Moderate Becoming Good Later: Sea Kayaking the Shipping Forecast

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It is sad he never got to see the book but I think he would be very proud of his sister showing the world what an amazing man he was. A guide and companion for us all, whether we are embarking on voyages of our choosing or dealing with waves and storms dealt to us. The expedition also gave him space and time that he desperately needed, to reflect on the death of his brother from the rare genetic condition that they were both born with, and to process the personal challenges that life had set him over the years. Sounds like he had an amazing ability to connect with people where ever he was and bring them into his challenge.

A manifesto for living, loving and laughing full-heartedly, whatever life's storms and forecasts bring. Toby's story of seizing life's opportunities despite obstacles should inspire all of us to not let life pass us by. For those not familiar this is a radio broadcast of weather conditions for those on the sea but has become over time a rather calming British institution that people listen to even if they aren't near the sea.It was at this point that I realised I had become too heavily involved in Toby’s adventure and life, the last chapters were some of the hardest things I’ve ever read, I knew it was coming but just didn’t expect to get hit so hard. One of the most moving and affecting books I've read in a long time, it is profound, thoughtful, fascinating and, above all, beautiful. Having seen the map I was amazed by the scale of his project, doing all these areas in a tiny wee boat? At the beginning of this adventure Toby didn’t know that he would die before he completed it, but the death of his brother and having a life limiting condition drove him to grab life by the proverbial horns.

His story is inspirational and very moving and as he described his adventures I felt like I was with him. The book itself has humour and sadness too in it but overall people would enjoy the journey through the pages. Not a book I would have picked, I was gifted this and felt that I should read it - I am so very glad that I did. And I say "armchair" because I was very happy to just read this one, with all its thrills and spills, without feeling the need to go and do it myself. Toby's outrageously fearless spirit and good humour will not fail to uplift and spur you on to pursue your own adventures.This a great book for anyone who loves the outdoors, the sea and adventure whether in life or from the arm chair as well as a story of personal challenge and heartbreak. One of the most moving parts of the book for me was how you get a real insight into this man’s unique and mind-bending take on life.

They chapters about the kayaking were interesting, particularly in terms of the people he met along the way, but for me, the most interesting chapters were at the beginning and end.Moderate Becoming Good Later is a wonderfully salty adventure, a quixotic odyssey driven by equal parts grit and good humour around the stormy shores of western Europe. This is an amazing book, so well crafted by Katie from his notes, audio recordings, blogs and messages and it was a pleasure to have had a chance to have read it and join Toby on this adventure.