Paddle to the Arctic: The Incredible Story of a Kayak Quest Across the Roof of the World

The preceding reviewer takes light account of the forthrightness of Starkell's account, as well as the supra human effort it took to complete his jounrney. Starkell is absolutely strung out at the end of it, and he gives a powerful account of his beateness, even though he succeeds. Its a heros voyage, challenging himself as he does, and its epic in scope. Yes it was a mad journey, and yes, it was possible he wouldnt succeed. But many have ventured less, and lost more. I think people should give Starkell a little latitude for his social faux paxs up there, and when i read about the reception he got at the DEW station, i thought, these are the people whose orbit he is trying to paddle away from. Reading also, the crtical account of his companion who parted paths because he was too 'driven', well, thats why he is the kind of guy who completes such a journey, and why his is a book people want to read, in contrast to on golden pond. to call a man who attempts this, who has the galls to go for it, in this day and age, with his arm chair e-critics, i say, Don Starkell, our time needs you, and i salute you. One day im coming to your door to shake your hand in Winnepeg.

Although I would never dare attempt such a treacherous journey fraught with so many dangers, by reading this book, I got an insight in the minds of Don and his companions as they attempted to paddle up to the Northwest passage by kayak. The book is a must read for people who love true outdoor adventure as played out under extremely adverse conditions. It shows what the human spirit can accomplish when guided by a vision, sheer determination and a "never say die" attitude. Once you start reading this book it is almost impossible to put down. I would highly recommend it.

He was so determined to get to his goal that he was willing to risk death. And it is not hard to die in the artic. It was truly enjoyable to read about someone's harrowing experiences in the unforgivable artic from my warm couch. Although he had a few breaks, like finding cabins just when he needed too, (I don't think that early adventurers had that option or GPS, and they died for it)he still faced the natural elements without wining and worked hard when others would have quit. This was a great adventure story.

Sure, there are adventure stories, but the magnitude of Starkells achievement goes far beyond an adventure. What he did defies the reality that the rest of us live within. 999 people out of 1000 would have died in two days. Ever been to the Arctic? Read this book for a gripping, inspiring, almost unbelievable account of what the human spirit is capable of.

This book is all that you need in order to stop dreaming and reading about life, and to actually get up and do those things you've always wanted! This man is a do-er. He was 60 when he kayaked, mostly solo, across the top of Canada. I wrote him a letter and he instantly responded. This book helped me crystallize my own 'dreams' and start doing them. Starkell's zest for life, nature, adventure, and personal discovery are awesome and inspiring. Polar bear and grizzly attacks, kayaking over top of whales, and the author's fingers and toes freezing off are just parts of this true story