Hi Jason, I can highly recommend Sir Francis Chichester’s book Gypsy Moth Circles the World that he wrote shortly after he completed his journey in the Gypsy Moth IV. It was a miracle that he not only survived but also cut the previous time by almost half in a yacht that was poorly designed and constructed just as badly. On top of that he was a 65 year old man with numerous physical ailments that basically sailed the entire 228 days in a malnourished state.
Thanks Jason, I just placed an order for Kelly's Endurance. I'm as interested in his earlier USN flying experience as wiith the rest of it. And -- since you're also a watch guy -- I'm trying to decide on a chronograph, so the NASA/space stuff might tip the scales toward the mighty Omega Speedmaster. Book recommendions: if there's any interest out there in the pioneering (decidedly analog) days of aviation, I'd highly recommend anything by Antoine de St. Exupery (especially Wind, Sand and Stars, and Flight to Arras), and Beryl Markham's West with the Night.
I've loved the two books on the list that I've read -- "Endurance" & "A Voyage for Madmen". The rest of this list is now on my "to read" list.
I'll recommend "Eastern Approaches" by Fitzroy MacLean. I read this after reading "Rogue Heroes" which I think I learned about through The Grey NATO. An amazing life story well told with deprecating humor by the man himself.
Excellent choices that were completely unread but will be on my shelf soon!
For adventures from the past, I highly recommend Peter Hopkirk’s books including “Foreign Devils on the Silk Road” and “Trespassers on the Roof of the World.” As you probably can guess, I’m more interested in his books on the Great Game, but his pure exploration books are a joy to read.
If you're on a bit of a fiction bent, I'd wager The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield is right up your alley. In the non-fiction section, anything by Adam Shoalts (https://adamshoalts.com/) will have you bugging Mr. Stacey (or me) to set up some Canadian excursions.
Thanks for the suggestions, I hope to read a few before the winter is over and spring sailing and adventuring is here. I might recommend John Kreschmer’s “Flirting with Mermaids” about his time as a sailboat delivery skipper. John is a modern legend in the sailing and ocean sail training world. Also, if you do venture into the fiction, Jack Carr’s “Terminal List” series, which is going to be made into a tv series by Amazon staring Chris Pratt, is entertaining especially if you like spies, guns and conspiracy theories.
I'm in the midst of Barry Lopez's 'Horizon', and am loving it. It is not a typical adventure-focused tome, as it is more of him philosophizing on myriad aspects of life, using his past adventures and their locations as lenses to frame his thoughts. He's an incredible writer, and there are many wonderful, and often complex, ideas mixed into ruminations on the meaning of place, of exploration, and of continually learning from the places we visit anew, and return to.
I have Susan Casey's "The Wave." It's an excellent blend of cultures concerned with big waves (shipping and surfing being two of them).
And if one is interested in big wave surfing and adventure, I highly recommend "Ghost Wave" by Chris Dixon, about Cortes Bank, the sea mount roughly 100 miles west of San Diego that spawns waves approaching 100 feet when the swells come from a certain direction.
My boy you are what you read for sure. I might point out Depth Charge is also a good read! Dad.
Hi Jason, I can highly recommend Sir Francis Chichester’s book Gypsy Moth Circles the World that he wrote shortly after he completed his journey in the Gypsy Moth IV. It was a miracle that he not only survived but also cut the previous time by almost half in a yacht that was poorly designed and constructed just as badly. On top of that he was a 65 year old man with numerous physical ailments that basically sailed the entire 228 days in a malnourished state.
Thanks Jason, I just placed an order for Kelly's Endurance. I'm as interested in his earlier USN flying experience as wiith the rest of it. And -- since you're also a watch guy -- I'm trying to decide on a chronograph, so the NASA/space stuff might tip the scales toward the mighty Omega Speedmaster. Book recommendions: if there's any interest out there in the pioneering (decidedly analog) days of aviation, I'd highly recommend anything by Antoine de St. Exupery (especially Wind, Sand and Stars, and Flight to Arras), and Beryl Markham's West with the Night.
I've loved the two books on the list that I've read -- "Endurance" & "A Voyage for Madmen". The rest of this list is now on my "to read" list.
I'll recommend "Eastern Approaches" by Fitzroy MacLean. I read this after reading "Rogue Heroes" which I think I learned about through The Grey NATO. An amazing life story well told with deprecating humor by the man himself.
I am reading Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy currently. As soon as I finish that, I will have to tackle some of these. Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations. Adding several to my reading list.
Jason,
Excellent choices that were completely unread but will be on my shelf soon!
For adventures from the past, I highly recommend Peter Hopkirk’s books including “Foreign Devils on the Silk Road” and “Trespassers on the Roof of the World.” As you probably can guess, I’m more interested in his books on the Great Game, but his pure exploration books are a joy to read.
Cheers
JR
Great list, Jason!
If you're on a bit of a fiction bent, I'd wager The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield is right up your alley. In the non-fiction section, anything by Adam Shoalts (https://adamshoalts.com/) will have you bugging Mr. Stacey (or me) to set up some Canadian excursions.
MN
Thanks for the suggestions, I hope to read a few before the winter is over and spring sailing and adventuring is here. I might recommend John Kreschmer’s “Flirting with Mermaids” about his time as a sailboat delivery skipper. John is a modern legend in the sailing and ocean sail training world. Also, if you do venture into the fiction, Jack Carr’s “Terminal List” series, which is going to be made into a tv series by Amazon staring Chris Pratt, is entertaining especially if you like spies, guns and conspiracy theories.
I'm in the midst of Barry Lopez's 'Horizon', and am loving it. It is not a typical adventure-focused tome, as it is more of him philosophizing on myriad aspects of life, using his past adventures and their locations as lenses to frame his thoughts. He's an incredible writer, and there are many wonderful, and often complex, ideas mixed into ruminations on the meaning of place, of exploration, and of continually learning from the places we visit anew, and return to.
Jason, I can recommend The Wave by Susan Casey. A good book about big waves and all they have to offer, good and bad.
I have Susan Casey's "The Wave." It's an excellent blend of cultures concerned with big waves (shipping and surfing being two of them).
And if one is interested in big wave surfing and adventure, I highly recommend "Ghost Wave" by Chris Dixon, about Cortes Bank, the sea mount roughly 100 miles west of San Diego that spawns waves approaching 100 feet when the swells come from a certain direction.
Good stuff Jason! This showed up in my inbox this morning:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/sports/jost-kobusch-solo-everest-climb.html?action=click&module=card&pageType=theWeekenderLink
Short read, but a proper attempt at a ‘first’ in a time where there are fewer and fewer to find.