Considering the state of the world, and the fact that we’re planning a kayaking trip through the Gulf of California, I decided to reread Laurence Gonzales’ book, Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why.
Brought back a whole lotta bittersweet memories of our insane canoe trip in The Boundary Waters. Made me realize all over again why that trip went the way it went, why it bordered on disaster. One must deal with reality, not what one wishes was reality. (This is a good philosophy whether you’re on a wilderness trip or living your everyday life.) I can never forget Mr. Bob yelling at his GPS, assuming it was broken because the readings didn’t match what he wanted them to match. He was determined to make the coordinates match the incorrect coordinates stuck in his brain. He ignored reality, the evidence staring him in the face (and the words coming out of my mouth). We were going the wrong way. He was guiding us the wrong way. He was lost. Fortunately I was not. Doesn’t mean I won the battle. I lost the battle, but in the end I won the war.
I picked up two new, well, used books mentioned in Deep Survival-
Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost At Sea, by Steven Callahan
And Untamed Seas: One Woman’s True Story of Shipwreck and Survival, by Deborah Scaling Kiley
You know me, addicted to nonfic! Julia
P.S. Untamed Seas gets a 5-star rec from me! It’s a fast read and the book arrived before Adrift.
‘Adrift’ sounds like a fascinating and necessary book to read these day’s. The world is mad and I believe we all need to learn basic survival strategies.
I love when you recommend books. Thanks.
And I remember the trip very well!
I read Adrift years ago. It convinced me sailing alone across the Atlantic is a very bad idea. It looks like the same book.
I love to watch Les Stroud and used to like Bear Grylls - except for his need to pee on camera to create drinking water and give himself salt water enemas.
Rough is a 3 star hotel
And I am rereading OUTLANDER, because there’s nothing like a good obsession.
A kayaking trip in the Gulf of California, sounds wonderful. Rob and I did a week long kayaking trip through the Gulf Islands in British Columbia with our daughter and husband. It was guided, so that was fabulous, as we know nothing about tide tables. Whenever we travel, I like to read something that relates to where we’re going. Appreciate that you’re doing something similar. When are you thinking of going? How exciting!
We’re leaving next February, Diana - so we can view the whales and avoid the worst weather. I do love kayaking. My husband and daughter took a trip off Vancouver Island. We will have a guide- a good guide!
Yeah, Steph. I agree. Good obsession. But it might make you love/hate the television series!
Steph - I would never cross either the Atlantic or the Pacific regardless. I ain’t that suicidal!
You’re welcome, Amber. It’s a good book and it’s a quick read.
Yes, right now the world has its priorities very screwed up, Roberta.