I recently chatted with Joe Friedrichs, the author of Her Island. It’s the story of Janice Matichuk, Quetico’s longest serving park Ranger. I knew Janice very well. She was talented, wonderful, and amazing. Joe did a superb job capturing her life story in this book. If you haven’t read it, you should. It will make you smile.
Our conversation turned to canoeing and camping magazines, which are basically non-existent in North America. There is one (Paddling) in Canada, and until recently, none in the U.S.A.
Now, there’s a new kid on the block: Paddle & Portage was launched in January 2024, and boy is it a knockout! The emphasis is on the Boundary Waters, but it includes waters well beyond. Articles address all aspects of the paddling and tripping experience. Here are some samples from the first six issues: The Lure of the Lake Trout; The Spring-Fed Wonders of The Current River in Missouri; Canoe and Paddle-board News Makes Waves Across The BWCA… (a new SUP yoke makes portaging boards bearable!); Paddling Wisconsin’s Wolf River; River Paddling Beyond the Boundary Waters; Notes from a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail; Q&A with a conservation officer; Ice Skating Across the Boundary Waters Turns Nearly Fatal; Canoeing a very approachable big western river.
There’s a lot of variety in this slick, well-written, full-color magazine.
My motto is “skills are more important than things.. You’ll find both here, and more, in Paddle & Portage.
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Paddle & Portage offers a monthly digital magazine ($9 a month or $90 a year), a free monthly podcast about the Boundary Waters, and the P&P website (paddleandportage.com). The free podcast airs on the 10th of each month. The digital magazine, which features the ability to turn the page on a computer or mobile device, is available on the 20th of each month.
HARD COPIES are available at extra cost: There are two sizes: 8.5” x 11” (for reading at home) and a smaller 6” x 7.5” Pack Version (also, full color) for bringing afield. E-mail editor Joe Friedrichs (joe@paddleandportage.com) for details.
Bottom line: Great new mag. I just subscribed. Couldn’t resist!
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*My book CAMPING'S TOP SECRETS, 2022 revision, details practical camping tips and procedures that only the experts know. If you know just a few of these tricks, you'll be a hero to your friends!
*My teen book, JUSTIN CODY'S RACE TO SURVIVAL! mixes a fictional wilderness survival tale with practical outdoor tips everyone should know--a first for books of this type. Adults love it too! Now available as an audio book!
My 90 minute video, THE FORGOTTEN SKILLS details the most important camping skills. If you can do them all you'll be a hero to your friends!
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