Because the list has been discussing RLS, I thought I'd mention that I was
recently hunting for "Robert Louis Stevenson's footprint on an extinct
volcano" recently.  There is a monument on the mountain marking the spot
(Calistoga, CA).  For those interested in a picture, please email me
offlist.

What bothers me is VN's use of "footprint".  I spoke with the gentleman
who is the director of the Silverado Museum in St. Helena, CA.  Perhaps I
am making more of the word "footprint" than I should, but I can't help but
wonder if it signifies something other than the obvious.  In fact, a woman
who is a park ranger in the area wondered whether VN meant the site at all
given RLS was all over the state (I think the "extinct volcano" points to
Mt. St. Helena, but I haven't checked to see whether RLS spent time on any
other extinct volcanoes!).

The site (as I generally believe) is where RLS and his then recent bride
lived on Mt. St. Helena, which has no less than three stories accounting
for its name.  They occupied a shack near an abandoned mine.  He writes
about his experiences in the splendid The Silverado Squatters, which I
recommend to everyone.

Mt. St. Helena is actually *not* an extinct volcano - although it was
thought to be.  In fact, residents even talked about hearing rumblings
from the supposed "extinct" volcano, and this caused a bit of panic.

I'm not sure whether VN found himself on Mt. St. Helena, but I did come
across some gorgeous butterflies on my five mile hike to the top.  Then
again, it could have been the 110+ degree heat causing hallucinations.

I'm fascinated by the VN - RLS connection and have been working on a piece
concerning this, so I am very much enjoying the conversation.

Sincerely,
Marianne Cotugno

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