Keeping Us Afloat: A Trip Down the ICW and A Journey Through A Marriage is the story of trying to make someone else happy.
In November of 1999, photographer David Crosby set off on a dream trip; helping to pilot a 42' Grand Banks trawler 1,300 miles down the Intra Coastal Waterway from Oxford, Maryland, to Sarasota, Florida. He only had two weeks to make the trip, as he'd promised his family that he'd be home in Greenville, South Carolina, for the Thanksgiving dinner. David's two week long running conversation with Captain Rick, the boat owner’s representative, turned the trip into something else.
As they shared stories, Rick told of his travels and troubles, and David of his decades long effort to bring happiness to his wife Jenny while still leading a fun and exciting life along the way.
From poverty to a clash with the law, college to success, living in a plantation house, a synagogue, a houseboat, a log home and a farm, Crosby's candid story of his never ending efforts to fulfill Jenny's dreams fill the long hours of driving the boat. Only after telling the whole story during the two week cruise does David realize that he will never make his wife happy. Only she can do that for herself.
Part travelogue and part memoir, this engaging story of adventure and challenge is filled with the craziness of being a commercial photographer in the 80's and 90's, and of the difficulties of trying to make someone else happy. It's a journey worth taking.
The book includes a link to a web site containing photography from the ICW trip and from other stories included in the timeline.
Here are a few quotes from the Amazon Reviews for the book:
“Something I love is a great story teller. You captivated me from page 1 all the way through.” Steve P.
“This story is absolutely beautiful, it's about life and love and finding yourself. It's inspiring. I encourage the read, you'll be happy you did.” Meagan M.
“(Crosby) has the gift of a storyteller, sharing big things and small things in a way that keeps you turning the page to see what happens next. Can't wait to read his next book!” Susan K.