Latest News – September 6

Celebrate Literacy with a Leadville Author

Today is Read a Book Day, so it seemed like a good time to highlight a work from a Leadville author.

“Grandpa and the Tortoise Shell,” is a children’s book by first time author Dave Horning, of Leadville. In this Appalachian Trail tale, Horning’s grandson Josiah tells of his Grandpa setting out to hike a 700-mile journey. With an eye towards beauty, and simple gifts for the grandchildren, Grandpa finds a tortoise shell up on a mountain trail. This same shell, on a journey of its own, ends up as one of Josiah’s prized possessions:  a tortoise shell lamp that sits by the child’s bedside to keep the scary things away at night.

Horning is a Leadville Pastor and Property Manager for Grand West Village Resorts , but out on the Appalachian Trail, he was known as Padre. Horning has made two different treks on the Appalachian Trail, one in 2001 and the next in 2012. The last third beckons sometime after he retires.

Pastor Dave Horning, aka “Padre” on the Appalachian Trail.

It is on his second journey, where the story comes to life. “Grandpa and the Tortoise Shell” contains elements of adventure, mystery, faith, and inter-generational relationships which are delightfully woven together in this true tale

Readers young and old, will be drawn into the joy of interaction with the great outdoors, understand how treasures don’t always come from a store, and get a taste of a family that cares and shares across the generations.

Horning has already had two book signings in Leadville over the summer, since his children’s book was first released in July.

 “The one during the Leadville Trail 100 race was fun because I got to share stories with other trail-lovers,” said Horning.

For those who may have missed those Meet The Author events, there are more planned.Readers can stay connected via the “Grandpa and the Tortoise Shell” Facebook page. Or you can order the book online at Amazon.com or OutskirtsPress.org.

AUthor David J. Horning at one of his two Leadville book signings this summer for his new children’s book. Photo: Leadville Today

About David Horning

Dave Horning, author of Grandpa and the Tortoise Shell, has hiked two thirds of the 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The last third beckons sometime after he retires. Following the gravitational pull that brought his three sons to the outdoor mecca of Colorado, Dave and his wife Jane live high in the Rocky Mountains in the city of Leadville, Colorado. In addition to his three sons, he now has three lovely daughters-in-law, ten grandchildren, and two grand nieces, all in close proximity. Dave’s desire is to plant in readers a love for the outdoors, and challenge them to a simpler path to life and fulfillment.

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