Unforgettable stories perfect for sharing around the campfire-now in paperback!

Camp Sights welcomes you to the intimate beauty of camps-quiet camps for fathers and daughters, familiar camps on a favorite lake with good friends, hunting camps with their rich histories and traditions, serene camps under the starry sky of a summer night, peaceful camps warmed by supper cooking on the stove.

You’ll experience the challenges and adventures of life in the North Woods-a chance encounter with Arctic wolves on Canada’s Ellesmere Island, a night on the Gods River on a canoe trip to Hudson Bay, a whiteout storm in the barren lands of the Northwest Territories. But you’ll also learn of the everyday pleasures of the outdoors-stories of steelhead fishing, deer and duck hunting, and unforgettable characters like canoe builder Joe Seliga, legendary trout fisherman Benny Larson, and Ely’s "Jackpine" Bob Cary.Throughout the book, Sam Cook offers insights into the subtleties of the natural world that all too often go unnoticed, inviting you to see your world anew.In 1976 Sam Cook trekked north from his native Kansas to work for an outfitter in the Superior-Quetico canoe country. Now, as the Duluth News-Tribune’s outdoors writer, he uses Duluth, Minnesota, as "base camp" for creating his humorous, powerful, and compassionate columns.

A collection of essays dedicated to the awe and solitude that can only be found in nature-now in paperback!

Step outside and marvel at the grand experience of the North-the power of a storm building on the greatest of the Great Lakes, the glory of Northern Lights in the shimmering night sky, the embracing, absolute silence of a snowhouse. Or stay inside with Quiet Magic and savor Sam Cook’s unique blend of sensitive portrayals and gentle humor.

Starting with his discovery of one of nature’s wonders-the simplicity of a stand of reeds against a wide-open sunset-and ending with a deep appreciation for the never-ending surprises of the outdoors, Sam Cook weaves a tapestry of enchanting images of the North Woods and keeps you smiling and chuckling all the way.In this long-awaited paperback edition, Sam Cook invites you to look outward to discover the North Country, and look inward to discover yourself."A special book about a special place." Jim Brandenburg, National Geographic"An uncommonly compassionate writer, Cook is arguably Minnesota’s best-loved newspaper columnist." Minnesota Monthly"The word pictures in Sam Cook’s latest literary sketch pad are poignant reminders of the depth of wonder and enjoyment that can be drawn from every experience in nature’s world." Paul Schurke, North Pole explorer

Memorable descriptions of the Northern seasons—now in paperback!

In this unforgettable collection of essays, Sam Cook portrays the enchanting North Country as a state of mind as much as a geographical area. Up North captures the mystic moods, seasonal subtleties, and colorful characters that fill the region from the Minnesota canoe country to the vast expanse of the Northwest Territories.

Organized by time of year, Up North describes every season’s pleasures—sled dog racing in winter, hooking a northern pike on the first spring fishing trip, building a summer campfire, watching the aurora borealis in fall. Up North is an invitation to explore canoe country through Sam Cook’s eyes and your own.