The Silverado Squatters

"The Silverado Squatters" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a travel story that takes place in the late 1800s. It's about Stevenson and his wife taking a trip to Silverado, California, where they discover the pretty nature around Mount Saint Helena, writing about what they see and do while trying to live a squatter's life in the countryside. Right away, Stevenson paints a picture of the peaceful area around the mountain, pointing out how tall it is and all the plants and animals living there. Readers also meet Calistoga, a town that shows what life was like back then with its old-fashioned calmness and simple style. As they head to Silverado, the couple meets different people and has experiences that show the differences between city life and country life, expressing a longing for a more uncomplicated existence. All in all, the beginning sets the stage for a discovery of both the world around them and bigger ideas.