Paddle to the Sea (1966)

When a lighthouse keeper spots a small wooden boat in the water, he imagines it's journey from the fireside of the young man who carved it all the way down stream, facing obstacles both natural and man-made before it reached him. This canoe has but one passenger, a rather formidable looking native, and both have clearly seen some wear and tear with all the original decoration eroded by it's travels and now only the instructions to "put me back in the sea" still visible. The carving is used as a charming conduit to follow the river, lakes and locks as it travels many thousands of miles to the sea. Niagara Falls, threatening propellors, enthusiastic fishermen, curious children. All are encountered by "Paddle" en route and with a simple narration and score, this is quite a gently engaging travelogue with a difference. Maybe it's trip is not finished yet, either...?