In this partner special episode of the Wanderlust: Off the Page podcast, we follow the adventures of Isabella Bird, the 19th-century explorer who famously ascended Longs Peak, Colorado, in 1873...
This episode chronicles the adventures of Isabella Bird, the remarkable 19th century British explorer who famously ascended Longs Peak, Colorado, in 1873 with her guide and companion Jim Nugent.
The story of Bird and Jim illuminates the early history and character of Estes Park, as her writings helped establish the town as a tourist destination, and parallels with the broader historic myth of the frontier and the American west.
Bird remains an inspiration to the locals of Estes Park, including restaurateur Melissa Strong. We visit her new restaurant Bird & Jim to hear of her near-death experience and learn how Isabella’s determination to break the conventions of the time was an inspiration for Melissa’s subsequent recovery.
Hosted by Wanderlust founding editor Lyn Hughes and special features editor Rosie Fitzgerald, this episode was produced in partnership with Estes Park, Colorado,
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