NavList:

Frank Reed. A belated thank you for your considered and comprehensive reply. I will definitely read Ann Spencer's biography.
One of my favorite 'Survival for Dummies' compendia is Rough Waters. Alas, you've got me thinking about how anyone reporting on their solo journeys could say ANYTHING about their adventures because, after all, the were ALONE! Seriously, I have always been absolutely transported by these tales and by Slocum's adventures particularly.

I perform a one man show called Dr.G's Empirical Compound, which chronicles my love affair with science and math. I will be including Slocum's tale, which, true or not,makes for a wonderful telling.

I'm on the prowl (eBay) for a sextant, preferably old, with which to experience this wonderful method of navigation, even if it's just to establish the Lat-Long of my back porch. It will definitely be featured in my show.
Here's one that's coming up in a few days. http://tinyurl.com/crghewd

I am fortunate to live within walking distance of the Computer History Museum which houses Difference Engine Nr. 2. designed by Babbage and built from his plans. One of the most remarkable features of this machine is that the results of its calculations are printed automatically, with no requirement for human transcription. Anyone in the area should visit and be impressed by how seriously Babbage took accuracy of navigation tables.

As a child, I remember reading 'Raft of Despair', the story of two hapless escapees from the French Foreign Legion. I wonder if anyone else on this board has read this book.

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