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by Pattie Baker

3 Ways to Join Me on the Journey!

Three years ago this week my husband and I tapped into a Zoom webinar about WWOOFing, and now, here I am. Eleven farms and two books later. Wild.

Many of you have joined me on that journey, either virtually through my blogs (this one, Round America with a Duck, or Food for My Daughters); through my book Round America with a Duck; or in person during bike rides or times gardening together at the community gardens or food pantry gardens where I lend a hand. Thank you. Your support and encouragement have meant a great deal, especially since I am a solo female traveler in a world-in-crisis. At age 62 (in less than two weeks).

Now, I am excited to announce that my new book, Round Ireland with a Duck — the conclusion of this three-year duckscapade — is now available! It is the very first book in the world about WWOOFing across Ireland, and it’s about so much more as well. 

I know you are busy. I know it’s more common to scroll than to curl up with a book nowadays. (If that’s you, follow me on TikTok @SpeedOfBike — and don’t miss TikToks tagged #RoundIrelandWithADuck!) However, I think this little armchair journey will take you places you didn’t even realize that you wanted — maybe even needed — to go, now more than ever. Not just to the wild cliffs of Ireland, but to the wild in you as well. That voice stirring just below the surface. A reminder of who we were, and who we can still be. A calling to be a bridge to future generations hard to even imagine right now. A coming-to-terms while coming-of-sage. Or maybe you just want a few laughs. That’s in there, too.

So, let’s keep going on this journey together, okay? Here are three ways:

1. Get Your FREE Advance Reader Copy

You, as a reader of my blogs, can get an Advance Reader Copy for FREE in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads. Simply email me your email address and I’ll send you the link.

2. Preorder an eBook

If you’d rather wait for the published version (September 1), that’s just a few weeks away. You can preorder the eBook right now, all over the world. Preorders help authors because they train the algorithm, which makes the title show up higher and more frequently to others. They get delivered automatically on release date, so you don’t need to give it a second thought. (If you prefer the paperback, consider making a note to yourself to order it on September 1 — you can’t preorder that format.) Here are the global links for eBook preorders:

3. Share!

If you buy Round Ireland with a Duck and love it, please consider leaving a positive review on both Goodreads and Amazon (you can check the box on Goodreads now that says you want to read the book). Then, share with folks you know on social media and in person who may be interested in: travel memoirs, unique adventures, active aging, Ireland, farms, bikes, and the search for hope — and home — in not just one but two countries-at-crossroads. They don’t need to read Round America with a Duck first, but it would certainly enhance the experience. If you or friends/family members are in the media and you think this story may resonate, here are some details:

Today would have been my grandfather’s birthday. He came from Ireland to the United States as a veteran of the Irish War of Independence exactly 100 years ago this October 5. That’s less than two months away. I will be on the ferry to Ellis Island that day in his honor, just as I was on that same ferry five months ago on March 4 (march forth!), in honor of the exact 100th anniversary of when my Irish grandmother arrived.

My grandfather stepped off that ferry and into the rest of his life. I will be doing the same. In fact, the next adventures have already started happening. (Did you know you can go back to public universities for free in my state when you turn 62? Yep. I’m already officially enrolled back in college. Go Eagles.)

It is my great honor to share these final chapters with you. Go raibh maith agat. Thank you.

Trust the journey,

Pattie

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