New Britain herald., 1929-04-13
Two ''Nlidde-Aged Vagabonds" Hitch Hike 7,600 Miles Ihrough Asia on $350
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New York April 13-Hitch- hiking has become such competitive fine art in America that youth. beauty and a chic outfit arc almost neces- sary equipment.
 But it remained for two 5o- year old American spinsters dress ed in their possible worst, to ap- ply this modern method to trans portaton problems in the heart of Asia and live to tell the fascinating tale.
 Helen Calista Wilson and Dr. Elsie Reed Mitchell are the two self-styled "middle-ased Nagabonds' intrepid enough 10 make the trip. They tramped, rode on horses, in loaded and empty carts. on boats, forded rivers and enjoyed life on the open road from Siberia to the end of the camel trail in Tashkent.
 They Know Travel
 It was the effect of spring on rowing feet that started them a-wan- urIlllS. lOill were lllNtlti blt u d clers. had been around the world a couple of times, worked in the Phil ippines, China, India and Russia. For two years they had been work ing hard on an education and eco- homie experiment at ku2bas, Rus sa When spring flowers bloomed, came a budding desire 10 them 10 be up and off.
 Their two years savings approx imated $175 each. They held a rummage sale and sold everything they owned but the clothes they stood in. Packing meager camp equipment, consisting mainly of a Boy Scout hatchet and an oiled silk sheet that served as tent or ground covering, they started on foot. ac companied by a little fox terrier whom they called "Ferghana' for luck, since that was their destina- ton.
 Challenge to Youth
 How Miss Wilson and Dr. Mitchell made 7,Goo miles on their Sl75 each settles once and for all the theory that adventure lives only in the high breast Of youth, Their book of the trip, "Nagabonding at Fifty is tal" to fire the most stodgy middle-ased woman into at least an auto camp ing trip.
 We met none Of the things that kind friends tried to scare us about" Dr. Mitchell said, in her inimitable dry way. There were no escaped Siberian convicts, no ban dits, no desperadoes, wolves bears, or pestilcnce. Once when we slept in q natural hole in the side of a bar ren hill We were awakened at dawn by the fiNed stare of about a dozen wild horses peering intently al us over the t0p.'
 Two more ideal persons for talk ing an adventure trip would be hard to find. They are unafraid Of life. They enjoy it thoroughly. They and appreciate the primitive Rus sian peasants they met cn route and have lived in out -the-way places enough 10 know how to go natiyc' in food and lack of colsfort uncomplainingly. They trapped until tired. pitched camp, ate mushrooms, berries, or anything they found growing. or ate black bread and Wa ter, in the manner of peasants. In villages they broke bread with peas ants, bought milk. honey or cheese, but never slept in house unless it poured.
 We weren't in a hurry,' Miss Wilson explained their enjoyment. You sec We aren't young,' Dr., Mitchell added, smiling under standingly.
 As for getting in trim for the trip. they laughed at the idea.
 We weren't in trim at all," Dr. Mitchell insisted. We never keep in trim. We eat all the wrong things. I've gained 16 pounds this winter and 70 not mind at all"
 No Womanly Cares
 Nor do c her things bother them. the things that concern most women.
 We learned long ago that you had to choose between possessions or trayel,' they stated. "The only thing we brought back from five year Russian stay was one littla embroidered Russian towel, a gift"
 They have no dogmas, no rules, TO pct avorsions, no views. But if any two understand humanity and the art of living, they do. "Happin"ss." they agree. "con- sists of wanting to do the thing yorl do, And, knowing while you are 'o- 1 ing 1t that you are enjoying it." 4 little white of eggs added tc cream helps it 10 whip. Also a | pinch of salt sometimes does inc