Book Review: Paddling My Own Canoe by Esther Keyser
I’m not sure I’ve cried so much reading the end of a book as I did when finishing Paddling My Own Canoe by Esther Keyser with John Keyser. The ridiculous thing is that I knew the author had passed away before I even started the book. However, from the opening pages of the book that showcased a humor and directness that immediately appealed to me, through the incredible journey that was Esther’s life, by the end, I felt a little like I’d lost a friend.
I didn’t read this book quickly, because it was one where I wanted to focus on the author’s words and really immerse myself. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely!
This book caught my eye because the idea of learning about Algonquin’s first female guide intrigued me. Think about how interesting it must have been to be a women guiding canoe trips in the 1930s. The reverence for Algonquin, and a firsthand look at how the park changed over the years, held my attention.
Yet, the most interesting thing to me was how Esther changed over the years.
Her zeal for life was infectious. Her desire to always go for what she wanted, even if it wasn’t the norm at the time, made her relatable. Her love for her family shone through the pages.
Having started this book while camping at Algonquin Park, it was fascinating to read about her trips there before Highway 60 had even been constructed. To read her accounts of taking the train in, seeing the park during its heavier logging days, and how she got a leasehold granted so she could have a basecamp on Smoke Lake. It was such a fascinating look at life in the Park, especially because she spent nearly her whole life there.
Throughout the book she notes how certain practices used to be commonplace and once more was known, they changed: from can dumps, to washing dishes and people with soap in the lakes, to bounties on wolves.
I loved reading about how Esther and husband Joe (aka Minawaska) not only managed to find their match in each other, but how they managed to raise children without fully sacrificing who they were and live a life that was true to themselves. Their honeymoon canoe trip was one to remember, especially due to some big hurdles they had to overcome, including breaking their canoe.
This book convinced me I should keep more detailed notes from all our trips, to have for years down the road when I want to remember or share the memories. Although that said, that’s really been the purpose of this blog for 11 or so years!
Her discussion about her spiritual beliefs near the end of the book was also enlightening.
I’m left with all sorts of feelings after finishing this book, the biggest one being that Esther Keyser had a life well-lived, and I’m so glad a small portion of it was shared in these pages for the rest of us to read!
You can purchase Paddling My Own Canoe through various sources, but I think it’s most fitting to buy it from The Friends of Algonquin Park.
argosgirl
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