Dentist-turned-“bush pilot” GEORGE ERICKSON flies his Piper Cub seaplane into the far reaches of the north. With a couple of close calls, Erickson sets up camp on unexplored lakes and rivers, fishes for trout, struggles with bad weather, overflies forest fires, and and mingles with polar bears, killer whales, musk oxen, and caribou.
In the spirit of other great aviators, he leaves the comfort of traditional general aviation and pushes the limits a little. He is an engaging traveling companion and captures travel in Canadian sub-arctic really well. Most pilots are content with flying to a restaurant a few hundred miles from home. But, Erickson goes farther and flies were most think it might be too dangerous and unknown. Which is my attraction to the book.
He intermingles personal detail, scientific observation, and historical facts–and tells some stories of previous explorers. This rounds out the story well. From an adventure standpoint, his travel is a little unremarkable, but he does well to tell a story weaving other stories and interesting information. The book will do well for current and aspiring pilots. Armchair travellers will also find the book a good read.
I recommend.
Let me know if you have any suggested reads! Have you read True North? Post your thoughts below!
Published 2015 – available in print only.
Audiobook – N/A
