Rick Steber began writing the Tales of the Wild West stories in 1973 for his syndicated newspaper column. He gathers information from personal interviews and research journals, diaries, logs, letters, newspapers and books. To gain a pioneer's perspective he has hiked the Oregon Trail and paddled a canoe from the wilderness to the mouth of the Columbia River. As he travels the country gleaning material, Rick has gained an understanding of and deep personal feeling for the people and the landscape of the West.