On Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:40:38 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On 1 Nov 2006 20:59:38 -0800, wrote:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zXuzy0k9m...elated&search=

I don't know if these people are made of steel? or silly puddy?


This is extreme, and even with the latest of safety and weather
equipment, it lookslike a good way to get killed.

I can't imagine the guys doing this kind of stuff a couple-three
hundred years ago in the old sailing ships.

You might enjoy "Two Years Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana.
Best journal of sailing that I've ever read, having vivid descriptions
of the ships, sailors, seas and rounding the Horn.
While reading this account - which covers 1834-36 - and its
descriptions of California when the only Anglos were seamen and hide
traders, keep in mind that during this time the battle of the Alamo
took place and the great plains hadn't yet seen wagon trains. If
you're interested in early American history, this book gives a great
geographical perspective to the vastness and promise of the country at
that time.
It's one of the most memorable books I've read.
And yes, the old-timers were a different and tougher breed than us.
But I'm ok with modern convenience.

--Vic

Thanks for the tip, Vic. It's now on hold at my library. The one I placed
on hold was, "Two years before the mast, and Twenty four years after," I'm
assuming it's two books under one cover.