Octogenarian Anthony Smith''s journey was originally inspired by both the Kontiki Expedition of Thor Heyerdahl (who he knew) and the incredible story of the survivors of a 1940 boat disaster who spent 70 days adrift in the Atlantic eventually reaching land emaciated and close to death. While this might sound like a voyage no-one would wish to emulate to octogenarian Anthony Smith it sounded like an adventure and he placed a typically straightforward advertisement in the Telegraph that read "Fancy rafting across the Atlantic? Famous traveller requires 3 crew. Must be OAP. Serious adventurers only. " In his inimitable style Smith details their voyage and the hardships they endured with a matter-of-fact air that makes his story seem all the more impressive. His advanced age allows him a wider perspective not only on the journey but on life itself and his never-say-die attitude to the difficulty of the journey is inspirational. ''Old men ought to be explorers'' said T. S. Eliot and this book certainly gives a compelling argument in his favour. It is both a great story (a huge storm on the final night of the voyage almost wrecked them on a reef) and a call to action for the older generation - do not go quietly says Anthony Smith but seek out adventure as long as you are able. . Language: English