Hidden in the middle of the Upper Midwest lies an ancient area that is home to rare species, Native American effigy mounds, sinkholes, caves, cliffs, and natural spring waterfalls. Bigger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined, it's called the Driftless Area and is the hilly exception to the otherwise glaciated rule of relative flat. It also comprises some of the most breathtaking paddling trips in the country, including the Mississippi River, which acts as a spine connecting Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. Come join Timothy Bauer, self-confessed Driftless advocate and local author, to learn of the area's unique charisma and myriad charms.

Ever paddle down to a bridge and realize that you left your form of transportation at a different bridge - or at a wholly different river? Ever leave your boat at a bridge, run the shuttle, and discover that someone had stolen your boat in the meantime? Yeah, us neither. But ask Timothy, and that's another whole story - several stories, actually. If tragedy plus time equals comedy, come be regaled by a smorgasbord of schadenfreude as Timothy shares his "pro" tips on what NOT to do while paddling in equal parts amusing and bemusing. Whether you laugh or cry, you'll probably wonder why - or how - he still loves paddling as much as he does, let alone to have written a book about it and be working on another one.