Sigurd F. Olson's The Lonely Land
A Review by Brand Frentz
A recent attack of flu forced me to bed. In my weakened state I reached for a book I had been putting off (for 40 years, you could say, since it first came out in 1959). The Lonely Land is the story of a three-week, 500-mile canoe trip in Eastern Saskatchewan by Olson and five friends from Canada in August 1955.
The trip began at Ile-a-la-Crosse and ended at Cumberland House, two Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) posts. They traveled in wood-and-canvas Peterborough Prospectors, that were, Olson says, "made for the bush, and for roaring rapids and waves." After about 300 miles first north and then east on the Churchill River the group took the Frog Skin Portage to the Sturgeon Weir River, and followed it south to the Saskatchewan. They faced many rapids, made meaner because the Churchill was in flood. Some rapids they chose to portage, but most were run, with only one fairly harmless swamp on the entire trip. Wind was a major factor. Strong headwinds made their muscles ache. But it was fierce tailwinds that gave the greatest challenge, several times turning fast crossings into wild, desperate races, struggling to keep the canoe from broaching as cold waves wash over the stern.
The group paid close attention to the land they were in. They brought with them written notes by early explorers, and would often refer to them and read them out loud. Olson was interested and pleased that the features described, the woods and waters, had not changed in the 150-250 years since the early travelers wrote.
The trip began in wooded flatland and came onto the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield, familiar to Olson from his home in Ely. He tells about the land and abundant wildlife. They meet a few people-HBC employees, missionaries, and Cree Indians. Olson gives a full story about each, and each story is interesting.
In addition to the story of the trip and the historical and natural information there are Olson's reflections: on wilderness canoe trips, the Churchill River country and its inhabitants, and much more. The comparison of wilderness and civilization is a major theme; his five companions are important men in government and business for whom the trip is a revitalizing escape from Modern Civilization. Olson of Ely marvels at how quickly these men forget their "real" lives as the wilderness draws them in, and how their spirits soar-good humor, frank enjoyment, and camaraderie are almost constant during the trip.
The book is illustrated by Francis Lee Jaques with pen-and-ink drawings that remind you that sometimes simple sketches are more evocative than the finest color photography.
Sigurd Olson was born in 1899. In his centennial year of 1999 the University of Minnesota Press published a complete set of Olson's seven books in paperback at $15 apiece. This one is certainly worth it. The Lonely Land (and all the others) should be available in good book and outdoor stores.
