Hilda Frances Young: Community connector

Liz Kranz is an intrepid adventurer who has given herself a challenge at 60! She decided to go the next step from camping in cabins with friends, and canoeing during the day, to canoeing with friends and family and staying in back country sites in Algonquin Park to finally at 60 plus canoeing and camping alone.

Liz has a photographer’s eye as she focuses on creating memories with photos of the natural environment in Algonquin park. Her book is dominated by photos of her adventures and complimented by the support from her daughter April for the artistic tweets in the book. Each chapter ends with the photograph of a paddle! Her stories of seeing moose close up, and carrying bear whistles create a sense of adventure, appreciation for nature and gratitude that she is able to see wild creatures in their natural habitat.

In the introduction to her book, she focuses on “Gratitude” to the people who supported her writing journey and those who have gone before. Her husband Doug for his editing help and guidance (plus help transporting her to pick up and drop off points for her trips, her daughter April for her artistry in the book and to family and friends. This is a family-oriented book as so many of the stories include family members and friends partnering her on the canoeing trips! She mentions Esther Keyser (1915-2005) the first woman to guide others into Algonquin Park’s interior, awaking her passion for paddling in the wilderness with the book she and her son, John, co-authored. “Paddle My Own Canoe.”

Kevin Cullen has also written books about canoeing and done you tube videos. Of personal interest to me is her dedication to the legendary Bill Mason (1929-1988) whose art, books, award winning movies, documentaries and teaching films inspired many to go into the wilderness to see the artistry and wonders of God in His creation. I remember watching Bill Mason films when camping in Ontario parks in the 1980 to 1990.

This book is worth purchasing if you love Algonquin park, creating memories with family and are aware of the necessity to balance man’s impact with nature. Algonquin park is timeless. It serves as a beacon of hope in world of increasing commercialism.

Kudos to Liz and her family for producing such a beautiful book that inspires older women to travel their own canoe.