Customer Reviews

Stargazer's Diary: an Intimate Journal of the Cruising Lifestyle from California to Florida

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an up close account of a 2 year cruise. It is not written in the usual narrative format, but follows a cruising log style. At first I didn't like the format and found it difficult to read. Once I picked this book up again, I found that it is a fine read in its uniqueness. As Shirlee reveals her day by day thoughts and feelings she offers an insight into typical questions that I, as a cruising wannabe, ask. The usual style of the cruising narrative is more sketchy, humorous and forgiving. I like the straightforwardness of this day by day account. Shirlee reeals their intial excitement for the cruising lifestyle, the everyday joys, trials and disillusionments as well as their own questions. Lots of recipies and anchorage information along with personal observations. I'm glad to have read it and plan to use it as a reference when we cruise.

I struggled with giving this book 3 or 4 stars. If you are mainly interested in the boating aspects of cruising, it's no more than 3 stars. If you want to know about the lifestyle and the emotional impact of cruising on you and your partner, then it's a 4. It gives you a good insight into the day-to-day life of living aboard- especially on a tight budget. Boredom becomes a big issue. While it's somewhat tedious and I didn't need to know each time the couple had sex, it did awaken me to the threat cruising can place on a relationship. It's worthwhile reading if you and your partner are considering long distance cruising.