Kayaking the Full Moon: A Journey Down the Yellowstone River to the Soul of Montana

by Steve Chapple

This chronicle of the author's kayaking trip down the length of the Yellowstone River combines a stirring portrait of Montana and its people with a powerful vision of what an unspoiled America might look and feel like. First serial to New York Times Sunday travel section and the San Francisco Examiner Chronicle.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rambling, meandering journey along the Yellowstone River, which was sort of accomplished, but not really. Almost a coming of age story with small children. Some historical tidbits thrown in along the way, the story meanders as much as the journey.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kayaking the Full Moon was written in the early 1990's so I did have to keep reminding myself that some things have changed since then i.e. technology, but I get frustrated with people who jump into doing these awesome adventures but aren't really prepared for them. The author and his wife, parents of small children decide to move to Montana. As part of the move, they decide to kayak the Yellowstone River with kids in tow but are surprised that they can't find a nanny/babysitter as they start out by just putting an ad in the paper. It doesn't sound like they asked friends/relatives/day care sources but were surprised when they got only 3 applicants, hired one that didn't last long. Then found another but was short term. Not having a lot of background in kayaking, they did better at hiring teachers/guides - actually seemed like they put more effort into that then into babysitters. They want to paddle the entire length of the river but they start in the fall and seem surprised, again, that Montana weather gets cold, rivers freeze. They try many different types of kayaks & rafts, camper &tents, again, highlighting their inexperience. It might have been a better idea to have made the move back to Montana first, gained experience with kayaking, found trusted guides to babysitters, gotten to know what would be best equipment for the entire process. The actual experience of the river was interesting and loved that he included a good map to follow the written journey.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I've had on my shelf for TWO decades, but finally read. In the genre of Wild, it's the memoir of a man from Montana who travels the ENTIRE length of the Yellowstone River in Montana in search of a new chapter for his young family and a connection with his roots (yes, that's a place it definitely improves on Wild). For anyone who has spent a lot of time in Montana, it's a really great read. The landscape, the history, the narrative all speak to a special place. I was reading a "advanced proof" so imagine the actual book has some adjustments that improved upon it, but felt it was a solid read for anyone who loves Montana.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's big parts of this book that have nothing to do with kayaking. He talks a lot about Indians of the area and a bunch of other stuff, but it's mostly interesting. I think it is cool that he took his wife and kids along instead of going off on a junket leaving them home. He kind of writes in that good buddy Montana fashion which you will recognize if you have read similar books. Like he's writing it for his pals, and you are supposed to already know some of what he's telling you about.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayaking the full moon, a journey down the Yellowstone River to the soul of Montana by Steve Chapple
What I liked about this book was not only the descriptions of what was being experienced but words and phrases of achieving the kayaking.
The terms were explained so you can picture the author actually doing them on the river downward.
Lots of animals they came across.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Tom Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trip itself is mostly haphazard, disorganized with too much time in motels and chasing todlers. That being said, I liked the history being told of Montana, his family, the Indians, the explorers, interesting Montanans and various sidetracking. Well written, but not the type of river run that I expected.

[Jeff Youngstrom]

(December 28, 1995)