The canoe journey recounted here is actually a composite of numerous trips on the Bark River in southeastern Wisconsin that the author and his wife have taken since 1982. Author Bates (retired from Marquette University) describes a hypothetical journey on the river between spring and fall, integrating scientific and historical information on the river's geological history, its role in Native American life and white settlements, its later uses by industry, and current efforts to remove dams and restore the river. While some facts are presented through imagined dialog, other conversations are from taped interviews with real people of the region. The book is illustrated with b&w historical and contemporary photos and contemporary maps. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)