Wallington does much better on two legs than two wheels. This is the story of a failed journey, or a journey of failures. There's some of the Wallington deftness of touch, the sense of place and language, but it's missing something that makes his other books special. Possibly it's the pace, things pile on top of each other without much time for reflection. But as I tease apart the problem in my mind I realize that it's the lack of a companion on this journey. There's something about a four footed friend that makes him a better writer, and makes for a better book. I can't really recommend this at all, as Wallington has written other books which are so much better. ( )