Bull Canyon: A Boatbuilder, a Writer and Other Wildlife

Soon after meeting, Lin and Larry Pardey (The Cost Conscious Cruiser), two free and kindred spirits, set sale in "Seraffyn" from California, ultimately spending 11 years traversing the globe, writing articles about sailing to supplement their income. Back in southern California, their lives took a dramatic turn when they decided to take root in dry, brush-filled Bull Canyon, in a region prone to wild fires, and build a new boat%E2%80%94out of very flammable wood. With a cat named "Dog" to help manage their rat problem and a dog named "Cindy" running security, the Pardeys spent three years building the 29-foot sailboat, Taleisin, selling off Seraffyn, which had taken them around the world, to buy time. But Lin immediately felt cheated; was $40,000 "enough to compensate for the freedom I'd given up?" This idea of freedom vs. security is like fuel for Bull Canyon; it practically runs on it. Their first two years in the canyon Lin spent countless hours getting phone lines installed, a crucial stepping stone toward electricity, which she achieved in their third summer (it too brought some regret). Occasionally Lin's musings meander into somewhat outdated realms (early feminism, for instance), but their accomplishment is significant, highly Romantic, and admirable. With many homespun snapshots included, readers may feel as if they're following the fantastic adventures of an old friend. Photos. (June)