This Water Goes North

From the tranquil farmland waters of Minnesota to the treacherous wilderness rapids of Manitoba, four young men in two old canoes experience an adventure that every kid talks about, but few take. With leaky tents, little experience, and no TV cameras or big-time sponsors, the lads set out in 1979 to paddle 1,400 miles north to Hudson Bay. Why? Why not Driven by a youthful sense of adventure, they took the chance of a lifetime just to see what lay around the next turn. Sit in their canoe as they glide through smooth waters and survive rushing rivers. Experience with them the desolation of true wilderness and go on humorous escapades with local characters. With graceful storytelling, Dennis Weidemann weaves this richly diverse tale of near disasters, splendid sunsets, bootleggers, Mounties, polar bears, and the indomitable spirit of youth. Share the dream that still lives, and that will surely inspire others.

Dennis Weidemann is a canoeist, an educator, and the director of communications for a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving quiet places. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.