Anyone who has ever wanted more information about traversing the Brokenhead River by canoe or kayak now has a book to turn to. Titled Through Field and Forest: A Canoe Companion for the Brokenhead River, this new book is the first paddling guide for the Brokenhead River.

“This book is really the result of my own frustrations in finding detailed information when it comes to paddling the Brokenhead River “ says Dusty Molinski, author of the book. “Countless sources of information exist for the Whitemouth River to the east and the Red River the west, but very little for the Brokenhead River between them, yet it has so much to offer paddlers. I wanted to change that.”

Over five years of research, both on and off the water, were involved.  “The natural and cultural history of the river is fairly well documented. However, this information is spread over many papers, reports and books, often within the limits of government boundaries. The river does not recognize these boundaries, so part of my research was to assemble this information together” explains Dusty. “Information as it relates to paddling was virtually non-existent, except that people have done it. Gathering this information required extensive time on the river”. The end result is a book that is truly of interest to anyone with a fascination for the river, certainly paddlers, but also non-paddlers alike.

In its 112 pages, introductory chapters detail the natural and cultural history of the river, complete with historic photographs and documents. Two pages of colour photographs of the river today complement twenty-eight maps that detail the portion of the river of interest to paddlers, from just south of the highway 15 bridge to the river’s mouth at Lake Winnipeg. Over 100 points on these maps show the locations of hazards, natural and cultural points of interest, parking sites and access and egress spots. The final chapter suggests routes and lists the common plant and animal species. “It is my hope that with this book, more people will discover and appreciate the Brokenhead River” notes Dusty.

Through Field and Forest: A Canoe Companion for the Brokenhead River retails at $18 and is available at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg and on-line at www.throughfieldandforest.com. 

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