PrefaceAcknowledgmentsPreambleSection I: Maukinauk -- Creation of Land, Balance and Harmony- The Physical Setting- Geology and Glaciation- Forest Type and Vegetation- Climate- Fauna- Birds- Fish- Anishnabeg History- White HistorySection II: Being Prepared -- Things You Should Know- No Trace Camping- Canoes and Equipment- Nature Observation- Road Shuttle Distances- General Information About Train Travel- Emergency Locating Transmitters- Insects- Missinaibi Provincial ParkSection III: How to Use This Book- Rating River Difficulty and Skill Level- Rapid Classification Charts- Detailed Rapid MapsSection IV: Alternate Routes- Shumka to Missanabie Canoe Routes- Lake Missinaibi Circle Route- Little Missinaibi RiverSection V: The Journey- Michipicoten River- Superior Coast - Journey to the Northern Sky- Missinaibi and Moose Rivers- Lake Missinaibi to Peterbell- Peterbell t Mattice- Greenhill Rapids- Mattice to MoosoneeSection VI: Afternotes- Trip Log- Check List- Menu Chart- River Notes- Place Names- Bibliography- About the Author- DirectoryMAPS- Overview Reference Area- Geological Setting- Waterflow Overview- Forest Type and Vegetation- Climatic Zones- Ice Break-up- Winds- Precipitation Patterns- Canada Geese Migration- Area Drainage- Wildlife Areas- Superior East- Train and Road Access- General Map Details- Dog Lake Area Overview- Shumka to Missinaibi Lake Canoe Route- Missiniabi Lake- Little Missiniabi Lake- Little Missiniabi River- Michipicoten River- Dog Lake to Missinaibi Lake- Missinaibi River Overview- Missinaibi River (30 River Maps) The legendary Missinaibi River runs north from Lake Superior to the arctic waters of James Bay. Like many northern rivers, the Missinaibi appeals to seasoned paddlers for the white-knuckle exhilaration of navigating miles of challenging rapids. Other routes along the Michipicoten-Missinabi river corridor offer quieter options for paddlers at any level of experience and ability.Trips include:- Shumka to Missanabie- Lake Missinaibi Circle- Little Missinaibi River- Michipicoten River- Superior Coast- Missinaibi River- Moose River- Lake Missinaibi to Peterbell- Peterbell to Mattice- Greenhill Rapids- Mattice to MoosoneeEach trip is a breathtaking expedition through unforgettable wilderness settings. Preface It is difficult for me to comprehend how quickly time has elapsed since this book was first published in 1994. And with that personal acknowledgement comes the sudden realization that it has, in fact, been a full decade since I last paddled the river. And although I have a penchant for forgetting to pay bills, and a memory incapable of storing the names of people whom Ive just met, I have no difficulty remembering every detail about this glorious river -- the important things in life. Each river tells a story. The Missinaibi River barely has time to catch its breath between tales of historic relevance, comic relief, tragedy and joy Ive been a recipient of these chronicles and fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to look deeper into the character of the Missinaibi, wherein lay a message for us all. When the number of deaths along the river corridor were brought to the attention of the Toronto Star, who did a front-page feature entitled Missinaibi -- River of Death in the spring of 1994, and the Ontario Coroners office, it precipitated a chain reaction through all levels of provincial and federal governments. Public consciousness was raised about the duty of care regarding the increased flow of adventure-related tourism on our remaining wild frontiers. Research concluded that 17 of 34 deaths over a 14-year period could have been prevented had the adventurers been supplied with appropriate navigational aids such as updated topographical maps. Prior to the release of the Missinaibi guidebook in 1994, there had been an average of two deaths per year along the rivers corridor. This grim statistic remained static for almost two decades. I am happy to announce that since the book has been available, there have been (to my knowledge and research) no deaths. I have to assume that being forewarned is forearmed, with most canoeists favoring caution and sobriety when it comes to negotiating wilderness waters. This is a great river, and it no longer need be shrouded under a veil of death and misadventure. It is also a spiritual place, rife with rambling ghosts and prevailing mystery It remains unsafe only for the foolish and disrespectful. And as a Native rock-painting often conveys a deep lesson to the respectful observer, a river -- this river -- exemplifies the wisdom of the journey beyond what is visually apparent. The landscape is only a facade. The water that flows to the sea is only temporary Adventure and discovery can be found here, within its history in its magic, and in its vitality With this new edition I welcome those who have yet to paddle this waterway and bid them a safe journey down one of my favorite rivers. And I trust that every individual will continue to use this resource wisely and give it the deep respect that it demands. Hap Wilson Fall 2003 No other Canadian River imbues such a strong mystic and culturally provocative story as the Missinaibi. A powerfully charged, undeveloped river, paddlers can follow this historic and culturally important waterway from Lake Superior to James Bay. Prior to the release of the first edition guidebook in 1994, the difficulty of the river and the inaccuracy of the topographic maps led to the death of an average of 2-3 people every year. Since the release of the guidebook there have been no fatalities on the river. The detailed rapids drawings are classified according to the International River Grading System -- as all of our books adhere to. Also included in this guidebook is the Little Missinaibi River loop route -- a must see for those interested in Native lore and history. A note about all of Hap Wilsons Guidebooks: Although these are field-friendly travel guidebooks, they are written and illustrated to charm and fascinate the couch-traveler as well. For help on selecting routes, or about current guided trips taking place in any one of these Canadian guidebook favorites, please feel free to contact the author(s) as listed with each title. Find more information at our website: sunriseadventures.com. The legendary Missinaibi River runs north from Lake Superior to the arctic waters of James Bay. Like many northern rivers, the Missinaibi appeals to seasoned paddlers for the white-knuckle exhilaration of navigating miles of challenging rapids. Other routes along the Michipicoten-Missinabi river corridor offer quieter options for paddlers at any level of experience and ability. Trips include: Shumka to Missanabie Lake Missinaibi Circle Little Missinaibi River Michipicoten River Superior Coast Missinaibi River Moose River Lake Missinaibi to Peterbell Peterbell to Mattice Greenhill Rapids Mattice to Moosonee Each trip is a breathtaking expedition through unforgettable wilderness settings. A well mapped and documented guide to wilderness canoe trips in Northern Ontario appropriate for a range of abilities from whitewater adventures for seasoned paddlers to quieter and shorter trips for the less seasoned.
Deserves Multiple Readings, Detailed maps, Easy To Understand, Informative, Relevant, Very well-researched, Well Written
Best Uses:
Reference, Travel Reading
Describe Yourself:
Casual Reader
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Very helpful resource for people planning a wilderness canoe trip and looking at possible locations. I'd probably take it in the canoe during the trip, it's so detailed.