow Linda on Twitter (@LindaBallou) and Facebook (facebook.com/linda.ballou)

This interview appears in the July 2016 issue of Globerovers Magazine.

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