The Travels with Ralf series of books are actually photo journals of Ralf traveling throughout the United States. Small towns, Cities, National and State Parks, and the highways of America are seen through the eyes of a US Army veteran given a diagnosis, from a lung condition acquired in Afghanistan, that none of us want to hear; you only have 18 months to live. Instead of giving up, Paula and Ralf travel this wonderful country of ours in search of friends, family and battle buddies to enjoy life with. Knowing that there are people homebound and unable to travel, Ralf's goal is to present the photos and stories of adventure and exploration as he visits those places others are unable or unwilling to go to. Biking, Hiking, and Kayaking are the basic trifectas of this adventure. For as long as Paula and Ralf can travel and experience life to the fullest they will share with you the sheer joy of living today for today. Ralf is the perfect travel companion. Ralf is an imaginary, magical, miniature, wire-haired dachshund. Follow along as Ralf helps Paula discover the best that life can offer with humor and an exceptional sense of what is unique in each place that is visited. Their conversations with the local inhabitants will inspire you to visit the points of interest along the highways and byway of America, from the Historical Route 66, to the backroads of your very own community.
Paula Coffer is a retired US Army Finance Officer. With military service in Vietnam and tours of duty in Germany and Korea she was called upon to serve in Afghanistan with the Dept. of Defense and Dept. of State. Working at the Afghanistan Ministerial level she helped the NATO Training Mission train and develop senior financial leaders to budget nationally. Her Afghan Journals describe daily encounters with Afghan and American military leaders as they interact with the International coalition and US Embassy pursuing accountability with the United Nations. Paula authored ‘Sandbox to Sandbox’ a memoir of her life and transformation as a transwoman. The success she achieved in the financial and academic world as well as the pain of loss encountered in her journey is portrayed sensitively and will elicit many emotions; laughter, tears, jubilation. Paula is currently working on ‘Letters to Joyce’ a response to a friend with many questions about the transgender movement worldwide and her reactions to the needs expressed by the transgender youth of today. Paula has authored ‘Vanishing Historical Route 66’ as a pictorial guide to the famous ‘Mother Road’ of American History. Her travel blog is also available at http://paulacoffer.com, where you can sign up to receive an email when she releases a new book or a travel blog.