Traveling Light: A Year of Wandering, from California to England and Tuscany and Back Again

by Bill Barich

Here is a travel book with a ten chronological chapters from a year of wandering, from the Pacific Northwest to Tuscany and back again to the trout-laden streams of California. Join Barich as he travels the globe, from the trout streams of Northern California to the auction ring at Saratoga, where millions of dollars may be gaveled away for a yearling thoroughbred; from seedy London pubs to a run-down Florentine palazzo during a glorious Italian spring. Learn the science of English beer brewing, the art of fly tying, how to generate hydroelectric power, the proper analysis of the Daily Racing Form, and the best way to eat artichokes. Freshness, wit and Barich's distinctive voice create a luminous travelogue crackling with an inimitable curiosity and an elegance of style that marks every step of this remarkable journey. (6 X 9, 240 pages)

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 1984

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In a year of wandering, from the Pacific Northwest to Tuscany and back, Bill Barich sought out life's moments of simple pleasure. Barich's journey takes us from the trout streams of northern California to the auction ring at Saratoga, where millions of dollars maybe gaveled away for a yearling thoroughbred; from London pubs to Florentine palazzi. Barich pauses along the way to touch upon the science of British beer-brewing, the art of fly-tying, the proper analysis of the Daily Racing Form, and the best way to eat artichokes."
~~back cover

I had a mediocre response to this book, mostly because there was so much racing in it, which just isn't my cup of tea. The other parts were OK, but not compelling. Except for the excursion to Hat Creek and the McCloud River. Not so much for his writing about them, but because that's such an incredibly beautiful part of the world.

[William Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter found this book and gave it to me because the author's name is so much like mine (Bill Barrick). I discovered he is only about 2-1/2 years older than I and has very similar preferences: fishing, traveling, country living over city living. The one thing we definitely differ on involves his love of horse racing and betting on winners (or, as often, losers). Barich writes like a seasoned outdoor sports writer with a keen eye for detail, a sincere interest in people, and just the right touch of both humor and self-deprecating humility. In other words, I found him delightful to read and finished the volume a little more rapidly than I really wanted to. I now watch for his books the way I've followed Patrick McManus. While McManus occasionally causes me to erupt in uncontrollable laughter, Barich keeps me smiling and chuckling — and wishing I were casting my fly line for trout.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked about 1/3 of the essays, was bored by many.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

13. If you like fishing- this is the book for you.

[Bruce Denson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short stories mainly about fishing and horseracing. Really enjoyed the chapters in Italy. I liked how he wrote about the places, his relationship with Mr Deeds and the times

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent book and only about 200 pages that moves quickly... if you like fishing or London... you may enjoy this book more than I did.... to me it was an average travelogue.