Searching for Steinbeck's Sea of Cortez: A Makeshift Expedition Along Baja's Desert Coast

by Andromeda Romano-Lax

Andromeda Romano-Lax, with her husband and two children, set out to explore the dazzling waters of the Sea of Cortez in a 24-foot sailboat. Inspired by Steinbeck’s famous 1940 book The Log from the Sea of Cortez, the author quickly proves herself an experienced and lyrical guide to one of North America’s most unusual and rugged places. Her vivid descriptions of the abundant marine life turn readers into armchair naturalists. An encounter with a mentally unbalanced skipper, a baseball game with local villagers, and a kayaking trip in a violent storm are among the adventures — and misadventures — Romano-Lax chronicles here. Including a map, a delightful blend of adventure, science, and philosophy, Searching for Steinbeck’s Sea of Cortez is a memorable trip to some of the most biologically diverse waters in the world.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2002

About the author

Andromeda Romano-Lax worked as a freelance journalist and travel writer before turning to fiction. Her first novel, The Spanish Bow, was translated into eleven languages and was chosen as a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Her suspense novel, The Deepest Lake, was a Barnes & Noble Monthly Pick. Among her nonfiction works are a dozen travel and natural history guidebooks to the public lands of Alaska, as well as a travel narrative, Searching for Steinbeck’s Sea of Cortez. She currently lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

RECEIVE ANDROMEDA'S MONTHLY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER: https://romanolax.substack.com/

Reviews

[Olivia Conway · Rating 2 out of 5]

the premise for this book was insane i cannot believe they thought it was a good idea. 2 stars for the absolutely beautiful descriptions of the sea and its inhabitants i want to go sailing

[Linda]

The family (including two kids) from Alaska explore Baja Mexico's Sea of Cortez in a 24' sailboat. How cool is that?

[Michael Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For true Steinbeck/Ricketts fans

The author here seeks truth as did Ricketts and Steinbeck. She waxes nostalgic often... but how could she not. For me, granted one with would be to go back in time to have a few beers with them. ...in six weeks in Baja, we collected 2000 specimens of two species of beer.

[Justwin Nesianiono · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eghhhh.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great adventure. Sounds hard, but rewarding.