Upwards: The Story of the First Woman to Solo Thru-Paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

In the summer of 2015, at age 53, Laurie Apgar Chandler became the first woman to solo thru-paddle New England's Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Achieving her improbable dream, to travel 740 miles alone in a small canoe, was by no means certain. Relatively new to wilderness paddling, she encountered challenges, expected and unexpected, that pushed her to the limits of her courage and endurance. Surprisingly, the scariest of these had a human face. Weaving faith, nature, and the abiding goodness of people into a captivating adventure tale, Upwards takes readers along storied waterways from New York's Adirondacks to Maine's Allagash Wilderness Waterway, proving that dreams are meant to be followed.
Reviews
"Chandler vividly tells of the NFCT's fascinating geography and history, while poetically describing the colors, smells, sounds and sights of the waterway's wilderness and wildlife, and the days and nights of quiet solitude. Throughout her beautifully written memoir is her clear message: 'Every day is a gift.'" -Bill Bushnell, Kennebec Journal
"A personal and mesmerizing account of a transformative paddling journey, beautifully written." -Kay Henry and Rob Center, NFCT founders
"Chandler can write as skillfully and passionately as she paddles! 'Upwards' is a must read for paddlers, and a quality reading experience for anyone who likes the natural world and values thoughtful, sensitive prose." -V. Paul Reynolds, Northwoods Sporting Journal
"I was hooked in the first chapter. Chandler's writing is compelling, and I felt a kindred spirit with her as she expressed deep inspiration and connection with the experience of being on the water." -Karrie Thomas, NFCT Executive Director
"Inspiring...her fierce determination...is amazing. A great book to take along on your next paddling adventure, but it would also be a great read beside the fire on a cold winter's night." -George Smith, Bangor Daily News