Joy's story is really many small journeys that make up an astounding life. It takes her from an extremely poor farm in Oklahoma to the despair that caused her to climb an oil rig with the intent of jumping off, on to a short career as a commercial fisherman, years as a gypsy, then onward to a career that culminated in being a private contractor in the Middle East. The journey that wraps it all is the story of the journey she began at age eighty-three in order to survive the heartbreak of her husband's death. Do not get the idea that this is a sad story. You will feel cheered and inspired all the way. She covered all the countries in Europe and more, completely alone, spontaneously bouncing from one hostel to another. The adventures and lessons make for captivating reading.