There is nothing like that feeling just after being dropped off many miles from another human... When that little voice in your head becomes your only companion. Only a small percentage of people would even consider such and adventure, however once the bitten by the solo trek bug the times between outings become increasingly harder to swallow. Thanks so much for helping us keep our sanity by inviting us along...
ScoutCrafter Thanks SC! Yes I am so used to solo canoe tripping now, that I only do solo trips now. I got bit by the solo bug many years ago, and its an addiction. I really, really like the fly-in trips. Its "moment of truth" stuff - that feeling is incredible (e.g. "what the heck have I gotten myself into, this time?!"). More to come in the series!
I've spent the winter months, when paddling isn't possible despite being based in France, watching your stuff with great pleasure. thanks for making it available.
AWESOME!!!! We were so excited to see new video posted from you. Your outdoor solo vids are by far the very best on the net. We love that you take the time to show your gear/camp set up and the foods that work well for you. It's great that you don't only share your experiences but so much knowledge and tips with the viewers. Thanks so much!! Can't wait for the rest. Terry & Lori
I am happy to see that you are able to continue taking these long solo trips. They are so interesting to watch and I have learned a number of things about canoe camping as well as winter camping by watching your videos. Thank You for documenting your adventures for those of us that are unable to do extended trips like these.
Thanks for those kind words Jay! I am happy that you have picked up some things. I hope you can out and practice skills, and put in some longer trips. I also encourage folks to sign up for professional paddling instruction if they feel they have any limitations, because good paddling skills makes the tripping safer, easier, and gives confidence for planning those longer trips! :o)
This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!! What a dream. You are one lucky man :) just when I was getting bored on UA-cam you launch this series. So pumped. Thank you.
you are what inspired us to move to Pennsylvania. thank you for the videos man. will attempt to follow your lead and live Northern life to its fullest!
That is awesome TeaintheTrees! You are close enough to Ontario now to make the 2 day drive north to launch into some of our back country. Hope you can drive north to places like Woodland Caribou Park. Even where I live, I take a long first day drive north, grab a hotel for another day, and then on day 3, launch into the bush. Its extra vacation or comp time, but its worth it.
Woohoo, another solo canoe trip series! This first episode is like giving a taste of the good stuff to a junkie. I've had one ride in a Beaver, when I flew into Isle Royale back in the early 80s. Great experience, something every outdoors person should experience. Really really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Random Button Pusher Thanks RBP! Yes, everyone should have at least one flight in a Beaver! STOL, amazing planes! They always fly at low altitudes, so the view is always spectacular. Bloody noisy too - bring ear plugs! :o)
Wintertrekker Kind of an odd little tidbit here but did you know that Harrison Ford is a pilot and the Beaver is his favorite plane. When he played a pilot in one of his movies, his character owned one. Great vid by the way.
Thanks Dirk! No I did not know that Tidbit of info, but not surprising it is his favourite plane. I am not a pilot, and don't know what is more fun to fly, but the Beaver seesm to be a universal favourite for its ability for short take-off and landing ability (huge wings), and adaptability with upgrade packages and turbo retro fits.
your videos are some of my favorits on you tube. the vistas and water ways are so relaxing.how lucky you are to be able to enjoy such trips, i thank you again for sharing. really looking forward to some more from this trip. al the best.
Looks like the beginning of a great trip Hoop. Nice to see you didn't try to push too far on the first day, and just relaxed, repacked & organized yourself. 24 days....why rush! I'll be looking forward to enjoying this series as you post. Cheers!
Corey Sparks Thanks Corey! Yes, on day 1 of a fly in trip, I like to settle in first, set up camp in a relaxed time frame, and just absorb it all. I have just arrived from city life, so taking that extra day to get into the routine of camp life is a good mental and physical transition. In the tortoise-hare comparison, I am more like the tortoise. :o)
This is freakin epic. Brings back memories of my fly in trip near Cochrane. Same type of aircraft. I am really looking forward to the rest of this video collection. Awesome.
EconoChallenge Thanks Jeep! Flying in aircraft older than me never gets boring, that's for sure! That Beaver was built in 1956 or 1957, and is still going strong. More to come!
alicemckin Thanks Alicemckin! I am grateful for all I have, to be able to get out into the Canadian north canoeing backcountry. There is no place I would rather be in summer.
So great to see the start of another canoe trip series - your timing is perfect to get me through the end of this long winter to open water season (probably not what you want to hear, Wintertrekker, but I can't wait to see the backside of snow). I played it through three times just to hear the sound of a paddle in the water...make sure you use up as much of that footage from WCPP as possible, and post many episodes!
Thanks as always Melody! I just got back tonight from the last hardwater trip of the season up north of town. The sled hauling was a killer - fresh soggy, goopy wet driving snow - thought I was going to die on a 7-8 km haul out to the truck. Got soaked in sweat and melting snow. Glad my truck started, or it would have been grim! I think I am now ready for the softwater season. Time to plan my next trip!
Justin Adams Thanks Justin! canoe tripping into the back country flying in, or portaging back several portages to get away from the crowds, is really rewarding and enjoyable. I hope you can get into canoe tripping one day soon!
Wow, i knew you were up to something because of a previous comment you made, but 24 day! Wow..glad you are putting it on wax...so to speak. Can't wait to watch them!
That must have been a fantastic trip. I'm looking forward to future segments. I'll likely never get to go on a trip like that - so am glad you're sharing this!!!
TheNorthwoodsman1 Thanks Martin! I traveled in your footsteps through that new Poodle Lake route that you worked on. Your video inspired me to do that little side route. Nice campsite you built! Was that your portage that you cut out at the south end? It was amazingly well done! I really appreciated the corduroy landing in the swampy ground, and have some video footage of that in this series! (I am going to sneak out for one more shore winter trip soon, so the editing will be slow for the next couple of weeks! :o) )
Wintertrekker Glad you could enjoy the Poodle side trip. I wish you could have seen it a few years ago. We cleared some down trees off for tent pads at the campsite but other than a rock cairn to mark it there were no other "improvements" when we left there. There was a lot of down wood so I took the time to put it to good use in the low spots on the portage. I have received correspondence from some who went through Poodle 40 years ago.
Welcome back Hoop, was just wondering about you this weekend and wondering how the winter camping season went and here's your 24 DAY solo trip in WCPP. Figured you were dug under with work this winter. Looking forward to another vicarious adventure with canoe and paddle! Live right near an air base with the Beavers and Otters . . . and Caravans and Cessnas lol. Love the sound of those powerful engines.
Canesser Thanks C! This winter was no the best for me for winter camping, (other stuff got in the way), but there is still some snow and lake ice, and I hope to get out one more time. Once one gets into some plane ID, both sight and sound, the plane spotting gets kind of fun. I live sort of near the TB airport, and I actually like the "noise" and doing the ID. Its very cool when the CF18's occasionally buzz by right over my house! :o) And the Snowbirds often stop in for a re-fuel and some practice.
You lucky dog. Feel the same way, get all excited when the occasional C-130 flies over on training around here. Used to stand on the side of the runways and watch the fighter jets taking off during the desert evenings in Idaho and feel the vibrations of the afterburners coursing through your whole body. Good for the testosterone lol! Best treat ever was watching a C5 galaxy take off from the top of a C130 wing, was like an apartment block trying to fly, will never forget that one!
Thanks Justin! Woodland Caribou Prov. Park is protected from industrial development. However it does contain some fly-in tourism camps (which were there before it became a park), so its not without any "development". But its relatively low impact, few people, and you can ignore the very few motor boats you may see, and there are plenty of lakes without any motor boats.
I'm looking forward to watching the rest of this series, your videos are always a treat! Also thought it was neat to see the notch worn on the gunwale from where you leverage the paddle on the return
Thanks Sean! Good eye! That canoe is close to 30 years old, so its had some time to be worn down! I only adopted the cord wrap later in life, so it was wood on wood wear for many years, wearing the neck of the paddle down too. Now that cord wrap on the paddle neck smooths things out more, and I like the feel of it. Those are white ash gunwales, and they have been excellent. I would always choose wood gunwales over aluminum or composite.
Random Button Pusher Thanks again RBP! I was lucky my parents sent me to a good canoeing camp when I was young, and fortunate in having good teaches there. I like to promote the solo classic single side style. Not sure if youngsters are still being taught that. The light and calm water was just right for that segment, and it worked well on video that time.
Glad to see these going up Hoop. Still can't believe we overlapped up there for 10 days last year. Too bad we never met up, but its a BIG place! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip. Becky and I are planning a May 15 trip south of L. Nippissing and hoping to get in on the pike opener. Take care, Ken.
kgdblade Thanks Ken! Yep its a big place! May 15 will be here in no time. I might get one more "winter" (meltdown) trip in before it gets too soggy, and then its soft water trip prep time!
'Mornin, Hoop; Great start 2 a new adventure. Glad we tuned in 4 the Beginning of what will B a pleasure 2 follow along on. Stay Safe, Friend. Happy Trails From Down The Path A Piece ATB Terry " GOD BLESS "
WT, you are truly a Wildman! Great to see a new vid and looking forward to the rest. I'd say you were born 150 years to late. LOL! I'm heading your way in June around Kenora for a canoe trip.
Really nice. Love late August in the bush. For some reason it isn't as hectic bug wise that is. I'm sure we will see!! Can hardly wait for next instalment.
A J Taylor Thanks AJT! In August things generally have cooled off a bit. There were however some bad bug days on this trip, so I used my bug dope supply quite alot! More to come soon.
Maplehouse Knives and Bushcraft Thanks MHK&B! WCPP is waiting for you! Lots of space to spread out there, and you usually see very few people. More to come soon in the series!
Wintertrekker I am actually going to start planning a solo trip into WCPP next year but coming from Germany, it is proving to be a logistical nightmare. Don't be surprised if I come to you for advice :)
I can highly recommend Red Lake Outfitters. redlakeoutfitters.com/ If you can get to Canada, they can handle most of the logistics for you when you get here (gear, canoe, food, maps, route planning, etc).
Looks like your off to a great start! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip! Last year was pretty crappy here weather wise, so hope you had better weather up there!
You are lucky to have the time off during the summer, I'm guessing you work at a school maybe a high school. But congrats on the great trip. I am currently planning a trip to the savant river at the middle of August. Just applied for my passport card and sent out for the second edition map for the area. I really can not wait to go. I have all the gear the only thing I'm not looking forward to is the 12 hour drive but if a person wants to be in the back country that's part of the journey. Looking forward to the future videos of your trip. Have a great day. Shane A.
Thanks Shane! No not a teacher. I have a good employer and over 25 years with them, so I get a decent vacation package, and I work lots of unpaid OT and can bank the time to take later, so it works out well for everyone. Not sure where you are driving from(?), but I often grab a hotel in Ignace (The Northwoods) the day before heading up the highway to the Savant Lake country. Get a fresh well-rested start in the morning with a short drive.
Thanks hoop every bit of info helps. I'm coming from maine threw Montreal then Ottawa after that town on to 11 then I head to savant. I will need to rest so I will stay there at the lodge thanks for the help.
That would be great, to just drop out the sky, into a remote lake, instant wilderness and solitude, that feeling of being "out there" exposed, as the plane disappears over the tree line. Now its me , this boat and the paddle.
Joe Robinet mentioned your name in his most recent video so I had to look you up. Watched this entire series and the only thing I didn't like was that it ended. And of course I had to sub as I want to keep in touch with your channel. Thanks for all you do!!!
Thank you Steve for those kind words! I sub to Joe's channel too, but I am behind on my viewing of his videos, so was unaware of his mentioning me. Very nice of him. He has a great channel. I have some more videos to catch up on! :o)
Live The Adventure Thanks LTA! Food is all dry, except for Nalgene bottles of olive oil (and my whiskey ration). I dry my own food and purchase some store bought dried food, and its all fits in the 60 Liter barrel, along with my cook kit. Its very heavy to start the trip. Dried food weighs on average 2 pounds per day, so that is 48 lb's, plus cook kit, plus containers like Nalgenes, plus the weight of the barrel and harness. So I am guessing close to 60 lbs at trip start.
Hi LTA. Yes several camera batteries for my little P&S video camera (poor quality, I need a real camcorder). No solar panels, but if I get a real camcorder one day, I expect it will eat more power, and more electronic paraphernalia would be needed.
The opening view on this one is my office view, in fact i think i've seen that yellow beav before..which air service was it? When i learned the J-stroke, i got my ears boxed for letting the shaft touch the gunnel, lol. Looking forward to more video of your trip!!
SwampDonkey530 Thanks Swampdonkey530! More to come! That Beaver is Viking Outposts', out of Red Lake. When doing the J or Canadian stroke its OK to use the gunwale! :o) Resting and pivoting on it improves the efficiency because the boat does the work, not your arm or shoulder. Note that I actually relax my lower hand and let go of the paddle for a split second. This relaxes my arm, wrist and forearm, and over a long day, it sure works well. For a bow paddler tandem, they don't need to touch the gunwales, since this is a full power stroke with no correction on the return.
Hello Hoop, I love your videos and miss new ones. I hope and pray that you are well. My big question about this series is how did your canoe get to the day one starting point? Was the plane able to transport it? I tried Googling "can float planes carry canoes" but didn't find an answer.
Yay! I'm really looking forward to these. I'm planning my first trip to WCPP this summer. Why did you choose to have Red Lake Outfitters handle your flight logistics instead of going directly to one of the flight charters?
Thanks MartinG! You are going to love it! I recommend flying way back inside to start. I used Red lake Outfitters to book the flight and the day, which had to be coordinated. They can work back hauls to your advantage depending on what day you are going in (e.g. they take you in, then fly on empty to another lake to pick up another party coming out). Without a back haul, you pay the gas and aircraft time both ways. RLO uses Viking Outposts aircraft, and I find its easier to let them do the logistics. One call does it all if you have your list: I wanted a hotel, and Harlan (owner of RLO), has an arrangement with the Super 8 Hotel and there was no problem getting a room. It can be very hard finding a room in Red Lake - but not with RLO who has a block of rooms always available. Give Harlan a call with your questions and see what you think. You can do all the logistics yourself and make it work, but RLO works well for me.
+Kevin Miller Thanks Kevin! The whistle just stays on the PFD wherever it goes, and our Ontario law requires a whistle signaling device on a PFD. The whistle is a standard signaling device when working in rapids (with the roar of the rapids) with other people, and I run whitewater, so the whistle is always on it. There are people to be encountered in Woodland Caribou Provinicial Park. There are a few fly-in fishing camps, and fellow canoe trippers now and again to be encountered. However if I get in trouble there likley will be no one to hear it! :-) I carry a satellite PLB around my waist in a survival pack, should I be separated from my boat and having tried to walk out for many days or weeks, or have a life or limb emergency where I require evac. So the PLB is my critical rescue device that is on me. In my pack I carry a SAT phone for non-life or limb emergencies or no-rush evac issues. In this area people have had to be evac'd because of forest fires. So ya the whistle is low down on the list of effectiveness. :-)
Worth a try Joe! The big snow storm is coming, but with a good shelter, saw and axe for big fire with the wet snow, might be a good trip. Fish might be biting too before freeze up. Bears may have packed it in for the season, so you could cook bacon! :o)
ADKHillyMan Thanks ADKHM! Ha ha, yes I am often bad and do not wear my PDF when its hot out. I retired my older bigger hotter one and now have this smaller shorty model which is cooler in the hot weather, and more comfortable to wear. The tool is a knife, but at the camera angle, it looks like it sticks out more than it does. Its a ESEE 3. I got it primarily for its super secure sheath, with 3 points of attachment, (and its a good light survival/bushcraft knife), so it will be on me for sure if I go for a gnarly swim in rapids. If I lose my belt knife, that is my back-up fixed blade.
Bushcraft Quebec Thanks Alex! Oh man, you gotta get out canoe tripping! You can get get way back into the back country - its great! Bugs are vicious though, so DEET is your friend! :o)
Wow man , solo way out there, my hat is off to ya man. HAHa that was funny as i watched you stroke i was thinking that is cool, makes way more sense and less effort then lifting the paddle from the water. Wonder what broke that rock like that, wow. looks almost recently broke .great job.
Kullcraven Bushcraft Thanks KC! When solo, every little bit of efficiency helps (especially as I get older and now well north of 50 years old!), so that return slice does double duty. That rock was amazing. Would not want to be sitting beside it when it broke off and rolled! Its a "new" clean break, very little lichen on it.
Hello Trekker, I'm re-watching your 24 day trip today before I head out on my own 14 day trip into the BWCA in two days. Do you have any new trips to add to the library? Have you had any trips of late? Keep them coming..... Thanx, Bubba
Mclaughlin088 Thanks Bubba! Best wishes on your 14 day solo. That will be great! No new summer trip vid material for me , sad to say. I have already been on a short one early summer, got some footage, but its so-so, not sure if I will edit it because its same old stuff. Its not going to be a big paddling summer for me, due to some other priorities.
Wintertrekker I have to beg to differ with you sir. I'm sure others who read this will agree that your "same old thing" is still pretty good stuff to see. It's still your eye behind the camera, your "well worth listening to" advice and instruction on how-to and the local flora and fauna is the kind of "same old thing" I would like t see a lot more of. I'll be using a great deal of what I've learned from your "same old thing" on my own trips. Keep it coming Trekker! Thanx, Bubba
So, are there any trips, routes or outfitters you might recommend for a three to four day solo. A few portage's in. I'd like to go to a Canadian park (Crown Land) to try a trip. Getting there isn't the problem, but getting a canoe may be. I want to stay away from BWCA or Quietico for now.
I would highly recommend Woodland Caribou Provincial Park for back country well away from the crowds, with excellent fishing too. I would also recommend longer than 4 days - 4 days you are just starting to get into the groove. 2 weeks is a nice start ;-) For an outfitter in WCPP I highly recommend Red Lake Outfitters - one call can set you up with all the logistics and any rentals you need. redlakeoutfitters.com/
+Bushcraft Quebec Outdoors Thanks Alex! Ya the landing with a canoe tied on would be great video. I turned off the camera on our approach and landing because I am superstitious about it being bad luck to film the landing! :o) Also its the most dangerous time of the flight, and one has to be ready to exit the plane should a an accident occur, so I am hyper vigilant on the landing, no filming. :o)
+Bushcraft Quebec Outdoors Yes its very special - not many people on this planet get to fly into the remote bush in a bushplane. We are so lucky in Canada eh!
+Wintertrekker my next goal is to access by float plane but my gosh its harder in the wild with no camps you have to access a game drinking trail to go inland easyer or just arrive in the bushes at shore nothing like a small beach or rock ledge when you know you cant light fire inland wow its a thrill to wild camp canoing . and whats cool is this way you can discover old hunters spots old camping or portage trails 40 year old cans beer bottles old 60s fridge grill . old tobacco cans atuff like thay
It was not a good winter tripping season for me, sad to say. No footage from this winter so far, but there are a few days left of good ice, so I hope to be out before it totally ends.
Yeah, vicarious but I'll take it. If you ever get to France, give me a shout. I've boats and gear .... even a Purcell grill .... well, I do now anyway.
rickyboyz100 Fallkniven F1 is what I have been carrying for years, in the classic snap-over leather sheath. I always carry bear spray clipped on my belt when on land. On this trip I was in a Provincial Park where firearms are banned. On trips outside of Parks, I have carried a 12 g shotgun with slugs, but usually in black bear country I don't, so save weight and bulk. In the sub-arctic and arctic tundra in grizzly country, I always carry a 12 g shotgun and slugs. I have had to deal with curious bears (both species), but have always been successful in scaring them away with pen-launched bear bangers. I always have a bear banger kit in my pants cargo pocket.
BUDDY LIGHT I was in a Provincial Park where firearms are banned. So I have 2 cans of bear spray, one of which is always clipped onto my belt when I am out of the canoe. I also have a pack of pen launched bear bangers in my pants cargo pocket. I have used the bangers a few times over the years, and in fact I used one banger on this this trip on a bear that was nearby a portage trail I was using. So far no bad encounters.
There is nothing like that feeling just after being dropped off many miles from another human... When that little voice in your head becomes your only companion. Only a small percentage of people would even consider such and adventure, however once the bitten by the solo trek bug the times between outings become increasingly harder to swallow. Thanks so much for helping us keep our sanity by inviting us along...
ScoutCrafter Thanks SC! Yes I am so used to solo canoe tripping now, that I only do solo trips now. I got bit by the solo bug many years ago, and its an addiction. I really, really like the fly-in trips. Its "moment of truth" stuff - that feeling is incredible (e.g. "what the heck have I gotten myself into, this time?!"). More to come in the series!
Ohh man that looks like an awesome trip. Looking forward to future additions to this series. Thanks for taking the time to record.
***** Thanks Lonnie! It was a great trip, and I will have more in the series soon!
"If it's not here i don't have it" :) Well done. I like these solo series.
Survival Russia Thanks Lars!
looking good, man
JoeRobinetBushcraft Thanks Joe!
An oldie but good :)
I've spent the winter months, when paddling isn't possible despite being based in France, watching your stuff with great pleasure. thanks for making it available.
+Mark L Thanks Mark! Glad I could help to get you through, until your next paddling adventure!
It warms my heart to see the beginning of this new series after a long and cold winter that just won't let go. Keep 'em coming.
AWESOME!!!! We were so excited to see new video posted from you. Your outdoor solo vids are by far the very best on the net. We love that you take the time to show your gear/camp set up and the foods that work well for you. It's great that you don't only share your experiences but so much knowledge and tips with the viewers. Thanks so much!! Can't wait for the rest.
Terry & Lori
Terlor Skitch Thanks Terry and Lori for those kind words! I am very happy to share. More to come in the series soon!
I am happy to see that you are able to continue taking these long solo trips. They are so interesting to watch and I have learned a number of things about canoe camping as well as winter camping by watching your videos. Thank You for documenting your adventures for those of us that are unable to do extended trips like these.
Thanks for those kind words Jay! I am happy that you have picked up some things. I hope you can out and practice skills, and put in some longer trips. I also encourage folks to sign up for professional paddling instruction if they feel they have any limitations, because good paddling skills makes the tripping safer, easier, and gives confidence for planning those longer trips! :o)
This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!! What a dream. You are one lucky man :) just when I was getting bored on UA-cam you launch this series. So pumped. Thank you.
What a treat to watch on this cold snowy night! Thank you can't wait to watch more!
Safe to say many have been looking forward to the start of a new series.
Kudos...and then some!
Out and About West Thanks O&AW for the kind words! More in the series to come soon!
Awesome, thanks.
billert55 Thanks B-55! More to come in the series soon!
Great video, excited to watch the rest of the series.
Living Survival Thanks LS! I plan several more vids in the series to come soon.
***** Thanks V-F! Sounds like you have an amazing job visiting all the far north communities!
Looking forward to this adventure. Stunning country.
BobUnWorthy Thanks Bob! It is indeed a stunning beautiful landscape! And I have much more diverse landscape to show in the series to come! :o)
Wow. I'm definitely excited for the next installment!
IHatchetJack Thanks Dusty! More to come in the series soon!
you are what inspired us to move to Pennsylvania. thank you for the videos man. will attempt to follow your lead and live Northern life to its fullest!
That is awesome TeaintheTrees! You are close enough to Ontario now to make the 2 day drive north to launch into some of our back country. Hope you can drive north to places like Woodland Caribou Park. Even where I live, I take a long first day drive north, grab a hotel for another day, and then on day 3, launch into the bush. Its extra vacation or comp time, but its worth it.
Excited to work my way through this series!
+Clinton Shepley Thanks Clinton! I organized it in a playlist, so they are all there in order. Hope you enjoy the series!
Another awesome video...looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip....!!!!!
Woohoo, another solo canoe trip series! This first episode is like giving a taste of the good stuff to a junkie. I've had one ride in a Beaver, when I flew into Isle Royale back in the early 80s. Great experience, something every outdoors person should experience. Really really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Random Button Pusher Thanks RBP! Yes, everyone should have at least one flight in a Beaver! STOL, amazing planes! They always fly at low altitudes, so the view is always spectacular. Bloody noisy too - bring ear plugs! :o)
Wintertrekker Kind of an odd little tidbit here but did you know that Harrison Ford is a pilot and the Beaver is his favorite plane. When he played a pilot in one of his movies, his character owned one. Great vid by the way.
Thanks Dirk! No I did not know that Tidbit of info, but not surprising it is his favourite plane. I am not a pilot, and don't know what is more fun to fly, but the Beaver seesm to be a universal favourite for its ability for short take-off and landing ability (huge wings), and adaptability with upgrade packages and turbo retro fits.
Awesome Hoop can't wait to watch the whole series. Beautiful country you have there.
Thanks as always B4U! It is beautiful, and I plan several more in the series!
24 days wow, I am looking forward to this. thanks
Charles Dorey Thanks CD! More to come in the series soon!
your videos are some of my favorits on you tube.
the vistas and water ways are so relaxing.how lucky you are to be able to enjoy such trips,
i thank you again for sharing.
really looking forward to some more from this trip.
al the best.
stoo234 Thanks Stoo234! I do feel very lucky to have these opportunities! Glad to share, and more to come in the series!
Great job as always W.T. Looking forward to more. Many thanks for sharing.
dadgad68 Thanks DG68! More to come soon!
Hey Hoop, I'm looking forward to viewing your 24 days of solitude! Beautiful country. Thanks for sharing.
J. Kelly Nolan Thanks Kelly! Its fun editing the footage and sharing it - I get to relive it! :o)
Taking it up a notch, huh? Awesome as always.
Just great as usual, Hoop. Please don't make us wait too long between episodes!
HANCOCKIP Thanks H! I will get working on it! (I do have to sneak out on one more winter camp though, so that will be a small delay! :o) )
Great video. Looking forward to watch more. Thanks for posting. Fun watching
Thanks Mike! Hope you enjoy the series!
This is so cool. I always enjoy your series of adventures.
Randall Long Thanks RL! Very glad you enjoy them. More to come soon!
Looks like the beginning of a great trip Hoop. Nice to see you didn't try to push too far on the first day, and just relaxed, repacked & organized yourself. 24 days....why rush!
I'll be looking forward to enjoying this series as you post. Cheers!
Corey Sparks Thanks Corey! Yes, on day 1 of a fly in trip, I like to settle in first, set up camp in a relaxed time frame, and just absorb it all. I have just arrived from city life, so taking that extra day to get into the routine of camp life is a good mental and physical transition. In the tortoise-hare comparison, I am more like the tortoise. :o)
This is freakin epic. Brings back memories of my fly in trip near Cochrane. Same type of aircraft. I am really looking forward to the rest of this video collection. Awesome.
EconoChallenge Thanks Jeep! Flying in aircraft older than me never gets boring, that's for sure! That Beaver was built in 1956 or 1957, and is still going strong. More to come!
Im really looking forward to another of your long-format trip videos.
Les Dempsey Thanks Les! I don't know how many installments there will be yet, but I got a huge pile of material to edit, so it will be several! :o)
Man, I enjoy your videos. Looking forward to this series.
From the Southern U.S.
TRBEAS Thanks TRBEAS! More in the series to come!
You keep impressing me. Nice trip I can't wait to see more.
Thanks LouisC! More to come!
Heaven on earth.
alicemckin Thanks Alicemckin! I am grateful for all I have, to be able to get out into the Canadian north canoeing backcountry. There is no place I would rather be in summer.
Gotta love your adventures !!!! Totally envious !!!
Jim Dodd Thanks Jim! More in the series are uploaded!
Wow thats one great trip! Way to go living the dream!!
***** Thanks HP! I am very glad to be out (in) there! :o)
Hi Hoop, good to see you back! I'm sure I'll enjoy your 24 day trip! Cheers, Mark
markparket Thanks Mark! We'll see how I do during the next parts in the series! :o)
So great to see the start of another canoe trip series - your timing is perfect to get me through the end of this long winter to open water season (probably not what you want to hear, Wintertrekker, but I can't wait to see the backside of snow). I played it through three times just to hear the sound of a paddle in the water...make sure you use up as much of that footage from WCPP as possible, and post many episodes!
Thanks as always Melody! I just got back tonight from the last hardwater trip of the season up north of town. The sled hauling was a killer - fresh soggy, goopy wet driving snow - thought I was going to die on a 7-8 km haul out to the truck. Got soaked in sweat and melting snow. Glad my truck started, or it would have been grim! I think I am now ready for the softwater season. Time to plan my next trip!
Wow Hoop! This will be an awesome serie. I can't wait for the next vid, thank you for sharing this with us.
Very nice, Hoop! Looking forward to the rest of the videos.
Snowlady99 Thanks Snowlady99!
Glad to see a canoe trip! I still have not made a canoe trip. Love the videos. Thanks for the effort!
Justin Adams Thanks Justin! canoe tripping into the back country flying in, or portaging back several portages to get away from the crowds, is really rewarding and enjoyable. I hope you can get into canoe tripping one day soon!
Thanks for sharing with us mate. Looking forward to the upcoming episodes. Atb/Layjay
KayakWildCamping Thanks Layjay! More to come in the series soon!
Great view from the plane!! Nice day on the water!! Watch out for the bears!!
This is going to be fun to watch. It sure has started out that way...
***** Thanks WH! Starting with a bushplane flight is always my favourite way to start a trip.
Wow, i knew you were up to something because of a previous comment you made, but 24 day! Wow..glad you are putting it on wax...so to speak. Can't wait to watch them!
7frazier Thanks 7F! 24 days was good. At the end of the trip, I was finally in good physical shape! :o) More in the series soon!
That must have been a fantastic trip. I'm looking forward to future segments. I'll likely never get to go on a trip like that - so am glad you're sharing this!!!
San Juan Mountain Bob Thanks SJMB! Glad to have you along! I hope you can get on a trip like this one day!
Awesome! Looking forward to all the other videos.
Nova Hiker Thanks NH! More to come soon!
Your timing is perfect Hoop, We are starving for new material. Looking forward to the rest so no long trips until this one is all uploaded.
TheNorthwoodsman1 Thanks Martin! I traveled in your footsteps through that new Poodle Lake route that you worked on. Your video inspired me to do that little side route. Nice campsite you built! Was that your portage that you cut out at the south end? It was amazingly well done! I really appreciated the corduroy landing in the swampy ground, and have some video footage of that in this series! (I am going to sneak out for one more shore winter trip soon, so the editing will be slow for the next couple of weeks! :o) )
Wintertrekker Glad you could enjoy the Poodle side trip. I wish you could have seen it a few years ago. We cleared some down trees off for tent pads at the campsite but other than a rock cairn to mark it there were no other "improvements" when we left there. There was a lot of down wood so I took the time to put it to good use in the low spots on the portage. I have received correspondence from some who went through Poodle 40 years ago.
Welcome back Hoop, was just wondering about you this weekend and wondering how the winter camping season went and here's your 24 DAY solo trip in WCPP. Figured you were dug under with work this winter. Looking forward to another vicarious adventure with canoe and paddle! Live right near an air base with the Beavers and Otters . . . and Caravans and Cessnas lol. Love the sound of those powerful engines.
Canesser Thanks C! This winter was no the best for me for winter camping, (other stuff got in the way), but there is still some snow and lake ice, and I hope to get out one more time. Once one gets into some plane ID, both sight and sound, the plane spotting gets kind of fun. I live sort of near the TB airport, and I actually like the "noise" and doing the ID. Its very cool when the CF18's occasionally buzz by right over my house! :o) And the Snowbirds often stop in for a re-fuel and some practice.
You lucky dog. Feel the same way, get all excited when the occasional C-130 flies over on training around here. Used to stand on the side of the runways and watch the fighter jets taking off during the desert evenings in Idaho and feel the vibrations of the afterburners coursing through your whole body. Good for the testosterone lol! Best treat ever was watching a C5 galaxy take off from the top of a C130 wing, was like an apartment block trying to fly, will never forget that one!
Looks like a great series in works! Awesome part 1!
NEKCanoeist Thanks NEKC! More to come!
brilliant stuff cant get enough of these videos cheers thanks for sharing....colin
colincky w Thanks again Colin!
What an amazing trip !!! So glad that area is protected from tar sands oil, fracking ect.. for now, anyway. Thanks for sharing your trip !!
Thanks Justin! Woodland Caribou Prov. Park is protected from industrial development. However it does contain some fly-in tourism camps (which were there before it became a park), so its not without any "development". But its relatively low impact, few people, and you can ignore the very few motor boats you may see, and there are plenty of lakes without any motor boats.
I'm looking forward to watching the rest of this series, your videos are always a treat! Also thought it was neat to see the notch worn on the gunwale from where you leverage the paddle on the return
Thanks Sean! Good eye! That canoe is close to 30 years old, so its had some time to be worn down! I only adopted the cord wrap later in life, so it was wood on wood wear for many years, wearing the neck of the paddle down too. Now that cord wrap on the paddle neck smooths things out more, and I like the feel of it. Those are white ash gunwales, and they have been excellent. I would always choose wood gunwales over aluminum or composite.
YES!!!!!! 24 day. rock On!!!!
lazyboy9311 Thanks LB9311! Yep 24 days, it is a good length of trip to start to get really into the groove of being in the bush!
Great to see you back out. That was a great way to start your trip. I loved the views from the plane. Will look forward to the next part. Atb Glenn.
South-West-Wilderness Thanks Glenn! yes, flying in is always a huge thrill, and my favourite way to start a trip.
Good quality video...Thanks for posting and would like to see more. Can't beat the Shield and the Boreal Forest for beauty.
Awesome man. That is a dream trip for me. Hopefully oneday.
TarsandSerpents Thanks TaS! Hope you can get there one day soon!
Should be another good series thanks!
xmassi1 Thanks Xmassi1! More in the series to come soon!
Great video as always...Been waiting all winter for you post new videos. Can't wait to see more.
harbinjennifer24 Thanks HJ24! More to come soon!
Want to also compliment you on your classic paddle stroke. I really enjoyed that part of the video.
Random Button Pusher Thanks again RBP! I was lucky my parents sent me to a good canoeing camp when I was young, and fortunate in having good teaches there. I like to promote the solo classic single side style. Not sure if youngsters are still being taught that. The light and calm water was just right for that segment, and it worked well on video that time.
Glad to see these going up Hoop. Still can't believe we overlapped up there for 10 days last year. Too bad we never met up, but its a BIG place! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip. Becky and I are planning a May 15 trip south of L. Nippissing and hoping to get in on the pike opener. Take care, Ken.
kgdblade Thanks Ken! Yep its a big place! May 15 will be here in no time. I might get one more "winter" (meltdown) trip in before it gets too soggy, and then its soft water trip prep time!
'Mornin, Hoop; Great start 2 a new adventure. Glad we tuned in 4 the Beginning of what will B a pleasure 2 follow along on. Stay Safe, Friend.
Happy Trails From Down The Path A Piece ATB Terry
" GOD BLESS "
T.W. Milburn Thanks again Terry! More to come soon!
Friggen awesome as usual man! Lucky bugger
rickyboyz100 Thanks Ricky! I am very lucky to live here, have my health, and have a good employer that lets me get away now and again! :o)
I am really enjoying your videos. Like Les Stroud, but without all the obnoxious drama. Nice job!
Thanks DCMD! Not much drama with me, just plodding along :o)
WT, you are truly a Wildman! Great to see a new vid and looking forward to the rest. I'd say you were born 150 years to late. LOL! I'm heading your way in June around Kenora for a canoe trip.
MMR Tactical Thanks MMR-T! Have a great trip out Kenora way! In June when the blackflies are max, the fish will be jumping in the boat! :o)
Looking forward to it, truly gods country! The NER ain't got nothing on the NWR.
Really nice. Love late August in the bush. For some reason it isn't as hectic bug wise that is. I'm sure we will see!! Can hardly wait for next instalment.
A J Taylor Thanks AJT! In August things generally have cooled off a bit. There were however some bad bug days on this trip, so I used my bug dope supply quite alot! More to come soon.
Looking forward to more. I was expecting to see more bugs in August. Is the lack of bugs normal for August?
Sweet. My rotators are damaged from old dislocation I could not undertake this trip so nice to ride along.
Tossdart Thanks Tossdart! Sad to hear about your injury. Very glad I can bring you along for the ride!
I have wanted to do a solo into WCPP for as long as I can remember! Can't wait for the rest!
Maplehouse Knives and Bushcraft Thanks MHK&B! WCPP is waiting for you! Lots of space to spread out there, and you usually see very few people. More to come soon in the series!
Wintertrekker I am actually going to start planning a solo trip into WCPP next year but coming from Germany, it is proving to be a logistical nightmare. Don't be surprised if I come to you for advice :)
I can highly recommend Red Lake Outfitters. redlakeoutfitters.com/ If you can get to Canada, they can handle most of the logistics for you when you get here (gear, canoe, food, maps, route planning, etc).
Wintertrekker Thanks for the info!
Looks like your off to a great start! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip! Last year was pretty crappy here weather wise, so hope you had better weather up there!
Rob Farrow Thanks Rob! I had my share of the good, bad and ugly weather last August. But it comes with the territory! :o)
That is so cool! Hello from Belarus btw!
Hi S-R! Very glad to hear from you! Greetings from northwestern Ontario, Canada!
You are lucky to have the time off during the summer, I'm guessing you work at a school maybe a high school.
But congrats on the great trip. I am currently planning a trip to the savant river at the middle of August. Just applied for my passport card and sent out for the second edition map for the area. I really can not wait to go. I have all the gear the only thing I'm not looking forward to is the 12 hour drive but if a person wants to be in the back country that's part of the journey.
Looking forward to the future videos of your trip.
Have a great day.
Shane A.
Thanks Shane! No not a teacher. I have a good employer and over 25 years with them, so I get a decent vacation package, and I work lots of unpaid OT and can bank the time to take later, so it works out well for everyone. Not sure where you are driving from(?), but I often grab a hotel in Ignace (The Northwoods) the day before heading up the highway to the Savant Lake country. Get a fresh well-rested start in the morning with a short drive.
Thanks hoop every bit of info helps. I'm coming from maine threw Montreal then Ottawa after that town on to 11 then I head to savant. I will need to rest so I will stay there at the lodge thanks for the help.
That would be great, to just drop out the sky, into a remote lake, instant wilderness and solitude, that feeling of being "out there" exposed, as the plane disappears over the tree line. Now its me , this boat and the paddle.
Well this will be great fun to travel with you.
steinwaygoat Thanks S-G! Glad to have you along!
Joe Robinet mentioned your name in his most recent video so I had to look you up. Watched this entire series and the only thing I didn't like was that it ended. And of course I had to sub as I want to keep in touch with your channel. Thanks for all you do!!!
Thank you Steve for those kind words! I sub to Joe's channel too, but I am behind on my viewing of his videos, so was unaware of his mentioning me. Very nice of him. He has a great channel. I have some more videos to catch up on! :o)
wow amazing...Im still trying to wrap my head around how you pack enough food for a 24 day canoe trip...
Live The Adventure Thanks LTA! Food is all dry, except for Nalgene bottles of olive oil (and my whiskey ration). I dry my own food and purchase some store bought dried food, and its all fits in the 60 Liter barrel, along with my cook kit. Its very heavy to start the trip. Dried food weighs on average 2 pounds per day, so that is 48 lb's, plus cook kit, plus containers like Nalgenes, plus the weight of the barrel and harness. So I am guessing close to 60 lbs at trip start.
wow thats heavy to begin the trip...what about camera batteries? or did you have a solar panel to charge those during the trip?
Hi LTA. Yes several camera batteries for my little P&S video camera (poor quality, I need a real camcorder). No solar panels, but if I get a real camcorder one day, I expect it will eat more power, and more electronic paraphernalia would be needed.
The opening view on this one is my office view, in fact i think i've seen that yellow beav before..which air service was it? When i learned the J-stroke, i got my ears boxed for letting the shaft touch the gunnel, lol. Looking forward to more video of your trip!!
SwampDonkey530 Thanks Swampdonkey530! More to come! That Beaver is Viking Outposts', out of Red Lake. When doing the J or Canadian stroke its OK to use the gunwale! :o) Resting and pivoting on it improves the efficiency because the boat does the work, not your arm or shoulder. Note that I actually relax my lower hand and let go of the paddle for a split second. This relaxes my arm, wrist and forearm, and over a long day, it sure works well. For a bow paddler tandem, they don't need to touch the gunwales, since this is a full power stroke with no correction on the return.
Hello Hoop, I love your videos and miss new ones. I hope and pray that you are well. My big question about this series is how did your canoe get to the day one starting point? Was the plane able to transport it? I tried Googling "can float planes carry canoes" but didn't find an answer.
Yay! I'm really looking forward to these. I'm planning my first trip to WCPP this summer. Why did you choose to have Red Lake Outfitters handle your flight logistics instead of going directly to one of the flight charters?
Thanks MartinG! You are going to love it! I recommend flying way back inside to start. I used Red lake Outfitters to book the flight and the day, which had to be coordinated. They can work back hauls to your advantage depending on what day you are going in (e.g. they take you in, then fly on empty to another lake to pick up another party coming out). Without a back haul, you pay the gas and aircraft time both ways. RLO uses Viking Outposts aircraft, and I find its easier to let them do the logistics. One call does it all if you have your list: I wanted a hotel, and Harlan (owner of RLO), has an arrangement with the Super 8 Hotel and there was no problem getting a room. It can be very hard finding a room in Red Lake - but not with RLO who has a block of rooms always available. Give Harlan a call with your questions and see what you think. You can do all the logistics yourself and make it work, but RLO works well for me.
Can't wait to watch the rest of the series. Just wondering why you carry the whistle with no one around to hear it?
+Kevin Miller Thanks Kevin! The whistle just stays on the PFD wherever it goes, and our Ontario law requires a whistle signaling device on a PFD. The whistle is a standard signaling device when working in rapids (with the roar of the rapids) with other people, and I run whitewater, so the whistle is always on it. There are people to be encountered in Woodland Caribou Provinicial Park. There are a few fly-in fishing camps, and fellow canoe trippers now and again to be encountered. However if I get in trouble there likley will be no one to hear it! :-) I carry a satellite PLB around my waist in a survival pack, should I be separated from my boat and having tried to walk out for many days or weeks, or have a life or limb emergency where I require evac. So the PLB is my critical rescue device that is on me. In my pack I carry a SAT phone for non-life or limb emergencies or no-rush evac issues. In this area people have had to be evac'd because of forest fires. So ya the whistle is low down on the list of effectiveness. :-)
Makes me want to pack up and head out for a couple weeks before the lake freezes over.
Worth a try Joe! The big snow storm is coming, but with a good shelter, saw and axe for big fire with the wet snow, might be a good trip. Fish might be biting too before freeze up. Bears may have packed it in for the season, so you could cook bacon! :o)
What is the large tool that you are carrying on your vest? BTW, glad to see you are wearing a PFD!
ADKHillyMan Thanks ADKHM! Ha ha, yes I am often bad and do not wear my PDF when its hot out. I retired my older bigger hotter one and now have this smaller shorty model which is cooler in the hot weather, and more comfortable to wear. The tool is a knife, but at the camera angle, it looks like it sticks out more than it does. Its a ESEE 3. I got it primarily for its super secure sheath, with 3 points of attachment, (and its a good light survival/bushcraft knife), so it will be on me for sure if I go for a gnarly swim in rapids. If I lose my belt knife, that is my back-up fixed blade.
Nice video Hoop! I like the tip of writing things on your hand - but I didn't realize you wrote and spoke Klingon ;)
Kakabekakev Ha ha! Kzxbvlwrtqbc mkdgblqpvcxzk cklpqtghq! (very hard to pronounce without vowels! And everything has to end in a hard C, K or Q!)
I actualy never canoe camp before looking folward to do so this summer
Bushcraft Quebec Thanks Alex! Oh man, you gotta get out canoe tripping! You can get get way back into the back country - its great! Bugs are vicious though, so DEET is your friend! :o)
im working on it brother thanks and is hould start with people thogh
+Wintertrekker there was not many bugs in mid august
Wow man , solo way out there, my hat is off to ya man. HAHa that was funny as i watched you stroke i was thinking that is cool, makes way more sense and less effort then lifting the paddle from the water. Wonder what broke that rock like that, wow. looks almost recently broke .great job.
Kullcraven Bushcraft Thanks KC! When solo, every little bit of efficiency helps (especially as I get older and now well north of 50 years old!), so that return slice does double duty. That rock was amazing. Would not want to be sitting beside it when it broke off and rolled! Its a "new" clean break, very little lichen on it.
Hello Trekker,
I'm re-watching your 24 day trip today before I head out on my own 14 day trip into the BWCA in two days. Do you have any new trips to add to the library? Have you had any trips of late? Keep them coming.....
Thanx,
Bubba
Mclaughlin088 Thanks Bubba! Best wishes on your 14 day solo. That will be great! No new summer trip vid material for me , sad to say. I have already been on a short one early summer, got some footage, but its so-so, not sure if I will edit it because its same old stuff. Its not going to be a big paddling summer for me, due to some other priorities.
Wintertrekker I have to beg to differ with you sir. I'm sure others who read this will agree that your "same old thing" is still pretty good stuff to see. It's still your eye behind the camera, your "well worth listening to" advice and instruction on how-to and the local flora and fauna is the kind of "same old thing" I would like t see a lot more of. I'll be using a great deal of what I've learned from your "same old thing" on my own trips. Keep it coming Trekker!
Thanx,
Bubba
So, are there any trips, routes or outfitters you might recommend for a three to four day solo. A few portage's in. I'd like to go to a Canadian park (Crown Land) to try a trip. Getting there isn't the problem, but getting a canoe may be.
I want to stay away from BWCA or Quietico for now.
I would highly recommend Woodland Caribou Provincial Park for back country well away from the crowds, with excellent fishing too. I would also recommend longer than 4 days - 4 days you are just starting to get into the groove. 2 weeks is a nice start ;-) For an outfitter in WCPP I highly recommend Red Lake Outfitters - one call can set you up with all the logistics and any rentals you need. redlakeoutfitters.com/
its my next plan is to travel up north by float plane .
wish you had a gopro to capture the arrival
+Bushcraft Quebec Outdoors Thanks Alex! Ya the landing with a canoe tied on would be great video. I turned off the camera on our approach and landing because I am superstitious about it being bad luck to film the landing! :o) Also its the most dangerous time of the flight, and one has to be ready to exit the plane should a an accident occur, so I am hyper vigilant on the landing, no filming. :o)
+Wintertrekker but just drop off on the lake its special
+Bushcraft Quebec Outdoors Yes its very special - not many people on this planet get to fly into the remote bush in a bushplane. We are so lucky in Canada eh!
+Wintertrekker my next goal is to access by float plane but my gosh its harder in the wild with no camps you have to access a game drinking trail to go inland easyer or just arrive in the bushes at shore
nothing like a small beach or rock ledge when you know you cant light fire inland wow
its a thrill to wild camp canoing .
and whats cool is this way you can discover old hunters spots old camping or portage trails 40 year old cans beer bottles old 60s fridge grill . old tobacco cans atuff like thay
How often will you be posting videos about this trip?
awesome man, atb Hans
awesome man, awesome, atb Hans
hans Osvold Thanks Hans!
You should post the vids all in a row. Letting us wait is mean ;-)
***** Ha ha! I wish I could but I don't have them edited yet! I am lazy, had all winter! :o)
Wintertrekker
I hope you've been out during winter season ? I' waiting for the winter trip documentation too since we don't have any winter at all^^
It was not a good winter tripping season for me, sad to say. No footage from this winter so far, but there are a few days left of good ice, so I hope to be out before it totally ends.
Wintertrekker
Lucky One, we already had 20 degree celsius and the rain begins getting warmer every day....
Good idea choosing bare rock campsite. You can't see the bear tracks there.
In D.H.C i think it stands for
Dat High Country , if your way up in a plane with lots an lots of ponds and lakes , how can you see 2 beavers ? ?
Hi Steve! That's a new take on the initials! :o)
Yeah, vicarious but I'll take it. If you ever get to France, give me a shout. I've boats and gear .... even a Purcell grill .... well, I do now anyway.
+Mark L Thanks Mark! You are going to love that Purcell grill!
What bushcraft knife are you sporting this trip and do you carry a firearm for protection?
rickyboyz100 Fallkniven F1 is what I have been carrying for years, in the classic snap-over leather sheath. I always carry bear spray clipped on my belt when on land. On this trip I was in a Provincial Park where firearms are banned. On trips outside of Parks, I have carried a 12 g shotgun with slugs, but usually in black bear country I don't, so save weight and bulk. In the sub-arctic and arctic tundra in grizzly country, I always carry a 12 g shotgun and slugs. I have had to deal with curious bears (both species), but have always been successful in scaring them away with pen-launched bear bangers. I always have a bear banger kit in my pants cargo pocket.
It's called the J-stroke and not local to Canada there buddy, eh... 😉
What do you carry for bear defense?
BUDDY LIGHT I was in a Provincial Park where firearms are banned. So I have 2 cans of bear spray, one of which is always clipped onto my belt when I am out of the canoe. I also have a pack of pen launched bear bangers in my pants cargo pocket. I have used the bangers a few times over the years, and in fact I used one banger on this this trip on a bear that was nearby a portage trail I was using. So far no bad encounters.
I wouldn't feel very safe without a gun.
Do the pilots shout out a few seconds after touchdown ,,
" GET OFF MY PLANE " !!!