Marc Ashton and I were warmly welcomed during our West Coast launch of The Spirit of Villarosa at The Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles, which held a joint meeting with the Explorers Club of Southern California on Thursday July 21, 2016. More than 80 people interested in exploration and adventure came to hear about Marc’s father, Horace Dade Ashton, an intrepid adventure photographer, cinematographer, explorer, writer, diplomat, artist, scientist, and horticulturalist whose life spanned the late 19th and three-fourths of the 20th centuries. Marc Ashton shared the tale of his kidnapping in Haiti in 2001 and told how his father’s exploits and faith in his guardian angel led to his survival.
After the presentation, we were presented with gifts from the club before signing books for eager readers.
What a delightful way to introduce this great adventure story to the world!
-
- The president of The Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles presents Libby and Marc with certificates.
-
- Libby and Marc give a beautiful overview presentation on “The Spirit of Villarosa.”
-
- Over 90 people attended the joint event between The Adventurers’ Club of LA and The Explorers Club Southern California.
-
- From left to right, Keith McBride, Denea Buckingham, Marc Ashton, Myriam Ashton, Libby J. Atwater, and Don Atwater.
-
- The full house of attendees listened intently as Libby described the fascinating adventures of Horace Dade Ashton.
-
- Libby J. Atwater and her husband Don enjoying dinner prior to the presentation.
-
- Many attendees lined up to purchase copies of “The Spirit of Villarosa” and have them signed by both authors.
-
- Social media manager for “The Spirit of Villarosa” Denea Buckingham is on the left with Libby and Marc celebrating the long road to “Villarosa”