The Lure of Faraway Places: Reflections on Wilderness and Solitude

by Herb Pohl, James Raffan (Editor)

The Lure of Faraway Places is the publication canoeist Herb Pohl (1930-2006) did not live to see published. But Pohl's words and images provide a unique portrait of Canada by one who was happiest when travelling our northern waterways alone. Austrian-born Herb Pohl died at the mouth of the Michipcoten River on July 17, 2006. He is remembered as "Canada's most remarkable solo traveller."

While mourning their loss, Herb Pohl's friends found, to their surprise and delight, a manuscript of wilderness writings on his desk in his lakeside apartment in Burlington, Ontario. He had hoped one day to publish his work as a book. With help and commentary from best-selling canoe author and editor James Raffan, Natural Heritage is proud to present that book, Herb's book, The Lure of Faraway Places. "There's nothing like it in canoeing literature," says Raffan. "It's part journal, part memoir, part wilderness philosophy and part tips and tricks of the most pragmatic kind written about parts of the country most of us will never see by the most committed and ambitious solo canoeist in Canadian history."

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jim Ballos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book years ago and have recently read it. The description of the land he travels on makes the reader want to be there and fortunately I have been able to paddle some of these rivers, hopefully more. Just don't forget your rain jacket, Labrador is wet.

[Mike Williams]

It was a good read, and a fascinating life that Herb had. I liked that he travelled "Old School" with just maps and his own wits.

[Robert Olajos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pohl’s memoir is the second best thing to going on a canoe trip. I loved it and only regret that I finished it in February, when my next trip opportunity is months away. Pohl takes you to some of the wildest corners of North America. His prose is raw and visceral, while humorous and self deprecating. If you are a canoe tripper, or an armchair adventurer, read this book.

[Michael Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great book. Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys solo canoe tripping.

[Eugene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written trip logs, with plenty of stories to get you excited for the canoeing season. Pohl went places that most of us can only dream of and did it all solo. He gives you some insight as to what it is like to canoe in the deepest, most remote canoe routes of Canada, and does it in such a humble manner that you want to grab your paddle and head there yourself. Raffan does a commendable job in stitching these trip logs together and helping us understand what drove this Canadian immigrant to get to know his adopted country's geography more intimately than most of her other citizens. An inspiring book.