Good Read: New Book Documents 18 Trips on the Allagash

Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all who have experienced its wonders.  In “Discovering THE ALLAGASH– A Canoeing Guide to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, North Maine Woods” Jeff Sims does an outstanding job of portraying the essence of the Waterway, and at the same time informing future visitors how to prepare for trips both to and through it.  Jeff, who describes himself as a biologist, an environmentalist, a nature photographer, and an avid outdoorsman, has been a regular visitor to the Allagash since 1990.  The book documents each of his 18 trips there from 1990 to 2010, many to out-of-the-way places that most Waterway travelers never see.  Jeff expounds on the virtues and the opportunities these locations offer as “peaceful escapes” from the trappings of modern society.  Maps of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway include campsites and some of the roads providing access to it are helpful in following Jeff’s travels on each of his trips.

For anyone not familiar with traveling and camping in the Maine Woods “Discovering THE ALLAGASH” is a valuable resource to use in preparing for a trip to the Waterway.  It describes the variety of conditions to be expected there. In the book’s appendices, based on his experiences over the years, Jeff recommends equipment and personal gear necessary for a 7-day trip.  He also identifies the locations authorized for access to the Waterway, and offers notes and general tips that will help those planning a trip to the Allagash.

Experienced Waterway travelers will also enjoy “Discovering THE ALLAGASH”.  Jeff’s descriptions along with his photographs of the scenery, the plants, and the animals he encountered will evoke fond memories of places visited, sights observed, and experiences that comprise “Allagash moments”.  Jeff concludes that there is a lifetime of possibilities for trips to the Allagash.  So true!