Palmer Morel, an unusual name for a tennis player, but one that has suited him well during his years of pursuing. And Palmer does pursue in TRACETRACKS ... women, mystery, and now Meriwether Lewis. But then, Meriwether seems to be such an illusive prize, him being dead and all. After Palmer's friend, Ducky Lewis, begins a grave robbing excursion along The Trace in Tennessee, the Park Rangers interfere and forbid any such "desecration." From that moment on, Palmer and his friends hike on a path bordering on destruction, desperation and death.