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Book Reviews for Canoer's Guide
to the Middle Klamath River |
If you are one of those people who would rather be paddling a white water river than sitting home, watching the television event of the year (i.e., the Super Bowl, the Rose Parade, the Mars Landing), this book is for you. Like my brother-in-law, the Canoer’s Guide to the Middle Klamath River is enormously informative. But, unlike my brother-in-law, it is also credible, motivating, humorous and entertaining. Don’t be surprised if after reading the preface which, by the way, is also beautifully written, you find yourself in the driveway at midnight fitting your boat rack to the roof of the car. Never mind that your next planned trip to the Klamath is over four months away; get prepared! Three of my granddaughters have now reached an age where they appreciate the special experience that only a river trip can offer. For the last two years I have struggled to find venues that provide the thrills and wonder of nature without compromising safety. We think we have located it in the Middle Klamath. Here is a section of river that provides enormous variety. Just select the rating and scenery that suits your party of boaters and head for the book’s table of contents; you’ll have a wide selection from which to choose. And here’s a little gratuity that’s almost too good to be true: the water is warm. You won’t be bringing home a lot of pictures of people trying to smile thru purple lips. Not only does the Canoer’s Guide direct you straight to the best put ins and take outs, it talks you down each challenging rapid from tongue to tail waves. Need even more assurance? There is always the chance that you could boat with the author himself. He’s seldom far from the river. A few "don'ts": Don’t loan out your copy of the book! Odds are, you won’t get it back. In fact, don’t let it out of your sight! If someone wishes to read it, sit next to them ... on the arm of their chair if necessary. If that annoys them, tell them to ask for a copy for their birthday. Don’t get the book wet! Xerox the pages you’ll need and put them in waterproof covers. Don’t hide it on a shelf with other books. Leave it on the coffee table. It’s replete with humorous anecdotes and aphorisms. The author is a raconteur of extraordinary eloquence, wielding a pen with the same adroitness that he guides his canoe. Don’t waste another season. Pick up a copy of the book. I did. It may be the slickest canoe maneuver you ever made. Chuck Endres |
| If you’re going to boat the Klamath River, take
along a copy of this book. Nowhere else will you find such a neat distillation of the
lessons learned in thirty years of running the same water. Whether you raft, canoe, or
kayak, you’ll find this book a joy to read and a jewel to have with you. Thomas Ward |
| Take full advantage of Neil Rucker's experience when you
plan your next canoe trip on the middle Klamath. There are so many great runs in this
section of water for boaters who really love combining their love of wildlife with their
love for the art of open boating. Renee Ward |
| I began canoeing with Neil over a decade ago, as a
Scoutmaster bringing a score of boys up to the Klamath for a week's whitewater canoeing
instruction. And then we returned 3 times over the years. Using the first edition of
Neil's book as an in-depth guide, I've lead paddle trips down the Middle Klamath a number
of times. It is first-class and indispensable. And while the written anecdotes can't
compete with actually having Neil sitting around your campfire, they come darn close.
Highest recommendation. Bill Ashworth |
| As the author's wife and paddling partner for over thirty
years, I am a little predjudice. Keeping that in mind, you will find that this guide takes
you mile by mile down the Wild and Scenic Klamath River. The author's love for the river
is obvious and also his love for telling stories about the river and the wildlife. This is
not only a great canoer's guide to paddling this river but a great read. Accomplishing
what most guide books don't . . . You are there with the author on this beautiful river. Jo Rucker |
NEW 2009 Edition! Canoer's Guide to the Wild and Scenic Middle Klamath River by Neil Rucker. 236 pages, full color, paperback. $36.00 including tax, shipping and handling. Forward by Bill Cross. This compact guidebook is a mile by mile description of the 120 miles of river between Iron Gate River Access and Ishi Pishi Falls. Detailed maps, historical commentary, and wildlife notes make this a must-have for any canoeist interested in this spectacular Northern California river. We now accept all major credit cards and PayPal!
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| Or buy it on AMAZON.COM Or order by email: canoewest@snowcrest.net |
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