Laurie Apgar Chandler's love for wilderness paddling blossomed after 40, when she moved to Maine with her two children. Inspired to write by the beauty of the woods and waters, she began journaling, drawing inspiration from her work in forestry and education, and her faith. In the summer of 2015, at 53, Laurie became the first woman to solo thru-paddle New England's 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Laurie lives with her parents in their Bremen, Maine log cabin. She has shared her story with a wide variety of audiences, including civic organizations, libraries, churches, boating and outdoor clubs, and L.L. Bean. Upwards is her first book.