Semi-forgotten English writer who lives in Seattle. Very enjoyable reading, somewhat Naipaulish travel-writing with literary bent. Lots of boats. Old Glory about going down Mississippi in small boat very good, also Coasting and Passage to Juneau, also maritime, with some intriguing autobiography thrown in. Much better than they sound, even if you don't know your slipknot from your foreshore.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/sep/23/featuresreviews.guardianreview11