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RedRoxx44 Queen of the Walkabout
Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Articles: 35 Comments: 1
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Posted: 4/16/2005, 2:57 pm |
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This book traces the supposed route of Coronado in his search for Cibola---the Seven Cities of Gold. The author is a New York writer, enlists the help of a somewhat more southwest savvy friend. They mount up via horses to journey along the route, experiencing the landscape and conditions ala Coronado.
A worthy undertaking but one woefully unprepared for. The interwoven modern journey with known or extrapolated bits of the old one are wonderful; but the real prize is the comedy of errors of these men. The horses run off, they buck them off, they hobble them inexpertly. They under/ overestimate water and food, the horses get sore backs, loose their shoes etc. They befriend the locals, mostly ranchers, along the way. It is a surprising view into the mindset of these current landowners. Some have pretty long roots in the territory and are a practical but romantic lot.
Preston touches on the Powers' history in the Galiuros, The Pleasant County war up near Young, and spends quite a bit of time on the Zuni's and Navajo--whose land he is allowed on to ride the old route. He confronts the first place where the Spanish and Indians fought, expecting commemoration; he found a grown over dirt hill.
I bought this book at the Coronado Memorial at the Huachucas. The ranger there said he was sorry when the tale was done.
I was too, I sorta wanted this one to go on and on. The writing is entertaining, facts and history presented in an involving way.
It's good, I recommend it highly.
University of New Mexico Press, Albuuquerque--1992 |
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maryphyl Grand Canyon Enchantress
Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Articles: 0 Comments: 1 Location: Flagstaff |
Posted: 8/21/2005, 8:32 am Post subject: |
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This was a great book, I foolishily loaned it or I would read it again. Mary |
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