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Customer Reviews (6)

Have no Idea what this means-The books title is already on this page
Very good information about put in/take out places. Directions good. All necessay information on rivers and creeks is included. One other bit of information could have been included, however, detailed descriptions, or landmarks, or physical features identifiable from the water to help guage distance traveled. Examples of these are illustrated in "The Georgia Coast-Waterways and Islands"by Nancy Schwalbe Zydler and Tom Zydler on pages 81 thru 108 regarding the Savannah River. Specifically, this information is labeled "Shoreline Descriptions for Savannah River Chart # 2 thru 17.

Disappointing
I found this book a relatively little use in a recent trip to the Altamaha basin.During my limited scouting, I found at least five errors on the maps which resulted in extra miles driven.Moreover, the narrative fails to mention the pervasive impact of the pulp plant stench on enjoyment of the lower river.I wonder if the information available has really been updated from the earlier guidebooks.While there is some useful information in this book, I strongly recommend using online sources and local maps to augment trip planning.

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia
Great book for the outdoor addict.Our state is blessed with plenty of paddling and fishing opportunities on our rivers.This book ensures you know where to go, how long it will take, and what you will see.Did not give a five due to several of the maps/roads being slightly outdated.This book has been a great help in providing plenty of weekend excursions.

Great Resource
This books provides great detail about floatable sections of the rivers and creeks around the state.They are broken down by region and section of the river.There is also supporting information for some of the rivers like discussion with the paddlers involved in the making of the river scenes of the movie Deliverance on the Chattooga river.In my opinion, this is an excellent resource for the canoer/kayaker/fisher.

You won't find a better hiking guide
This is easily the most superbly detailed hiking guidebook for the St. Louis area that I've ever seen.The author has actually hiked every trail he writes about and I plan to make good use of this book. ... Read more

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Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Beginning Paddler in Texarkana
I was looking for a guide to the many rivers and creeks to take multi-day excursions with my family in Arkansas and the close by rivers to Texarkana where I now live.I am a beginner paddler and need to have details but as any person who is overwhelmed by information, a concise and clear presentation is very helpful.On both counts, this book delivers.Having GPS coordinates is particularly helpful and the maps are very clear.The book is divided by regions, and this is also helpful.I can recommend this book without question.

A brand new classic!
Kennon's Ozark Whitewater was by far the best whitewater guidebook for the Ozarks (and the only one to find information on many streams), and it neve left my shuttle vehicle.It is in tatters now, so the timing of his updated guidebook is perfect timing for me.Though I will always refer to this and any of his books as "Ozark Whitewater" the new name reflects the fact that this is a big upgrade from version two.Much more up to date info, extremely good maps (much improved from the last version), and many new streams (some I've never heard of!).If you're a paddler in Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Missouri, Kennon has again produced the must have book for your paddling library.My copy is already on its way to being destroyed in the back of my shuttle rig!Highly recomended! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Sweet book.
If you live in Kentucky and do any kayaking or canoeing, you need this book.If there is a more comprehensive guide to the waterways of Kentucky, I'd like to see it. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first comprehensive and authoritative canoeing and kayaking guide to the streams of Kentucky. Bob Sehlinger spent a year and a half doing the numerous hours of mapwork and research that are supplemented with information gathered from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, local police and sheriff departments, rangers, river lockmasters, and fellow paddlers. Based on the state's drainage systems and geography, this guide is divided into ten separate sections. For each stream there is descriptive text, a data sheet and at least one map. The descriptive text conveys the nature and character of the stream and its surroundings in non-technical terms and provides a feeling for the stream based on the author's own observations. The data sheets present a quick reference to basic technical and quantitative information on each stream. The maps illustrate the general configuration of the stream and provide a quick reference to key information such as access points, surrounding shuttle networks, river and shuttle mileage, and nearby towns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful and detailed review of the float streams of KY
With painstaking detail, the author takes us along on virtually all thecanoeable waters of the state.Mileage, access points, skill levelratings, esthetics, hazards to watch out for, and a synopsis of what youwill see along the way.Indispensible for those seeking information aboutcanoeing destinations in Kentucky. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A must have for anyone looking for river adventures in Ohio!
Within two days of reading this book, My brother and I had one of the most memorable canoe canoe trips we've ever had. The authors have done the necessary legwork in not only identifying all of Ohio's rivers, but they give you detailed descriptions of each river, maps that show access points, including distances between points in both river miles, and shuttle miles for your car. They also list any hazards/portages in each river such as dams, etc. I was amazed to find several excellent canoeing river within an hour of home, with all the information I needed to make a quick escape from the daily grind. Excellent!!!

Used To Be Useful
Originally published in 1984, this guide is less than useful now.We'vediscovered that Lake Erie having dropped 3 feet in the last few years hassignificantly changed the river levels.Maybe the authors/editors couldmake a return trip? ... Read more

Amazon.com
Collected from his "Traditions" column for Canoe and Kayak Magazine, From a Wooden Canoe pays tribute to the trusty hunting jackets that never seem to wear out, the sharpened pocket knives that men wear like badges, and the union suits they'll take to the grave. Dennis even dedicates a chapter to the unquestionable brilliance of duct tape. The atmosphere here is rustic do-it-yourself, memorializing a time when coated nylon was a fad and canvas was the standard. If you get misty for all that is well built and steeped in tradition, reading Jerry Dennis will be more like settling back down in front of the wood stove--a welcome respite from the chill of modern life. --Ben TiffanyBook Description
Jerry Dennis has earned a reputation as one of the finest writers on nature and the outdoors in America today.His brightly evocative, lightly humorous essays and stories have delighted readers on five continents.In From a Wooden Canoe he turns his attention to old passions--and discovers new reasons to appreciate them.

This engaging collection celebrates the quintessential American sports of canoeing and camping and pays tribute to things worth keeping, from wooden canoes to pocketknives to cast-iron skillets.At a deeper level it's about respect--for our possessions, for the natural world, for ourselves--and about the pleasures of a life well spent.

Whether he's describing the joys of autumn ("The year is going down in flames, and I don't want to watch it through a window"), evoking the sensual pleasure of Ohio Blue Tip matches ("Scratch 'em and they flare, a two-stage hissing, smoking explosion that calms in a second to steady flame"), or discussing the art and the agony of portaging canoes ("It's proof of the heart we carry with us into the wild"), Jerry Dennis is a gracious and entertaining companion and an insightful observer of nature, both wild and human.

From a Wooden Canoe is a celebration of the good things--and simple pleasures--of life outdoors.It's a book to be treasured, to be read on winter evenings and rainy afternoons, to be kept handy on a cabin shelf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Reflections on the water
More of a gentle cruise than a furious whitewater paddle, "From a Wooden Canoe" is easily dismissed as superficial and irrelevant to modern times. Taking more than a casual glance, however, is worth the effort. Mr Dennis can write and, when he is tackling a subject dear to his heart, he achieves an apparently effortless grace. The topics here vary from the predictable (a woollen hunting jacket)to the eccentric (shuttle cars, for example) and cover concepts as well as items, outlining the delights of good coffee and a bright red union suit in a couple of pages of easy prose. There is little real depth of information, but it is important to consider that such is not the purpose of the book: this is a volume of memories and feelings, some explained and others merely invoked, pertaining to a life outdoors, away from the urban (and urbane, very often). It's simple, straightforward reading, perhaps best enjoyed in small sips rather than gulping swallows, much like camp coffee. The chapter illustrations by Glenn Wolff are on the whole nicely rendered and at times atmospheric, although he is clearly more accomplished when not sketching people.
In all this is an odd but worthwhile book, definitely more enjoyable to someone who has spent some time in the wilds, though.

Sinking Wooden Canoe
The publisher takes a political liberty of reader consent to print this book without reviewing the "knee deep only" dimensions of the topics, the slight current reader interests or timeliness to the year 2001. Many of the articles, short and newsy as they might have once been, provide only brief historical interest to a small population of readers who might once have read the articles in a northern, small town, paper. Sorry. I was thoroughly dissappointed.

Wood is Good
A classic, said Mark Twain, is a book which people praise but don't read. If Twain was right, the latest collection of essays by Michigan's talented Jerry Dennis will never be a classic, and we should hope not. This bookwill be read, again and again, by anyone who covets the aroma of tentcanvas, the fit of elkskin moccasins, or the crisp solitude of an Octobermorning on a remote northern lake or stream.Jerry's new book contains31 sparkling essays on the merits of everything from iron skillets to UnionSuits, from finely honed wooden paddles to the best wood for a campfire.Reflecting on years of gentle meandering, Jerry lovingly explains howtradition and quality dovetail to make outdoor pursuits more comfortable,and more comforting to the soul. There's a yearning in thesedescriptive passages, a questing spirit that sings, "There's still anhour 'til dark; let's paddle the north fork to see what we find." Andyou do, because for Jerry and his readers, adventure invariably lies aroundthe next bend. "From a Wooden Canoe" is superbly illustratedby Glenn Wolff. The book makes me glad there's wild country to explore andperceptive, contemplative writers like Jerry Dennis to stir the campfiresof my heart.

A collection of elegant essays by a gifted writer.
From A Wooden Canoe wraps the classic tools of an outdoor life in a series of short essays that capture dew drops and mist, the water songs of dipping paddles and rain on granite. It offers a respite from tabloid news, cellphones, and microchips. The essays sting our eyes with woodsmoke thensoothe them with starlight and wrap us safe in an old wool coat.

The bookbrought bittersweet memories of frosty camps, my father watching a snowytree line, the sweet smell of cedar from a hundred swamps. It is cabined ona special shelf with Harrison, McPhee, McGuane, and Abbey.

Good philosophical reading for a spring evening...
I would mostly rather paddle than read about paddling, but when I can't, I like to read someone who can make pictures appear in my head.From a Wooden Canoe is my favorite Jerry Dennis book to date (along with It'sRaining Frogs and Fishes).Jerry can evoke images of past river trips,even when talking about the archane Ohio Blue Tip Match or a rusty trustyshuttle vehicle.

If you like to paddle, read this book.If you want tosee what it's like to be inside a paddler's head, read this book.If it'snice outside, go paddling instead. ... Read more

Book Description
Burgundy-red water, alligators and egrets - all these and more are visions of canoeing adventures described in the first volume of A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Florida. Almost 1,000 miles of waterways are described, covering over thirty rivers and streams. Each river and stream section includes photographs and maps, access points, difficulty ratings and scenery descriptions of the native animals and plants that the paddler can expect to see. Suitable and scenic campsites along the streambed are noted.This guide is the only book you'll need to appreciate the beautiful and often wild scenery that will unfold before your eyes. The adventurous, the curious, the naturalist, the family boater and the casual tourist will find all the information needed to have a successful and enjoyable trip. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent reference for canoeing North Florida
This book is a guide to virtually every good paddling stream or river in the northern half of Florida, from the panhandle to the east coast and down as far as the Ocala National Forest and Orlando area.It leaves off a few rivers along the Northern Atlantic Coast but these are covered in the companion book.

For each river, there is a general description, typically with a B&W photo or two.Then, each covered section of the river is addressed individually, with difficulty ratings, access points, river mileage, and a description of the river section with interesting details or features, such as major shoals or safety hazards.Maps are included covering each section, typically based on the state canoe trail maps.

For readers familiar with the other Menasha Ridge canoe guides, this one will look a little different.There is less technical data such as river gradient, rainfall, etc., because Florida rivers aren't whitewater and don't really need it.However, the descriptions of the river sections are usually much more detailed than other books in the Menasha series.

The book also has a general introduction to paddling in Florida, including discussion of issues visitors to the state might not have thought of.For example, some basic alligator safety points are included, as well tips on insects, sun exposure, and riparian rights.

When my wife and I first started canoeing in Florida, we bought this book.Turns out it was the most essential piece of canoeing equipment we ever bought.We have used it literally hundreds of times in the thousands of miles we have paddled.

The four stars instead of five is the result of the book being somewhat dated. Menasha very recently released a long-awaited update (ISBN 0897325885) which combines this work and the original companion book on Southern Florida paddling.While I haven't seen the new edition, interested parties should consider it also.

... Read more

Book Description
Don't get caught without a paddle...

Filled with nearly 100 photos and illustrations, this must-have guide-written by the foremost paddlesports experts-gives the aspiring canoe or kayak adventurer everything he or she needs to know before taking the plunge. Inside, discover how to choose between buying a canoe or a kayak, understand paddling techniques and strokes, and find out how to plan a trip and choose an outfitter or guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just what we wanted
We had already purchased a kayak,are novices,and wanted to learn a few basics without going through classes, since we were going on lakes, not white water. The book is packed with all kinds of interesting tips, terms, and knowledge. I looked over many books and decided on this one. Glad I did, it was just what I wanted. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Great for planning your eco-trip
Thank you Nigel Foster for such a complete and wonderful guide! I have been to a few areas in Florida, and can not wait to go this February and "try" out a few more of the recommended trips.A friend and I are going to go to Ding Darling Refuge and the Black Island (Lover's Key) trip at the very least.The trip descriptions have me longing for my vacation to get here. Very good maps, and I appreciate the section on places to stay and camp!

Keys section very good
Very good advice in the Keys section. Did several of the trips recently. Always "as advertised" in the book.
Worth the $$$.

Lots of trips to keep one busy kayaking South Florida
Nigel Foster has finally turned his excellent writing skills to South Florida.Having kayaked in South Florida for the past 6 years, I have personally done most of the trips described in the book.Mr. Foster'sdescriptions are brief, but his attention to detail, and excellent on-waterguides make the book very useful.Short accounts of the history of someareas (i.e., "The Watson Mystery") enliven the book.It iswritten in the style of a travel guide - a bit unusual for a guide to kayaktouring, but it lends itself to the area.His "Caution" tips,e.g., "Watch out for racoons at your picnic site." arewell-chosen.Trip ratings are very reasoned and appropriate, e.g.,"Paddling the outer coast is committing, with exposure to theGulf...Waves across Whitewater Bay generally produce a short chop...No onelives in this area, and there's no way out of it except at the campingsites...." A concisely written book.Well done! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

watch out
I have paddled extensively in the areas covered by this book and find the route descriptions to be very accurate, but keep in mind this book is 17yrs. old and there are some changes, most noticeably many of the put in points have been closed ,fenced,etc. and no longer exsist. Check locally before a long drive. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

buy something else
Maybe if you live in Florida you can make sense of these maps.There are no cities on them.If you're not from Florida, like me, they make no sense at all.Also, the distances he lists are sometimes self-contradictory.One of the maps shows the Pacific ocean.Last time I checked Florida is not near the Pacific.If this were the only fault with this book, it would be one thing, but I think it is just symbolic of the general quality of this book.I have only paddled on one of these rivers, which he lists as good paddling, but it is actually choked with fallen trees - you have to portage about every fifty feet.

If you want to know where you can paddle near some city in Florida this book is useless.You can't figure out what listed rivers are near that city.Even if you can figure out where these rivers are, he doesn't give you enough information to know which one you want to paddle on.

Get this book, you won't be disappointed
I own this book and it does a great job covering the entire state's top paddling spots. The book breaks the state down into nine geographic sections and cover the rivers and spring-runs in the area with notes, a sketched map(drawn accurately from topo maps) and other info on the waterway being covered. This is the FIRST EDITION and there is a second edition supposedly coming out in April 2007, but I'm pretty sure both books contain the same info.

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Florida
There are a lot of rivers in Florida and this book does a good job of letting you know where they are and it also includes a short review on each river. I have paddled many of the rivers in the book and I find their reviews are very accurate. ... Read more

Book Description
A helpful, comprehensive guide for every paddler who wants the latest word about an exciting sport. It outlines the knowledge, paddling skills and teaching methods recommended by the National Instruction Committee of the American Canoe Association. ... Read more

Book Description
The first comprehensive flatwater paddling guide to Utah's lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Utah is covered with scenic waterways that offer a diversity of excursions for paddlers of all levels. Pine-lined shores, red-rock cliffs, quiet canyons, and high-altitude lakes make this state a year-round paddler's paradise, and this book a welcome resource for flatwater enthusiasts.

Packed with tips, gear lists, and natural history, this comprehensive handbook is a long-awaited guide to many of Utah's little-known waters and popular destinations. Logistical details help you find exactly the kind of excursion you seek, from easy day trips to challenging expeditions, and provide the information you need to make the most of your paddling experience. 15 maps,30 black and white photographs, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good guide to Utah flatwater paddling
I agree with the author when he says that this is the only guide to flatwater in Utah.Even though it is the default choice, it is a well thought out book.It hits the obvious places and a few out of the way places I'd never heard of.Each individual review does a good job of describing the location.The book would have benefited from individual closeup maps for at least the "best bets" destinations.

Also, for the destinations that are reservoirs (most of them) it might have been helpful to have listed the water level required for the paddling that is described.Some of the destinations flat out don't exist in a dry year.

Of course, any travel guidebook is outdated the day it is published and thisbook is no exception--the kayak rental place on Antelope Island is closed as of September 14, 2007.

While you could eventually discover most of the destinations yourself (there just isn't much water in Utah), this book can will save you a lot of time and miles.Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
Discover more than 120 prime canoeing spots from the Klamath Mountains to the Southern Sierra. The trips were chosen for their scenic beauty and peace and quiet by the author, an experienced Californian paddler. Includes short trips, long journeys, and paddle-in camping trips. All trips accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Invaluable!
I'm hesitant to leave a review because some of the locations listed in this book are still peaceful and unknown, but this book is so invaluable when hunting for a good paddle spot that I felt compelled to sing it's praises....as long as it's just canoers who purchase this great book and not power boaters! The directions are easy to follow and accurate. The camping information is extremely important when traveling with children, like we do.The lay out of the book is perfect in helping to select drive times and specific locations. I came back to Amazon to purchase the book for a friend but see that it is out of stock. Hopefully this is just temporary. If not, buy it used!!

Excellent Book that will be used over and over again
Coale goes into just enough details so that you get a feel for the area and its surroundings. He also gives suggestions for where to camp. There are advisories for a variety of items: seasonal accessibility, powerboats, potable water, overcrowding, campground closures, etc.Each lake description also comes with high quality images and a map. The images are very impressive. I don't see any bylines for the photographs, so I'm assuming they were taken by Coale.In the back of the book there is a spreadsheet of all the lakes with the following columns: Natural Lake, Paddle-In Camping, Lakeside Camping, Winter Access, Long distance Paddling, No Motors/Speed Limits, Exquisite Beauty. I have no complaints about CTCH and I think it will be very helpful in designing some 4 day trips this summer. I give the book 5 stars ***** :)

the book is beautfully done.
dear john coale-congradulation on creating a book that anyone not even interested in paddling would enjoy. the pictures are breathtaking and succeed in capturing the feelings of the moment,such beautiful scenery. iwish your book great success. sincerly, lia medina,mill valley

This book is so easy to follow!
I am not that good with directions, but with this book in hand I thoughtthat I could go anywhere!!

This book is great!!
This book is so great, it made me come all the way down to California justto go canoeing!The pictures alone are enough to make one get right out onthe water!!!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Guide to Sea Kayaking on Lakes Superior & Michigan: The Best
Being an experienced sea kayaker I often review books to evaluate the competence of the authors.This book is written by kayakers who really love the sport and want to share it but who have chosen not to guide newkayakers' every stroke.So many guide books do the entire trip for youleaving you with little to learn about your personal skill and no adventurewhatsoever. They give you the basics and then leave it to you to discoveryourself and adventure.Great guidebook!

Excellent Guide!
Good directions to put-ins and landmarks visible on the water

Terrific kayak trips resource for paddlers of all levels!
We referred to this book time and time again and found accurate, precise information regarding Lake Michigan and Superior paddle trips.Guided us to many accesible sites that represents the true nature of both lakes, fromsandy beaches to rocky shores. An accurate guidance of what skill levelshould attempt each trip.Great book to use as a guide to map a vacation.Also good information regarding restuarants and camping spots. ... Read more

Book Description
A richly detailed guide to 30 of the best sea kayaking day trips spanning the coastline of the Old Dominion.

A veteran paddling guide offers her favorite routes and insights gleaned from years of experience. Spanning the length of the coastal plain, this guide includes the Chesapeake's tidal tributaries, the eastern shore, and the blackwater cypress swamps of the south.

Each route description goes beyond access points and paddling notes to include estuarine ecology, social and natural history, and sidebars covering a variety of topics from gear to wildlife sightings to local highlights. Beginning and experienced kayakers will appreciate the depth of information, including geographical, wind, weather, tidal, and safety issues. A brief introduction to other area trips effectively doubles the number of trip locations to pursue. 30 black & white photographs, 30 maps, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Two great kayaking books for MD and VA
Sea Kayaking Maryland's Chesapeake Bay: Day Trips on the Tidal Tributaries and Coastlines of the Western and Eastern Shore
by Michael Savario and Andrea Nolan
and
Sea Kayaking Virginia: A Paddler's Guide to Day Trips from Georgetown to Chincoteague by Andrea Nolan

Savario and Nolan are professional guides who have written two delightful guidebooks for kayak day trips in the area of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.The books document trips the authors have made a regular part of their itinerary and are written in a narrative style that is not only informative but makes for a great armchair tour for those nasty winter days as well.I found both these books at my local library and liked them so well they had to become part of my personal library.Enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description
The ultimate how-to guide to sailing, kayaking and canoeing for sailors and paddlers at all levels of ability, from novices to those with extensive experience on the water. ... Read more