Paddling Edna: How a Backyard Creek Provided One Couple Access to the Sea by Kayak: Book 1

by LaNae Abnet

Paddling Edna follows the daily journal of LaNae Abnet as she and her husband kayaked the 1600 miles from the source of the Wabash River to the Gulf of Mexico. She shares with readers not only the events of each day, but also the ponderings, observations, philosophies, fears, and exhilarations experienced throughout their journey. Rare is the tale of self-sustenance that revolves around a couple experiencing life together on an outdoor adventure, particularly an outdoor adventure that required the raising, preparation, and caching of their own foods. The two had to learn how to live and survive closely with nature and each other, and as a result, they grew as individuals and as a couple. Most of us have dreams that we know we’ll never be quite brave enough to jump off the bank and achieve. What will others think? How much will this adventure cost? What will I have to give up? How much time will I have to sacrifice? Are there dangers? LaNae had those same fears and struggled with how to achieve her dream. Then she discovered the Just do it! Experience LaNae and John Abnet’s journey right alongside the couple—and you just might be inspired enough to jump off your own bank and into a world of excitement.

481 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2019

About the author

LaNae Abnet has cycled the Appalachian Mountains, kayaked in the Arctic, train hopped through the interior Canadian wilderness, and paddled the big waters of Lake Huron. She is also the first woman to kayak the 1600-mile source-to-sea journey from the source of the Wabash River to the Gulf of Mexico. She and her husband, John, share four children and live in a 750-square-foot home on thirty-two wilderness acres outside of Geneva, Indiana.

Reviews

[Kelsey Fulton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is false advertising, if the book was labeled as a part of a series or part 1 of ?, I would feel less duped out of my time and money. After seeing the couple's presentation of their trip in person, which included several "you'll have to read the book to see what happened" pitches, you do not in fact find out what happens. The cover and jacket says " follows the journal entries of...the 1600 miles from the source of the Wabash River to the Gulf" and also quotes "How a creek gave one couple access to the sea"
The book stops one month into the trip as they reach the Mississippi River, not upon their completion of the 1600 miles or at their access to the sea. You get 500 repetitive pages of Indiana river bank with no resolution and an abrupt ending of "to be continued..."

[Paul K Binder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely needed to read this book!

I am planning to kayak 160 miles of the St. Croix River next month. The detailed descriptions of their trip has helped me with many of my decisions.

[Pam Mitchel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this book.LaNae is my high-school and on going friend. I felt like I was sitting at one of the campgrounds with her as she tells their story.