THE BIG WILDERNESS CANOE MANUAL

Cary is another advocate of low-impact wilderness travel, and his amiably opinionated guide points the way for ""the invisible canoeist."" He covers materials and styles (""there just ain't no all-around 'best' canoe design""); discusses paddle skills and selection (of the pricey Azzali: ""If I ever owned one, I would probably have it chained to my wrist""); and adds a whole chapter on ""How Canoes Tip People Over."" Also, advice on hunting, fishing, motor canoes, guided trips, repairs en route, the outcome of the revolution in tent fabrics, and the arrival of freeze-dried chow: ""From the standpoint of palate and stomach, these are the good old days of outdoor cookery."" Fresh.