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Paddling My Own Canoe
This non-fiction book is the story of Esther Sessions Keyser, who first visited Algonquin Park in 1927, and subsequently recorded her many memories during her time spent in the Algonquin wilderness. A truly remarkable lady who was one of the pioneers of the Girl Scouts, Esther donated the manuscript for Paddling My Own Canoe to The Friends of Algonquin Park. This book appeals to people interested in nature, history, canoeing, women's issues, inspiration, and of course, Algonquin Provincial Park.
267 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 1, 2017
Paddling My Own Canoe is Esther Keyser's engaing memoir about her lifelong love affair with Algonquin Park, from the time she was a 12-year-old Girl Scout from New York State until the very end of her life, when she was in her 80s.
In 1927 she went to a girls' camp in the Park, where she knew at once this was the life she wanted: camping, canoing, fishing, being immersed in nature out in the wild.
She made her own way as a camper, a canoe tripper, a wilderness guide, and a cottage-owner on leased land. Throughout the years she made numerous lengthy wilderness trips (with equipment that I would find cumbersome and uncomfortable today) in the company of fellow campers, like-minded friends and relatives, clients of her guiding business.
In 1939 (after one false start) she met her ideal stern paddler, Joe, who became her life companion and wilderness partner. Together they introduced their kids to wilderness camping at the very start of their lives, and the love of canoing has continued through two more generations (so far). One of her last trips involved 4 generations canoing together.
I've read this book a number of times, because I so enjoy revisiting Esther's many journeys--and her life journey. Some of her favourite Park places are the same as mine. I recommend this thoroughly enjoyable memoir to anyone who has ever canoed in the wild, or dreams of it.
It's available at the Friends of Algonquin Park website.
In 1927 she went to a girls' camp in the Park, where she knew at once this was the life she wanted: camping, canoing, fishing, being immersed in nature out in the wild.
She made her own way as a camper, a canoe tripper, a wilderness guide, and a cottage-owner on leased land. Throughout the years she made numerous lengthy wilderness trips (with equipment that I would find cumbersome and uncomfortable today) in the company of fellow campers, like-minded friends and relatives, clients of her guiding business.
In 1939 (after one false start) she met her ideal stern paddler, Joe, who became her life companion and wilderness partner. Together they introduced their kids to wilderness camping at the very start of their lives, and the love of canoing has continued through two more generations (so far). One of her last trips involved 4 generations canoing together.
I've read this book a number of times, because I so enjoy revisiting Esther's many journeys--and her life journey. Some of her favourite Park places are the same as mine. I recommend this thoroughly enjoyable memoir to anyone who has ever canoed in the wild, or dreams of it.
It's available at the Friends of Algonquin Park website.
April 10, 2009
This book was placed in my hands by a former member of Esther Keyser's girl acout trip. I loved reading about her adventures in the early days of the Algonquin Park. She knew from her first visit to the park at the age of 12 that spending her life in the park was what she wanted to do. As women were not permitted to be Park Rangers, she became the first woman guide.
The stories of the early days of camping without the amenties that we have today make my back ache.....no sleeping bags....hudson bay blankets were used. On good weather nights, tents were no used.......cooking was done over a wood fire, not our wonderful propane stoves of today.
The stories of the early days of camping without the amenties that we have today make my back ache.....no sleeping bags....hudson bay blankets were used. On good weather nights, tents were no used.......cooking was done over a wood fire, not our wonderful propane stoves of today.
February 9, 2023
At age 12 Esther made her first trip to Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. She made her last trip in 2004. An independent woman skilled in outdoor life, gifted with artist merit, and appreciated for her organizational and inspirational values, Esther's life was long and happy. Paddling My Own Canoe is her own narrative of that life spent in the park, Fredonia, NY, and Moab, UT. It is informative, entertaining, humorous, and poignant as she reflects on her role with the Girl Scouts, as a professional guide, and her experiences as wife and mother. But most of all, she reveals in stories, sketches, and extracts from her journals how vital nature was for her and how much joy she derived from numerous canoe-camping trips with family and friends. The book reminded me of friends I met in Idaho who were also avid outdoors people with a penchant for canoe travel. They would have enjoyed Esther Keyser's book even more than did I.
November 3, 2022
I read this book in my early 30’s and now am enjoying it again in my 50’s.
I love how I feel like I’m enjoying an Algonquin paddle with every chapter I read.
Excellent book appreciating Algonquins beauty and a inspirational spiritual woman.
I love how I feel like I’m enjoying an Algonquin paddle with every chapter I read.
Excellent book appreciating Algonquins beauty and a inspirational spiritual woman.
April 17, 2018
Loved this book! I read this book years ago when our local Girl Scout council was merging with another council. Esther was a truly inspiring woman.
February 23, 2026
This author loved Algonquin park so dearly. Very inspiring. I will definitely make it there at some point based on this book and I hope to be as enchanted as she.
May 28, 2024
Available on the Algonquin Park Website. Really love this book. I gave away my copy and had to buy another one!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews