"Who has walked this trail before me,
Traced by prowling beasts
And aborigines since the glacial recession?"
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Paddle Adventuring with Canoe & Kayak by Herb Klinger Trafford Publishing
book review by RJM Terrado
The thought of paddle adventuring for the first time is thrilling. It's pure bliss: the feel of a paddle in hands, the blue, crystal clear and sometimes, green water, and the furor in gliding over rolling waves and tranquility in rowing over calm seas and rivers. Klinger's Paddle Adventuring is rich with these types of description. It's a collection of poems inspired by the author's kayaking and canoeing experiences. The book is remarkably accommodating. Its poems are easy to read, educational and with a hint of humor. All readers really need is some appreciation for an adventure, and voila, they will be out in natural environments experiencing and appreciating the author's tales.
The strength of Klinger’s poems is a developed depth of feeling without violating the realistic element of his experiences. Each poem leaves the reader with a sense of completion and fulfillment. In short, a connection with nature and with the author and what he does is effectively communicated to the reader. The author's ample use of photos and simple words has made his very specialized sports understandable to the general public.
Paddle Adventuring with Canoe & Kayak shares practical wisdom for kayaking and canoeing. Since they are recreational activities, the book can be of use to explorers, naturalists, casual paddlers, or to a family wanting a different experience. It can also be of value to bird-watchers and wildlife photographers as the book brings them into environments rich in pelagic and shoreline wildlife. The author's simple and entertaining approach makes this book marketable both to younger and older paddlers with little or no experience.