Book Reviews

Summer 2008

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
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by Diana Mumford

Paddling the Waters of Vashon Island
by Biffle French
Lao Mei Publications, 2008
ISBN 978-0-9800636-0-8
$19.95, 216 pp, b/w photos and maps
www.VashonKayakBook.com

The title of this book makes it sound like a guide book, but actually, it is the running commentary of a novice kayaker as he experiments with paddling, is unimpressed, tries again, is hooked, and then explores his home waters, and so becomes an experienced kayaker. His exploratory paddles are documented here with personal observations about the history and present day culture of the Vashon Island area as well as what actually happened on each particular day. You won’t find point form lists of put-in points, relevant chart numbers, hazards and highlights, but you will find a highly entertaining, on-going story which might help you find your way if you decide to paddle off Vashon. If not, you’ll still find a highly entertaining story that may mirror your own love affair with paddling, and resonate with your own experiences. Definitely worth reading even if you have no intention of paddling the waters of Vashon Island.

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Paddle Your Own Kayak
An Illustrated Guide
to the Art of Kayaking
by Gary and Joanie McGuffin
Boston Mills Press, 2008
ISBN 978-1-55046-464-1
$34.95, 176 pp, hardcover
color photos and illustrations, index
www.fireflybooks.com

With more than 600 color photographs (some enhanced to clarify a point) and illustrations, Paddle Your Own Kayak is a beautiful as well as practical guide to kayaking for novices and intermediate paddlers who would like to advance their skills or reinforce past learning. Covering every conceivable topic, the book begins with relevant vocabulary and the anatomy of a kayak and a paddle. Other essential gear is described and thoroughly explained with photographic illustrations. A series of yoga poses that are helpful for maintaining balance and flexibility (and do-able on a sandy beach) are outlined and clearly demonstrated through photographs. Practical suggestions for carrying, lifting, launching and car-topping a kayak follow, and then a considerable portion of the book is devoted to paddling skills, strokes and rescues for flat water and surf paddling. Chapters on navigation, weather, planning and building your own kayak complete this comprehensive guide. As always, there is no substitute for the guidance of a qualified instructor and on-water experience, but for an introduction to a new sport, or for at-home study before or after lessons, this book is a valuable resource. With personal anecdotes and observations, the authors’ love of the wilderness and paddling shine through the practical information presented, and make Paddle Your Own Kayak much more that a simple how-to guide book.

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Paddling and Hiking the
Georgian Bay Coast
by Kas Stone
Boston Mills Press, 2008
ISBN 978-1-55046-477-1
$29.95, 256 pp, color photos and maps, index
www.fireflybooks.com

If you’re looking for new paddling and hiking places to explore, here is a just released guide to the coast of Georgian Bay in Ontario. Kas Stone, experienced hiker and paddler, outlines 38 excursions (from a few hours to multi-day expeditions) in and around the body of water dubbed “Ontario’s sixth Great Lake.” Colour photos and clear maps of each area complement each description, with access routes and points, historical notes and interesting features to be aware of. Up-to-date references to sources of information will lead you to anything you need that is not covered in this guide.

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Coastal Beauty
Wildflowers and Flowering Shrubs of Coastal British Columbia and Vancouver Island
by Neil L. Jennings
Rocky Mountain Books, 2008
ISBN 978-1-897522-02-8
$26.95, 320 pp, color photos, glossary, index
www.rmbooks.com

This guide to coastal flowering plants is presented in a handy format well suited to taking along on day paddles or expeditions (5 x 8 in., sturdy paperback cover and binding). The full page description of each of the wildflowers and flowering shrubs is accompanied by a color photo, and the entries are organized by flower color which makes identification easy. Intended for the amateur naturalist, this guide will answer the question “what is this flower called?” for a great many of the flowering plants you will encounter along our coast, which will add to your enjoyment of your explorations.

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Following the Curve of Time
The Legendary M. Wylie Blanchet
by Cathy Converse
TouchWood Editions, 2008
ISBN 978-1-894898-68-3
$24.95, 224 pp, b/w photos, bibliography, index
www.touchwoodeditions.com

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading The Curve of Time, this biography of its author will surely entice you to do so. Through research and assistance from the Liffiton and Blanchet families, Cathy Converse has traced Muriel Wylie Liffiton’s early life in Quebec, her marriage to Geoffrey Blanchet and their move out to Vancouver Island, BC in 1922 where she lived the rest of her life. When Geoffrey died, leaving her with five young children to provide for, "Capi," as she was called, rented their Saanich home for several summers and headed upcoast with the whole family (and sometimes a dog as well) aboard their 25 foot cabin cruiser, the Caprice. These expeditions were later immortalized in The Curve of Time, a book that has a place in the library of many coastal cruisers. In Following the Curve of Time, Cathy Converse paints a picture of a singularly independent and feisty woman who used her ingenuity and resourcefulness to raise her children on her own. This is a fascinating read for all those who have explored coastal BC with a copy of The Curve of Time in hand or have just enjoyed Capi Blanchet’s stories of her summer expeditions with her children.

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Kids Gone Paddlin’
The Young Paddler’s Guide
to Having More Fun Outdoors
by Tom Watson
Creative Publishing International, 2008
ISBN 978-1-58923-371-3
$12.95 US / $15.95 Cdn, 96 pp, color photos, index
www.creativepub.com

This guide to paddling is an introduction to the basics of canoeing and kayaking for kids aged 8 – 12. It provides beginner’s information in a colorful and easy to read format, perfect for the target audience. Boats and essential gear are described, and basic paddle strokes explained. Safety is emphasized throughout. A map and list of national parks in the US and Canada help to answer the question: Where Can I Go? If you’re looking to interest your child or grandchild in paddling adventures, Kids Gone Paddlin’ is a great supplement to the time you spend with them on the water.