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Reading Bill's book Bill
Van Der Ven's book, Up the Lake With a Paddle, will
soon be considered the primary source of information
for novice and professionals who venture into the Sierra
by canoe or kayak.
As a California State Park Ranger for the past 20 years
I have been fortunate to live and work in some of the
most beautiful places on Earth. Reading Bill's book
whets my appetite even more to drop whatever I am doing,
grab my canoe and a friend, and take off on a canoeing
adventure to one of the hundreds of gorgeous Sierra
lakes.
Bill Van Der Ven's onsite research of each lake and
reservoir described in this book took more than two
years of exciting fieldwork to accomplish. His ability
to describe a wide range of natural, cultural, and historic
facts about each area speaks highly of Bill's training
as an accomplished working naturalist. This work should
rank him as one of the best paddling experts of the
Northern Sierra.
Imagine a book that describes more than 30 lakes and
reservoirs only a few hours away, outlining the colorful
historical facts, exact locations of unique plants and
animals. At the same time it keeps you on top of changing
climactic conditions and other potential hazards that
face the canoer. This book does that and a lot more.
Up the Lake With A Paddle is destined to become the
bible on canoeing in the Northern Sierra. I highly recommend
it for the dedicated canoeing enthusiast and weekend
naturalist's library.
Chuck Scimeca
State Park Ranger, South Yuba River State Park
Nevada City, CA
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