They are American authors and registered Maine Guides, who have specialized in traditional wilderness travelling techniques of the boreal north woods.
A talented photographer, Garrett's slide shows are in demand by many museums, colleges, corporations, nature centers, and other organizations.
Before founding North Woods Ways in 1980, the Conovers had the good fortune of an extended apprenticeship with renowned Maine Guide "Mick" Fahey and have refined their skills by living in Canada with several indigenous families in the bush.
In an age given to the use of ever higher technology, they have chosen to employ, where possible, the more efficient and reliable materials developed by generations of woods travelers.
This guide to the skills of poling, lining, portaging, and ice maneuvering is praised as the first and only of its kind to provide clear, precise, and detailed explanations of these techniques used by wilderness canoeists.