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"The JOURNEY OF THE SNOW GOOSE is one of those adventures we all want to take - in this case, from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean by small boat. Barbary Chaapel chronicles this journey in all its moments of struggle and beauty and adventure. She has a fine eye for truth and detail. I'm with her all the way."
....Dr. Mark Defoe, author of Aviary, The Green Chair and Mark Defoe's Greatest Hits.
"This book manages to be both fact-filled and exciting. It provides readers a chance to share a life-changing sea voyage planned by optimists who run aground of Murphy's Law."
....Phyllis Moore, literary historian, author of The First Official Literary Map Of West Virginia.
"The Journey of the Snow Goose brings to life a remarkable voyage that
fulfills the dreams and aspirations of a life time for Barbary and Bill
Chaapel. Sailing from a home port on the Great Lakes , transiting the
New York Barge Canal, then south via the Intracostal Waterway to Florida
and Bahamas .Ultimately continuing on to the uncharted waters of remote
Caribbean islands. It was a journey filled with unforeseen dangers and
adventures. Their abrupt transition from "Land Lubbers " to a life as
" Seasoned, Salty Sailors" is treated humorlessly as their stories
reveal the many learning experiences and often hair raising tales that
are part of a boaters rapport. Living aboard evolves around a whole
new life style without home conveniences and a togetherness in
extremely cramped quarters. This means adapting and being innovative in
even simplest of task such as cooking, sleeping, and the rigors of
anchoring.
All well appointed sailing vessels have a crew . And Snow Goose is no
exception with a third mate - Honoree, the cat, who tolerates all
this boating stuff but doesn't delight in sailing with a rail awash.
PEOPLE, all kinds, all sizes, all cultures, in unusual places ,under
varying conditions; People are paramount in Barbary's meticulous log
and throughout the pages of this book her feelings and concerns for
others comes alive. No finer display of compassion is shown than
Barbary's association with a five year old waif, Cynthia, who lived
in squalor aboard a twenty foot derelict houseboat anchored in Potters
Cay, Nassau Harbor. She befriended this lost child, brought her small
gift of crayons , books and little personal items. But she also gave
her the most valuable gift of friendship and comfort by her visits.
Barbary's descriptive journal depicting their life aboard Snow Goose
ends with their return to their roots in the mountains of West Virginia.
Their sailing adventures could be summarized with, They lived happily
ever after...after a very full life at sea."
Reviewed by Arthur & Dorothy Bartlett...The Bartlett Pair who
sailed in the shadow and in the company of Snow Goose , joining in many
of their adventures and camaraderie for a life long friendship.
Arthur & Dorothy Bartlett are retired staff members from University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan .
" If you yearn for a simpler, less cluttered life, Barbary Chaapel's account of their time board
Snow Goose will entice you. Those who love adventure will recognize the energy required to meet the daily challenges and uncertainties while experiencing the moments of reward. If you ever dreamed of a life on the water, this book will make you believe in the possibility."
Pamela Kesling
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