In April of 1895, a Nova Scotian by the name of Joshua Slocum set sail from Boston with the goal of circumnavigating the globe by himself. Three years and 46,000 miles later, he would publish the story of his journey, Sailing Alone Around the World, an instant classic that has since never been out of print. A decade later, in 1909, Slocum set sail for the Amazon and was never seen again.

More than a century later another Nova Scotian adventurer, RC Shaw, leaves his home in Cow Bay on a bicycle bound for Slocum’s childhood home of Brier Island. Travelling down Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Shaw sets off on a journey to chase the ghost of Joshua Slocum, casting aside reason and attempting his own miraculous sea crossing.

Rollicking, refreshing, and undeniably adventurous, Captain Solitude is one man’s story of whimsical spirit-rousing, saltwater transcendence, and the discovery of the hidden layers and characters of Nova Scotia’s coastal crown.

RC Shaw has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of King's College. His most recent publication was the lead essay in the February/March 2018 edition of The Surfer's Journal. He lives with his wife and young family in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia.

R.C. Shaw's profile page

“Shaw’s adventure reads like his bike has a sidecar. He immerses you in his journey, yearning for the romance of all we lost as we gained the modern age. Captain Solitude champions our lineage with fried haddock and privateers, celebrating the hardy souls who made — and still make — Nova Scotia Bluenose country. Engrossing, lively, and seasoned with plenty of good salt.”

Kate Inglis, author of <i>Notes for the Everlost</i>

“RC Shaw embarks on a saltwater adventure as impressive and extreme as they come. The author and renowned surfer weaves a profoundly moving travelogue that will entertain, impress, inspire, and uplift. Sailors, sea lovers, and Maritimers will devour this story as readily as anyone who enjoys a tale of overcoming the odds and rising up in the face of adversity. Funny, thought-provoking, entertaining, and magnetically written, Captain Solitude is an essential read. You will ride the waves with Shaw on each line of every page.”

James Mullinger, author of <i>Brit Happens</i>

“Who hasn’t wanted to travel by bicycle along gravel back roads, jumping into the ocean whenever the mood strikes? (Okay, maybe just RC Shaw and I.) Shaw survives his great Maritime journey with stops at farmers markets, gas stations, deserted beaches, and a surprising number of graveyards. Describing the South Shore and the people who live there, Captain Solitude makes a strong case for why all of us should push ourselves beyond our respective comfort zones and reminds us that true self-discovery is never found through a self-help book or a meditation app, but in the depths of the unknown and in the unending gifts we receive from the Earth and the kindness of its people.”

Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)

“A raucous and engaging tale. Chasing the ghost of a vanished mariner, riding waves, and downing beer, the indefatigable RC Shaw sets off on his quixotic journey aboard his trusty cargo bike, guided by little more than a Magic 8 Ball and pure gumption. Captain Solitude perfectly captures the seascapes, wry humour, and rhythms of life in Nova Scotia. Bravo!”

Will Ferguson, author of <i>Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw</i>

“Adventure has become an increasingly lost art, even though the world is riper than ever for exploration. Children, work, danger, and utter hassle rule. Shaw’s Captain Solitude not only inspires but resets addled minds. His quest to explore, to adventure, to live again is an inspiration that must be devoured. The prose is taut, the mission clean. Most importantly, though, the ideal of living bigger resounds. Now more than ever. Essential.”

Chris Smith, author of <i>Welcome to Paradise, Now Go to Hell</i>

“Like tucking into a butter-soaked rappie pie, Captain Solitude fills you up with heart-warming dirtbag insight, salty chunks of local lore, and the Kerouacian curiosity of an open-minded road-warrior. A wild reverie of the ocean and those who ply it by hull, hand, or board, RC Shaw’s two-wheeled voyage into the unknown is a delightful travelogue in search of new waves, old ghosts, and at the end of the day, a hot meal.”

Tyler LeBlanc, author of <i>Acadian Driftwood</i>