I discovered Paddle and Portage the same time I was discovering Canoeing. After 20+ years of flying helicopters for the NG I decided to leave/retire from the NG and discovered that I wanted the serenity of paddling vs the excitement of flying tree top.
The writings in Paddle and Portage brought out some of the thoughts I had. I keep one of his quotes on the wall in my office "it is said that no one on his death bed ever wished for more time in the office".
Unfortunately the publication ended less then a year after I subscribed. I purchased a number of the older editions and when his book came out I purchased one immediately.
I read that his writings were similiar to Thoreau. I didn't know much about Throeau so I started reading his books.