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Linda Ballou Freelance Writer

Top Senior Adventures Blog Linda's mission is to experience as many beautiful places on our planet as she can before they are no more. Travel tales relating her experiences while kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, birding and hiking about the globe have appeared in numerous national magazines. She had great fun collecting travel stories, and profiles of people she met in “naturally high places” for her book, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales. Her latest book Lost Angel Unleashed is the third book in her Lost Angel Trilogy

Go to LostAngelAdventures.com for more adventures.

For more about Linda’s novels and media offerings go to. www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Books Authored By Linda Ballou

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Lessons Learned From Travel: Look Both Ways On Small Islands &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Lessons Learned from Travel: Look Both Ways on Small Islands

In Part One of her new "Lessons Learned from Travel" series, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares a memorable story from her award-winning travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout. In this episode …

In Part One of her n…

In Part One of her new "Lessons Learned from Travel" series, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares a memorable story from her award-winning travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout. In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, Linda reads an excerpt from her story "Look Both Ways on Small Islands," recounting her first international solo adventure to Tahiti. What began as a dream trip through Bora Bora and Moorea quickly turned into an unexpected lesson in awareness, perception, and personal safety when local authorities mistakenly suspected her of involvement in…

Listen · 21:39 Watch Now
Topanga Canyon Adventures: Music, Hiking &Amp; Hidden Gems In The Santa Monica Mountains &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Topanga Canyon Adventures: Music, Hiking & Hidden Gems in the Santa Monica Mountains

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares why she fell in Love with Topanga Canyon, the artistic and spiritual enclav…

In this episode of B…

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares why she fell in love with Topanga Canyon, the artistic and spiritual enclave nestled in California’s Santa Monica Mountains. From wildflower-covered hiking trails and sweeping ocean views to live music festivals, eclectic shops, and hidden gathering spaces, Linda explores the unique culture and community spirit that makes Topanga so special. Learn about the canyon’s deep ties to music legends like Neil Young, Canned Heat, and The Doors, along with the history of belo…

Listen · 27:07 Watch Now
Linda Ballou Offers A Toast To Her Beloved Topanga Town In California’s Santa Monica Mountains &Raquo; Topanga State Ppark 225X300 1
Linda Ballou Offers A Toast to Her Beloved Topanga Town in California’s Santa Monica Mountains

Special Report By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate    View from a trail in Topanga State Park. Photo courtesy Linda Ballou. Living in Topanga Canyon is as far outside of Los Angele…

Special Report By Li…

Special Report By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate    View from a trail in Topanga State Park. Photo courtesy Linda Ballou. Living in Topanga Canyon is as far outside of Los Angeles as you can get without leaving the metropolis. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, and the largest urban preserve in the United States, it offers access to miles of hiking trails and enjoys stunning views of the coast and a cooling sea breeze. The Canyon has long been known as a sequestered enclave for artists of all stripes, spiritual gurus, and nature nuts. You may have heard that back in …

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Southern California In Bloom: Botanical Gardens, Hidden Gems &Amp; Garden Escapes &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Southern California in Bloom: Botanical Gardens, Hidden Gems & Garden Escapes

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou takes us on a vibrant journey through some of Southern California’s most stunning botanical…

In this episode of B…

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou takes us on a vibrant journey through some of Southern California’s most stunning botanical gardens. From the colorful tulip displays at Descanso Gardens to the expansive collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Linda shares her favorite places to experience spring blooms, tranquil landscapes, and diverse plant life. Discover the scenic hillside paths of Ventura Botanical Gardens, the native plant sanctuary of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the magica…

Listen · 29:25
Linda Ballou Shares Her Five Favorite Southern California Botanical Gardens &Raquo; Rose Garden Descanso
Linda Ballou Shares Her Five Favorite Southern California Botanical Gardens

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate Descanso Gardens This photo and the one immediately below show Linda enjoying the Descanso Rose Garden. The Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical…

By Linda Ballou, NAB…

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate Descanso Gardens This photo and the one immediately below show Linda enjoying the Descanso Rose Garden. The Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical garden and living museum in La Canada Flintridge, California is known for its diverse plant collections. It features themed gardens, walking trails, and the “Enchanted Railroad,” a ride-on train. A year-round oasis, just 20-minutes from downtown Los Angeles, it also hosts a variety of events, as well as art installations, and educational programs. Each Spring, I eagerly wait for their tulip d…

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Rejuvenate In Sedona: Trails, Vortexes &Amp; Desert Wonders &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Rejuvenate in Sedona: Trails, Vortexes & Desert Wonders

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou explores the breathtaking beauty, rejuvenating energy, and outdoor adventures of Sedona, Ariz…

In this episode of B…

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Show, travel writer Linda Ballou explores the breathtaking beauty, rejuvenating energy, and outdoor adventures of Sedona, Arizona. Known for its striking red rock landscapes and powerful vortex sites, Sedona offers a unique blend of natural wonder and spiritual renewal. Linda shares insider tips on hiking trails, from must-see paths to hidden gems, along with guidance on trail planning, safety, and making the most of your outdoor experience. The conversation also dives into Sedona’s deeper cultural roots, including its…

Listen · 27:17
Embracing The Year Of The Fire Horse: Independence, Adventure &Amp; Transformation &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Embracing the Year of the Fire Horse: Independence, Adventure & Transformation

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, travel writer and equestrian Linda Ballou explores the powerful symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese…

In this inspiring ep…

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show, travel writer and equestrian Linda Ballou explores the powerful symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology. From themes of fierce independence and bold adventure to the profound bond between humans and horses, Linda shares personal insights, spiritual reflections, and heartfelt storytelling that encourage listeners to embrace change and live authentically. The conversation also highlights the healing power of nature, the importance of writing from the heart, and how the Fire Horse energy can…

Listen · 28:45
A Rare Chinese Astrological Event, The Year Of The Fire Horse, Is Galloping Toward Us: Equestrian Linda Ballou Says, “Let The Adventure Begin!” &Raquo; Ai Generated Imagef 300X168 1
A Rare Chinese Astrological Event, the Year of the Fire Horse, Is Galloping Toward Us: Equestrian Linda Ballou Says, “Let the Adventure Begin!”

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate If you’re  not a devoted follower of Chinese astrology, you might not realize (a) that the Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year zodiac cy…

By Linda Ballou, NAB…

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate If you’re  not a devoted follower of Chinese astrology, you might not realize (a) that the Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle, or (b) that February 17, 2026 is the first day of the upcoming Chinese New Year. This is a very special year, the Year of the Fire Horse, something that only occurs every 60 years. According to Feng Shui, the Fire Horse sign is said to bring a year of passion and determination, making it a good time to bring your dream or long-term goal to life. Those who study astrology agree, predicting th…

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Magical Malibu: Its Queen, Hidden Gems &Amp; Coastal Escapes &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Magical Malibu: Its Queen, Hidden Gems & Coastal Escapes

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beaut…

In this episode of B…

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” Podcast, Linda Ballou takes us on a captivating journey through Malibu, California, uncovering its rich history, natural beauty, and lesser-known treasures. The conversation begins with the remarkable story of May Rindge, known as the “Queen of Malibu,” whose fierce determination helped protect the region from the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s. Linda shares fascinating anecdotes about Rindge’s Legacy, including her role in shaping iconic landmarks such as the Malibu Pier and the Adam…

Listen · 27:51
In A Malibu State Of Mind, Linda Ballou Shares The Amazing Tale Of May Rindge, The “Queen Of Malibu,” &Amp; Other Reasons Why You Should Visit &Raquo; View Of Malibu From Serra Retreat 300X197 1
In a Malibu State of Mind, Linda Ballou Shares the Amazing Tale of May Rindge, the “Queen of Malibu,” & Other Reasons Why You Should Visit

By Linda Ballou for the NABBW This current day view of Malibu shot from Serra Retreat is certainly not the view the Rindge Family enjoyed in the late 1890s. Photo courtesy of Linda Ballou. Malibu is u…

By Linda Ballou for …

By Linda Ballou for the NABBW This current day view of Malibu shot from Serra Retreat is certainly not the view the Rindge family enjoyed in the late 1890s. Photo courtesy of Linda Ballou. Malibu is uniquely isolated from the rest of the coastal towns along the Pacific Ocean primarily because of the efforts of one feisty and highly accomplished American businesswoman, Rhoda May Knight Rindge, also known as May Rindge or May K. Many people call her the “Queen of Malibu,” or alternately the “Founding Mother of Malibu.” In 1893, May’s husband, Fredrick Rindge, purchased the 13,315-acre …

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Seven Great Travel Picks For 2026 &Raquo; 1697547049620 C65Db11B6A08Bd81968F6C31C4864046 7
Seven Great Travel Picks for 2026

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead …

In this episode of B…

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences. From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to the wild beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska, the red rock magic of Sedona, epic wildlife encounters in Botswana, autumn splendor in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of…

Listen · 31:15
Linda Ballou Shares Seven Great Travel Picks For 2026. Now’s The Time To See The World!! &Raquo; Apostles On Shipwreck Coast Great Ocean Road 300X169 1
Linda Ballou Shares Seven Great Travel Picks for 2026. Now’s the Time to See the World!!

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate   Last month Linda offered NABBW readers a handful of trips she highly recommends. Places she’s enjoyed and highly recommends. This month, she�…

By Linda Ballou, NAB…

By Linda Ballou, NABBW’s Adventure Travel Associate   Last month Linda offered NABBW readers a handful of trips she highly recommends. Places she’s enjoyed and highly recommends. This month, she’s still urging us to put down our smart phones, walk away from the Stress of social media, and get outside to let nature heal our souls. Hopeful that we are listening, she’s sharing seven of her favorite trips. Which one will entice you the most? # 1. The Great Ocean Road-Australia There are so many wonders down under it is hard to choose just one. But on a recent “ free day” in Melbourne,…

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