Sheri and I often say that everyone has a story. And often, the best stories are those told by other travelers. What follows is the first installment in an ongoing series where we share some of our favorite books, films, and blogs on travel that we’ve found both entertaining and inspiring. Hard to put down stories, which have us dreaming up new adventures and setting our sights on distant horizons.
We’re kicking things off with Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening, an incredibly inspirational and thought-provoking sailing story
Shortly after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Liz Clark setoff on a beyond-the-beaten-path adventure aboard her Cal 40 sailboat, Swell. Sailing south from Santa Barbara, Liz recounts a 10-year, 20,000-mile voyage from California to Panama and across the Pacific in search of surf.
It’s a story that begins with realizing a childhood dream – to pursue her passion for sailing, surfing, and the ocean. But as the journey unfolds, Liz’s solo sailing adventure is defined as much by personal growth and an environmental awakening as it is by epic surf.
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Both Sheri and I really enjoyed this book. It’s a well-written memoir that recounts her adventure in gripping detail. While, in many ways, our path may be a bit different, Liz’s journey feels familiar to us. We found it easy to relate to many of her observations and the challenges she faced.
After reading her book, it’s hard not to be inspired by Liz’s determination to realize a dream, the hard work she put forth to make the most of her opportunities, and the courage and perseverance she’s shown in single-handing a 40’ sailboat across oceans while overcoming endless challenges.
Make no mistake; this isn’t a romantic story about sailing off into the sunset. Liz’s adventure story is one of frequent struggles. It’s a candid account that delves deep into her imperfections and her quest for personal betterment. And it’s about finding greater connection with nature and her efforts to live in harmony with our natural world.
If you’re looking for an inspiring and entertaining travel read, consider adding Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening to your reading list. It’s an excellent book that will have you outfitting a sailboat and setting sail for distant horizons. It put a shot of adrenaline into our sailing dreams.
Click here to read more reviews and check the price of Swell
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