Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Erie Canal and Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty

by David R Ellingson

This book chronicles a three-week kayak adventure down the Erie Canal and the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty. An epic tale is told with daily travel POSTS, reflective PONDERINGS, and stunning PICTURES. History, ecology, architecture, nutrition, justice and spirituality are woven together in a tapestry of travel and discovery down iconic waterways to Lady Liberty.

110 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2016

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've ridden hundreds or maybe thousands of miles along the Erie Canal on my bike, and have seen plenty of kayaks from my canal-side vantage point. But, though I am an avid paddler and a fan of long trips — camping or otherwise —I've never given much thought to kayaking in the canal. The novelty of going through a lock notwithstanding, it's always seemed boring. A long, straight line of flat water that is (how to put this charitably) not the cleanest. It's nice to bike along at 15 mph or so, and I've long wanted to spend the few days it would take to bike from end to end, but traveling that whole length at one-fifth the speed has always seemed dreary.

But no more. After reading David Ellingson's chronicle of his adventure paddling from Buffalo to the Statue of Liberty, I'm convinced that I'd enjoy such a trip. While the prose here is hardly crackling, this blisteringly quick read comprehensively chronicles Ellingson's journey and the mild adventures therein. What was most remarkable about the trip was the number of people he met along the way, many of them offering a bit of invaluable assistance. Restaurants, shops, campsites, and visitor's centers dot the canal. Ellingson wasn't just paddling through the canal; he was paddling through everyone else's experience of it. His meditative reflections didn't always resonate with me (he's a Lutheran minister and I am... not that) but they did hint at the kind of contemplative experience one might have on such a trip. Having read his account of his journey, I am eager to take one of my own. Look for my account wherever books are sold.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I picked this book up: On a display at my public library.
What I liked about it: This was a quick read of adventure, learning and pilgrimage written by an athletic professor who is also a Lutheran pastor and Master Gardener. The book is part travelogue and part personal philosophy. I especially enjoyed the earliest sections when he shares stories about Medina, Knowlesville and Brockport!
Overall impression: 4.0/5.00
Around the Year in 52 Books prompt: A book that takes place on, in, or underwater
Popsugar prompt: A book about or involving a sport (kayaking)

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.4 stars. I was excited because I grew up near the Erie Canal but my area was not mentioned. My favorite part was the pictures of the journey. It was too spiritual and personal for me to connect to. But I might try the author’s Mississippi’s book because he seems like an interesting guy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book chronicling Ellingson's paddle from Tonawanda to NYC. Entertaining and inspirational
I will look for his book describing his paddle up the Mississippi.