Paddling My Own Canoe

In 1958, while flying from one island to another, Audrey Sutherland saw the remote and roadless northeast side of Mokoka'a, with its spectacular sea cliffs and waterfalls. Always an adventurer, she decided that she must find a way to explore this then inaccessible area. After much study, she determined that the best way for her to navigate these treacherous sea walls was to swim while towing  a raft, then paddling a kayak. This is the story of fulfilling her dream, of planning then implementing, of launching and advancing, of retreating and reconnoitering, or challenge and success. This is the story of the trip that convinced her that personal growth comes the one goes simple, goes solo, goes now.

This commemorative edition of the book originally published in 1978, along with companion book Paddling North celebrates Sutherland's legacy and continuing inspiration for women and adventurers everywhere. 

Original watercolor illustrations by Yoshiko Yamamoto. Published by Patagonia Inc.