Mary Shideler, Author of The Kayak Lady
Long on spirit, Mary Shideler did not let her short stature interfere with a quest to paddle all
1,007 lakes in northern Minnesota’s Itasca County. Sometimes with the help of friends, but often on her own, she carried her kayak through brush, trudged across bogs in tall boots, and put up with hordes of mosquitoes and legions of wood ticks. Along the way, she also learned to trust her own capacity to overcome obstacles, including her fear of being alone. Her book, The Kayak Lady, is a collection of stories and photos—a mix of adventure and fun—that documents Mary’s experiences over 15 years.
Mary will share with our fellowship the spiritual experience of this undertaking. A quote from
her book: “I am most open to reflection when I am alone on the water in my kayak. There I
become a willing captive. It is never too easy for me to be still, but the rhythmic activity of
paddling naturally lulls me into a meditative state. The gentle routine movement encourages thoughts to visit through subtle channels….the listening is not just with my ears; my way-downinside secret places pay close attention, too.
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