Lucas Grundy tires of the larger world hes lived in for over thirty years where he was so successful and has sought relief for a summer in the place he was bornthe Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its sparse population, woods, wildlife, and lakes provide an escape, a peacefulness to think of what he wants to do with the rest of his life. To his surprise, he finds that the place offers him surcease from his complicated life, a place to live now in the contemplation he seeks. He moves to the edge of Mallard Lake, a place of solitude, good fishing, and abundant wildlife. It is also a place of violent weather, brutal winters, and long idyllic summer days that provide escape from the aggravations that drive his migraines and the discontent of his second marriage. He finds here too, Annie Fallon, twenty years his junior, the daughter of his late fathers companion, who is as displaced as he is and who, after caring for her dying mother, needs to escape the harsh life and her loneliness on the Upper and get back to the world Lucas has left behind. Lucas helps her grieve and find a new life in the larger world. While he does, they form an uncommon love for each other. Annies need to leave and Lucass need to stay makes her leaving emotionally difficult and confusing for both.

Swirling rapids and daring rescues. Forgotten maps and stolen canoes. Bigfoot encounters and yes, even canoeing with his mother-in-law. Gather round the campfire and let your imagination be captivated by these canoeing stories. Laugh at the things that went wrong. Live the suspense of each tale. Learn what (not) to do on your next paddling trip. Love both the adventures and the absurdities. Delight in Kyle Penner’s story-telling as he recounts 17 canoe trips from his home province of Manitoba. Marvel at the artwork of his beloved mother-in-law, Patti Enns, as she brings each story to life with her meticulous maps. And be inspired to pack your bags, load up your canoe, and call your friends (or mother-in-law) to go paddling.