Great job Matt! That 'new' portage to Muskrat seems longer and possibly rougher than the old trail. It's almost as if parks had a mapping/GIS error and then just cut a new trail to reflect what they have internally vs brushing the older trail. It was flat and appears shorter. Glad staff got out there though!
Thanks Brad! You summed up my thoughts exactly. Definitely not an efficient route! Wish I would have had your GPS track to follow. Very nice to see staff getting into the lesser traveled routes however.
New Sub I've come aboard after seeing you on the pannel during the Interview on Lost Lakes. Loook forward to spending some time here. I like your host demeanor. Blessings from Oregon. ... Mike.
I have this exact trip booked for end of June. I booked it before I knew of these videos for the same reason. To see if I could get to Boot! and actually beyond to the crown site on Richard Lk. Great 1st solo adventure and paddling gloves!! For those soft city boy hands. Thx Matt, Chris
Nice! I should have stayed another day to explore down to Richard Lake. You have a good plan! No gloves for me. Only one way to make my hands tougher is to put them through the pain.
@@MattHaughn So Matt, did you do any canoe tripping before you were involved with Mark for the Mark in the Park series or did that experience spark an interest for you? Just curious. No paddling gloves...tough guy ehhhh? Take care! Chris
I had done a few trips before the first Mark in the Park but I created the series because I wanted to share the outdoors with others. Those trips before the series had me thinking of a way to join my newfound love of camping and my job of being a camera op and that’s where I got the idea.
I tried this a few years ago. I double-carry, and at the time was using a canvas canoe. I always carry the pack first so I can scout out a portage. On this one, I fell with the pack not too far from where you did on Mole-Raja, just a little bit before that dip down next to the creek. I was very muddy, and I'd had to go around a LOT of blowdowns at that point. Had the same trouble you did scrambling back up from the creek, that was a remarkably steep little scramble. BUT - it was shortly after that scramble that I completely lost the trail. Then I thought how awful it would be to get the canoe even that far, and after several minutes of not being able to get a bearing on the trail, gave up on it. I've been debating taking another shot at it, but I'm wondering - when you took your tumble on that portage, how far in do you think you were? When I tried it I was thinking that dip-down-scramble-up point was maybe 400-450 meters from Raja, meaning just a little past the halfway point. Thanks very much for posting by the way. There are very, very few trip reports on this route.
I am.new to solo canoe trips.. Last year I did an eight day solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park and only saw people on 4 of those days. Only one day did I meet anyone close enough to talk to. What a wonderful trip. "I Canoe It"
Thanks for the video we enjoyed as always. A tip. When you were in the mucky part pulling the canoe. Try tying a rope around your front seat of canoe than put rope around your waist. Its much easier for me than pulling and twisting trying to drag the canoe. I speak from experience on this one. Thanks again for sharing.
Hey Matt, Yet another great film. To answer your question, you have an efficient kayak stroke. It is the constant friction rub that creates the blister, as you know. Unavoidable, but with time they become calloused. BTW, how many hours do you have to drive to get to Algonquin Provincial Park ? Any planned trips coming up for this season ? Thanks Man
Thank you! I need more hours in the canoe to toughen up my hands. Takes me about 3-5 hours to get to Algonquin. I have some planned trips to new places. It will be a blast!
Goin to try Boot Lake again 2024 the 1st weekend in May lighter and easier, I hope, this year. Will let you know how it goes. Happy Paddling, Congrates on Engagement. Honeymoon Canoe trip vlog??
Trip good but challenging, fishing not so good. Found a way around the Raja to Muskrat and the high part of Raja to Molle portage on the way back out. Just follow the Muskrat creek down stream around the hill to where that pile of logs was you showed when you came in on your vlog. High water route only, easy beaver dam slide overs saved my back. Paddled all the way to the end of Boot and walked the portage to the edge of the park. Worth it, nice scenery.
Great vlog Mat! Haven't heard of anyone going there since Northern Scavenger years ago. Maybe I'll give it a go. Please don't show the Thunder boxes in future. Never know what's in there.
Thanks for watching! It’s been a while but there has been the odd person here and there. It’s worth the effort to get to Boot. Maybe you can trip to the lake and keep going to see more campsites and report back with what you discover. Noted on the thunderboxes. It was the first time coming across one that hadn’t been used yet so I found it interesting
Hey Mat, booked Boot Lake for just after Ice out for some Trout fishin in a couple weeks. Were the portages in the proper spots on the maps? Thought I read something about them being hard to find and you were surprised it was marked? Happy Paddling.
The two longer portages (Mole to Raja and Raja to Muskrat) are as marked. The next two smaller portages (Muskrat to Bailey and Bailey to Boot) aren’t quite in the right spot (I use Jeff’s map V5) but won’t be hard to spot when you’re out there. All portages had signs that were clearly visible from the water when I was there. Enjoy your trip and catch lots of fish!
Hey Mat, never made it to Boot. Stopped at Raja, was a lot of blow down from Mole to Raja and had to clear the portage to get through. On the way back from clearing and cutting to get my next load I ran in to some young guys strolling up the cleared trail for a quick afternoon fish. I’m calling that a scouting mission and think I’ll have another go this year. Fishing was bad in Raja. Walked portage to Muskrat and it was ok, no fish at end of portage either. Good trip. Happy Paddling.
Hi Matt! I really love your videos!! The photography is just beautiful, and I like your commentary throughout. I’ve watched them all (starting with Mark in the Park, and then your own personal videos), and I really enjoy them😁 I hope there are many more to come. Keep up the great work. I’m astonished at the swimming chipmunk episode, and your wildlife shots are beautiful. Thank you😁😁😁
Great trip Matt. The last time I was there was 1991. I think it might have been the old Shall Lake access point at that time. Looking forward to more trip videos.
So so great to follow along your journey. You had quite the slogg a few time’s and you retained such a positive attitude, that inspires me to do the same, instead of screaming curse words. All in all, thank you for the content it was well enjoyed good sir. Also I really enjoyed your video editing style, two thumbs up.
Nice little trip says the vicar. Thanks Matt. Two tips. 1) Brown your sausages in the pan before adding the water. And 2) Kneel when running unfamiliar rapids. Looking forward to being in Algonquin again soon. Hope to see you there.
Ouu never thought to brown them. Get that caramelization! As for #2, I tried to kneel in that canoe but it wasn’t possible with the kayak seat that was in it. That’s why the rapids were so scary because I didn’t feel like I had full control of the canoe.
Really appreciated and enjoyed the country, Fall colours and video. Will try and explore that area this Fall. Continued safe travels ! P.S. Really enjoyed Mark In The Park S1. 👍👍
You asked how to stay dry while double paddling. I found a longer paddle was one way to keep water out of the boat. Now using a 250cm Carlyle "Super Angler" after losing my Mystral double blade on the QEW at #427. Fell off the roof and was turned into smithereens in seconds. I also made myself a custom spraydeck with a single cockpit midships, converting my canoe into a virtual kayak. One fibreglass sail batten gives it enough whaleback for the water to run off. Now experimenting with a mini deck for the drip area only. Works well, and is easy to rig and work around. Your question about steering without losing weigh must refer to single blade paddling, as maintaining momentum isn't an issue with a yak blade. You just choke-up a bit on the windward side. Hope this helps. ~Mike
Hey Mike. Summer was good! Good advice on the double blade. Pretty cool how you made your own spray deck. Like anything, practice makes perfect so hopefully I can have more practice with a double blade and have full control over the boat. Thanks for all the guidance!
Thanks Matt. That trip to that part of the park I haven't been to for 25 years and thourghly enjoyed it. Your videography is getting better . I chuckled when you showed the "interludes" . Well done.
Another great video Matt! I think my favourite part was that Otter bobbing up and down lol! Really enjoy the way you film and put these videos together!
Thanks, Matt!!! Love that you share your trips with us. I am back at SOLO camping this year for 2 of my 5 scheduled trips, and this was a good reminder of why I want to do it!
Thumbs down? No possible way, great trip! lol Gotta have some bad weather in the mix, makes it the perfect outing. I have a saying " a rainy day in the woods beats a sunny in the city any time!" Thanks for sharing! :) :)
When the wind gets that riled up, could you use your canoe as a wind break. Either for the fire or your tarp set up? Get adventure though, with all that is going on ,of late, any distractions are welcomed. Thank you and take care!
I tried but there wasn’t anywhere to prop the canoe up. Plus those pack boats are so skinny, the wind goes right over them. If I had a bigger canoe, for sure would have used it! Thanks for watching Michele!
No do the exact opposite.. only the the tip of your paddle should be entering the water..no more than 2 or 3 inches. Arms shoulder length apart and at your chest...imagine squeezing a beach ball between the paddle shaft and your chest, and arms. Tight grip with your dominant hand loose grip with your other allowing you to pivot the paddle with your stroke...go for smoothness and consistency not depth and power!
Good job making it with all that rain and wind. Good videos too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks David! It was all worth it
Great videos Matt! Love your humility!
Thanks James!
Very entertaining episode Matt, Thankyou.
Thanks Mark!
Nothing quite like the feeling of sunshine after a soggy day or two! Another great video, Matt!
Oh, it’s the best! Having dry clothes again is the best
Great job Matt! That 'new' portage to Muskrat seems longer and possibly rougher than the old trail. It's almost as if parks had a mapping/GIS error and then just cut a new trail to reflect what they have internally vs brushing the older trail. It was flat and appears shorter. Glad staff got out there though!
Thanks Brad! You summed up my thoughts exactly. Definitely not an efficient route! Wish I would have had your GPS track to follow. Very nice to see staff getting into the lesser traveled routes however.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this two part video series. And you get ironman points for all the portaging you did!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😊
great trip
Thanks for watching!!
Your Narration on this outstanding video was great! Found pleasure in coming along, Thank You, Later Pal, .. M.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Outstanding video
Subscribed
Thank you so much!!
This is frigging awesome. There should be a million views. Great Camra work. Quality stuff. Will share with my circle! Keep them coming.
Thanks Ron! Really appreciate it
Good job . Going alone is tuff ,l would want someone along for company . The rain was brutal.
But you did it.
Definitely a different experience than having company. Pros and cons to each!
Congratulations! Loved the intermissions.
Thank you!
New Sub I've come aboard after seeing you on the pannel during the Interview on Lost Lakes. Loook forward to spending some time here. I like your host demeanor. Blessings from Oregon. ... Mike.
Thanks Mike!
Thanks, really enjoyed watching your trip!! This part of the park doesn't seem well maintained though, I think it's one I will try to actively avoid!
Thanks Mehdi!! It's an area that few go so the park staff don't focus on it as much. Hardly maintained = no people
I have this exact trip booked for end of June. I booked it before I knew of these videos for the same reason. To see if I could get to Boot! and actually beyond to the crown site on Richard Lk. Great 1st solo adventure and paddling gloves!! For those soft city boy hands. Thx Matt, Chris
Nice! I should have stayed another day to explore down to Richard Lake. You have a good plan! No gloves for me. Only one way to make my hands tougher is to put them through the pain.
@@MattHaughn So Matt, did you do any canoe tripping before you were involved with Mark for the Mark in the Park series or did that experience spark an interest for you? Just curious. No paddling gloves...tough guy ehhhh? Take care! Chris
I had done a few trips before the first Mark in the Park but I created the series because I wanted to share the outdoors with others. Those trips before the series had me thinking of a way to join my newfound love of camping and my job of being a camera op and that’s where I got the idea.
I tried this a few years ago. I double-carry, and at the time was using a canvas canoe. I always carry the pack first so I can scout out a portage. On this one, I fell with the pack not too far from where you did on Mole-Raja, just a little bit before that dip down next to the creek. I was very muddy, and I'd had to go around a LOT of blowdowns at that point. Had the same trouble you did scrambling back up from the creek, that was a remarkably steep little scramble. BUT - it was shortly after that scramble that I completely lost the trail. Then I thought how awful it would be to get the canoe even that far, and after several minutes of not being able to get a bearing on the trail, gave up on it. I've been debating taking another shot at it, but I'm wondering - when you took your tumble on that portage, how far in do you think you were? When I tried it I was thinking that dip-down-scramble-up point was maybe 400-450 meters from Raja, meaning just a little past the halfway point. Thanks very much for posting by the way. There are very, very few trip reports on this route.
Beautifully done Matt! Thanks for taking us along :)
Thanks Chris! Really appreciate it!
I am.new to solo canoe trips.. Last year I did an eight day solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park and only saw people on 4 of those days.
Only one day did I meet anyone close enough to talk to.
What a wonderful trip.
"I Canoe It"
Sounds like a great trip!
Thanks for the video we enjoyed as always. A tip. When you were in the mucky part pulling the canoe. Try tying a rope around your front seat of canoe than put rope around your waist. Its much easier for me than pulling and twisting trying to drag the canoe. I speak from experience on this one. Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I will keep that tip in mind for next time.
Hey Matt, Yet another great film. To answer your question, you have an efficient kayak stroke. It is the constant friction rub that creates the blister, as you know. Unavoidable, but with time they become calloused. BTW, how many hours do you have to drive to get to Algonquin Provincial Park ? Any planned trips coming up for this season ?
Thanks Man
Thank you! I need more hours in the canoe to toughen up my hands. Takes me about 3-5 hours to get to Algonquin. I have some planned trips to new places. It will be a blast!
You didn't pick an easy first trip for yourself, did you? Nicely done under less than awesome conditions Matt - thanks for taking us along!
🤣 I never do! Still young and haven’t learned to slow down yet. Thanks for watching! Happy paddling!
great trip to end the year off.. love the video..!! great job for your 1st solo trip.. !!!
Thank you so much!
Goin to try Boot Lake again 2024 the 1st weekend in May lighter and easier, I hope, this year.
Will let you know how it goes.
Happy Paddling, Congrates on Engagement.
Honeymoon Canoe trip vlog??
I hope your trip to Boot was a success!
Trip good but challenging, fishing not so good.
Found a way around the Raja to Muskrat and the high part of Raja to Molle portage on the way back out.
Just follow the Muskrat creek down stream around the hill to where that pile of logs was you showed when you came in on your vlog.
High water route only, easy beaver dam slide overs saved my back.
Paddled all the way to the end of Boot and walked the portage to the edge of the park.
Worth it, nice scenery.
Great vlog Mat!
Haven't heard of anyone going there since Northern Scavenger years ago.
Maybe I'll give it a go.
Please don't show the Thunder boxes in future.
Never know what's in there.
Thanks for watching! It’s been a while but there has been the odd person here and there. It’s worth the effort to get to Boot. Maybe you can trip to the lake and keep going to see more campsites and report back with what you discover.
Noted on the thunderboxes. It was the first time coming across one that hadn’t been used yet so I found it interesting
Wow! Those are some of the least developed portages of Algonquin Park. I guess Boot Lake is rarely visited!
Definitely off the beaten path for such a popular park!
Great trip. Loved the addition of the nature intermissions.
Thanks!
Hey Mat, booked Boot Lake for just after Ice out for some Trout fishin in a couple weeks.
Were the portages in the proper spots on the maps?
Thought I read something about them being hard to find and you were surprised it was marked?
Happy Paddling.
The two longer portages (Mole to Raja and Raja to Muskrat) are as marked. The next two smaller portages (Muskrat to Bailey and Bailey to Boot) aren’t quite in the right spot (I use Jeff’s map V5) but won’t be hard to spot when you’re out there. All portages had signs that were clearly visible from the water when I was there. Enjoy your trip and catch lots of fish!
Hey Mat, never made it to Boot.
Stopped at Raja, was a lot of blow down from Mole to Raja and had to clear the portage to get through.
On the way back from clearing and cutting to get my next load I ran in to some young guys strolling up the cleared trail for a quick afternoon fish.
I’m calling that a scouting mission and think I’ll have another go this year.
Fishing was bad in Raja.
Walked portage to Muskrat and it was ok, no fish at end of portage either.
Good trip.
Happy Paddling.
I loved the pileated woodpecker.
They are really cool to watch!
I really enjoy your channel. Just wish you fished. Can't wait for your next expedition.
Thanks! If I fished, you wouldn’t see much 🤣 I haven’t caught anything in years.
Hi Matt! I really love your videos!! The photography is just beautiful, and I like your commentary throughout. I’ve watched them all (starting with Mark in the Park, and then your own personal videos), and I really enjoy them😁 I hope there are many more to come. Keep up the great work. I’m astonished at the swimming chipmunk episode, and your wildlife shots are beautiful. Thank you😁😁😁
Thank you! More coming in a couple months.
Congrats on your first solo canoe trip!! Enjoyed the videos of your adventure. Stay safe and enjoy!!
Thank you for watching!
Love the nature breaks
Thanks!
Great trip Matt. The last time I was there was 1991. I think it might have been the old Shall Lake access point at that time. Looking forward to more trip videos.
That’s cool! I bet everything looks completely different now
Congratulations on your first solo trip! I also enjoyed the brief nature intermissions! Great work, as usual!
Thank you! It was a blast!
Great video matt I’ve been to booth several times but now I gotta check out this area. Beautiful sunset pictures
It won’t disappoint! Thanks for watching!
So so great to follow along your journey. You had quite the slogg a few time’s and you retained such a positive attitude, that inspires me to do the same, instead of screaming curse words. All in all, thank you for the content it was well enjoyed good sir. Also I really enjoyed your video editing style, two thumbs up.
Thanks Andrew! Always working the problem will create the best outcome. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!
Nice little trip says the vicar. Thanks Matt. Two tips. 1) Brown your sausages in the pan before adding the water. And 2) Kneel when running unfamiliar rapids. Looking forward to being in Algonquin again soon. Hope to see you there.
Ouu never thought to brown them. Get that caramelization! As for #2, I tried to kneel in that canoe but it wasn’t possible with the kayak seat that was in it. That’s why the rapids were so scary because I didn’t feel like I had full control of the canoe.
Really appreciated and enjoyed the country, Fall colours and video. Will try and explore that area this Fall. Continued safe travels !
P.S. Really enjoyed Mark In The Park S1. 👍👍
Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed Mark in the Park too!
Every solo canoe trip is of interest to watch.
Thanks Matt for another good video! Sometimes I wonder about the future of the park with all the garbage and destruction you seem to come across.
Thank you! I wonder as well. Hopefully the people who litter will be respectful to the land after seeing how it effects others.
Meanwhile Tim Hortons litter is everywhere in the world.
Hi Matt, how was your summer?
You asked how to stay dry while double paddling. I found a longer paddle was one way to keep water out of the boat. Now using a 250cm Carlyle "Super Angler" after losing my Mystral double blade on the QEW at #427. Fell off the roof and was turned into smithereens in seconds. I also made myself a custom spraydeck with a single cockpit midships, converting my canoe into a virtual kayak. One fibreglass sail batten gives it enough whaleback for the water to run off. Now experimenting with a mini deck for the drip area only. Works well, and is easy to rig and work around. Your question about steering without losing weigh must refer to single blade paddling, as maintaining momentum isn't an issue with a yak blade. You just choke-up a bit on the windward side. Hope this helps. ~Mike
Hey Mike. Summer was good! Good advice on the double blade. Pretty cool how you made your own spray deck. Like anything, practice makes perfect so hopefully I can have more practice with a double blade and have full control over the boat. Thanks for all the guidance!
Thanks Matt. That trip to that part of the park I haven't been to for 25 years and thourghly enjoyed it. Your videography is getting better . I chuckled when you showed the "interludes" . Well done.
I wonder how much it’s changed in 25 years. Thanks for the kind words!
Amazing sunset/clouds visuals. Thanks for sharing with us Matt!
Thanks Mark!
Another great video Matt! I think my favourite part was that Otter bobbing up and down lol! Really enjoy the way you film and put these videos together!
Thanks Josie! I enjoyed how it had lunch when I had lunch 😂
@@MattHaughn Lol!
Hello, I hope you’re doing okay? It’ll be great to see your videos again if you return one day. Cheers from south east Australia 🇦🇺
Busy times for me right now. Videos from this summer trips are coming in a bit. Really cool to hear you're from Australia! ❤️
The “Nature Intermissions” made the slog through the mud worth it and that sunset WOW 🤩
Thanks Tina!
Thanks, Matt!!! Love that you share your trips with us. I am back at SOLO camping this year for 2 of my 5 scheduled trips, and this was a good reminder of why I want to do it!
Glad you’re enjoying them! Good to hear you’re getting out there solo
Is that the 70L or 115L Slogg?
It’s the Slogg HD 115L rolled up all the way. I could have used the 70L but it wasn’t available at the time.
Thumbs down? No possible way, great trip! lol Gotta have some bad weather in the mix, makes it the perfect outing. I have a saying " a rainy day in the woods beats a sunny in the city any time!" Thanks for sharing! :) :)
I love that saying! It’s so true
When the wind gets that riled up, could you use your canoe as a wind break. Either for the fire or your tarp set up?
Get adventure though, with all that is going on ,of late, any distractions are welcomed. Thank you and take care!
I tried but there wasn’t anywhere to prop the canoe up. Plus those pack boats are so skinny, the wind goes right over them. If I had a bigger canoe, for sure would have used it! Thanks for watching Michele!
Great Video
From what I can see , You are doing just fine in a pack boat,
maybe dig a bit deeper on the paddling
cheers
I will try that next time. Thank you!
No do the exact opposite.. only the the tip of your paddle should be entering the water..no more than 2 or 3 inches. Arms shoulder length apart and at your chest...imagine squeezing a beach ball between the paddle shaft and your chest, and arms. Tight grip with your dominant hand loose grip with your other allowing you to pivot the paddle with your stroke...go for smoothness and consistency not depth and power!
@@timothyjames4463 ummmmmmmmmmmmm you r incorrect
but carry on if ur havin fun
lol
? ..............where you just whimpering on the portage ? stop whining!!!