Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #688124 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 213 pages

From Library Journal
Not many people, especially a solo woman traveler, would attempt to kayak the 750 miles along the Inside Passage between Alaska and Washington state. All the more reason for the adventurous Hahn to try it. Hahn, a naturalist and kayak guide, felt a call to do this trip but realized that she would have to do it in sections, over two spring and summer seasons. Sometimes fearless, sometimes terrified (of the currents, wolves, bears, and strange men), Hahn remains honest and thoughtful about her experiences. As her account reveals, she meets many generous people and a variety of animals and sea creatures on the trip and finds a sense of peace within herself. Her extensive knowledge of nature, native customs and legends, and the navigational history of the area nicely complement her personal experiences, while her eloquent writing allows readers to feel both the pain and the triumph of the journey. Recommended for all travel collections. Kathleen Shanahan, Kensington, MD
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Not what I expected
Perhaps I've read too many stories of epic journeys or "firsts," but Jennifer's trip, while commendable, seemed like "cheating." Taken in chunks over a period of years, with some sections paddled north to south and others south to north, when the going gets rough, the author hitches a ride on a boat - not once, but twice! Too cold or rainy? She pulls out her VISA and sleeps in a B&B! Granted, she does endure much of the discomfort (read: lack of creature comforts) associated with outdoor adventures, but it loses some of its "gee whiz" appeal when there's always a cozy boat or lighthouse not too far away. The descriptions ad nauseum of seaweed, urchins, and lichens turned edible delicacies had me turning the pages looking for real adventure. Her encounters with bears were nothing more than hyped-up fear of what might happen -- same with those nasty drunk men who never even came near. Granted, as a woman kayaker, I give Jennifer great credit for her trip and knowledge, but the claims are a bit grandiose when compared with actuality. Good descriptions of the natural beauty as well as kayaking with whales and otters, but I'll wait for the next book when she does it all in one trip without hitching or sleep-overs under down comforters.

An okay book
Author gives very nice accounts of historical, cultural and natural features of the inside passage. Also, her notes on edible seaweeds and other ocean life are excellent. Overall I found the book decent but nothing to be enthusiastic about. Her descriptive passages are often marred by jarring analogies, such as when she likens wind gusting on a tent to "pranksters lobbing melons" or when she describes the effect of current on her kayak as "like a dog hair being sucked by a Hoover vacuum". Also, on a number of occasions she oddly dismisses men as bigots for strange reasons such as not offering her a ride on their boat, asking if she needs help, or just appearing grumpy in the pouring rain. The author frequently describes speaking with wildlife and receiving messages in return and it comes across as very corny. Finally, the author kayaked the passage in bits and pieces over a two year period and although I can understand her reasons for this it took something away from the drama of other books in which persons give accounts of traveling the passage as one mammoth trip. I found that these things detracted from the reading experience.

I recommend Rick's book called Homelands, about a couple who kayak the passage. It's much better written. Also, Ivan Doig has a great fictional account of a group of 19th century swedes traveling the passage in a cedar canoe entitled "The Searunners". J Raban's book on sailing the passage is worth a look, too.

Jennifer-and-the-Sea
Adventurer, naturalist and narrator, Hahn takes the reader along through the spectacular scenery of a fabled coastline. Often pristine and wild, sometimes developed or abused, always interesting, sometimes scary. This is not another machismo assault of man-against-the-elements, this is Jennifer-and-the-sea. And she knows the sea well. This book is a good read. Inspirational and informative; enjoyable for knowledge gained (filling the plate at the "intertidal table") and emotions evoked ("At 2 A.M. I woke to hear food bags being shredded outside my tent..."). Spirited Waters is a spirited narrative of a modern grand adventure.