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The Occasional Explorer
Canada
Приєднався 7 сер 2022
Occasional outdoor happiness. Enjoy nature by virtually joining me on various adventures in tenting, car camping, overlanding, and some mild geology of the places I visit!
About me:
Dad and husband
B.Sc.Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University
About me:
Dad and husband
B.Sc.Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University
Overlanding Maine's Golden Road
Welcome to our adventure on the Golden Road, a legendary route nestled in the wild heart of Maine. This 96-mile stretch of gravel and dirt winds through some of the most pristine and rugged landscapes the state has to offer. Originally built for logging trucks, the Golden Road now serves as a gateway to the untouched beauty of Maine's north woods.
As we embark on this journey, we'll traverse dense forests, cross over pristine rivers, and catch glimpses of the majestic Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The road is more than just a route-it's a passage through time, showcasing the region's rich logging history and natural splendor.
As we embark on this journey, we'll traverse dense forests, cross over pristine rivers, and catch glimpses of the majestic Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The road is more than just a route-it's a passage through time, showcasing the region's rich logging history and natural splendor.
Переглядів: 236
Відео
Car Camping: How to Keep Cool in the Summer Heat! Tips and Tricks
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Here are some low cost ideas for you to keep cool while sleeping in your car during the hot summer nights. Please let me know your best cooling tips in the comment section. #carcamping #vanlife #cool #camping #campinglife
The Green Mountains and Pancake Feasts: Black Creek's Tent Haven
Переглядів 274Рік тому
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Vermont Green Mountains as we embark on a camping expedition to Black Creek's Tent Haven. Nestled amidst nature's splendor, this picturesque campground offers an unforgettable experience, complete with a mouthwatering surprise for breakfast - pancakes!
Spring Snow Storm Camping at Mew Lake - Warm and Cozy
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Рік тому
I'll show you how I made the most of my snowy camping experience, with access to two diesel heaters that kept me cozy and warm throughout the storm. We'll take you on a tour of the lake, highlighting the beautiful landscapes and winter vistas. #camping #snow #cozy
Discovering Northern Ontario's Traditional Cree Trapping Techniques
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
Join us on an adventure deep into the Canadian wilderness as we follow Randy Cota, a First Nations trapper of Algonquin and Irish descent, on a journey through the traditional Cree way of life. Randy and his Cree wife, Betty, offer a unique and authentic experience of hunting, trapping, and survival in the remote regions of Northern Ontario, Canada. In this video, we'll join Randy as he sets tr...
Snow and Ice Roads! Exploring the Wetum Snow Road at -32C: A Journey Through Cree Country!
Переглядів 590Рік тому
Join me on a thrilling journey through Cree country, as I explore the Wetum Snow and Ice road in Ontario, Canada. I put my 16 year old Toyota FJ Cruiser through its paces. From trapping for Marten and snowmobiling, to witnessing the stunning aurora borealis, this adventure has it all. Follow along as I drive over kilometers of frozen river ice, cross the Moose River delta, and visit the Cree vi...
A Wood Stove and a Freezing Night: Tent Disaster at -5 C in the Champlain Valley
Переглядів 951Рік тому
Join me on an adventure as I head to the Champlain Valley for a camping trip with a tent, a wood stove, and a plan to sleep next to a pretty pond. But things take a turn for the worse when disaster strikes in the middle of the night. Watch as I struggle to deal with a malfunctioning wood stove that fills my tent with smoke, forcing me to bail out into the freezing -5 C temperatures. Follow my j...
Exploring North America's most remote road: Overland Journey on the Trans-Taiga
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Embark on a 4000km round trip and a 1400km off-road adventure with me and my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser as we drive to the most remote location in North America, Caniapiscau, QC. Experience the thrill of being 745km away from civilization and witness the stunning natural beauty of the Hydro Quebec dam and the pristine rivers, forests, and lakes. Get a glimpse of the clearest view of the stars and t...
Cozy Winter Car Camping in the White Mountains: A Hammock Experience
Переглядів 31 тис.Рік тому
Join me on a winter camping adventure in the White Mountains as I spend the night in my car with nothing but a hammock as my bed. Experience the beauty of a snowy night and crisp cold morning while being surrounded by the serene sounds of a flowing river and the stunning views of eroded mountains. This video is a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the White Mountain...
Car Camping Hammock First Look
Переглядів 778Рік тому
I test out setting up a hammock inside my FJ Cruiser for stealth car camping.
Portable Wood Burning Stove For Tent - Setup and First Look
Переглядів 882Рік тому
I setup and start my portable wood burning stove for tent camping. The results are encouraging for winter cold weather camping.
Camping on Ancient Bedrock: Hot Tent, Cold Rain, Tiny Dog, and VCRs
Переглядів 1 тис.Рік тому
Join me and my tiny dog Mila as we embark on a camping adventure on ancient Grenville Province mesoproterozoic bedrock. Silent Lake, our destination, offers a unique camping experience on 3 billion-year-old rock. But our trip is not without its challenges, we'll have to contend with cold rain and unexpected weather in our hot tent. However, we'll also have some VCR quality entertainment to keep...
My Adventure Machine: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser for Remote Solo Camping
Переглядів 2,7 тис.Рік тому
Join me as I take you on a tour of my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the ultimate adventure machine. This vehicle has been specifically outfitted for remote solo camping trips and has already taken me 700km away from civilization. From roof top tents to solar panels and extra storage, every detail has been carefully planned out to make sure I have everything I need for a comfortable and safe trip. See...
Diesel Heater vs. Algonquin Park's Winter: An Overnight Adventure on 3 Billion Year Old Bedrock
Переглядів 510Рік тому
Join me as I take on the challenge of camping in the cold in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. In my trusty Toyota FJ Cruiser, I'll be exploring the 3 billion-year-old bedrock and the frozen wilderness. But the real test will be surviving the subzero temperatures with my hot roof tent and a diesel heater that proves to be too powerful.
Portable Fire Pit for Camping - Featuring poor cooking skills
Переглядів 2,6 тис.Рік тому
This is a portable fire pit I got on amazon. It’s lightweight and folds up nicely. The small basin makes for limited heat and non-uniform heating of food. DIY Fire-Starters for Quickly Starting a Camp Fire ua-cam.com/video/Pe_GVTpZvGw/v-deo.html
Camping on Ancient Glacier Remnants: FJ Cruiser and Oculus Quest2
Переглядів 620Рік тому
Camping on Ancient Glacier Remnants: FJ Cruiser and Oculus Quest2
HEAVY Rain Storm - Solo Car Tent Camping: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
HEAVY Rain Storm - Solo Car Tent Camping: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Can a Pop Up Gazebo be Used for Camping?
Переглядів 10 тис.2 роки тому
Can a Pop Up Gazebo be Used for Camping?
Private Shower and Toilet for Car Camping
Переглядів 2512 роки тому
Private Shower and Toilet for Car Camping
DIY Fire-Starters for Quickly Starting a Camp Fire
Переглядів 1002 роки тому
DIY Fire-Starters for Quickly Starting a Camp Fire
Stay Warm in Winter: The ApolloAir Ultralight Sleeping Pad Review
Переглядів 1842 роки тому
Stay Warm in Winter: The ApolloAir Ultralight Sleeping Pad Review
Roof Tent Camping by the Lake: A Nature Escape with a Toyota FJ Cruiser
Переглядів 3962 роки тому
Roof Tent Camping by the Lake: A Nature Escape with a Toyota FJ Cruiser
"Door screen netting allows you to keep the windows open and keep the bugs out", and let the serial muderers in
What’s the size of the entrance
Oh I love that there is no talking. Like others that talk to much an show you every food items they have 😊
This won't work in hot, humid Florida.
Yeah this is 75 degree weather alternatives. You would never make it a day with these methods in Florida or Deep South summers
Very smart sir, thank you
How long did the whole trip take in total?
It took me a little over a week with a strong emphasis on doing lots of driving. I would next time do it in a much more relaxed way.
@@theoccasionalexplorer wow, that's pretty quick, how many hours do you typically drive in one go?
It’s not uncommon for me to do 9 hours of driving when I’m trying to get as many kms as I can. I don’t recommend it however.
Howz the hammock for overnight comfort?
I’m not used to being in a hammock normally so I did feel a bit of back soreness the next morning.
i went to caniapiscau on 2020 summer. 2001 golf4 tdi, no mods at all. this road is very well maintained, absolutely no need of an off road vehicle. 120-130kph on this road is easy, from brisay to caniapiscau it was an other game. 50 to 70 kph max. bring gas for, at least, 1000km. there is emergency phones along the road, but not so many. ask help to any white pick up you can see, they are hydro-quebec employees. any others vehicle are cris people, they don't give a fuck about white people.
The cree were exceeding welcoming and helpful to me. They were the only ones in fact that pulled over when they saw me parked to see if I needed help.
@@theoccasionalexplorer huh, they ignored me.
Anymore trips with the fj for this summer? Im just about to pull thr trigger on buying my own fj for muchthe same of what you do! Minus the filming of course
I’ll be driving the golden road in Maine this July. If the fj is maintained, you’ll be very happy with your purchase.
What make of trap is that? Just curious!
As far as I remember, it’s a homemade spring loaded trap. I can’t be certain of what the Cree themselves call it.
What if someone tries to rob you?
Someone might try and rob you in your house. At least this way your house is on wheels lol You think Joe Dirt would be scared to go out and live? Life’s a garden, Dig it!
I’ve been thinking about doing that on my motorcycle. I’ve ridden to Prudhoe Bay and Tuktoyaktuk 4 different times. What is the required fuel range? I have a range of 200 miles now but can carry more. Thanks for the video.
The range is 350km on the James bay road. And if you want to go to the end of the road in caniapiscau you’ll need to do approximately 600km to go from the outfitter and back.
@@theoccasionalexplorer thanks. Is this a well traveled road? If a person were to have problems how long would it be before someone came along? I’d be going in June/July. On the Dempster/Dalton you only have to wait 5-10 minutes or so. I can see where it’d be nice to team up with some Jeep or truck guys as I’d hate to carry enough fuel for the trip.
The James bay road is well traveled as it serves as the only access to the creek villages of Eastman in the south, chisasibi in the north and the French town of raddison at the very top. The trans taiga is much less traveled but the first half has access to some camping so I’d suspect decent activity on the road. After the out fitter you’ll only see either an occasional hydro worker or if in hunting season, some First Nation Cree. When I went in September, I didn’t see anyone from the outfitter on. That was 600 km round trip from the outfitter and back with no one but myself. But since the hydro camps are there, I’d imagine that you’d see someone within a day not including the weekends.
Nice
Dude, link of the thing
Always thought about it. Thank you
hey man... if you see this... or anyone knows... wht colour code is your fj.... I dig it
I don't know the colour code but it's called Black Cherry.
What’s the name and brand of those boots??
Those are Pajar ICEGRIP MEN'S BOOT W/ ICE GRIPPERS.
Nope, nope. Don’t use it as substitute for a tent, I’ve done it with terrible results in mild to severe inclement weather which is always unpredictable. Unless you’re pitching it in your back yard where you can run home for shelter using it on the field as a tent is a bad idea no matter if sprayed or not. From collapsing under gusty conditions because no floor means less stability even when properly staked, to getting wet with my gear under mild to medium rain. That being said I actually have 2, a 5 and a 4 side with the separate panels to attach for walls and I don’t regret it, in fact I love how they provide shade, keep bugs away and can keep my dogs contained (although they can get out from underneath). They give you a place to eat in peace without bugs, no mosquitoes at dawn etc, again I personally do not regret purchasing them but I’ve painfully came to realize there’s no substitute for a good tent to get into under inclement weather. Thanks for the video.
Never seen shoes like that before... but then again have never seen proper snow either! Hammock and cooking inside the car is certainly 'outside the box' from what I'm used to... Cheers 🍻
Hey mate. Really enjoyed this vid and the tidbits of local information you threw in like the height of the sun in the sky at that latitude... so very different to where I live. I'm always interested in wildlife... did you see bears, elk or wolf etc? Only been to Canada for one night... Goose Bay in the military... I've always wanted to go back. Look forward to watching your other vids. Subbed. Cheers 🍻
Thank you so much for commenting. I did get to see quite a bit of wildlife but failed to catch them while driving. Bear, coyote, elk, river otters, pheasants. It was quite the trip!
Thank you for sharing as that trip looks special! So cool seeing your FJ and the mods you did to it. I have a 2012 FJ TTSE that I’m building out to overland so I’ll be on the back roads soon. Again, thank you!
Thank you I for watching and sharing your comment :)
I really enjoyed this. thank You!
Glad you enjoyed it!
looks good but many are complaining that it is not well waterproof..
I used the tent scotchguard on the top and have yet to experience any water ingress.
Scotchguard or not it’ll leak in medium to mild rain, I’ve experienced this, for Pete’s sake is a gazebo no matter how they advertise it. If you’re willing to take the chance of getting rained on with no other shelter, having your gear and yourself wet, go for it. Me I’d rather have my separate tent and enjoy the gazebo for what it is. Unless you’re pitching it in your back yard where you can always run home for shelter otherwise you’re far from home with not many options. I’m talking from experience.
excellent vid. use a tripod to stabilize. the shakiness makes it difficult to watch
Thanks for the tip
Don't the ravens eat your bait?
yowza! Anthony ...
Hi Mari!
Great video. I haven’t tried a hammock in my FJ yet. I subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
That’s not traditional Cree trapping ! “Traditional” is pre-whiteman ! Pre-steel traps !!😂
You’ll have to take that up with the Cree inhabitants of moosonee :)
Traditional Cree trapping? I had no idea they had steel traps and ski doos back then.. guess I have just learned something new
Awesome video..I struggled to find a way to pop up the center...going to do your way next time ...thanks for the video
Glad it helped
Does it come with the floor?
No. This is open to the ground.
Is this the smaller one?
So what were your overall thoughts on this pop up shelter? Im thinking about getting one myself.
It's by far my favorite shelter to use for roominess, ease of setup, ease of tear down. I love that I can easily stand in it and has plenty of space. The floor being open to the ground is also a bonus for me as I needn't worry about making a mess. One drawback is It's not insulated enough for the deep cold winter but most of the year, its pretty good. Another drawback is the packup size. It's quite long.
I have the 5 panels Gazelle and a 4 panel 6’ one, I’ve camped inside the Gazelle one as a tent/gazebo 3 times. Is a Gazebo not a tent regardless of how is advertised if your intention is to use it as both don’t do it, the conditions need to be really good for it to work. My experience: used the big one in Baja, how cool to wake up, take the panels off and watch the ocean while on bed right? Since it doesn’t have a floor is not as stable and a big gust of wind collapsed it at 3 AM, not fun because I had to get my bag etc and sleep in the SUV sitting up. Another time in the mountains I used the smaller one just as shelter from the rain with all side panels and it leaked where the panels attach, luckily that time I knew better and could retreat to my tent with no leaks. Nowadays I use them only as they were intended to be used. As a gazebo they’re priceless keeping the bugs away day or night without mosquitoes, moths or suicidal beetles that come to die in the fire and hit your face in the process but I’ll never use them to substitute the good old trusty tent that can take heavy gusts and downpours, for that I have either a Gazelle T4 or going lighter a Decathlon Quechua 3 men tent, or my Alps Mountaineering, all these 3 tents have been through tough weather conditions without any issues and I can still enjoy the gazebo for what it is, a gazebo but not a tent. Hope my personal “suffering” lol can help you. 40+ years experienced tent camper here.
I took my 2013 FJ from California on a 2 month 10,000 mile (16,000 km) trip into Western Canada and Alaska last summer. In the Yukon I took the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyatuk. Not nearly as remote as your trip but I had many of the same thoughts about preparing the vehicle for reliability and good overall performance. I may have to follow in your footsteps next on the Trans Taiga.
That sounds like an amazing adventure. My next big trip is is hopefully to Tuktoyaktuk also. Maybe we will cross paths midway. :)
Perfect. I have a plan to hit this road with the same car .(manual ) . I have a question: where was your final place to fuel up your car and extra containers? KM 381 or you went to Radisson and came back to the Trans Taiga intersection?
Hi. I filled all of my gas canisters before I got on to the james bay highway as premium gas is nowhere to be found in the region (at least when I went) and it would be much cheaper to do it in a bigger city anyway. So if you have the cargo space, I suggest doing that. I did a fill up of my car at the relais at KM 381. Then I drove to the outfitter on the trans taiga having to use one of my 25 litre gas canisters to make the trip. I filled up with regular gas (only regular and diesel available) at the outfitter and filled my one used canister as well . Drove to the end of the road and back to the outfitter after some camping. I can't remember how many canisters I used to make it back. But if my fj (also manual!) can make it with all of the cargo I was carrying, you should be good too. I hope you enjoy your trip!!
Appreciate you.🙏🙏🙏🙏
It takes all sorts to make the world go around, you have definitely found your niche. Best regards!
Which month did you go there? Were mosquitoes a problem? I'm going there in the last week of June 2023.
Hi. I purposely went the first week of september to avoid the mosquitoes. The only issues I had were with gnats at that time. If you're going late June, you should prepare for mosquitoes, horse flies, gnats and the like. I have been in other regions in northern quebec during the june/july time frame and a good mosquito shirt with hood would make things a lot more bearable. Good luck.
the 3 wipers on the FJ are so funny looking haha thinking about getting a pop up tent thanks for showing this one in real use!
Dead Falls and Snares?
I'm all for native rights, but Conibears, 300 hp outboard motors on commercial fishing boats, gillnets, spearing with 1,000,000 candlewatt power spotlights and ATV'S seems like a departure from deadfalls, birch bark canoes with tallow soaked torches dimly lighting the way. I've got just enough native in me to have those rights but it just doesn't seem right. Sure I have thought after my buddy and his kids snipe Whitetails at night where I hunt that I should enact my "rights" but it's just not me. I live in the U.P. of Michigan and I do so because of a good job and how it offers me an escape from the world when I'm not working. When I leave that good job I'm a part of nature. I live in a hand-built log cabin, all off grid. I have a outhouse and a composting toilet that my daughter uses. I get my potable water from a hand dipped well 200 yards away and my normal water from the lake I live on. Yes, I have solar power and a generator, using solar right now watching old Northern Exposure DVD's, chilling. As humans we need to step back and relearn our roots of who we are and how we survive. Something is stinking up the place and it's us.