Paddling My Own Canoe: A Solo Adventure On the Coast of Molokai

(Paperback)

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Description

Go Simple, Go Solo, Go Now

In 1958, while flying from one island to another, Audrey Sutherland sees the remote and roadless northeast side of Molokai, with its spectacular sea cliffs and waterfalls. Always an adventurer, she decides that she must find a way to explore this then inaccessible area. After much study, she determines that the best way for her to navigate these treacherous sea walls is to swim while towing an inflatable kayak. This is the story of fulfilling her dream, of planning then implementing, of launching and advancing, of retreating and reconnoitering, of challenge and success. This is the story of the trip that convinced her that personal growth comes when one goes simple, goes solo, goes now.

Reviews

For mainlanders, a pleasant, friendly introduction to lush new scenery and a one-of-a-kind sensibility. -- Kirkus * Kirkus *
The importance of this book lies in its narrative of one woman's drive to test her limits against unforgiving elements, and in the insight she gained (and shares) about herself and human nature. -- The Houston Post * The Houston Post *
The most isolated and spectacular seacoast in Hawaii is on the northeast side of Molokai. . . . Audrey Sutherland set out alone . . . . Her account is first-rate adventure . . . For the armchair traveler as well as the adventurer. -- Publishers Weekly review of the first edition * Publishers Weekly *
This is a splendid adventure story -- proof that the thrills of surging seas, dangerous cliffs, unknown terrain and isolation can be found in Hawaii. -- Honolulu Star Bulletin * Honolulu Star Bulletin *
More than adventure, it's a human being's joyous response to, and interaction with, the forces of nature. -- Honolulu Advertiser * Honolulu Advertiser *
Equal parts self-help book, environmental tract, and a reflection on ones mortality, this book is beautifully written and an inspiration to find ones own adventures, be they solo or with trusted partners. -- MidwestBasecamp.com

Author Bio

Audrey Sutherland grew up in California but lived in Hawai'i from 1952 until her death in 2015 at the age of 94. She raised her four children as a single mother, supporting her family by working as a school counselor. In 1962, she decided to explore the coast of Moloka'i by swimming it while towing an inflatable raft with supplies, a story told in Paddling My Own Canoe (Patagonia, 2018). Ever after she was an inveterate water traveler. She was also the author of Paddling Hawai'i. Yoshiko Yamamoto is one of the premier block printers in the Arts and Crafts style. Yamamoto's block prints are letterpress printed using hand cut blocks on acid free paper. She is the co-owner of The Arts and Crafts Press, and co-author of several books about the arts and crafts movement, published by Gibbs Smith and Chronicle.