For some, heading up north means going up the shore or to the Range. For others, North is the Boundary Waters. And as far north as those may sound, the North keeps going into a distant wilderness that few dare to venture.
In the new book Where the Green Light Shines, author Ryan Rodgers recounts the life of Bob O'Hara, a canoeist who spent every summer heading into the northern wilds to places that are unfamiliar to most. "These rivers were places I'd never heard of," says Rodgers. "I couldn't help but wonder was this guy for real... Bob indeed was for real, he had done these trips, he had really devoted his life to paddling northern rivers."
O'Hara got a taste for canoeing in the 1950s in the BWCAW. Later on, he and three others traversed the Thelon River starting in the Northwest Territories. Things only seemed to go north from there as O'Hara and some courageous compatriots paddled the barrens above the arctic circle. "Many of these trips are taking place above the treeline, so they're out in the tundra where there are no trees, there are musk ox, there are polar bears," says Rodgers. "It's just this whole other world."
Even though O'Hara had over 100 fellow travelers over his half-century of trips, he was always consistent with his prudent approach, much of this wisdom showing up in unique expressions. "Keep the round side down," refers to which part of the canoe needs to be where, and "If you want to rough it put sandpaper in the seat of your pants," harkens to O'Hara's desire to be as comfortable as possible during these adventures. And "When the green light shines, you go," sums up the philosophy of paddling when the weather is good.
Rodgers will be at Zenith Bookstore for an author event from 7-8:30pm on Thursday, July 30th. Where the Green Light Shines is available at the event, and can be found at a variety of other bookstores and online retailers.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
