High Endeavours: The Life and Endeavours of Miles and Beryl Smeeton

An extraordinary book about an extraordinary couple. Miles and Beryl Smeeton are known to yachties through their book Once is Enough that tells the tale of their two attempts on Cape Horn in their yacht Tzu Hang, both attempts ending in dismasting. That epic of survival was would be enough adventure for most people, but it was only a tiny part of lives jam packed with travel and action. Sailing was the middle period in their lives, this book tells the story of their pre war travels - including climbing in the Himalayas - singly and together (when Beryl was Miles' commanding officer's wife) and their post-sailing lives as conservationists in Canada. Modest, tough self reliant - this book by their godson can only inspire us to be more show more like them. show less

Their adventures were extraordinary but I had a very hard time liking them, especially her. She did whatever she wanted regardless of what anyone said. We could all have grand adventures if we were that selfish and irresponsible. Well written, but I didn't enjoy my time spent in their company.

One of the most interesting biographies I have ever read. The book follows the lives of Miles and Beryl Smeaton as they sail and travel around the world both together and separately visiting some of the most dangerous and exotic locations in the early part of the 20th century. An absolutely extraordinary book which I cannot recommend highly enough.

This is a really good book that keeps one's attention. Two extraordinary people who lived an extraordinary life with extraordinary events.

Book 54 of the 60 book challenge.
High Endeavour.
Miles and Beryl Smeeton.
Given to me by Simon & Eileen.
A great adventure book. Adventures start in 1905. Beryl Smeeton in 5 yrs drove round N America, rode through Portugal, travelled overland in both directions across Eurasia, crossed S America, rode 1000 Miles through Patagonia, drove 10,000 Miles across N Africa & India, climbed higher than any other woman before her and walked 500 Miles through Burma and Siam. All alone... Then her and Miles having never sailed before took a yacht and in 15 yrs sailed 130,000 miles twice dismasted west of Cape Horn then she became the first woman to round the Cape in a yacht under 50 ft. Brilliant! She was quite mad and I liked the fact that she made show more me feel a bit more normal.
65 days left.
8/10 show less