Three Years in a Twelve-Foot Boat

What an incredibly brave thing to do! Have a few thousand saved up, build a tiny row/sailboat on your apartment patio, quit your job, tell everyone, "Later!" and go forth unto the world, with only the simplest of directions on how to proceed. This book captures true adventuring in our times by a man who know what he's looking at, and how to show it to the reader. Combining a concise text with lots of detail, a neat trick if you can pull it off, Mr. Ladd takes on a tough three year tour of the Americas, and lives to tell us about it. I recommend this account of the simple traveling life to anyone who has ever had a desire for escapism. Wow.

I highly recommend this book. This is a fascinating story. One that makes you feel you are right there with Stephen Ladd on his journey to experience a part of the world in his personally constructed boat "Squeek." Not only did I take this trip with him while reading this book, I also became envious, knowing that I lack the creativity, stamina, and courage to ever do what he accomplished. A traveler who is individualistic, well-read, and an exceptional writer, his journey is a must read for all. I think many Americans caught up in their current lifestyles today could gain insight from this book. I hope that Stephen Ladd sets out on a journey like this again someday. How about it Steve?

Three Years in a 12 Foot Boat starts out with the author designing and building his own design wooden rowing/sail boat. His travels down through the Missouri and Mississippi rivers are only the beginning. His journey along the Pacific coast of Panama and Columbia have him fighting large waves in a boat he was just starting to realize its limits. His capsize off the coast of Columbia has him laying on the top of the upside down "Squeak", wondering if he would survive. His travels across South America are dangerous and humorous at times. He describes his driving trip as a companion across Columbia at night where traffic comes to a halt and everyone just goes to sleep in their cars, still sleeping long after traffic cleared, leaving him to try to awake the drivers ahead. His writings about the people he meets and his motivations to continue on with his trip provides insight into his reasons for embarking the on three year trip. Highly recommeded.

Stephen Ladd has written a fun book about an old dream of mine, long trips in small boats. He makes me feel what he felt and particpate in his dream. He makes me feel the strain of rowing for hours and the delight in small successes.A sailor who can write!