Alexandra S. B. Conover has been exploring the woods and paddling rivers since childhood. A registered Maine Guide since 1978, she has introduced many people to the rivers and woodlands of Maine and Labrador. In 1977 she received a degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic. Her interest is in helping people acquire skills to travel self-sufficiently and in harmony with the natural world, as well as integrating the spiritual elements of humans and wilderness. Alexandra handcrafts North Woods paddles, based on a pattern used in this region for over 100 years. When not guiding, Alexandra is playing, composing, and performing on piano, accordion, and autoharp. Alexandra is a Registered Maine Guides and has had backcountry first aid training through SOLO of Conway, New Hampshire. Alexandra and her husband Garrett are frequent presenters at wilderness travel symposiums and advocacy conferences and their slide shows are in demand by outing clubs, museums, colleges, corporations, nature centers, and other organizations. Before starting North Woods Ways, the Conovers had the good fortune of an extended apprenticeship with renowned Maine Guide "Mick" Fahey. Since then they have actively sought knowledgeable men and women of the north woods, and have lived with several Native families who still spend significant time in the Canadian bush. In turn, Garrett and Alexandra are committed to the young apprentices who are now seeking them as mentors.