Author Description

Nestled among the ridges and valleys of the Southern Appalachians is Southwest Virginia, where I was born and raised. It is a place little known to the rest of the world, even though there are many reasons why it should be.<br/>Spirit Of These Mountains-Pathways and Traditions describes the early explorations of this region, and the paths taken by settlers in coming here. It is also the story of the generations that followed them, as seen through the lens of my own family history.<br/>Being a native of Southwest Virginia has made it possible for me to take a first hand look at why we love these rugged and beautiful mountains, and how our strong family values have molded us into who we are today.