Viajes con Puff

by Richard Bach

Bach recounts his journey from Florida to Washington State in his small seaplane. From the beloved author and accomplished pilot, with more than 180 stunning color photographs, Travels with Puff challenges our ideas of fate and future, and asks us how can we prepare for the emergencies in our own lives? Can we ever really be safe? Is being safe always what we want?

Genres: Fiction, Travel, Aviation

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2013

About the author

Since Jonathan Livingston Seagull - which dominated the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List for two consecutive years - Richard Bach has touched millions of people through his humor, wisdom and insight.

With over 60 million copies of his books sold, Richard Bach remains one of the world's most beloved authors. A former USAF fighter pilot, Air Force captain and latter-day barnstorming pilot, Bach continues to be an avid aviator-author, exploring and chronicling the joys and freedom of flying, reporting his findings to readers.

His most recent works include Travels with Puff, which recounts Bach's journey from Florida to Washington state in his small seaplane, Puff, and Illusions II: The Adventures of a Reluctant Student, which incorporates Bach's real-life plane crash.

In October 2014, the never-before-published Part Four to Jonathan Livingston Seagull was published.

Readers can find more about Richard and his work at www.richardbach.com

Reviews

[Dixie Gillaspie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true love story - of two beings whose love of air and water, and the freedom to explore them fully, created an interdependence that grew into understanding, appreciation and love. It transcends being a "book about flying" and becomes a "book about living and loving" because it is about what is real - and what is real is life, and love.

Stunning photography is, in this case, a bonus; the story weaves it's own spell.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Travels with Puff, Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull tells the true story of his joy flying a small seaplane, Puff, across the United States. The narrative is generous with Richard’s inimitable style of observing and sharing profound truths in simple ways. For example, Richard writes, “You can have all the experience in the world. If you don’t use it, you’ve got none at all. Never forget what you know.”

Besides Richard’s quintessential wisdom-laden quotes and unabashed enthusiasm for flight, Travels with Puff captures the experience of one of the world’s most beloved aviation and spiritual authors in a tender journey across America. Although much of the story describes the routine of seaplane flight, the spirit of Richard and Puff spring to life on almost every page. Stunning color photographs lend a sense of reality to the inner and outer worlds Richard describes.

Richard has written many fine books. Travels with Puff represents the finest blend of his aviation and spiritual writing. Fans of either will love this poignant and honest story of true flight.

[Glenn Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bach is back."
After "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" & "Illusions," Richard Bach moved away from the initial books he'd written (Stranger to the Ground, Biplane, Nothing by Chance)and opted for novels more in line with his MONSTER, allegorical Best Sellers (50 MILLION + in the case of JLS).
But in "Travels With Puff, A Gentle Game of Life & Death," Bach appears to have found a perfect blend - returning to his Aviation roots while retaining the "what lies beneath" themes (and "Bachian humour") that have made his other books so thought provoking - and life changing - to a "mainstream audience."
Added to this are the SUPERB images of photographer Dan Nickens, which bring this true-life tale (of a trans-continental odyssey in two tiny amphibian aircraft) to staggering, full-colour life!
The freedom to travel - and see - the continent in a way only possible by Flying Machines such as these should trigger a whole new generation of "Gypsy Pilots" (both real and "armchair" versions); their imaginations FIRED by the genuine PASSION that streams out from the pages of this remarkable book,
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Bach is my favorite author. Has been for years. I have read them all. Started with Stranger to the Ground, Biplane and Nothing by Chance. The one about the seagull, and so forth.

Have his books changed my life. Well, no, but they have enriched it, giving my dreams significant workout sessions. Stretching, expanding my imagination and restoring the song in my heart. Useful when those components of my body start getting flabby and worn-out.

In Travels with Puff, Mr. Bach goes back where he belongs, flying. Taking a tiny, “wispy”, plane across America makes a wonderful story. To me, all the adventures and musing can be condensed into a beguiling invitation. “Hey, look at us! Look at what we can do. Look at what is possible.”

Hmm ... Are we looking? We all look around and think we are seeing everything. What we can’t really “see” we can find on the internet or on television. But we just look east, west, north, south, down, right and left, occasionally tilting our heads to glimpse of the tops of buildings, maybe trees.

How often do you really look up? That huge, endless space above us. Let alone have the chance to feel what it is like to fly around in it. To look down at the tops of trees, fly with, above and below the birds. Fly among the clouds and beyond them the stars. Stars and their universes that are somehow closer, spinning, racing each other like restless, tireless teenagers, to the edge of the universe. Heady stuff, that.

So, take my advice and read the book. You will find adventure, although “gentle” in nature. You may be inspired to become a pilot. You will fall in love with an airplane. You will be sorry when you finish. But, if you are lucky enough to notice, Richard Bach can give you the same gift he gave me decades ago, simply by flying around in it.

He will give you the sky.

[Ann Tracy Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, adventure, inspiration -- you'll find them all in "Travels with Puff." As long-time storyteller Richard Bach picks up his pen again -- or taps at the keyboard on his computer -- we watch him meet, earn the trust of and soar across country with his new-found love, Puff, a plane/boat/being known to mortals as a SeaRey.

Along for the journey in his own SeaRey, Jennifer, is a geologist aviator with a camera, Dan Nickens. As Bach chronicles the adventure in words and Nickens in images, the two create memories they'll long cherish and a book that will ever inspire the rest of us.

In this book, the seasoned reader of Bach's work will see reminders of his earlier stories -- a bit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, an iconic reminder from Illusions, reminders of his Ferret Chronicles, images first shared by little Dickie in Running from Safety, and more.

Nothing on the book says, "Only read this if an experienced lover of Bach's books," though, just as nothing warns, "Beware, at the end of this book, you'll be in love, too -- with the words on these pages and the freedom of flight."

So, take the chance, spread your wings, pick up a copy. Richard Bach hasn't lost the touch he has to pull us in on the very first page, take us flying toward his dreams and our own, and inspire us to find our passion and pursue it with the same child heart he shows us each time he puts words on paper.

[Colorado reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull made you feel as though you were flying with a bird, "Travels with Puff" will make it seem that you are flying right along with Richard Bach. This is a fine new book from one of America's greatest authors. The incredibly beautiful photos adorn nearly every page, making the image of that versatile little Searey plane a constant as you read. The narrative (descriptive as only Bach can do) pulls you in and keeps you right there with Bach, taking off and landing on land and water, and ultimately flying high in Puff. The adventures taking tiny Puff across the country, from Florida to Washington, are among the best "road trip" tales ever. I've had only one experience, years ago, at the controls of a small plane, but I'll never forget how wonderful it was to "fly." This book brings it all back. It will be loved by everyone who loves to fly, even if only in dreams. This book soars!

[Don Alesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Bach (Author, Johnathon Livingston Seagull, and pilot) buys a small amphibious seaplane. He and a friend who also has the same airplane fly from Florida to Seattle. Sounds familiar to Travels with Charley? Here is where the two books differ and my opinion in a good way.
Richard learns more about himself. What he sees from the air. He friend is a Geologist who shows him what the earth is made of while landing on lakes rivers and airports. He talks to Puff (his airplane) as if it were his companion. After a while you think Puff is alive too. There are so many good quotes about life, living, and decision making.
If you have ever flown a seaplane, then this book is a must read. If you just want a feel-good book that wishes it didn’t end, then read Puff. My favorite Richard Bach book by far.

[Jenn's Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no surprise, as a long time admirer of Richard Bach, that I whole-heartedly embraced this new and wonderful account of his cross-country flight - taking him from Florida to the state of Washington (east coast to west coast); logged in the spring-summer of 2012. Throughout the book we're taken to parts of the USA, unscathed by civilization.

Each chapter faithfully recounts the trials and tribulations of life and challenges our doubts that there's much more to life than we realize. Chapter titles announce the theme of the day and within each one comes a connection and reminder of our expression to the world through the task at hand. For example, 'Learning Secrets' is the title of Chapter 9. Richard likens the story to a "theme-song" for his "brief stay on this planet".

The author shares his experiences with his new lightweight seaplane Puff, every step of the way and as their relationship develops so does her character in the readers' eyes. Puff is a wary, nervous, but overall brave little seaplane who wins hearts. She becomes his perfect flying companion and a conduit for the expression of the freedom her author seeks.

I highly recommend this book not only for an inspiring read, but also for the spectacular photography of fellow aviator, Dan Nickens, who with his own seaplane accompanied Mr Bach on this journey. Dan seems to know no fear as he takes a photo (page 59) "... holding his camera in one hand, flying his airplane with the other."

[R. Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a bit of an education for me, because I know nothing about flying an airplane. So I picked up a bit of knowledge, which felt like a lot of knowledge. The book has many photographs, some of them giving a great perspective on how small we are in the environments we inhabit or fly through. Also strewn through the books are gems of wisdom about life that the author has picked up over the years. One such gem is "If I've learned one lesson in all my days, it's this: You want a bright and lovely time on earth? Set your imagination free, and trust it to lift you over mountains!" The possibility of dying in a crash is a recurring topic throughout the book, not a morose topic, but one that leads to positive thinking.

[Owen Zupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Richard Bach's 'Biplane', I had the urge to fly across the United States in an open cockpit. (I had to settle for flying 'solo' around Australia.)
Having read 'Travels with Puff', Bach has once again put the abstract magic of flight into words and once again I feel the urge to fly.
That is part of Bach's magic, he not only describes, but he inspires.
Highly recommended.

Owen Zupp
Author: '50 Tales of Flight'
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BKEDNMC

[Kelly Climer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a book by Richard. I forgot how much I love his writing and how his thoughts travel. It's been a pleasure riding along with him, Puff, Dan, and Jennifer. The thrill of flying again with old friends.

Donald wasn't along on this flight yet I feel he was watching and enjoying Richard and Puff's adventure as much as the rest of us. The photography was a bonus and helped provide the feeling of being on the adventure.

Thank you again Richard for sharing your travels and thoughts with us.

[Marian Magsaysay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Papa why did you name the rover Puff?"
I asked as my father buzzed with his new buddy, a classic white Land Rover, set up to the brim with his 'trinkets' that he'd later on call his 'Doomsday prepper stuff'. He just smiled a knowing smile as if saying "you'll know eventually, i hope". This was a couple years before i told him i wanted to be a writer and he introducing me to Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Here in my bed, more than 5 years later, my answer.

[Karol Arvizu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fue un libro muy sencillo de leer, me agradó mucho el encontrarle una personalidad a un pequeño avioncito pero tampoco fue que me dejará mucho. Es una lectura agradable y sencilla para pasar el rato sin pensar mucho.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, light reading that makes you want to buy a seaplane.

[Mark Moxley-Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun travelogue of Richard Bach's new seaplane. Been awhile since I read him, and I've missed out. Light-hearted, interesting, varied adventures in small plane travel and plane ownership.

[Dj James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else can one say about Puff and her new pilot?

Poor sweet Puff has had 2 previously disastrous owners, both of whom nearly destroyed her. so it wasn't surprising that she didn't immediately come to love her new owner but he seemed to really care so she decided to give him a chance to prove himself worthy of her friendship and dedication. There were some exciting close calls early on, and again later, but both Puff and her pilot learn to respect each other as they prepare to travel across the country from east to west. The trip will be made with an experienced sea-land pilot who has become both Richard Bach's good friend but also his teacher of flying feats previously unimagined. In spite of some moments of fear on the part of the new duo, both Richard and Puff gain more and more respect for each other and this book turns into almost soothing lessons in respect, not just for your equipment but also for a new friend and the joys of this whole new type of flying. As a bonus, Richard and the reader get some amazing geology lessons as Dan teaches us about the beautiful countryside below them in all it's amazing variety. Had I known, I would have saved this book to read either lying in a hammock on a sunny spring day that would normally be cold except for the lovely warm breeze from the south and, if not then, then I'd save it for a winter day when snow is falling slow and steady and you can pull your overstuffed chair a bit closer to the crackling fire, and with warm pajamas, a soft robe and your favorite blanket tucked around your feet, you can enjoy the warmth of this delightful book! Thank you again Richard for letting me fly with you!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Richard Bach's writing. Travels With Puff is wonderful. Reminiscent of Biplane that I read many years ago. A mixture of travelog, introduction to flying, and philosophy of life. The photographs add an additional dimension to this book.
Reading about Richard buying a new to him, homebuilt amphibian airplane, a Searay. He soon learns that the Searay likes to be called Puff. Richard and Puff spend time exploring the lakes and rivers of Florida as the get to know each other and as Richard jones his skills in the new airplane. Dan Nickens, a geologist and another Searay owner, joins Richard and Puff help them to expand their skills and gain the knowledge that will be needed on their planned trip from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.
Eventually they start heading west with many adventures from landing in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and even back roads. Some of these were in uninhabited wilderness, others were short walks to lunch. They would end up at airports for fuel and hotels to spend the night.
Reading Travels With Puff really makes me want to get back into flying. I am ready to move to Florida and get a Searay of my own.
This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

[Helen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I gave up on this one half way through...my avoidance of the usual bedtime reading was a clue my heart wasnt in it. There are two distinct threads to Bach's preoccupations; flying and the esoteric. Sometimes they cross over but this one was clearly not Jonathan Livingston or Illusions. Its main focus is the topic of flying across the US in a seaplane...which is fair enough, thats's what Bach says it's about...and the begining was promising enough as it provided useful background to the relationship with Puff (his plane) that gets developed so much more, and is pivotal, in Illusions II when he crashes her. But with that bit pretty-much over, the story really does get stuck into the matter of flying, with all its technical and logistical challenges...and whilst that is, I'm sure, mana from heaven to a pilot or flying enthusiast, it really lost me after a while and I gave up at 49% read. Never mind, have recalibrated my navigation instruments...and am now reading 'One', which gets back to all the weird, thought-provoking, multi-dimensional stuff I prefer!

[Yeshasvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Travels with Puff was a big disappointment from one of my favorite book's (Jonathan Livingston Seagull) author. It is simply about the airplane which is named as Puff and how Richard learned to fly it. It is not about enrichment with the learning to fly a new airplane. it is just Richard's day by day progress with the airplane. I do not know anything about airplanes, did not intend to know and it turned out to be a tough read. The technical details are overwhelming to the extent that i thought let me have a flying experience first and then read the book. The only good thing about the book is "the lesson i learned ..." lines at the end of few chapters which are truly inspiring though its difficult to establish connection between the chapter and the learning. I could not infer any message until i read the lines at the end of the chapter.

[MonchisTH · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Si esperas a que todo esté reparado y todos los detalles sean perfectos, tal vez nunca llegues a volar”. En esta novela ligera, Richard Bach relata sus increíbles viajes con su más grande y querido amigo, Puff, un pequeño hidroavión.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special book. Every Ruchrad Bach's book is special, but this is specially special one.
First, the pictures. Thank you for the pictures. <3
Secondly - Puff. And Richard's dialogues with her. The thing I loved about the book the most is that in Richard's world planes have souls. So does Puff. And I enjoyed Richard's and Puff's conversations, I enjoyed watching them becoming close friends.
And the ending - little Puff, who wants to fly more, who is not afrid anymore.
This is a book, full of travels, friendship, magic and sunlight from everywhere where Puff and Richard had been.
Thank you for this adventure.

[David Wall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty lame, really. An account of a cross-country trip in an ultralight amphibian. A straight travelogue, but with a weird anthropomorphization of the aircraft that doesn't add anything for me. I read and liked Bach's stories of flying earlier in his life, and this one had the potential to be the reflections of an older man looking back, but it's not. It's just a string of flights described.

[Lawrence Verigin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Bach is a master writer! I've really enjoyed every book of his that I have read. Travels With Puff is a gentle and refreshing adventure, filled with metaphors and metaphysics. I highly recommend it!
Lawrence Verigin, Author of Dark Seed

[DeAnn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Journey

Enjoyable Journey

What a pleasure to join Richard and Puff! I relate well to sensing the souls in supposedly inanimated objects. So it was wonderful to travel with like minded explorers!

[Kael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be in 'the tradition of 'John Steinbeck' but the book is titled correctly: PUFF. I'm not sure who is changing Mr. Bach or me, but I don't find the inspiration and thought provoking clarity in Mr. Bach's latest books. The last good book was "A Bridge Across Forever"

[Joseph Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Journey

Ride along on a cross country journey with Richard and his friend in two Sea Ray sea planes. Great pictures are included. Warning, you may want to go buy a sea plane after reading this.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but was hoping for something that was more like "Illusions". There were nuggets of insight, and it was a nice story, but I was expecting more.

[Raja Ganesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not up to the mark of Jonathan or Illusion.. but Bach's touch is always there as usual.

[Tinus Rautenbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

was expecting more from 1 of my favourite authors

[Sharon Darrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Bach has been one of my all-time favorite authors since the '70s, and he still has the magic touch. Magical, beautiful, special on many different levels.