Arctic adventures make compelling tales in Frank Wolf’s ‘Two Springs, One Summer’
Two Springs, One Summer by Frank Wolf is a compelling memoir of Arctic adventure, environmental awareness and personal reflection.
In the book, Wolf takes readers with him on three remarkable journeys across some of Canada’s most extreme wilderness. He begins by traversing Baffin Island on skis, covering a distance of 230km. Wolf then embarks on a 1,750-km canoe trip across Nunavut. In the final leg, he attempts to retrace the 550-km overland route that explorer John Rae took from the Yukon to the Arctic Ocean in the 19th century.
Throughout the book, Wolf, one of Canada’s most recognized adventurers, weaves together his experiences of paddling rivers, hiking treacherous glaciers, and cycling across rugged landscapes with reflections on the broader themes of conservation, climate change and the importance of preserving wild spaces.
At the same time, the journeys are as much internal as external. Wolf’s reflections on the land, the people he meets along the way, and the impact of human activity on these pristine environments add depth to the narrative. He writes with a profound respect for nature, and his concerns about climate change are palpable without being heavy-handed.
Wolf strikes a balance between raising awareness about environmental issues and celebrating the raw beauty of the natural world. His passion for conservation and his commitment to leaving as little impact on the land as possible are threaded throughout the book, offering readers important perspective on sustainability and responsible adventure.
Two Springs, One Summer is shot through with Wolf’s humor and candidness, adding a layer of warmth and approachability to his writing. He shares moments of frustration, fatigue, and doubt, but also those of triumph, joy, and connection. His self-deprecating humor and honesty make the journey feel real and relatable, showing readers that even the most seasoned adventurers face challenges and uncertainties.
Wolf’s focus on the grandeur of nature leaves little room for some of the people that form an essential part of the stories. None of his trips are solo, yet the close companions on his journeys are described more in terms of their roles rather than their personalities. We don’t get to know them all that well, even his long-term travel companions. But when paddling hundreds of kilometers, skiing across ice fields or building a shotgun fence to keep polar bears away, what good is small talk?
What comes through in the writing is Wolf’s deep respect for his fellow adventurers and members of Indigenous communities who live and live and travel in Canada’s northern regions. They are kindred spirits who live for the next journey, for being out there.
Two Springs, One Summer is a well-crafted adventure memoir that will appeal to nature lovers, Far North adventurers and anyone interested in environmental conservation.
Wolf’s blend of storytelling, insightful reflection, and humor make this book a must-read for anyone looking to be inspired by the power of nature and the human spirit. Whether you’re an armchair traveler or an experienced explorer, this book will transport you to the wilds of the Great White North and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and responsibility for the natural world.
Two Springs, One Summer is published by Rocky Mountain Books
