Dove

I first read Robin Lee Graham's account as it was printed in installments in National Geographic at the time of his voyage more than three decades ago. I was a few years younger than he, and fascinated by the narrative and photos of his exploits. It was very good to find this book recently and revisit his story. This book is of course an expanded account, a lengthier chronicle of his voyage. Also a more frank account; in those days, journalism observed proprieties, and Robin's relationship with Patti was portrayed by National Geographic as more G-rated than it was. (Not that the book is explicit -- Robin simply makes it clear that he and Patti lived together for periods during his journey, and considered themselves to be married before they had an official wedding ceremony). The book ends with Robin's account of the newlyweds, with young daughter in tow, moving to the woods of Montana to live a "simpler life". I must confess that the cynic in me was certain that they must have run into reality at some point and separated. But I was pleasantly surprised to find some articles on the web that indicated they are still married, with their two children grown and gone, and still living in Montana. In fact, I sugggest you go to Google Images and search for "robin patti graham". You will find a photo, taken just a few years ago, of a grey-bearded but smiling Robin Lee Graham, and beside him Patti -- who, despite being middle-aged, retains the blonde good looks that attracted Robin to her when they met in Tahiti about 40 years ago. There is a passage in this book where Patti asks Robin if he will still love her when she's 64. This photo provides a wonderful postscript to that passage.

Lately I've been reading books about great sea adventures, some of which for the second or third time. Among them are Robin Lee Graham's Dove, the story of his journey around the world in a 24 foot sloop begun when he was only sixteen. Also, Joshua Slocum's classic adventure Sailing Alone Around the World. Just now I'm reading Apsley Cherry-Garard's The Worst Journey In the World, named by National Geographic last year as one of the greatest adventure stories ever written. I am drawn to this genre because of my work and travels in more than 80 countries and my journey around the world in 1999, most of the way as a lone passenger aboard a modern freighter. It is to Robin Lee Graham's credit that his book is now still in print for 31 years and that it is among the classics recommended in home schooling for young adults. In the last chapter of the book, still uncertain of his future, he writes that he and his young wife, Patti, begin to read the Bible together: "Our finding a belief in God - becoming Christians - was a slow thing.... We want to work out our lives in the way God intended us to. In reading the Bible together we were fascinated by the prophecies made two thousand years and more ago, prophecies which seemed to be coming true, like the Jews returning to their own country. We have no idea where these new thoughts and ideas and practices will take us.... But we are open to whatever direction God will give us. Our belief is simple. It is the belief that so many of our own generation are discovering - a belief that God isn't dead as some of the older generation have told us. In a world that seems to be going crazy we are learning that Jesus showed men the only way they should live - the way we were meant to live." Graham's voyage brought him immense intangible wealth -- a companion for life and the wisdom of discovering a Shepherd for all eternity. Highly recommended. ...

Years ago, when I was growing up, I read the account of Robin Lee Graham as the young man who sailed around the world alone, and also got married along the way, in three installments of the National Geographic, circa 1965-1970. These articles so affected me that I also wanted to sail around the world. However, as I read this book it soon became apparent to me that this book is also an account of a true life love story, between Robin and Patti, both with simple values and needs, in sharp contrast to most people who are primarily concerned with money and social status. They were deep in love and would, and did, do anything for each other. Robin alone, and later with Patti, sailed to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, I think they must have enough memories for 20 lifetimes. The writing style makes you feel that you are right there with them. The pictures included in this book are poor black and white, but as I remember, the National Geographic articles included excellent color photographs, it would do you well to find those issues.As for me, I never did get to sail around the world, a little thing called life intervened, the grind and all that! I did take a sailing class through a local university in the summer of '77, even got an "A" in the class, but this pales in comparison to the daring sailing of Robin Graham. Sometimes, during trips to Florida I gaze at ocean-going yachts at wharfs, and yes, the dream is still alive, thanks to Dove

I too have read and re-read this book and agree with Robin's view of American life. For those above who wonder what happened to Robin and his family, read the sequel: HOME IS THE SAILOR. It is not widely published but with some searching you will find it--well worth the read. It continues Robin and Patti's way of life, but on land, in Montana. P.S. It's good to hear from those of like mind! Drop me a line and let me know how you liked the SEQUEL!