Something of the Turtle

Voyager #2

by Sandra Clayton

Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime Making a major change in your life, such as downsizing from a house to a forty-foot boat, comes at a price. For David and Sandra Clayton the cost of a warmer, drier climate and a better quality of life is selling their home and giving up their material possessionswith all of the emotions attached to them.

Life aboard "Voyager" brings unforgettable experiences, however, from dancing dolphins to dozing whales, Mediterranean fishing villages, and the freedom to roam in one of the planets few remaining open spacesthe ocean.

"Dolphins Under My Bed" charted the start of their journey, and now "Something of the Turtle" begins as they take the plunge and cut their final ties to land. Journey with them as they live their dream

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Print on Demand (Paperback)

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd suggest reading "Dolphins" first to get to know the Claytons; if you liked that one, you'll enjoy this one, too. As for what to expect: an hour or so of pre-trip talk (which I found a bit lengthy), and then they leave the Balearic Islands for Sardinia. At that point, they decide to head back towards Gibraltar, rather than moving further east, so they explore the Balearics in greater detail (they were there in the first book), hit mainland Spain, and then Gibraltar, where they're confined for a while for mechanical repairs resulting from the wake of a huge pleasure craft swamping the inside of their boat earlier. After Gibraltar, they hear head out to the Canary Islands for the final leg, where things get a bit spooky a couple of times.
I've seen readers say that Sandra seems negative, and I understand where they're coming from as things do go wrong regularly for them. However, I feel she's more balanced on the whole, with lots of mention of beautiful places, friendly locals and fellow boaters, etc. To be fair, yachting in itself does attract the self-indulgent rich, and the nouveau riche aren't exactly known for their concern for others.
I didn't think I'd be interested in reading their third book on their trip from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, but now I would, although I'd strongly prefer an audio version if possible. Pamela Garelick does a good job with narrating the stories.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something of the Turtle shares the ongoing adventures of David and Sandra Clayton. In the first book of this series, Dolphins Under My Bed, the couple began their early retirement. It had always been David's dream to spend his retirement on the ocean. At the time, Sandra was a little iffy about the idea but decided to give the process a one year trial. She soon learned that living on a boat and giving up her old life was often challenging and always an adventure.

Something of the Turtle begins with David and Sandra cutting those final ties to their old life. They sell the house and put their remaining possessions in storage. Then, the couple sets sail once more.

The adventure continues. There are picturesque views. Playful dolphins providing a one of a kind show. There are a string of near disasters while filling a propane bottle and then having the overfull bottle threaten to explode in the sweltering heat. An experience rough water experience that would unsettle even the strongest stomach. Then, there's the nicotine addiction rearing its irritable head. If you've ever dreamed of taking to the sea, you'll enjoy this book.

[Sam]

The cover is so pretty! I'm eager to read my copy!

[Julie Gs · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very enjoyable read, well written with lovely descriptions of the locations they visit.