Adventures in the Rocky Mountains

by Isabella Lucy Bird

Endlessly restless and endlessly curious, Isabella Bird (1831-1904) travelled the world looking for new experiences, but never more delightfully than in her pony-bound adventures in the Colorado Territory at a time when it was only notionally under the control of the American authorities. A vanished world of grizzly hunters, cowboys, isolated cabins and plagues of rattlesnakes is here beautifully brought back to life."Great Journeys" allows readers to travel both around the planet and back through the centuries - but also back into ideas and worlds frightening, ruthless and cruel in different ways from our own. Few reading experiences can begin to match that of engaging with writers who saw astounding Great civilisations, walls of ice, violent and implacable jungles, deserts and mountains, multitudes of birds and flowers new to science. Reading these books is to see the world afresh, to rediscover a time when many cultures were quite strange to each other, where legends and stories were treated as facts and in which so much was still to be discovered.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Classics, History, Biography, Memoir, British Literature

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1879

About the author

Isabella Lucy Bird Bishop (October 15, 1831 – October 7, 1904) was a nineteenth-century English traveller, writer, and a natural historian.

Works:
* The Englishwoman in America (1856)
* Pen and Pencil Sketches Among The Outer Hebrides (published in The Leisure Hour) (1866)
* The Hawaiian Archipelago (1875)
* The Two Atlantics (published in The Leisure Hour) (1876)
* Australia Felix: Impressions of Victoria and Melbourne (published in The Leisure Hour) (1877)
* A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (1879)
* Unbeaten Tracks in Japan (1880)
* Sketches In The Malay Peninsula (published in The Leisure Hour) (1883)
* The Golden Chersonese and the way Thither (1883)
* A Pilgrimage To Sinai (published in The Leisure Hour) (1886)
* Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan (1891)
* Among the Tibetans (1894)
* Korea and her Neighbours (1898)
* The Yangtze Valley and Beyond (1899)
* Chinese Pictures (1900)
* Notes on Morocco (published in the Monthly Review) (1901)

Reviews

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be alone in the Park from the afternoon till the last glory of the afterglow has faded, with no books but a Bible and Prayer-book, is truly delightful.
(p 76)

What?? No! That sounds awful. I cannot think of a worse time than being stuck anywhere with no books but those.

Isabella Bird was a British woman in the late 19th century who was encouraged by doctors in her late 30s to do a bit of traveling in effort to try to make all her woes better. She took them up on that offer and had horrible adventures like the one detailed above from page 76 of this (unfortunately) abridged version of A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains. In addition to that above statement, she was thrown from a horse during an encounter with an ambling grizzly bear, and nearly froze her tits off night after night in a cabin that provided her very little protection from the elements. We all cried and moaned about the Polar Vortex not that long ago? Yeah, we got nothing on this lady.

She woke up to find the sheet she used to cover her head had frozen to her face.

Bird had a few not-so-nice things to say about Native Americans, Chinese, and I think some Mexicans, and definitely cowboys... she was a product of her time and place, a British woman traveling in a fairly unexplored part of America (the Colorado territory), out of her element. This doesn't explain her attitude towards, well, everyone, but there it is. She didn't, at least, shy away from some adventure, wanting to ride her horse not side-saddle like women ought to do in that day, but "just like a man" because that's the only way you can actually get somewhere.

Not only did she ride rough with the men-folk, she wrote about it as well. I like writing too, but put me on a trail for a couple hours, I'm pretty well worthless by the time I get in at the end of the day. And here she's all tramping through the woods, no trail, avoiding bears and rattlesnakes and chipmunks (spelled back then 'chipmonks' - isn't that adorable?) wearing however many layers of skirt and she gets where she's going, pulls out paper and is all "Dear sister...", writing some of the most lovely prose about the Rocky Mountains I've ever read. Except for those parts where she wrote really awful things about anyone who wasn't white or, I guess, British.

Penguin had this great idea to make this Great Journey's collection, publishing abridged versions of some great travelogues from history, both men and women. I'm excited about that, though continuously saddened by the fact that this was an abridgment, just because abridgments make me incredibly sad. I have a few others that I got at the same time that I picked this one up, and I'll check them out. Ultimately, though, I'd rather read the complete works from which they were abridged. The idea with this collection, I suppose, is that they're small enough to stick in a backpack on one of your own adventures, sitting by the campfire at night or next to a bubbling brook during a break in your hike. And it's true - reading Bird's words about her travels through the Rocky Mountains wants me to drop everything and go backpacking (except for all the bad things Bird went through). While there is no longer a Mountain Jim to help me along the way, who knows who I might meet up with! Adventure!

I will say this, though: there will be more in my backpack than a freaking Bible and a prayer-book because come on.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella Bird was a woman in the late 1800s who was diagnosed with "an ailment of the spine". So her doctor sent her to Western America - to take in some better air. After climbing the world's largest volcano in Hawaii, she set out to explore the mountains of Colorado. All this as a single, traveling, unarmed woman in the frontier towns of the west. She rode horse for most of her journey, stopping occasionally to climb mountains that enticed her to their peaks, or visit beautiful lakes. She was a lover of the mountains for beauty's sake, and seemed to have no fear in attaining her most longed for dream, to visit Estes Park, a region in the high rockies of Colorado. I was pretty amazed at her courage and pluck. But what amazed me most about the book was the simple fact that her doctor prescribed this journey for her health. What a better medical system we would have if you went to the doctor, and told him you just weren't feeling to well, and he said, "Well, you probably should go camping in the High Sierra for a few months or years." Probably the only prescription a doctor could give me that I would ever take, and take it faithfully!

Her adventures are told through her letters to her sister, and are quite well written. I would have liked to have known what ever happened to her, and why is she someone I have never heard of...

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the late 19th-century Isabella Bird travelled to America after doctors suggested it might improve her poor health. This book consists of the letters she sent back to her sister while on her travels.

She battled bears, deep snow and limited supplies, but she still enjoyed herself I think and never complained about her health once! However, some of the views expressed by Bird in her letters are not very nice at all especially towards Native Americans, but they aren't surprising considering when these letters were written and the events unfolding in America at this time.

An interesting insight, but at the same time a little dull.

[Daren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't click with this book, which is a collection of letter excerpts from A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (1879) in this Penguin Great Journeys book.

Apart from the horribly dated sentiments about the native Americans (P.4: They were all hideous and filthy, and swarming with vermin.) this book outlines the authors interesting exploration into the relative wilderness of Colorado.

Not without some reservation about (and jealousy of) a woman diagnosed too ill to have a job, but who may travel freely and seems unencumbered by a lack of finance, I found myself battling a bit to stay motivated to keep reading this book.

I am not sure if it is the writing style, the language or the minor irritation of the repetition of the dialogue (about assisting with mustering cattle) or the repeated mention of Hawaiian clothing, it just didn't click with me.

[Chavelli Sulikowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a trail blazer! I was under the impression Miss Bird ventured to Colorado to convalesce from a degenerative back illness, however, she makes no complaint or mention of recuperation in her intrepid and hellishly exciting account of her time in the heart of the Rockies. So matter of fact, she seems to take the ruffians and outlaws, drovers and mustangs, Indians and black bears all in her stride. She delves into canyons and crevices, clings to rock faces, wrangles unruly cattle and survives snow storms. Her language is languid, poetic in parts and reminiscient of Steinbeck's passages descibing the beauty of Salinas Valley. An accurate depiction of the monumental achievements of a solo female traveler in the days before lonely planet, google maps and travel blogs!

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of letters written by a badass lady traveling the untamed Rockies in 1873 is wonderful -- except of course the ugly language about native Americans.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Isabella Bird was a Victorian solo traveler, who had visited far-off places such as China on her own. What I didn't know was what a great writer she actually was.

Adventures in the Rocky Mountains contains excerpts from her book, A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (1879). Surprisingly for a travelogue, here you'll find a variety of experiences and emotions - from courage and trepidation to hilarity and friendship. I was really impressed by Isabella's fearlessness, paired with her knitting needles and an honest confession of her physical weaknesses. Still, this middle-aged lady exhibits far more stamina than I could ever dream of, whether it's braving out the freezing cold in a cabin or helping cowboys round up their cattle! Through it all, she focuses on the exhilarating beauty of the Rocky Mountain landscape, which is the subject of all her voluntary hardships and a lesson to all of us (privileged to travel comfortably) not to take it for granted.

Among other quirky characters, Mr. "Mountain Jim" Nugent features frequently: a handsome, rugged desperado who is determined Isabella shall achieve her goal of climbing Pikes Peak, Colorado. Behind the genteel prose, it's clear Ms. Bird and Mountain Jim have a thing for each other, but Jim's criminal past and alcoholism makes it a futile (and bittersweet) romance.

Modern readers should know that Isabella was a person of her time in many ways, so there are some derogatory references to Native and African Americans early in the book. Interestingly, in a later letter, she does strongly condemn the way the U.S. government treated the Native Americans (p. 93–94).

In both history and human element, Adventures in the Rocky Mountains packs a lot of punch for a mere collection of excerpts. When I got to the end, I regretted not having read the full original, and I probably will someday. Recommended if you want to read an eye-witness account of the Old West from a unique perspective.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contnuing to work my way through this set of Penguin 'Great Journeys' and stumbled on this gem. Bird, clearly a most remarkable woman, at the age of 40+ and after a long history of ill-health and depression, in the year 1873, sets of to explore the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, heading east from San Francisco and into the 'parks' (including South Park!) of Colorado. Her descriptive writing - recorded in letters back home to her sister in England - reach the sublime as she describes mountains, like and forest, as well as a giant spherical moon hanging in a crisp frosty sky, purple sunsets and golden dawns.

It is interesting that her status as a women is no barrier to her the journeys she embarks on. The wild Western folk she encounters, uncouth ruffians for the most part, are struck dumb with respect for the lone travelling female and for the most part she is able to rely on the kindness of these strangers. Most enjoyable read - left with a feeling of envy for her courage in being able to make this great trip

[Chester Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time finishing this book mostly because of the archaic and poetic style of overly descriptive writing (of which sometimes I could only read 6-7 pages max a day). but eventually the reading sort of 'grows' with me from halfway through to the end.

The adventure revolved around plains, parks and mountains with majestic views and a lot of wildlife. at the beginning of the journey, from my point of view, she was a lady who sought adventure but craved the comfort of a 'luxurious' stay. which was rather vexatious to read about. but with the winter coming and some financial shortcomings, her adventure became tough and more challenging. and towards the end of the book, she got what she wanted --to have a plucky adventure like no other, which is something admirable and highly respectable of a woman.

[Saranga · Rating 3 out of 5]

To travel the world alone is a no mean feat. To do it in the nineteenth century male-dominated society is sheet bravery. This book is actually an abridged version of Isabella Bird's popular adventure book - A lady's life in the Rocky mountains. In this, her letters to her sister show that Bird was exceptionally intrepid. She traveled alone in the lawless Colorado, staying in remote places and interacting with people of all kinds. Her description of the beautiful, untouched Sierra and Rocky mountains transports you to those magnificent creations of the nature. The only disappointment is that this book ends rather abruptly.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this is an abridged version, why not cut out the awful racism? It adds nothing to the main subject of the book. Surely the editors could have worked around it? It was such a dampener on otherwise beautifully written descriptions of a beautiful part of the world.

[Rory Bergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Apart from comments about the 'natives' this is a thoroughly entertaining read. Infectious and enthusiastic.

[Lisa O’Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the first few pages of this book there were some derogatory terms about the ‘Indians’, which quickly reminded me the writings are from 150 years ago, in a more ignorant time. However, thankfully those comments were very limited and I went on to be able to enjoy this book and her descriptive writings. I was amazed at her brave and adventurous spirit, especially for that era - she was a true trailblazer! To be in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, often alone, coming face to face with wild animals such as grizzlies, and braving the weather and landscape - sleeping with snow piling on her bed and driving cattle up and down mountains.. she was tough! Anyone who has spent time in the mountains, will relate to the awe that she feels when seeing the beautiful sight of the sunrises and sunsets glowing on the lakes and mountain tops and breathing that crisp, fresh air. This book made me want to return to the mountains and continue my solo adventures!

[bermudianabroad]

Absolutely breathtaking descriptions of landscape and nature. I loved Bird's 'pluck' as she goes racing across the Western Plains and climbs mountains on a whim before the snows come. This caught my eye as a contemporary account of life that's broadly seen to be incredibly masculine. She hangs out with mountain men, goes on cattle drives and traverses 'unexplored' regions of the American West unarmed. She takes great joy in the outdoors, and it's evident in every word on the page.

She's definitely a product of her time though; she writes about people with sneering distain. At times, deservedly (she doesn't suffer fools), and amusingly so in the case of a feckless youth who arrives at the remote cabin she's staying at, and who eats all her damn cake; and it makes for deeply uncomfortable reading in the case of the indigenous populations she encounters.

[Madeleine McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected to enjoy the book more than I did. The author was a hardy and physically courageous woman (making me wonder why English doctors diagnosed her as being in poor health). She rode for hours, coped with weather cold enough to freeze boiling water as it was poured, and worked alongside men rounding up cattle. Although determined to experience the life of American settlers, she shows no curiosity about Native Americans and their way of life.
Even allowing for the 19th century language, I found her descriptions overwritten.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since it's a travelogue, I was a bit surprised by how much I liked it. It's a great view of America which gives a Victorian English view as well as an example of the romanticization of the American landscape.

[FionaHamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lent by a client after talking of our ski trip to Colorado. Fascinating read as much for insight into the early days of the colonial settlement as for the description of the landscape. A truly remarkable and brave woman.

[Why-why · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as her Hawaii book. Isabella Bird is seriously awesome!!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish it was longer......

[Shell · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[50andsomething · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Bird writes like an angel. Her adventurous spirit and love of nature combine to produce a wonderful book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an abridged version of 'Lady's Life ...' - I enjoyed re-reading some of the passages, but the unabridged version is definitely better.

Isabella Bird was a gutsy lady!

[Barney Nuttall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique voice of ignorance and wonderment in a hostile, beautiful landscape. Bird’s prose is almost too sweet, made by bitter by her blaze prejudices. Yet, her strength is hard to hate.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very interesting short non fiction book that I enjoyed reading.

[Procopius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was more interested in descriptions of places I've lived then the story or life of the narrator

[Cesiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this collection of letters. I found this randomly at a used bookstore. Last year I went to Estes park/RMNP so I was intrigued from the start. I solo travel so to hear a woman’s perspective from the late 1800s was so interesting! Loved her descriptions of the scenery and landscape. Her stories and encounters are wild! Hated reading how she wrote about indigenous people but it was sadly informative of a European from that time. Highly recommend this short little collection.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all of the books paying homage to works that are much longer, all of the books in the Penguin series of Great Journeys {each around one hundred - one hundred and fifty pages} offer the reader a glimpse into a much longer, possibly daunting, text that they may well have never considered. I know a few of them even made me want to take a look at the book from which the abridged excerpt had been taken ... others, well, not so much.

Along with Escape from the Antarctic by Ernest Shackleton and Life on the Golden Horn by Mary Wortley Montagu, Isabella Lucy Bird's Adventures In The Rocky Mountains {an abridged version of her A Lady's Life In The Rocky Mountains} is one of my favourite reads in the whole series. What a woman! {even if it has to be said that, typical of the times, her views on some of the peoples she met were, well, questionable}. Encouraged in her 30's by her doctors to 'do a bit of travelling love, cheer yourself up, feel better', I expect thinking she'd maybes go and take in the sea air at some then fashionable resort not for one moment expecting her to travel to the Americas where, a single, unarmed English woman, she set out to explore the mountains of Colorado for the main part travelling on horseback.

Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper

[Amy Tobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small dose of letters from Bird's travels in the Rocky Mountains. The book gives a great viewpoint onto Colorado under the rule of American pioneers, with some wonderful descriptions of the landscape. There is a limit to the detail, particularly the conflict with the native Indians, but when key historical points are mentioned the reaction to them by Bird and those she knows are interesting. Perhaps the strongest characteristic of the book is its inspirational tone, Bird is an exceptional woman but never do you feel distanced from her. I particularly recommend it as a book for the commute, when everything else seems a little dreary and un-changing.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best travel narratives I have read. Isabella Bird was one fearless woman, traveling on her own in the true Wild West and lodging with complete random pioneers and desperadoes. I loved her descriptions of the scenery but more than anything her anecdotes of steering cattle or climbing with Jim. It was also interesting (though cringe-worthy) to read about the prejudice against the Native population, and surprising that a well-educated and well-traveled person would not see why they were so aggressive and why they lived the way they did as a response to their very recent encounter with the colonials. Fascinating stuff all in all.