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Joe Kane Discusses "Running the Amazon."

Writer Joe Kane. In 1985, Kane, who had been a freelance writer living in San Francisco, was asked to follow the first attempt to navigate the entire Amazon river, starting in the Andes of Peru and ending in the Atlantic Ocean. Kane was going to follow the group at intervals, publicizing their progress for the American and European press. But the logistics of the trip quickly fell apart and Kane went from observer to participant in a harrowing journey through some of the most difficult rapids in the world, and through territory controlled by the Shining Path guerrillas and Peruvian drug lords. In the end, only Kane and a companion were left to kayak the 3,600 miles of calm waters to the Atlantic. Kane's account of his odyssey is titled "Running the Amazon." (Rebroadcast. Original date 8/2/89).

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Other segments from the episode on February 21, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 21, 1990: Interview with Joe Kane; Review of Sir Thomas Beecham's albums "The Salomon Symphonies, Vols. 1 & 2"; Interview with Roy Ahmaogak; Commentary on Prince…
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06:57

Recordings That Ought to Be Models for All Haydn Performances.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews some newly reissued recordings of Haydn symphonies by the English conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. He says Beecham is one of the few conductors who understands how Haydn should be played. (the recording's on EMI records).

Review
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11:02

Roy Ahmaogak Offers the Iñupiat Perspective on the Whale Hunt.

Roy Ahmaogak lives in Barrow, Alaska and during the whaling season hunts bow head whales for food. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were also whalers. Ahmaogak was the person who spotted the three gray whales trapped in the ice in Barrow that drew such media attention. A recent book by Tom Rose about the trapped whales has drawn criticism from residents of Barrow who feel they were misrepresented by Rose. We talk to Ahmaogak about whaling and native life in Barrow.

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03:48

Nostalgia for Language.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg gives his views on Prince Charles' campaign to save the English language.

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22:52

Joe Kane Discusses "Running the Amazon."

Writer Joe Kane. In 1985, Kane, who had been a freelance writer living in San Francisco, was asked to follow the first attempt to navigate the entire Amazon River, starting in the Andes of Peru and ending in the Atlantic Ocean. Kane was going to follow the group at intervals, publicizing their progress for the American and European press.

Interview
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06:39

Book Suggestions For A Passionate Holiday.

The act of passing on a passion is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Book critic Maureen Corrigan promises that the books on this list — mostly slim, unforgettable volumes about places or things that the writers themselves deeply love — are merrily infectious.

Review
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20:48

Adventure Writer Randy Wayne White.

Adventure writer Randy Wayne White. He wrote the "Out There" column for "Outside" magazine for many years. He's now a monthly columnist for "Men's Health" and is the author of the new book, "The Sharks of Lake Nicaragua: True tales of adventure, travel, and fishing." (The Lyons Press).

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