'Cold Oceans' is a first-person account of 3 of Jon's expeditions, kayaking the coast of South America, rowing the Canadian Pacific-Atlantic water-passage and dogsledding in northeastern Canada.
All three expeditions fail. Ive read a number of reviews of this book in which readers express their personal dislike of the author's character, stating that they cannot muster sympathy for his misfortunes, as he 'obviously' is an immature character, does not approach his ambitions with the right mentality/reasons, and is thus doomed to failure.
The book is not an account of a flawless adventuring hero, with the charisma of fortitude, endurance, confidence, skill etc that we all expect from out hero. This book is not an account of an exemplary never-been-done-before adventure completed with style and panache.
But that is where the charm of the book lies.
Finally an account of a less-than-perfect protagonist, who doesnt learn his lesson in the first try.
It takes a number of tries before Jon learns 'the style and the reason' for adventuring, finds some harmony.
That's the part that's true-to-life, and refreshing.
You shouldnt read the book expecting the usual adventure story, a man a plan an ending.
You should read it because its a good quick amusing get-outside read.
I recommend it and review it, because it isn't formulaic, and neither should adventure, nor life, be formulaic.
I wish I had the book with me so I could quote,
but the one image I retain from this book
is of Jon and his girlfriend portaging their paddleboat in Canada.
Jon whines, mopes, raves, masticates duhhka that his adventure is not going as he planned, theyre not putting in the miles they should, the indignity of portage vs rowing etc.
His girlfriend calmly watches the snow underneath and says something to the effect: "have you noticed how the ice crystals change in colour with the snow-ripples" (I have to find my copy so I can write the quote...)
The book is a koan, and that image the punchline.
Try it.
