Quirke-Whiskey: Soloing a Lost Canoe Route

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  • Опубліковано 7 лис 2024

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  • @city_boy_james
    @city_boy_james 2 роки тому +2

    I watched this video a while ago, but I had to rewatch it. Yesterday I was returning to the Quirke Lake boat launch after an overnighter to Sorley Lake trying for some late season brook trout when I ran into Jon from Lost Lakes, Xander and Maxim Budnick, and Keenan from Canoe the North. They were just heading out to canoe this route... now I'm looking forward to seeing their videos. Hopefully the portages have been cleared for them a bit since you did it... from the comments to your video, it sounds like at least some have. Thanks for keeping this route alive, Brad!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  2 роки тому +1

      Hah that's too funny! I was invited on that excursion but had other plans unfortunately. I'm hoping to get a full report back to them regarding the trails. They were in bad shape when I went through, but I know of a few parties who saw the video and my map and put some work into reclearing the old trails. It's a gorgeous area to paddle!!

    • @city_boy_james
      @city_boy_james 2 роки тому

      Ah, too bad, it would have been nice to meet you too. I've paddled portions of this route and agree... beautiful area!

  • @ryanforsyth3869
    @ryanforsyth3869 4 роки тому +10

    My friend and I just returned from a trip from Van Horn up to Quirke Lake. I am proud to report that we cleared all portages to May Lake. From May Lake we did some clearing, and flagging of the trails. My friend also cleared portages just south of Sorley Lake over the winter. We are planning to try to bring back this route!

    • @realfortin
      @realfortin 3 роки тому

      Do you have that route listed anywhere? I'm looking to get to McCool, Caribou, Corner lakes in that area. Would be awesome to make a loop

  • @richardwildeman1267
    @richardwildeman1267 2 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing this trip, and especially a huge thanks for that awesome high resolution map you created for this loop that I found online!!! Just found out about this route from the trip you were almost on with Jon, Xander, Maxim, and Keenan -- too bad, that really would've been an all-star cast then big time!

  • @CMickD11
    @CMickD11 2 роки тому

    My buddy owns the camp at the top of the falls between bear and whiskey

  • @brianve7jyd943
    @brianve7jyd943 5 років тому

    99% of my canoein days were solo - tryin to git back into it after 40 yrs - thanks for the memories

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому +1

      I only get on a few solo trips per year, always people to paddle with! There's just something about a solo trip that's extra special tho.

    • @brianve7jyd943
      @brianve7jyd943 5 років тому

      @@ExploreTheBackcountry yep there is

  • @justynajustyna5503
    @justynajustyna5503 3 роки тому

    I love this area

  • @mattchristakos
    @mattchristakos 3 роки тому

    Great Video!
    I’ve spent a lot of time at Whiskey…The bad weather can certainly come in quick and the lake can be rough as you make your way toward the south end.

  • @CanoehoundAdventures
    @CanoehoundAdventures 5 років тому +2

    Great Route... I may need to start researching this one for may solo trip this summer... Thanks for sharing

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому +1

      She's tough with a few bushwhacks, but thankfully they're pretty short. Gorgeous area! Recommend running the Serpent River before the low water of late summer, or you'll be doing more walking and less paddling!

    • @CanoehoundAdventures
      @CanoehoundAdventures 5 років тому

      @@ExploreTheBackcountry cool thank you

  • @adventurecoalition3690
    @adventurecoalition3690 4 роки тому +1

    Great video, are you using a kayak paddle?

  • @MrLotus117
    @MrLotus117 3 роки тому +1

    Living close to Ottawa in Ontario, and being completely new to the idea of backwater camping.. where would you suggest I start? I would like to take a couple's days trip as my first.

  • @CoupleDrinks
    @CoupleDrinks 5 років тому +1

    My cottage is on Quirke :)

  • @Sailor376also
    @Sailor376also 4 роки тому +1

    To make your paddle more enjoyable,, lose the schedule. I only made 19 miles today so I have to do 31 tomorrow.. Nah,, take a few paperbacks with you, a book of sudoku or crossword puzzles. A campfire, a good tarp or rain fly to keep the drops off of you, sit there and watch the world for a time. Paddle the nice days, do not paddle the windy dangerous at all,, even take a few of the nice days and sit and read. I have been guilty too. Just as hurried and goal oriented,,,,, but then I found myself wishing I had hiked to the rock to see the interesting shape, taken more time to check out the rocks. If you just sit,, and don't move, the animals will walk right through camp.
    Now I set check points, call in points,, and if it looks like I can do 30 miles every day and the 210 miles can take just 7 days,, I set that stretch for 10 days or 11 days. And if it is a call in safety check,,, I set it for a week more than what I need. And make sure I have plenty of food, and paperbacks. It is not how many miles you can run,, it is how much of the country can you soak up, and absorb,,, carry with you for the rest of your life.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  4 роки тому

      I really wish we could ditch the schedule, but when you head out on a weekend trip and need to get back to work on Monday, it's pretty tricky to do so. Some trips, like this one, are more objective based. I actually don't film 50% of our trips, many of those being the more laid back outings, as there isn't a storyline and I can just focus on photography or fiddling with other things.
      I'm a big fan of objective based trips that push me; the end result is an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. I went into this trip to retrace the canoe route and map it so that others could follow, as it had been largely abandoned by paddlers and was threatened by development. Portage and river conditions were a little worse than first thought, so it slowed me down some. Hands down, I'd do it again, with the same timeline as well. There's a time and a place for every type of trip depending upon what you want out of it in the end. We get out around 70-100 nights a year, so theres ample room for variety!

    • @Sailor376also
      @Sailor376also 4 роки тому

      @@ExploreTheBackcountry 70 to 100 nights per year,, I envy you. I'm a little older, houses are paid for, kids adults, work when people want me, and take my canoe or sailboat and head for the country when allowed, not lucky enough to have a mate,,, laughing,, but it begs the question, "Who would have me?" (Nearly no one.)
      But when I plan, with few exceptions,, I plan with days extra. If I have a book ended trip,, I put on miles early,, so I can loaf a bit later. I will say clearly, lose the windy or stormy days. It is your life and all the future trips you risk,,, not just being late. The 'be at work Monday morning syndrome' is dangerous. I know,, I have been there,, and Mother Nature has pounded the ever lovin' **** out of me.
      Some trips are a timed or sprint,, that has its place. I have done 40+ mile days back to back,,, but the stuff passed on the way !! I still remember and regret not stopping. Regrets of that, places unseen, peace not soaked in, those are what I remember most of that 80+ miles. So,, the 600 miles,, and the 1300 miles,, I learned,, I built in cushion,,, and of all your skills,, and you lack not there, the one I would suggest to you as an improvement, take your time. And having said that,,, I have a permit for a river in Idaho,, and it is book ended,, so yes,, I am guilty as charged. Hmmmm Room yet on the permit,, interested ?,, late June.

  • @donalddakota8069
    @donalddakota8069 5 років тому

    Looks like a good route to do some portage trail work on to make it nice. Did you see any nice camp sites on Bear or Whiskey lakes? Thinkin about a spring trip there. When you did the Dunlop-Tenmile lakes route, were the any good sites on Tenmile? My wife and I are thinking of moving to the Elliot Lake area from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, would be nice to have some good canoe routes and fishing near by. Thanks for all the great video's you share!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  4 роки тому

      There are a fe sites on those lakes. Most are not well used, but still suitable for camping. There's a beach on the large island in Whiskey that would make for a nice site, however you can see a few cottages. There are a couple rocky points that would suffice as well. Two nice spots on Bear Lake though! I made a map available on myccr in the routes section.
      As for Dunlop Loop, there was at least one site on Ten Mile. It was small and on the portage landing to Gibberry. There are likely others in the bays though. Its a very scenic region to paddle!!

  • @TheOutdoorSeeker
    @TheOutdoorSeeker 4 роки тому

    Good job! Nice route, weather was not the best but overall seemed to be a nice trip.

  • @decentdiversions
    @decentdiversions 7 років тому

    Very cool! I did part of an abandoned backpacking trail this summer (last maintained in 2011). Bugs were terrible and blowdowns were everywhere (I saw one happen too). That said, campsites were pristine and each had 4 tent pads, a roofed shelter, bear hang pulley & an outhouse. It was a no-fire trail when in operation. I filmed some video but I'm waiting for a chance to do the entire thing before I post about it.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      Decent Diversions awesome!! Sounds like a great trip! Always cool to explore the abandoned routes. You'll almost certainly never encounter people! Keep on exploring!

  • @matttrimble1600
    @matttrimble1600 5 років тому +1

    Too bad Elliot Lake is developing May Lake with cottages. Hopefully they keep the portages open as this provides a nice alternative to the dunlop loop.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому

      Wow! Really? That sucks... It's a gorgeous lake. If I ever returned I had hoped to stay there on one of the islands.

  • @NorthernScavenger
    @NorthernScavenger 7 років тому

    Looked like a challenging route. Awesome work!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      Northern Scavenger thanks guys! Put it on the list for a harder route ;) not sure what the fishing is like though... Didn't have time!

  • @rickyboyz1006
    @rickyboyz1006 5 років тому

    Did that route a couple of times!! It's fun!

  • @brianspencer4220
    @brianspencer4220 7 років тому

    Hey Backcountry: That was an impressive trip & the Nova Craft seemed to stand up very well. I'm glad your so much younger than me because I'm sure I would have broken a leg or 2 .Thanks for bringing me along, Brian 77

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      Brian Spencer hey thanks ms for watching Brian! Canoe always holds up well (this trip was even after a partial wrap)

  • @cliffordwright1603
    @cliffordwright1603 6 років тому +1

    Great video thanx for sharing. See ya on the portage

  • @andywells8125
    @andywells8125 7 років тому +2

    Awesome channel! Thanks for posting & keep on paddling!

  • @pathfinderpreston2538
    @pathfinderpreston2538 7 років тому

    Nice trip! I just did a Elliot lake trip 5 weeks ago!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому +1

      PrestonthePathfinder awesome! Do you know which one? We paddled the Summers-Mace loop last year as well. I'm keen to return, there's plenty of awesome routes out that way!

    • @pathfinderpreston2538
      @pathfinderpreston2538 7 років тому

      We did the Elliot to esten lake route. It was nice paddling!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому +1

      PrestonthePathfinder awesome! I've eyed that before. Will keep that in the paddling list for another route to check out!

  • @twoweelr
    @twoweelr 6 років тому

    True exploring. The north is full of lost canoe routes like the one in this video. Every one heads to Algonquin or Killarney and fight over camp sites. How many days and how far did you travel. Thanks for video. Very inspiring.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  6 років тому

      This was just 2 full days and roughly 70km I believe. Pushing it in the end as those portages were non-existent bushwhacks. You certainly get more of a wild vibe paddling through the seldom travelled areas!

  • @thewildhood
    @thewildhood 6 років тому

    Nicely done dude! Looks like an awesome adventure...

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  6 років тому +1

      TheWildhood Thanks!! Certainly was. It's an awesome area to explore! One of my favorites.

    • @thewildhood
      @thewildhood 6 років тому

      I've been meaning to get there at some point...hopefully in the cards at some point this summer. I'm enjoying the tic-list of your Lost Routes though! So much to explore!

    • @thewildhood
      @thewildhood 6 років тому

      ps...when is that updated QEWII map coming...??? ;)

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  6 років тому +1

      TheWildhood ahh, many more 'lost' routes to come! Bit of extra hard work, but the rewards are worth it! Map is 97% done. One more round with parks and then I have to tweak the scale. It's a massive project that I'm just whittling away at in my free time. Nearly done though! Will probably release just after ice-out. We'll see how busy I am...

    • @thewildhood
      @thewildhood 6 років тому

      Awesome news...and best of luck! I can only imagine the efforts involved; but we are all incredibly grateful!

  • @stephaniesmith7317
    @stephaniesmith7317 5 років тому

    Nice you had the place all to yourself...
    The scenery en route was lovely.
    Given the camera angle in the rapids it felt like you're right there!
    Sounds like upkeep on portage was severely lacking, it looked rough.
    All worth it when I saw this
    Your opening shot showing your triumph upon reaching
    May Lake Simply Gorgeous. 🛶 🏞

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому +1

      It's such a gorgeous region, but yes the portages have sadly been decimated. It would need a crew to go through and clear with chainsaws 😥
      But the effort to get in is definitely worth it 😁

  • @quickwateroutdoors7301
    @quickwateroutdoors7301 5 років тому

    Im not familiar with Nova Craft canoes. What layup are you paddling?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому

      This was a Prospector 16 in TuffStuff Expedition Layup + Skid Plates.

  • @67wing
    @67wing 7 років тому

    I live in Elliot Lake. It's an outdoorsman's paradise

  • @Bikepaddle
    @Bikepaddle 7 років тому

    Amazing. I'd like to know how you decide which lost route to challenge yourself with?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      Bikepaddle pour over various maps and sat imagery. Search the net for any route info (often nothing or a 30yr scanned document). Find out what's a decent distance for both driving and possibly paddling then go for it!

  • @NearlyNativeNursery
    @NearlyNativeNursery 4 роки тому

    looks like a very nice route to get a way from the fake plastic society. Wish I live up there near you. We could plan week trip with chainsaws, hand saws and machetes to clear the canoes paths through log jams, down trees and clear the portages.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  4 роки тому

      The possibilities for routes are virtually endless up here! Many are historical trade routes used by First Nations and voyageurs alike. There's something extra rewarding about slogging for days to weeks on end and never encountering another soul. This route isn't even that remote by comparison, but still offers a wonderful escape. I love keeping a little part of our past alive by keeping these routes open for future travelers!

  • @oldcrow6990
    @oldcrow6990 5 років тому

    Watching this was a wonderful break, and brought good thoughts for spring in the northland! Cheers to you!

  • @westenderSSM
    @westenderSSM 7 років тому

    You're a legend dude! Love the videos keep it up! Cheers from the Sault!

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      westenderSSM aha thanks! That route's not too far from the Soo. Was living there when I did it. Amazing area!!

  • @TheTacticaITaco
    @TheTacticaITaco 4 роки тому

    What kind of fish can you find on this route?

  • @raymondcava4669
    @raymondcava4669 4 роки тому

    Lose the music it takes away from the outing. It is too loud, people who tune into this video are here for the outdoors less is more. I hope this helps out as a viewer and future videos that you make. Awesome presentation keep up the great work

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  4 роки тому +1

      I respect the difference of opinion, it's really just a personal editing style. I make a film in the manner as to how I want to remember and relive it. Editing is half of the fun for me as I get to express some creativity and produce a product I enjoy watching and reliving in the end. Im personally not a fan of silent videos with a slow pace, I often skim through them quickly and don't find them as engaging. Music adds a pace and flow to production. I realize this will alienate some, but I've structured my productions this way for a while and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
      There are plenty of music free videos out there if that's what your searching for. The best part about the internet/UA-cam are the many niches. There's something for everyone, but everything isn't for everyone.
      Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
      Cheers!

  • @brianve7jyd943
    @brianve7jyd943 5 років тому

    nice trip - my ole stompin grounds -- wud u mind if i ask what paddle that is ur usin and where you got it - length etc - thanks

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому +1

      That's a Simon River... I think it was 10years old. I bought it off a fellow adventure racer. I think it was 5 piece carbon at 230cm. This one has unfortunately burned up in a vehicle fire.

    • @brianve7jyd943
      @brianve7jyd943 5 років тому

      @@ExploreTheBackcountry thanks for the info take care

  • @GreenScape2879
    @GreenScape2879 4 роки тому +1

    Hey Brad great trip! Just wondering where you acquire your back country maps for seldom used routes and crownland?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  4 роки тому

      Hey Jordan, great question! I go over some resources in this video:
      ua-cam.com/video/jwIhrNjKqtE/v-deo.html
      It really depends on the route. Some are documented in old MNRF route maps, others are just best guesses based on old topos, aerial photography and notes in old journals etc. Really depends where we're going. The research is half the fun. Lots of time combing the internet and library for tidbits of info. I usually start by looking at topos and satalite imagery and then the sleuthing begins.
      I made a map and report of this trip on myccr: www.myccr.com/canoeroutes/quirke-whiskey-lake-serpent-river
      Cheers!

  • @willwheeler3991
    @willwheeler3991 4 роки тому

    Another excellent production from ETB. Should I bring a chainsaw with me? Interested in helping reclaim these lost canoe routes.

  • @ericl2969
    @ericl2969 5 років тому

    I'm not a fan of double-blade paddles in cases when they are obviously used to "cheat" one's way out of the need for good technique, but the fact that you are using it upside-down makes it look extra bad. In the time that's passed since you shot this, maybe you figured out why the blades are shaped as they are and have flipped it around, but if not, now you know (before you argue that flipping it reverses the curve, don't flip it by spinning the shaft. Flip it by switching it end for end).

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому +1

      I'm not sure if there's a particular scene you're referring too? On the river it's easy to pick up the blade the wrong way for a few strokes if you've been in and out of the canoe and it's shuffled for a few
      strokes. The camera rolls on - but you'll feel it. These blades are scooped and they'll really only pull one way - these are old SRS ones. The top is conclaved while the bottom is flatter for entry. If you're suggesting the concaved section goes in first, it will have a greater resistance and won't pull properly. This blade burned in a vehicle fire in 2016 and has since been replaced by an epic.
      I paddle double only occasionally and mainly to train for adventure racing where they're used in canoes. I know it's not the purists approach, but that's the sport. I paddle mostly single blade all season
      See for an example of us using it in a race. Paddle starts at 1:36
      ua-cam.com/video/H1E58ZcNSj8/v-deo.html

    • @ericl2969
      @ericl2969 5 років тому

      @@ExploreTheBackcountry Oh, cool. I see now that I could have been mistaken, but no, I wasn't talking about reversing the direction of the scoop. That Epic paddle that you are using in the adventure race has a shape that's very different from that of the typical paddle. The farthest-reaching corner of the blade is along the bottom edge, and upper portion of the blade extends farther from the spine on the top half. Typical paddles have exactly the opposite shape profile from this (see the paddle used by your stern paddler or by the stern paddler of the canoe that's immediately to your right at the beginning of the race). The "normal" blade shape of those other paddles maximizes the amount of blade area that's in the water with minimal submergence, and I don't know why the Epic paddle is different. Maybe it's designed for a higher-angle stroke that passes as close as possible alongside the hull (you don't accomplish that when paddling your canoe, but it would make sense in a kayak if the shaft were a lot shorter). Anyway, that is why what I saw in the other video caught my eye right away. It sure looked "wrong". And checking your page further, I see that it was bad luck to stumbled upon that video first, and have that be my first impression.
      My main beef with double-blade paddles is the manner in which most people use them, which is so that they never learn the traditional basics of boat control (much of which can't be done nearly as well with a double-blade even if they did intend to learn such things). I'm sure the Adventure-race rules about using double-blade paddles were made so that all those rank beginners who want to compete would be able to go fast and control their direction of travel far more easily than if traditional paddles were required. .

  • @VK-vm4xe
    @VK-vm4xe 5 років тому

    Just awesome :)

  • @bcwoodsman876
    @bcwoodsman876 6 років тому

    Cool video. I have the same red pack. It's huge! I can stand up in it lol.

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  6 років тому

      Haha!! Yeah it's great. We will have just that 115L pack and a 30L food barrel and we've got everything packed for up too two weeks for 2 people.

  • @valetudo1976
    @valetudo1976 5 років тому

    Great video, enjoyed the footage ! Music on the other hand is quite annoying ,sorry).

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому

      Thanks! Sorry the soundtrack wasn't to your liking. Paddle it yourself with the tunes (or lack of) of your choice :D happy paddling!

  • @jeffarthur322
    @jeffarthur322 5 років тому

    As cliff Jacobson once said when was the last time you used your tandem canoe. This is after you have spent some time with solo canoes. Good job ! Interesting videos

  • @mattyb201
    @mattyb201 7 років тому

    Great video, I might look at trying this route next year. Was it 3 days you did it in?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      mattyb201 sweet! Bring a saw and a conpass! I was only able to clear a few of the portages. Really was 2 full days and an evening. 3-4 days given the conditions and all the connected side lakes to explore should be good. I've got a map if the area I can pass along if interested.

    • @jacobdalcin4550
      @jacobdalcin4550 4 роки тому

      Did you end up doing this route recently? I am planning on doing this route from Quirke to Pecors this weekend. Not the full loop. I think I'll tidy up the portages by chainsaw/boat ahead of time.

  • @67wing
    @67wing 7 років тому

    What canoe is that?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  7 років тому

      silver birch outdoors that's a Nova Craft 16ft Prospector In TuffStuff Expedition Layup

  • @rhomacity
    @rhomacity 5 років тому

    Great video, I love the lost canoe route program you are on, it is so important to keep the trails open. Access to portages etc are often taken away by cottage developments, but many of these routes are historic and qualify as public rights of way through use for generations. Documenting them is critical. I must say that I was perplexed by the portaging videos...was there someone on the other end of the canoe?

    • @ExploreTheBackcountry
      @ExploreTheBackcountry  5 років тому

      You have that so right!!! This route is especially under fire from development... Such a shame 😥 There's often a lack of awareness now that the ministry maintenance and promotion has long since faded.
      Ah! For those shots, I had a camera mounted to the canoe with a clamping mount. I can tighten it to the seat, gunwales or bow/stern plate. The video perspective can be flipped in post production.