Upwards: The story of the first woman to solo thru-paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

by Laurie Apgar Chandler

Dreams, even improbable ones, deserve a chance to shine. In the summer of 2015, at age 53, Laurie Apgar Chandler became the first woman to solo thru-paddle New England’s Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Traveling 740 miles alone in a small canoe, she encountered challenges, expected and unexpected, that pushed her to the limits of her courage and endurance. But for every moment of wild weather, upstream struggle, or exhausting portage, there was the joy of seeing nature in all its glory and drama.


“In Upwards ,” writes V. Paul Reynolds of the Northwoods Sporting Journal , “you get more for the price of the book than just a good outdoor story. Chandler can write as skillfully and passionately as she paddles! A must read for paddlers, and a quality reading experience for anyone who likes the natural world and values thoughtful, sensitive prose.”


Hop into the author’s 13-foot canoe for an intimate look at the landscapes, history, and wildlife of waterways that have been travelled since the dawn of history. Providing one of the first looks at the country’s longest mapped inland paddling route, this tale weaves faith, nature, and the goodness of people into an inspiring adventure on storied waterways from the Adirondacks to the Allagash.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2018

About the author

Laurie Apgar Chandler's love for wilderness paddling blossomed after 40, when she moved to Maine with her two children. Inspired to write by the beauty of the woods and waters, she began journaling, drawing inspiration from her work in forestry and education, and her faith. In the summer of 2015, at 53, Laurie became the first woman to solo thru-paddle New England's 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Laurie lives with her parents in their Bremen, Maine log cabin. She has shared her story with a wide variety of audiences, including civic organizations, libraries, churches, boating and outdoor clubs, and L.L. Bean. Upwards is her first book.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this, signed, from the author at our local independent bookstore around Christmas. I wasn't sure if or when I would read it but really wanted to support a Maine author's efforts. I picked it up last week for a quick read and was so pleasantly surprised at being engrossed in this real tale of adventure, made more interesting by recognizing many of the place names and having seen a few of them. I've even canoed on Lake Chesuncook! Laurie's trip was a true thing of effort and inspiration. I so appreciate her sharing the natural beauty of Maine's north woods which such sensitivity and love.

[Kate Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Read this and learn. She's amazing.

This book was a story of adventure, determination, live and endurance. Engaging, and informative, I felt like I was with her. I loved that she tied the route to Native American and more modern history along the rivers. I have so much respect for her as an athlete, and a person. I'm sorry to say goodbye!