Susan Marie Conrad

Susan’s narrative is about her nearly 1200 mile, mostly solo paddle adventure from Anacortes, Washington to Juneau, Alaska over a 66 day period in 2010. By other, less conventional measurements, her voyage spanned “102 chocolate bars, 28 ibuprofen gel caps, seven temper tantrums, five anxiety attacks, two pairs of underwear, one foul wetsuit, and a million magical moments.” Arguably, the latter is a better measure of her trip than the former; this memoir is as much about her own internal personal journey as it is about the water miles and her adventures/experiences along the way. Susan’s book superbly illustrates the power of long-distance soloing to serve as therapy for whatever ails the adventurer, as well as offering time and space for reflecting on the many good aspects of one’s life. Ms. Conrad’s story is both introspective as well as outwardly descriptive, alternating between her struggles with the harsh seagoing environment and wrestling with aspects of her personal life, both past and present. If you choose to read this book to learn about the physical challenges and objective dangers of such an endeavor you will not be disappointed. And if you opt to read it for the arguably more difficult mental and emotional challenges of facing your own life and experiences, it is equally rewarding. It is a fine addition to my library of solo adventures and adventurers.… (more)