Laurie Apgar Chandler

When life took a dramatic turn over a decade ago, it was a moment of awakening for Laurie Apgar Chandler of Bremen. In 2015, at age 53, she became the first woman to solo thru-paddle the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a story chronicled in her inspirational debut memoir, Upwards. Laurie discovered she loved the author life. Soon, she was dreaming of writing about another expedition.

Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was two years young when Laurie embarked on a unique journey. After trekking the monument’s panoramic peaks on the International Appalachian Trail, she traded her hiking boots for a solo canoe. Taking the long way round, Laurie followed age-old waterways into the upper watershed of the Penobscot River’s East Branch, then descended its wild waters and quiet byways, through the heart of the monument. Hers is a story of shared discovery, highlighting the region’s ancient geology, rich history, and natural wonders.

For many years, Laurie has been grateful to call Maine home, treasuring the small moments spent snowshoeing, swimming, or discovering new wildflowers as much as her continuing grand adventures. A former research forester, Laurie currently works in middle school special education. Learn more or purchase her books at http://www.laurieachandler.com.

To sign-up for a Zoom link for this event, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov no later than 4 PM  on the day of the event.