14000 miles, a carriage and two women

In the summer of 1872 two spirited women set out in a roomy phaeton, determined to prove that a carriage could be a comfortable, even delightful, way to explore the countryside. Their first foray along the Connecticut River valley mixes practical preparation—a spare wrench, oil, and a reliable map—with a sense of daring that defied the era’s cautious expectations of ladies on the road. As they glide past tobacco fields, climb familiar hills, and pause on mountaintops for sweeping views, the narrative captures the fresh excitement of each new horizon.

The book unfolds as a lively series of letters and reports that trace more than fourteen thousand miles of travel through New England’s forests, mountain passes, and coastal towns, with occasional ventures into Canada and the Catskills. Readers are treated to vivid descriptions of waterfalls, fern‑lined roadside stops, and sudden thunderstorms, all narrated with wit and a touch of Victorian practicality. It offers a charming glimpse into 19th‑century adventure, where curiosity and companionship turn every mile into a memorable story.