by Audrey Sutherland (Author), Yoshiko Yamamoto (Illustrator)
2013 Gold Winner IBPA Ben Franklin Awards
In a memoir remarkable for its quiet confidence and acute natural observation, the author of Paddling Hawaii and Paddling My Own Canoe begins with her decision, at age 60, to undertake a solo, summer-long voyage along the southeast coast of Alaska in an inflatable kayak. Paddling North is a compilation of Sutherland's first two (of over 20) such annual trips and her day-by-day travels through the Inside Passage from Ketchikan to Skagway. In 22 years she encountered over 30 bears, four wolves, and hundreds of whales. Her lifelong philosophy, Go simple, go solo, go now, is illustrated in this reflection-filled story of kayaking adventure. Includes maps, illustrations, and the author's camp food recipes.