signed by author with personalized inscription. cover hinge crease. small cover dents and minor edge wear. no marks on text.

On November 15, 2013, I laced up my Nike Pegasus and embarked on an 800-mile walk to discover California's 21 missions. I wasn't soul searching. I'm not an endurance athlete. I'm an ordinary 54-year old woman. I divided my peregrination into 12 months, taking four days each month to cover approximately 75 miles, with Amtrak as my chauffeur to and fro, Google maps and Ron Briery's book, A Hiker's Guide to California's 21 Spanish Missions along the El Camino Real were my companions. Prior to launch, I invited  friends and family to join me on any segment of the excursion. A surprising number said yes. On November 5, 2014, I reached the final mission with my husband by my side. Tears streamed from my eyes as a years worth of emotions surfaced. I'd accomplished a daunting goal; the 11th person to complete this sojourn. I learned valuable lessons. Relationships are the heartbeat of life. There is a reserve deep inside everyone when called upon. Humanity is good.