If ever you wanted to be an armchair sailor, this is the book to do it with. having built a classic wooden sailboat, the author sets out to sail around eastern North America. His adventures along the way make for a thrilling ride, featuring freight encounters, breakdowns, horrific weather and fantastically described meetings with really interesting people. This was a great read, with lots of emotional depth. You really find yourself rooting for this man's adventure, and wishing for one of your own.

The author builds a classic wooden sailboat and plans a trip through the St. Lawrence River, through the Great Lakes, and down the Mississippi River. As he sets out on his solo sail he runs into problem after problem, mostly weather related. Realizing he cannot beat Mother Nature he returns home. A few years later he tries again and makes it as far as Peoria, Illinois. I usually really enjoy armchair travel books but I found this sail slow going. Not a lot happens during his voyage and many pages are devoted to the weather. I did not get the sense of traveling with him or a feel for the places. The end of the book when he is stranded in Peoria was the most interesting part. Here he really connected with the people and the place. I enjoyed reading this part. Enjoy this uneven journey