Monday, August 3, 2015

Western Historical Romance Short Story Release

By Kristy McCaffrey

I’m pleased to share the release of my short story Canyon Crossing for only 99 cents.



The idea for the story came from a hike I took in the Grand Canyon a few years ago with my husband and my dad. Grandview Trail, from the South Rim, is an access route from the rim to the Colorado River that’s been in use since 1890 when miner Pete Berry began working the Last Chance Mine. Before that, Hopi Indians gathered mineral paints in the area (Horseshoe Mesa) long before Berry arrived, creating early pathways.

The view from Grandview Trail.

We embarked on a sunny and somewhat chilly March morning. Day hikes in Grand Canyon don’t require a permit so we planned to trek as far as we could and turn around before the sun set.

Me on one of the more precarious sections of the trail.

Grandview Trail isn’t a beginner’s trail, with the uppermost sections consisting of steep, grueling switchbacks and long stretches that were covered with ice and snow, making it very dangerous. One slip could’ve led to a tumble over the side. And it was a long way down. But my dad made sure we were well prepared with micro-spikes for our hiking boots. However, I regrettably left my walking poles in the car and they were missed.

Part of the trail consisted of rock.

We spent the next three hours dropping 2500 feet in elevation. The scenery was breathtaking. We made it as far as Horseshoe Mesa, a total of 3.2 miles. Several old copper mines were located in the area and the paths were fairly well-marked, along with signs warning of radiation. From my research I learned that excessive amounts of radon are present, so no spelunking inside the dark corridors. We hoped to continue out onto the Mesa and enjoy a view of the Colorado River, but we’d reached our designated turnaround time.

My husband, myself and my dad at the end of the hike.



In search of her brother, Annabel Cross enters Grand Canyon with a guide and a mule. When circumstances have her hanging from a cliff side, her rescue at the hands of U.S. Deputy Marshal Angus Docherty is fortuitous in more ways than one. He’s chasing the notorious Red Bandit, and it soon becomes clear that Annabel’s brother is mixed up with the criminal as well. While the marshal believes she may be in on a double-cross, she has a more pressing secret to hide. She can talk to deceased spirits, and she wonders whether to tell Angus about the old Apache ever near to him.


(This story previously appeared in the LASSOING A GROOM anthology.)

Only 99 cents


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8 comments:

Renaissance Women said...

I just love this story Kristy. It left you with a warm feeling. So glad it is out as a single.

I also admire that you did that hike. Great views, but...

Doris McCraw/Angela Raines

Unknown said...

Look forward to reading your story. I love short ones. Also, I truly enjoyed your pictures. I'll travel via your snapshots. It's the closest I'll get. *lol*

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I always love your pictures of your adventures--even when they're kinda scary. I have the Lassoing a Groom anthology with your story in it. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Pretty soon I will be buried in my TBR books. I'm so behind.
I like that you get your story ideas while living your life.
All the best to you...

Kristy McCaffrey said...

Thanks for stopping Doris! I appreciate the support. :-)

Kristy McCaffrey said...

Hi Ginger,
I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. I do love taking them, sometimes to the annoyance of my companions. The shot of me on the precarious cliff I had to ask my dad to take. I thought it showed a nice contrast to how big I was compared to the canyon, the dimensions of which can be mind-boggling.

Kristy McCaffrey said...

Sarah,
I completely understand about the TBR pile. Mine is huge. But I'm slowly chipping away at it. I have some of your books in it as well, which I do look forward to. :-) Just keep chuggin' along...

Cheryl Pierson said...

Kristy, that would just scare the daylights out of me. You are a better woman than I am, for sure! LOL Loved this story--you know I just love your style completely. Looking forward to more to come and SOON!
Cheryl

Shanna Hatfield said...

Congrats on your release, Kristy - and the hike. I would never, ever have made it!