River of Fire: Conflict and Survival on the Seal River

by Hap Wilson

New York's Men's Journal Magazine hired a studio photographer from Brooklyn, a post-master/writer from Thermond West Virginia and two Canadian river guides to paddle one of the country's most dangerous whitewater rivers - the Seal in northern Manitoba, for the purpose of publishing the quintessential Canadian adventure story. Add to this unlikely melange of characters, the possibility of capsizing in freezing water, the threat of polar bears, a midnight sail down Hudson Bay and Manitoba's worst boreal wild fire, this chronicle will carry the reader to the extreme edge of exploration.

Genres: Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2017

About the author

Hap Wilson is one of Canada's most well known wilderness guides and has traveled more than 60,000 km across Canada by canoe. Author of 14 books and numerous feature articles about nature and the outdoors, Wilson taught Pearce Brosnan how to paddle a canoe and throw a knife for the Attenborough movie "Grey Owl". Wilson's illustrated book "Voyages - Canada's Heritage Rivers" won the Natural Resources Council of America Award for best environmental book. Recipient of the Bill Mason Award for Lifetime Achievement in River Conservation, Wilson is also co-founder of the environment group Earthroots. Hap Wilson is an International Fellow of the prestigious Explores Club & the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and a member of the Writers Union of Canada. Wilson is also an award winning artist and photographer.

Reviews

[Jonathan Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I was challenged to continued reading the novel as I was conflicted by the author's constant unease with his colleague. Did I really want to read a book about someone complaining due to his unfortunate choice of a partner? Not really... yet my sister told me that I should push so, so I did.

I was ultimately very happy with the book as it brought me to a distant part of the country that I have yet to explore. A part that I think few have had the opportunity or the courage to explore. The harsh conditions amidst disagreement between partners make for an interesting tale.

The novel left me eager to venture out to the Seal River if the chance ever presents itself.

[Trebor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author Hap Wilson described the Seal River is broad and vibrant strokes and caused me to long for a real visual of the arctic boreal vistas. The daily dangers and tensions kept me ever turning the pages in apprehension of each conclusion. He (Hap) was an experienced guide and outdoorsman but his pick of assistants exposed his weakness in assessing personalities. There were two professional photographers on this expedition and I found myself feeling somewhat cheated by seeing not one photo in the pages. A few photos would have elevated this book to the next level. One more head scratcher is why the author left Dawson with the job of procuring train tickets after the behavior he exhibited during the expedition? Bizarre!

[Joshua Sannar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hap Wilson does a good job on taking us on a journey down the Seal River in Manitoba, Canada during the Spring of 1994. I enjoyed reading his book, and going along for the ride with 2 Americans who have no idea what they got themselves into.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure (either in person or armchair), and/or enjoy learning more about the North. I am a person who enjoys both, especially since I live in the rural North.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I met the author at the Outdoor adventure show, and asked him which one he recommended. He suggested this book, as he was proud that he was able to include the history of the Dene and the conflicts between the cultures in the north.
I really enjoyed it, it was suspenseful, engaging, and I learnt a bit about the northern communities. I would recommend this book, it made me want to be out on the water!

[Matt Cote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, no-nonsense and visceral recounting of a near-disastrous expedition down the Seal River, North of Churchill Manitoba, while wildfires and disent in the camp smolder.

Very personal account on the author's part, and gives a crystal-clear view into his head and personality when leading a major expedition.

Makes me want to do more wilderness trips, and to get into some whitewater.

[Jason Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. Interesting insights into First Nations culture and the abuses they have faced. And then a real adventure story and the human conflicts that occur under stressful conditions. I really liked this book.

[KL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read and would recommend to anybody interested in backcountry or Northern camping. Many pages spent complaining about his co-guide. At times, this helped explain the very real dangers of backcountry camping. But still, I wished those pages were more on explaining the trip ex. Route, wildlife, meals, history, literally anything else. This is still a very interesting read and would recommend!

[vali · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Wilson had included in the book some of the photos taken during the journey

[Steve Warhola · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding. Gripping, well written, a dramatic tale from a legend.

[Rachel Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab (bonkers) adventure story. Really enjoyed.