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Adventure North
After accelerating their studies and graduating high school early, two teenagers set off from their hometown in Minnesota to embark on a 2200-mile canoe journey up the heart of North America. Their the permafrost shores of Hudson Bay. Inspired by a passion for the simple life, where gadgets and schedules are replaced by nature and its harsh beauty, the duo found something that many believe is a true adventure.
Follow the pair up the flooding Minnesota River and through the prairie plains of North Dakota, across man-sized waves on Lake Winnipeg, and down the foaming rapids of the Canadian north. The triumphs and trials of the unforgiving wild challenged their friendship, dreams, and lives in a way that even they could have never predicted. For those who have dreamed of wilderness escape, or those who prefer to simply read about it, Adventure North will spur the imaginative spirit and remind you that adventure is always just around the next bend.
Follow the pair up the flooding Minnesota River and through the prairie plains of North Dakota, across man-sized waves on Lake Winnipeg, and down the foaming rapids of the Canadian north. The triumphs and trials of the unforgiving wild challenged their friendship, dreams, and lives in a way that even they could have never predicted. For those who have dreamed of wilderness escape, or those who prefer to simply read about it, Adventure North will spur the imaginative spirit and remind you that adventure is always just around the next bend.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2016
235 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Sean Bloomfield
2 books9 followersSean teaches 8th grade social studies and coaches high school hockey and lacrosse in Chaska, MN. After canoeing to Hudson Bay, he attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education. In the summer of 2011, he and three college friends lived off the land in the Absaroka-Beartooth Region of Montana for one month. Sean currently lives in Chaska with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 27, 2017
Full disclosure: The author is my nephew. So yeah, I'm biased. But this book was so good that while reading it, one night I had trouble falling asleep because I could not get my mind and body off Lake Winnipeg. I just kept endlessly paddling and paddling her high waves. That - is how much this book takes you there - along on the "epic voyage" of these two teenagers.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys journeys or outdoor wilderness. Also recommended for anyone interested in Minnesota's rivers and river communities.
This book takes you through flooded waters on the Minnesota River, small towns all along the Minnesota and Red Rivers, and then over rapids through Manitoba and finally up to Hudson Bay. It's an engaging and all-too-quick read, that is both a coming of age novel and a exploration memoir. Great character development, moving descriptions of the scenery, and plenty of struggles to keep you hooked. I want to see this made into a movie!
Final words? I'm thankful that I read this book *after* the actual journey. While I'm sure Sean's parents were aware of the risks, I hadn't realized all the challenges until reading this, and I would have been much more worried!
While I had high hopes for this book, it surpassed expectations and is a fabulous read.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys journeys or outdoor wilderness. Also recommended for anyone interested in Minnesota's rivers and river communities.
This book takes you through flooded waters on the Minnesota River, small towns all along the Minnesota and Red Rivers, and then over rapids through Manitoba and finally up to Hudson Bay. It's an engaging and all-too-quick read, that is both a coming of age novel and a exploration memoir. Great character development, moving descriptions of the scenery, and plenty of struggles to keep you hooked. I want to see this made into a movie!
Final words? I'm thankful that I read this book *after* the actual journey. While I'm sure Sean's parents were aware of the risks, I hadn't realized all the challenges until reading this, and I would have been much more worried!
While I had high hopes for this book, it surpassed expectations and is a fabulous read.
September 6, 2016
When most kids graduate from high school, their big adventure is to party away most of the night, and then move on the next day to the rest of their lives. I loved this book because it captures the very essence of "adventure", calling upon all of us to get out of our comfort zones and live out our dreams. Bloomfield's great talent is to place the reader right in the middle of the scene as he and his best friend Colton make the arduous and treacherous voyage from the Twin Cities of Minnesota to the Hudson Bay, as well as having the reader feel the same emotions as the young men as they encounter bitter cold and a myriad of hardships as well as the ecstatic joy of overcoming them.
I grew up in the city, and an adventure for me is not having a hair dryer at my hotel when I travel. But there is something innate within each of us that longs to live the kind of adventure that Sean and Colton embraced...even if it is vicariously. This is an extremely well-written first book for Bloomfield, and i hope that it is the first of many.
I grew up in the city, and an adventure for me is not having a hair dryer at my hotel when I travel. But there is something innate within each of us that longs to live the kind of adventure that Sean and Colton embraced...even if it is vicariously. This is an extremely well-written first book for Bloomfield, and i hope that it is the first of many.
September 13, 2016
I read an advanced copy of the book and I couldn't put it down! The writing does its job of bringing you into the story and keeping you interested. You really feel like you are connected to this wild and crazy adventure. It is wonderful to be able to read about two young men who learn to lean on each other for survival through some (literally) choppy waters. Their love and friendship is as inspiring as the adventure that they undertook. I loved the book and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
October 17, 2017
A fantastic tale of adventure for all ages!
Sean Bloomfield and his best friend Colton Witte graduate high school early so they can get an early jump on their post-high school plan of canoeing from a Minneapolis suburb to Hudson Bay in Canada. Their adventure has the ups and downs you'd expect and also excitement, comedy and despair. It reads like a novel...keeping the reader wondering "what's next!?".
What sets this book apart from many other adventure tales is, first of all, the age of the participants. Both eighteen and fresh out of high school you might expect a lot of immaturity and lack of planning. Your expectations will not be met. The two had been planning their trip for years and had a distinct blueprint before launching from Chaska Minnesota. There are some mistakes, like everyone makes, but what the boys learned throughout their trip is profound and obvious. The stories about the people they encounter on their travels are just as interesting as the trip itself.
Overall, anyone that enjoys adventure/travel memoirs would thoroughly enjoy this book. It's one of my favorite genres and this is one of my favorite books within the genre.
Sean Bloomfield and his best friend Colton Witte graduate high school early so they can get an early jump on their post-high school plan of canoeing from a Minneapolis suburb to Hudson Bay in Canada. Their adventure has the ups and downs you'd expect and also excitement, comedy and despair. It reads like a novel...keeping the reader wondering "what's next!?".
What sets this book apart from many other adventure tales is, first of all, the age of the participants. Both eighteen and fresh out of high school you might expect a lot of immaturity and lack of planning. Your expectations will not be met. The two had been planning their trip for years and had a distinct blueprint before launching from Chaska Minnesota. There are some mistakes, like everyone makes, but what the boys learned throughout their trip is profound and obvious. The stories about the people they encounter on their travels are just as interesting as the trip itself.
Overall, anyone that enjoys adventure/travel memoirs would thoroughly enjoy this book. It's one of my favorite genres and this is one of my favorite books within the genre.
August 27, 2017
I heard about this book from an article in our local paper, and noted that the author was going to be selling copies of his book at our town festival. I enjoyed getting to meet Sean and chat with him about the trip. I enjoyed his account of their adventure, as I had traversed some of the same ground when I was their age (the last 500 miles off the Severeid and Port route). I was surprised how much drama and excitement came through--I can tell you my journal wasn't nearly so interesting. I got a kick out of the story about the moose antlers. Our group found one too, but back in our day (1978) we could still bring it back to the US.
September 20, 2019
As I am from Minnesota, this adventure intrigued me. However, I never do things like this - but love to read about them! The trip that the two boys took was unbelievable. I realized that they got to their destination, as the book was written by them, but can't imagine all the hardships they faced. I really enjoyed reading the book.
September 30, 2016
This is a story of two young men going on the adventure of a lifetime! I have known about this story for a few years, but hearing the story in all of its detail has brought a fresh appreciation for what an incredible accomplishment this was for these two 18 year olds. It is a story of grit, determination, and perseverance told with humor, compassion, and great historical perspective! For 49 days and 2200 miles these two young men faced misery, adversity, and obstacle after obstacle. This inspirational story of triumph over nature's harshness and our human desire to quit in the face of unrelenting hardship and misery has many applicable lessons for life even if we are not facing high wilderness adventure. It was riveting! I could not put it down! Jim Vangerud
January 28, 2017
Amazing book! A nail biting read that I could not put down! Highly recommend to anyone.
November 13, 2019
Following in the footsteps of adventurers Severaid and Port in 1930, Sean and Colton graduate high-school early and depart on their epic 2,200 mile ordeal in late April, 2008 from Chaska, Minnesota on the Minnesota River for their destination of York Factory on the Hudson Bay. Why do I call it an ordeal? The weather was awful for most of the way and much of the canoeing was either upstream, through treacherous waters or down dangerous rapids. Whilst this pair had trained for the event, NOTHING could have prepared them for what they were going to face in reality.
Yes, this book is a little slow at times but I thoroughly enjoyed it. We get a real feel of the day to day monotony, the amazing few folks they came in contact with and the dangers encountered. Did it give me a desire to try and achieve the same goal? Absolutely not! How Sean and Colton kept going I honestly have no clue. Yes, they took breaks at times and enjoyed some civilization once in a while but that was just at the beginning of the trip. They knew that once they reached a certain point it was going to be just them and the wilderness. Did everything go to plan? Nope! You may well smile over the bear spray incident but these boys knew that they were heading into polar bear territory and were prime targets!
This book is VERY clean in content. (The lack of showers for the guys is a different matter!) There is no sex or swearing apart from one word as a quote from someone they met. Great book for teenagers as well as adults. Don't settle for boring, take an adventure in life. You won't regret it. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
Yes, this book is a little slow at times but I thoroughly enjoyed it. We get a real feel of the day to day monotony, the amazing few folks they came in contact with and the dangers encountered. Did it give me a desire to try and achieve the same goal? Absolutely not! How Sean and Colton kept going I honestly have no clue. Yes, they took breaks at times and enjoyed some civilization once in a while but that was just at the beginning of the trip. They knew that once they reached a certain point it was going to be just them and the wilderness. Did everything go to plan? Nope! You may well smile over the bear spray incident but these boys knew that they were heading into polar bear territory and were prime targets!
This book is VERY clean in content. (The lack of showers for the guys is a different matter!) There is no sex or swearing apart from one word as a quote from someone they met. Great book for teenagers as well as adults. Don't settle for boring, take an adventure in life. You won't regret it. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
February 11, 2020
A fairly straightforward adventure story, written by the protagonist, who at the tender age of 18, set off on an 'Epic Voyage' from Minnesota up through Canada all the way to Hudson Bay by canoe with his friend.
It's not quite as epic as it sounds though; the first half of the journey just consists of canoeing from town to town where, thanks to the publicity Sean and his mate Colton have garnered, they are showered with free meals and other generosity and subsist on cold pizza. It's only after they depart north of Winnipeg that the journey gets more 'wild' and they face challenges including rapids, navigational challenges, predators, and a severe dearth of supermarkets.
My disappointment with the book, and I guess the journey overall was that Sean and Colton just seemed to have too much youthful enthusiasm to cover crazy distances and get to the end rather than savouring the journey. True, in the latter part of the trip where camping is literally banned because of the danger of getting eaten by a polar bear, speed is a virtue, but I would have welcomed more analysis of their thoughts about the landscape, perhaps the types of people they met, cultural challenges, pollution, etc etc, none of which they share, in their great urgency to get to the end (of both the book and the journey, it seems). They do encounter challenges and these parts are engaging to read, but the bits I really enjoyed and were sadly cut rather short, were the interactions in the Cree towns of Norway House and Oxford House. I couldn't believe they didn't even spend a night in Oxford House. I would have loved to hear more about their experiences there.
All the same, an engaging read. I don't envy them the journey, but it sounds like they enjoyed it, even if it happened at a sprint - hey, they caught up with winter, they paddled so fast north!
It's not quite as epic as it sounds though; the first half of the journey just consists of canoeing from town to town where, thanks to the publicity Sean and his mate Colton have garnered, they are showered with free meals and other generosity and subsist on cold pizza. It's only after they depart north of Winnipeg that the journey gets more 'wild' and they face challenges including rapids, navigational challenges, predators, and a severe dearth of supermarkets.
My disappointment with the book, and I guess the journey overall was that Sean and Colton just seemed to have too much youthful enthusiasm to cover crazy distances and get to the end rather than savouring the journey. True, in the latter part of the trip where camping is literally banned because of the danger of getting eaten by a polar bear, speed is a virtue, but I would have welcomed more analysis of their thoughts about the landscape, perhaps the types of people they met, cultural challenges, pollution, etc etc, none of which they share, in their great urgency to get to the end (of both the book and the journey, it seems). They do encounter challenges and these parts are engaging to read, but the bits I really enjoyed and were sadly cut rather short, were the interactions in the Cree towns of Norway House and Oxford House. I couldn't believe they didn't even spend a night in Oxford House. I would have loved to hear more about their experiences there.
All the same, an engaging read. I don't envy them the journey, but it sounds like they enjoyed it, even if it happened at a sprint - hey, they caught up with winter, they paddled so fast north!
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August 19, 2019This was a very interesting, exciting, true story of these young men not yet done with high school, who engaged on this journey. I was glad to read that they had so much support while on their trip. Had they not had such good coverage so that people could meet up with them along the way, the story may have turned out differently. It is noteworthy to mention that anyone undertaking such an all encompassing adventure, should get a good support system in place, just in case the unexpected happens. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
April 6, 2024
Years ago I remember meeting Sean Bloomfield and his paddling partner, Colton Witte, on their trip up the Minnesota River ... the first of a few, including the only single woman and kayaker to do it solo, who made the Canoeing with the Cree trip from Minneapolis to the Hudson Bay. Sean writes a very compelling recounting of their trip and for me it was a fine page-turner of a book. He recounts their thrills and near tragedies quite well. His command of the story in words painting an incredible adventure was well worth the read. Certainly recommended.
December 11, 2024
Adventure North Sean Bloomfield 7 hours 31 minutes 4/5
This is a great nonfiction book about two teenagers' adventure paddling from Minnosta to the Boundry waters. 2 guys who are only 18 years of age decide in 2008 to take on this very long trip There is lots of action involved. I finished it in just a few days as it was something I wanted to just keep listening to. I did listen to it on 1.2 speed so 6 hours & 15 minutes. A bonus is that this free book if you already have an audible account.
This is a great nonfiction book about two teenagers' adventure paddling from Minnosta to the Boundry waters. 2 guys who are only 18 years of age decide in 2008 to take on this very long trip There is lots of action involved. I finished it in just a few days as it was something I wanted to just keep listening to. I did listen to it on 1.2 speed so 6 hours & 15 minutes. A bonus is that this free book if you already have an audible account.
August 19, 2019
This account of the author's canoe trip from Minnesota to Hudson Bay probably has its strongest writing moment right at the start, as he leaps into a description of a morning late in the late trip, where they're battling bitter cold, the fear of polar bears, and approximately one billion bloodthirsty mosquitoes. It's one of the few moments I felt truly "in his shoes", with much of the rest of the tale being interesting but feeling more at arm's length, and less impactful because of it.
November 21, 2019
Seeking to replicate the canoe journey of Eric Servareid & Walter Port in 1930 (chronicled in Canoeing With the Cree), Sean Bloomfield and Colton Witte, chose early graduation to canoe from Chaska MN to Hudson Bay. Although aided by modern technology that the earlier expedition did not have, the 2008 trip is still an incredible feat covering 2,200 miles in 49 days. My only wish was for more detailed maps covering the book in sections of the journey.
November 19, 2022
Inspiring
Sean and Colton are so inspiring and set such a great example to young people with an amazing adventure, gratitude towards people who assisted to make this trip possible, love of family and friendship, honest about frustrations yet unbreakable bond, love and positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your adventure and putting it all together to us all to read Sean Bloomfield!
Sean and Colton are so inspiring and set such a great example to young people with an amazing adventure, gratitude towards people who assisted to make this trip possible, love of family and friendship, honest about frustrations yet unbreakable bond, love and positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your adventure and putting it all together to us all to read Sean Bloomfield!
February 10, 2023
This is a cool memoir about two high school seniors who canoe from their small Minnesota town hundreds of miles north to Canada's Hudson Bay. It highlights the kindness and generosity of strangers they meet. It vividly describes the difficulties and tedium the boys endure. Some of the tedium and repetition were a slog, but that's part of the experience of a big expedition. A lot of readers who want to have a vicarious adventure will eat this up.
August 5, 2017
Interesting read. Beginning was a little slow, but tempo picked up as their adventure continued. Some questions remain - why did they decide to go on the trip, is their friendship stronger because of the trip, did they have any long lasting adverse effects of the hypothermia and what did their parents think of the trip?
November 30, 2017
A very fun and lively read. You'd think it'd be tough to write about 2 high school kids canoeing all the way up from Chaska, MN, to Hudson Bay, but Bloomfield pulled it off. Very entertaining. Every twist and turn from the guy at the bar to navigating a beaver dam makes the story move along at a nice clip. Well done.
December 21, 2017
This book was an adventure to read. I really enjoyed it and i hope it inspires more young people to get out and at least enjoy nature. The only thing that kind of was like a sore thumb was the drinking. I wish it was not included. Not a good for a teenager to think it's ok to drink. Good book all in all.
July 9, 2019
Powerful read
I liked that this book was a day by day description of events. Sometimes it was a little slow but I understood that every day can't be eventful. I began to feel like I was on the trip with them and felt the same emotion they did while on the trip. I am a hiker and can relate to some of their feelings. Well done!
I liked that this book was a day by day description of events. Sometimes it was a little slow but I understood that every day can't be eventful. I began to feel like I was on the trip with them and felt the same emotion they did while on the trip. I am a hiker and can relate to some of their feelings. Well done!
June 7, 2017
Incredible journey
An amazing adventure for two young men. Well written and takes you right along with them. If you enjoy camping, canoeing, nature and adventure, this is the book for you.
An amazing adventure for two young men. Well written and takes you right along with them. If you enjoy camping, canoeing, nature and adventure, this is the book for you.
March 18, 2018
The path itself is intriguing and sure to inspire many adventurers to repeat the journey, but the author does not give much in the way of he or his companion's development over the course of the journey, so it ends up feeling a bit detached.
July 5, 2018
Epic voyage!
I read this book a little at a time while on vacation and enjoyed it very much. A very real portrayal of what it's like to get out and do something very difficult just for the sake of doing it.
I read this book a little at a time while on vacation and enjoyed it very much. A very real portrayal of what it's like to get out and do something very difficult just for the sake of doing it.
July 12, 2018
Great Adventure Story
Sean and Colton, thank you for taking this adventure. Sean, you did a fine job of placing you travels in print. I have you a 5 star rating because of the fine way you shared the experiences the two of you shared together. Very best regards.
Sean and Colton, thank you for taking this adventure. Sean, you did a fine job of placing you travels in print. I have you a 5 star rating because of the fine way you shared the experiences the two of you shared together. Very best regards.
August 13, 2018
I met the author at an arts festival in a small town, and after hearing about his adventure, I knew I'd enjoy the book. The story is fascinating, and the book is well-written, too. Looking forward to giving this one to my 14-year-old son.
January 28, 2020
I thought this was very well written. At times, I felt like I was right there with the boys. I enjoy reading books such as these, because I am from Minnesota and live near the Boundary Waters.
Good job Gentlemen! If I was younger, it would inspire to have my own adverture.
Good job Gentlemen! If I was younger, it would inspire to have my own adverture.
April 11, 2024
What an adventure
Really enjoyable. Makes me want to try it myself (ha ha ha)
Recommend for anyone that loves reading about other people adventures and wish we could go go on one.
Audio with hoopla- excellent!!
Really enjoyable. Makes me want to try it myself (ha ha ha)
Recommend for anyone that loves reading about other people adventures and wish we could go go on one.
Audio with hoopla- excellent!!
July 9, 2017
Amazing adventure! Saw them on Kare11 and just had to read the book.
November 12, 2017
Great book about Sean Bloomfield and Colton Witte's trip to Hudson Bay
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews