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Where the Falcon Flies: A 3,400 Kilometre Odyssey From My Doorstep to the Arctic by Adam Shoalts
timothyneesam's review against another edition
5.0
Another gem of a book by Adam Shoalts. I’ve read most by now and Where the Falcon Flies is a worthy addition to his canon.
A chance viewing of a migratory bird leads Shoalts to travel solo, on foot and by canoe, for 3,400 kilometres, roughly following the migration path of peregrine falcons who nest in the Torngat Mountains in Labrador.
Falcon differs from most of Shoalts’ other books because much of his path is near urban settings. We travel with Shoalts from Long Point, on Lake Erie, into Lake Ontario, past urban settings including Hamilton, Toronto and Kingston.
Shoalts descriptions of urban wilderness are interesting (wild Scarborough; who knew?), as are history lessons that date back to the fur trade and Canada-U.S. animosity (balanced by the generosity of contemporary people who assist Shoalts through his urban passages). Canoeing in the company of freighters adds a new element of risk.
The book really comes into its own when Shoalts enters a part of Quebec where mine tailings make water undrinkable and food is almost impossible to come by (told with Shoalts’ studied nonchalance).
We get descriptions of conditions that would bring another traveller to their knees and the joy of simple pleasures (a flat surface to sleep on, hot food after travelling in the cold rain).
Shoalts’ descriptions of northern Quebec and Labrador are wonderful. The book finishes beautifully with sometimes terrifying descriptions of paddling through rapids, the magnificence of Torngat and paddling along seawater coastline. sometimes terrifying descriptions of paddling through rapids
Adam Shoalts’ expeditions always make for interesting reads and Falcon is no exception. This may even be his best book yet. Recommended for armchair travellers like myself, experienced canoers and wilderness campers would delight in this book.
A chance viewing of a migratory bird leads Shoalts to travel solo, on foot and by canoe, for 3,400 kilometres, roughly following the migration path of peregrine falcons who nest in the Torngat Mountains in Labrador.
Falcon differs from most of Shoalts’ other books because much of his path is near urban settings. We travel with Shoalts from Long Point, on Lake Erie, into Lake Ontario, past urban settings including Hamilton, Toronto and Kingston.
Shoalts descriptions of urban wilderness are interesting (wild Scarborough; who knew?), as are history lessons that date back to the fur trade and Canada-U.S. animosity (balanced by the generosity of contemporary people who assist Shoalts through his urban passages). Canoeing in the company of freighters adds a new element of risk.
The book really comes into its own when Shoalts enters a part of Quebec where mine tailings make water undrinkable and food is almost impossible to come by (told with Shoalts’ studied nonchalance).
We get descriptions of conditions that would bring another traveller to their knees and the joy of simple pleasures (a flat surface to sleep on, hot food after travelling in the cold rain).
Shoalts’ descriptions of northern Quebec and Labrador are wonderful. The book finishes beautifully with sometimes terrifying descriptions of paddling through rapids, the magnificence of Torngat and paddling along seawater coastline. sometimes terrifying descriptions of paddling through rapids
Adam Shoalts’ expeditions always make for interesting reads and Falcon is no exception. This may even be his best book yet. Recommended for armchair travellers like myself, experienced canoers and wilderness campers would delight in this book.
myrnaemily's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Very well written book. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
connieko's review against another edition
5.0
This was an incredible story of the Adam's solo journey from the shores of Lake Erie to the Arctic. By canoe and hiking, he covered over 3400 km, facing many incredible challenges.
It also includes some historical anecdotes, and displays the genuine kindness of strangers.
Whether you are an adventurous spirit or not, I think this is a fantastic read!
I thoroughly enjoyed following along on the journey!!
It also includes some historical anecdotes, and displays the genuine kindness of strangers.
Whether you are an adventurous spirit or not, I think this is a fantastic read!
I thoroughly enjoyed following along on the journey!!