About the author
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W. J. Becker lives with his wife and travelling companion, Ruth, in Calgary, Alberta. They have three children. He feels grateful that he was able to visit these three majestic rivers with the help of the guides of Canadian River Expeditions and Nahanni River Adventures. |
About the book
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Though modern science and technology have given us comfort and security, for many people, something deeper is also needed; something that takes us closer to our evolutionary roots in nature. This book will allow the reader to experience, from the comfort of central heating and plumbing, some of the world's most beautiful northern wilderness areas. W. J. Becker shares three wonderful trips on Canada’s northern rivers with inspiring, educational, and accessible photos and prose—whether you’re a wilderness enthusiast or an armchair adventurer. The experiences recounted here centre on voyages along three epic northern Canadian Rivers: the South Nahanni, especially memorable because of its legendary canyons and its mysterious history; the Firth for its austere Arctic beauty; and the Tatshenshini for its dramatic glaciers—all are rich in untamed natural beauty. The extensive collection of photographs included gives the reader a taste of the wonder of these incredible wilderness areas. |
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Rafting the Great Northern Rivers includes sidebars and stories about the natural history, the human history, and the geology of each river valley—from Klondike Gold Rush lore, to lessons for identifying bear tracks, to the strange and unusual sights of aufeis, glaciers, and icebergs.
These wilderness areas are a precious heritage and need to be preserved and protected. Becker believes that the wilderness regions of the world can provide great inspiration and enjoyment through ecologically sound travel.
These wilderness areas are a precious heritage and need to be preserved and protected. Becker believes that the wilderness regions of the world can provide great inspiration and enjoyment through ecologically sound travel.
REviews
"This is a lovely book. It is clearly written, with a nice balance between the descriptions of the author’s adventures and the wonderful photography. The North is part of our Canadian persona and this book transports us there. The sidebars on local history, geology and the flora and fauna of the places visited were both interesting and informative. It was also fun to read about the colourful characters in the North!"
--Margaret V Fast, Author of When We Were Hit By The Wind
--Margaret V Fast, Author of When We Were Hit By The Wind
“Rafting The Great Northern Rivers” is a clearly written, detailed, day-by-day account of rafting expeditions on three northern Canadian rivers: the Nahanni, the Firth and the Tatshenshini. It is an entertaining and fact¬-filled account of modern adventure through pristine, breathtakingly beautiful, northern wilderness, authored by Calgary neurologist Dr. Werner Becker, who was accompanied by his wife Ruth on each of these trips. The book weaves together an entertaining narrative with beautiful images of the stunning landscapes captured by the author and his wife. As Becker details each expedition winding its way along these fast moving and often dangerous rivers he provides interesting commentary on the local flora, fauna, and geology. The author blends the logistics and details of travel with fascinating side bars about local history. These include entertaining insights into the past lives of some of the rugged, colorful, and often eccentric characters who inhabited and explored this remote untamed wilderness, many of whom fell in love with the land and never left it. Some founded settlements that remain today. This book is very well written, entertaining to read and highlighted by magnificent photography. It is a must read and recommended for anyone who may aspire to sign up for one of these rafting expeditions. It is also enjoyable reading and a source of vicarious pleasure for those who are unlikely to take such trips themselves but wish they could!"
--Graham Fuchs
--Graham Fuchs
"In this well written travelogue, Becker and his wife take us along on wilderness travels where many have the curiosity but few have the stamina to go; the very remote north of Canada. Unusually fit and adventuresome, the authors provide graphic insights into the terrain and history of our Great Northern Rivers. The presentation has elements of whitewater rafting, canoeing, trekking, climbing, spelunking, survival strategies and pilgrimage; all richly illustrated with marvelous photos and carefully selected maps. The stunning travel experiences are richly augmented by scholarly tributes to early explorers and dignified acknowledgement of indigenous history and lore.
Make this a choice for this years reading!"
--Clarence Guenter, Amazon reviewer
Make this a choice for this years reading!"
--Clarence Guenter, Amazon reviewer
