Close to the Surface: A Family Journey at Sea

by Bethany Lee

For years, Bryan and Bethany Lee dreamed of traveling by sailboat in the Pacific Ocean. They spent a decade preparing along with their two young children, and finally, when their kids were in middle school, they crossed the Columbia River Bar and headed south.

They survived their first treacherous night in the ocean and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Channel Islands of California, and on into Mexico.

When their hand-built dinghy went missing on the coast of Baja, they hammered together a new one in a Cabo San Lucas parking spot and carried on with their journey.

Again and again, the Lees were welcomed into the lives of those they met on the way and buoyed by the generosity of strangers who became friends.

In Close to the Surface, Bethany recounts her family's story, her own uncertain pilgrimage, and the ingenuity and courage it takes to sail over the horizon and find your way home.

376 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Close to the Surface

In the fall of 2013, Bethany and Bryan Lee and their two middle schoolers set sail down the coasts of Oregon and California to Baja Mexico in their 32-foot vessel, Lilo. They’ve prepped for months: building a dinghy, stowing extra engine parts, outfitting their galley and stocking every hidden corner of their small cabin. They’ll be gone for nearly ten months—leaving jobs and school and family and friends—facing yet unknown challenges and acquiring new and glorious perspectives. And oh the friends they make along the way, thanks to open hearts, saying “yes,” and trusting others’ generosity.

Bethany is a dear friend of mine, and I read many of these stories on her blog in real time. I also had the privilege to read some of her early chapters as her story was taking shape. And while sailing the Pacific provides the setting and the conflict of the story, it’s so much more than a chronological narrative. Through Bethany’s clear, poetic prose we ride the waves with her—the discouragements and doubts, the delight and determination she and her family face so close to the surface of the sea.

I’ve known Bethany for years and can say with confidence that she’s honest and vulnerable and authentic in her writing. And it’s beautifully written. But an added benefit (for me) was getting to know Bryan better, and to witness Hannah and Meira’s unique and beautiful personalities through Bethany’s eyes. And even though I knew how the story would end, I found myself verklempt toward the end.

You told your story so well, my friend. I’m so happy for and with you!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long wanted to sail to sea and now I feel I have. Bethany takes us along on their family odyssey, shaping their day-to-day tragedies, obstacles, triumphs, and joys into a tale that flows and compels. I will never get to make this journey, but I feel I have experienced it and understand the challenges, mysteries, and joy of life on the sea and among other sailors and the landlocked folk who make these journeys possible. I'm so glad she took us along and crafted such a gorgeous narrative to carry us.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so loved reading Bethany's reflections on an experience so different from anything I could imagine going through, let alone choosing. Even if I didn't always quite grasp what was going on with the sailing aspects of the story, it was never long before the next awe-inspiring or hilarious anecdote or reflection. The Lee family's love and care for each other, for their boat, and for so many people and places they encountered through their 10 months at sea are evident through Bethany's beautiful storytelling.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!!!!!

What a joy to read!

My dad and I shared a love of ocean-seafaring books. Most of them were harrowing accounts of disasters at sea, perhaps with survivors who fought and suffered until unlikely rescues. A few were interesting but bland accounts of sea voyages survived and remembered.

I wish he was still alive to read Bethany Lee’s book, he would have been enthralled with it! Just the right blend of a family sailing in the Pacific, disruptions, break-downs, the creativity of a fix-it man, spunky daughters and internal changes brought about through challenge.

This book had wonderful writing and pace, a clean structure, a seekers heart and voice with more than a little humor in the face of what the ocean can throw at you.

“Close to the Surface” was anything but that in the depth of story. It plumbed the cold and darkness always to rise with hope and buoyancy.

Thank you, Bethany for sharing your adventure as well as your heart.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My spouse and I just returned from our own intentional adventure and this book was my companion. This Swiss Family Robinson tale of DIY/McGyver-ing on the cuff ship repairs, navigating during storms while cooking, washing dishes and raising children in a tiny space, a months-long family voyage at sea left me breathless. This was NOT a vacation but a dramatic adventure. The author captures the emotion, mood, vibe of a family of four on a one-person sail boat hugging the Pacific coast line from Northern Oregon down into Mexico. Sometimes I was lost in the nautical jargon but remained in awe of this brave crew of sailors.
Full disclosure: the author is someone I know--a gifted poet, author, harpist, singer, composer, pianist, singer, baker -- she played her harp and sang for my relatives when they were in hospice care-- truly a talented, generous, Renaissance woman.

[Joy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I love a good maritime adventure AND I cannot resist a good memoir!

This is the beautifully written true story of an Oregon family who put their lives on hold and set off in a sailboat down the west coast to Mexico for a year in 2013/2014. I had actually followed along (kind of obsessively) with their journey via blog when they were in the midst of it — But the book!!! Bethany has such a lovely way of putting things, and I hung onto every single word, every emotion, as she so deftly described the challenges and joys of building a home and life at sea. Brilliantly done!

I highly recommend this one! It’s an inspiring read, reigniting my desire to travel and live on the edge!

[Melanie Springer Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I read some of these stories in real time, as Bethany experienced them, it was good to see the entire arc of her family's journey, and the meaning Bethany makes now, a decade on, about their time aboard LiLo. Since I know Bethany personally, it was easy to hear her voice in the writing, which is beautiful, honest, lyrical, observational, in all the best ways. I've deeply admired Bethany's willingness to do this big thing for and with her family, and reading Close to the Surface only made that admiration grow. That kind of life definitely is not for me, but reading Bethany's memoir made me understand why it might well be meaningful for someone else.