Free Air Chapter 14 - The Beast of the Corral

Free Air Chapter 15 - The Black Day of the Voyage

In which a day of mechanical mishaps and near disaster besets a young woman’s motor journey through rugged mountain roads, demanding all her resolve and the unexpected aid of a capable young companion. Together, they face the daunting trials of worn brakes, burnt-out spark plugs, and the merciless grades of the wilderness, culminating in a reluctant but cozy camp under the open sky.

Free Air Chapter 14 - The Beast of the Corral

In which a morning misty with frost and the bracing air of the mountains finds Milt and Claire confronting a boldly unperturbed bear, and the somber loss of a feline companion gently deepens their quiet companionship amid the rugged beauty surrounding them. Meanwhile, under the watchful eye of Claire’s father, Milt’s ambitions and intentions are measured with a blend of paternal concern and reluctant approval, as the tender dance of their acquaintance unfolds with the careful steps of budding familiarity.

Free Air Chapter 13 - Adventurers by Firelight

In which a young woman and her companion find themselves spellbound by the grandeur of the Yellowstone Canyon, sharing a quiet campfire and unfolding stories that reveal the simple ambitions and modest heroism of a mechanic with dreams of broader horizons. Their conversation, warm and tentative, sketches a tableau of ordinary lives intertwined with the vastness of the American West, steeped in a gentle camaraderie that hints at the shaping of character away from city confines.

Free Air Chapter 12 - The Wonders of Nature with All Modern Improvements

In which Milt takes Claire and her father on a mountainous drive through the Park, sharing his mechanical wisdom while quietly observing the social contrasts among fellow travellers and the peculiarities of high society. Amid the grandeur of nature and the quaint hotels, Claire and Milt exchange candid reflections on pride, manners, and belonging, hinting at the complexities beneath their genteel facades.

Free Air Chapter 11 - Sagebrush Tourists of the Great Highway

In which Claire journeys through the rugged expanse of the Great Highway, encountering the hearty and unpretentious “Sagebrush Tourists” who find joy in the dust and simplicity of the open road, far removed from the polished ease of chauffeured travel. She embraces the challenges and harsh beauty of the Real West, gaining a hands-on understanding of motoring mishaps and the kindly self-sufficiency required to navigate this vast, untamed land.