Norm, on the Powell River in east Tennessee. Norm loved canoeing and hated to swim, which made him the ideal boat dog.
From Ralph Bowden's Review of Liminal Zones in Chapter 16: "Trevathan chronicles his kayak and canoe journeys upstream from flatwater, current-less lakes and reservoirs to places where rivers rise above the flooding and come alive. It’s an elastic theme, allowing Trevathan... to range over a variety of writing types, from a straightforward, journal-style narrative to passages of both lyrical and gritty description, not only of the landscape but also of the people he encounters: campers, fishermen, river guides, and bystanders. His theme also leads to reflections on the meaning and role of rivers historically, spiritually, and culturally, and how unintended consequences often accompany tinkering in the name of progress."
Recent Feedback onPaddling the Tennessee River: A Voyage on Easy Water: "I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your adventure as well as your raising awareness about the plight of the Tennessee River... I went out this evening and purchased ten more copies of your book, which I plan to give to my environmentally-aware family and friends. Thanks again for a wonderful story and congratulations on having such a supporting cast of family who was with you along your journey." Ralph Comer, Brentwood, TN
Calm before calamity: first mate Maggie waits for the lock to fill on our canoe trip up the length of the Tennessee River in 2018.
Inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame, Sept. 2019. Sister Melissa and Mom Margaret attended. Photo by Catherine Bell.