Saturday, December 02, 2017

"At Home in Nature" by Rob Wood

I'm always on the lookout for books by locals, especially those that tell about living in remote locations and off the grid. I was recently looking at Facebook and saw a post by Rocky Mountain Books for one that caught my eye, At Home in Nature: A Life of Unknown Mountains and Deep Wilderness by Rob Wood (Rocky Mountain Books, 2017).

After exciting lives as rock climbers, Rob and his wife Laurie built an off-the-grid home on Maurelle Island between Vancouver Island and the mainland. I especially enjoyed the off the grid living sections of Rob's memoir.

Our boat at Surge Narrows.
There's an old saying, "Write what you know." Here's another one, "Read what you know." I enjoyed this book immensely because it made me feel connected.  I live off the grid on the mainland side of the Strait of Georgia near Powell River. We've boated through Rob's area including Surge Narrows. I've also read about the region in off-the-grid books by J. David Cox from nearby Read Island.

Heriot Bay fuel dock on Quadra.
Familiar references piqued my interest. Heriot Bay on neighbouring Quadra Island was a resupply point. Rob talked about the remote dock on Quadra and the Surge Narrows school and community center mentioned by David Cox in his books and on his blog.  I remember seeing the Misty Isles tour boat at Mitlenatch Island, and characters such as Kayak Bill who was an early extreme rock climbing partner of Rob's turned coastal hermit.

The drawing on the cover was enticing, but I would have enjoyed a few more pictures to enhance the story. A map of the region would also have been helpful for those not familiar with the area, and people who might want to visit and explore on their own.

Passing through Okisollo Channel south of Maurelle Island.

I recommend At Home by Nature for anyone who enjoys reading about people who are adventurous and are willing to live life to its fullest. It's also a great book to read if you are coming to visit Coastal BC to become familiar with the people, places and things to do.

I purchased the Kindle version because it's easier for me to read at my own off-the-grid cabin. If you prefer a print version, that's also available at Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, online booksellers and local bookstores. -- Margy

15 comments:

  1. If you've ever seen a photo of his home on Maurelle you'll see that it's a bit different than your cabin on the Lake. But then he is an architect.

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    1. I can't read a book without trying to find out more information online. I did see pictures of his cabin. He is very creative and the location is amazing. John isn't an architect but has put together a very sturdy cabin for us to live in. - Margy

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  2. Although I don't know the region, the adventurous nature of this book appeals to me. On my list for winter reading!

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    1. You should enjoy it. He's a very good writer. I just wish he had included some pictures. - Margy

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  3. Glad you enjoyed the book, Margy. The area looks beautiful!

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    1. He has picked a really nice area. There is a tight knit community in the area that supports each other living far from town. - Margy

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  4. I love adventure stories, off the grid wilderness and survival stories of all kinds. Also been to BC and Vancouver 4 times camping from Minnesota and purchased book from this publisher mostly about flyfishing in Montana and avoiding grizzly bears...:) Great review

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    1. We first came to BC on a camping vacation but decided to stay. - Mrgy

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  5. Interesting! I love the idea of living off the grid, but I'm not sure I have it in me. :) I do enjoy reading about these kinds of adventures. Is a kindle version easier for you to read in your cabin due to electricity issues? Thanks for reviewing!

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    1. When it is dark (or darker) using a Kindle with a built-in light works the best. During the summer and daytime I enjoy reading my print books. - Margy

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  6. A lovely, reflective book review. Your photos are great!

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  7. BTW Margy, the FCC stuff only applies to US bloggers. I get lots of books to review!

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    1. I don't get free books to review so I'm probably okay either side of the border. When I write in the States my address is .com but here in Canada it's .ca -- Margy

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  8. How cool that you live off the grid too! I think I'd prefer the book to the lifestyle year round.

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    1. It isn't as hard as it might sound. - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy