Feathered Canyons
It’s the 1960s in California and I’m 23. World events, the loss of a job, and near death of a traveling companion propel me into an unknown future. My personal odyssey leads to the Big Sur Coast, where I find jobs, celebrities, friendships, and romance. One remarkable man tempts me into a gold mining adventure in the wilderness, on the Feather River in the Sierra Nevada. Meet unusual characters and discover unexpected treasures as I seek my path and learn life’s lessons. Illustrated by David Bygott.
Beyond the Oasis
Open this book and step into the East African bush. Climb into a Land Rover with Jeannette and David, and head for adventure!
Take a lion-mauled warrior to hospital. Search for singing stones and hidden treasure. Explore the rock paintings of central Tanzania with Dr Mary Leakey and Hadza hunters. Go on safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Battle with bureaucracy in sweaty Dar es Salaam. Capsize on Lake Eyasi. Witness the elaborate funeral rites of a chief, and the terrible fate of a thief.
In Spirited Oasis, the authors described how they settled in the remote Lake Eyasi region of Tanzania after years of wildlife research and teaching. This sequel is about dramatic events in their village and journeys of discovery beyond. Learn what it takes to live such a life, and what it takes to leave it. Illustrated by David Bygott.
Spirited Oasis
The first of two books of stories about our adventures in a very special part of Africa, Tanzania’s Lake Eyasi basin, where cultural groups intermingle – hunters, herders, farmers, entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, researchers and tourists.
We went there to house-sit a farm and work on some creative projects, but were drawn into a saga of village politics, conservation efforts, anthropology and tourism development. We were provided with some kids to rear, and built a home in the bush. We experienced the warmth, wisdom and practical skills of our village neighbors, and also saw the darker side of superstition, greed, and bureaucracy.
Some of our stories are funny, some sad, and sometimes there’s a sting in the tale. Illustrated by David Bygott.
Some past publications:
Lions Share A true story about a fascinating pride of lions struggling to survive on the Serengeti plains. Written from the lions’ point of view and showing how many other animals share the ecosystem with the lions. Illustrated with drawings by David Bygott and with our photographs.
The Wild Life of Limericks Fun for the family! An animal for each letter of the alphabet, with a limerick by Jean Merrill, photo by Doug Munch, and a drawing by David Bygott.
Kangas: 101 uses Kangas are printed cotton wraps traditionally worn by women on the East African coast. This little book explores the many different styles of wearing them, as well as other practical or fanciful ways of using them. Drawings by David Bygott
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Guidebook An overview of the history, geology and wildlife of the NCA, which includes not only the famous Ngorongoro Crater, but also Olduvai Gorge, half the Serengeti Plain, and extensive forested highlands. Drawings by David Bygott
Kilimanjaro National Park Guidebook A brief guide to the history, geology, wildlife and climbing routes on Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. One of a series we helped produce for Tanzania National Parks in the 1980’s. Drawings by David Bygott