Aleria's Adventures

Busy, busy. busy times. An article that cited me was published in the Guardian yesterday. Written by Susan Smillie, it documents the plight of cruisers stuck in paradise. The BBC World News editors got wind of the article and asked me to do an interview with them in the morning, which I did at 7:20 am. Now anyone who knows me, knows I don't do mornings very well. But somehow I think I managed to do okay. They've posted the clip online and are sharing via social media. It's 3 minutes long and answers a few questions about what people are facing out there. This afternoon I did an interview with a reporter from Bermuda who is writing a story for publication tomorrow. I also answered a query from a woman wanting to do a documentary about the cruisers. And I forwarded a request for crews to film their voyages for an adventure movie being made about the subject. It's been an interesting couple of days.

My book review from Goodreads... Daria Blackwell 's review May 07, 2020   ·    edit it was amazing Read 2 times. Last read April 20, 2020 to May 7, 2020. In marvellously entertaining style and with beautifully crafted language, Turtle dips us into and out of historical moments, some of which have great significance. From the emergence of life out of the oceans to pagan rituals adopted by Christian elders, to Vikings, kings, Knights Templar, Cromwell, wars, debauchery, harlots, and brothels and so much more, prepare to be whisked through forgotten or suppressed moments in time. The chapters are very short and easy to read, and the stories are mostly not connected, so it is possible to pick this book up for short stints over longer periods. It fills in many intervals of history that are perhaps less popular but nevertheless important in explaining how things evolved. The amount of research that had to go into this book is mind-boggling. Thank you,...

My review for Goodreads... Daria Blackwell 's review May 07, 2020   ·    edit it was amazing Read 2 times. Last read November 7, 2019 to November 8, 2019. I loved this book. I am a bluewater sailor, and I found his account as a novice taking on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland refreshing. I know that coast well and always find it mesmerizing, so I found it fascinating that he too saw in it what I know. The magical, mystical majesty of it. I saw it freshly though his fascination. I found it interesting that Marsden has such a depth of knowledge of Irish history, lore and language. Since I moved to Ireland, I have been learning and sharing the history and lore especially of the islands off the west coast, and this is exactly what Marsden does. He colours in the details with a depth of understanding that a reader needs to experience this place. The sailing aspect of it should not make anyone shy away as it is not overwhelming in...