Although not of the traveling type myself, I enjoy reading about those who do, and this is a particularly inspiring account. Some writers of this type of book appear to see extreme traveling as mere endurance tests, and this makes for rather empty reading in my opinion. This is nothing like that, as Mr Kirkby has a keen appreciation for the environment, and paints the pages with lush descriptions of unspoiled places, making even me yearn for a chance to see the world the way it ought to be before there is nothing left. Alongside these humbling descriptions are accounts of the logistics of organizing something like this (not described in too much detail) and the seamier side of travel. Gun-toting police, corrupt officials, beggars, bandits and red tape jostle alongside cheerful locals, devoted friends, life-changing mentors and of course the sheer beauty of nature. There are colored photographs too, although this is not a travel book of the coffee table variety, more the sort you creep away with to a quiet spot and read until you are done.