Continued from March 16

In the previous installment, we were introduced to the small community of Miracle where Lanette met her host family the Lancings. This week we will be introduced to Lanette’s first venture into the Appalachian Mountains on horseback.

Chapter Two

October 6, 1934

Dear Maisie,

Some time has passed since I last wrote a letter to you. The past few days have been very enlightening. On my first full day in Miracle a palomino named Biscuit along with two gray mules were provided for me to make my rounds through the Appalachian Mountains. Now you know it has been quite some time since I last rode a horse. Thankfully, Mr. Miracle, one of the residents I recently met, helped me get acquainted with Biscuit as well as refreshing my memory on the skill of riding. I was nervous at first, as you can imagine. Eventually I grew to feel safer with trotting and reining. By no means am I a skilled horsewoman, but I have learned enough to get through the first week.

The man who supplied the horse and mules is named Mr. Buchanan. He has been leading me through the mountains these first few days so that I become familiar with the area. He has pointed out several landmarks for me to remember so that I do not get lost. Mr. Buchanan has been kind to show me the differences between the easy routes, or trails that would be difficult during a certain time of the year, or paths that would take longer than necessary. I am deeply grateful for his help. Without him I would have been entirely lost and had no clue as to how to get to the people I am to serve, or who exactly is interested in the program.

The two loops that I take will alternate each week. Originally I thought that I would always return to the Lancings home each night, but it turns out that is not the case! Where I am going will take several miles. Not to mention some places will be rocky and steep, making the trip slower. Therefore, I will have to spend some nights at different houses along the way that I deliver to. Do not worry. I am supposed to return to Miracle every Friday, but I am bringing my homework along so that it does not get put off completely.

I have learned this past week that there are several miles in between each house I stop at with Mr. Buchanan. This means that there are not as many people to visit as I had thought there would be. Yes, Maisie, I did rather jump into this job without learning all the specifics, but isn’t that part of the fun?

I apologize that I have skipped some important details concerning my job. So much has happened recently that I am having trouble deciding what to tell you first!

I should tell you that the little “library” where I select books to pack in my saddlebags is located in the back of the church. Since Mrs. Lancing is involved in the activities of Miracle’s church, she knows where a lot of things are kept. The priest as well as the schoolteacher are also in charge of keeping the room stocked with books. Apparently, they were among the group who voiced the idea of applying for the Pack Horse Library. So I will work with them to determine what genres the people of these mountains would enjoy. On this trip I have brought along a few titles such as Riders of the Purple Sage, The Magic Mountain, An American Tragedy, and Look Homeward, Angel. I hope they will appeal to someone’s liking. Mr. Buchanan and I have visited a few families thus far. They did not pick any of those titles, but rather an informative book on raising barns. I see how that would be more useful to them than a book that is simply for the pleasure of reading. At least we have not yet run into anyone that cannot read. I was warned of this ahead of time that it is quite common for folks in this area to struggle with reading. I just pray that even with that factor that they will still be interested in some of the magazines we provide. I mean, magazines have pictures for people to look at if they are unable to make out words.

I will probably tell you more tomorrow. Mr. Buchanan says we need to move on if we are to make it back to Miracle by dark. We had stopped to eat a bite under some trees, so that is why I had the opportunity to write to you. Take care!

With Love,

Lanette