A Wilderness Ham Radio Canoe Trip

[@oldpreach]

Did anyone else notice the chipmunk that just trots right through the station area at his feet about one minute into the contact portion of the video? Very neat. That receive on that antenna was amazing, and zero noise from being that far out in the wilderness.

[@dgrewar]

I did 😂

[@trooper2221]

ya I had a bunch of those running around my camp in New Mexico in June

[@paisteformula6021]

Yes saw it! Priceless 😂

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@paisteformula6021 , Here in NJ, they are ALL over, ALL of the time! LOL de KQ2E

[@markhwebster]

Nice to see radios in the wilderness! Great message too. Family sufferfests make for good times.

[@RobertVinet]

Your nephew is a winner for not giving up.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Yes he is, thank you for noticing!

[@justmax8141]

Thank for showing us a beautiful nature of Canada, and your radio broadcast! I like to work from nature as u do). Best regards from Russia, 73! from R6DTA.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Always nice to hear from outdoors-oriented hams from Russia. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@2heavyb517]

so happy to see you being able to share some quality time with the family. love the persistence, humping canoes, gear and radio kit across the lakes and through the bush

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! Tough trip but worth it.

[@matsherwood6277]

I had the privilege of canoeing and camping in Algonquin as a youth. I don't know if it's an overstatement to say it was a life changing challenge. Beautiful representation of God's creation. I was with my church youth group and we intentionally took a rather challenging route and pace. Thanks for sharing your trip! 73 KE8VIK

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

An Algonquin trip in my teens certainly had a profound impact on me, so I understand your thoughts. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@tom-ehill2713]

This is what I really enjoy up here in Northern WI. Great video guys!👋🍻🖒

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

We are brothers in spirit! Thank you.

[@rodneystevens741]

Thanks Tracy for a Great production. Really enjoyed coming along with you on your expedition into the lakes. Not a great start with being heard on radio but persistence prevailed. Glad you took a radio along great entertainment and safety aspect also. Keep the videos coming mate they are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by many. 73 Rodney VK7HAM Tasmania Australia.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

It's always a pleasure to hear from my friends down under, Rodney! Thank you for your comment and 73 from VE3TWM. Love your callsign 👍

[@BruceNitroxpro]

Rodney Stevens , Not too many people up here in New Jersey, USA, who have talked with anyone from your area, Rodney. I hope to hear you on the bands! de KQ2E

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir , Didn't actually READ that call sign... LOL OMG! Sooooo cool!

[@py2atr]

Lugar maravilhoso Tracy, parabéns pelo vídeo. 73

[@bcyoon6823]

What an impressive message you said at the end!! TNX 73~

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I agree!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Excellent video!!! I loved going to Algonquin Park in 1965. It was my most memorable vacation growing up. Getting out in an area like that means zero QRM. Thanks for sharing! 👍👍👍

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, David!

[@paisteformula6021]

Excellent video!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much!

[@alzeNL]

Such a lovely video - I love the whole journey and planning you put into it, and seeing everyone. The radio contacts are just amazing - dont know how much power your running on the 703, but its great to see you make so many contacts on that end-fed, what a lovely time and thanks for sharing ! 73 2E0FWE

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much and 73 from VE3TWM!

[@Shoey00124]

It's cool to see we worked some of the same stations. I actually thought I had you at one point, but his call was only similiar to yours. Another great video Tracy, and a very cool trip!!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Mike! One day we'll make that contact. On another topic, no sightings of the big guy when we were out there.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Great stuff Tracy, I spent nearly all of October for 3 years in a row at a fish camp on Sipewesk lake in northern Manitoba on the Nelson and I can relate to being out on the wilderness. Its awesome. I took my 857d on my last visit in 2012 and worked back into Scotland and as far as the Czech republic, even got the QSL card! Wonderful experience. You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful untouched country. Regards, Colin

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Colin, thank you for your comment! I appreciate you telling me about your Northern Manitoba experience, that sounds incredible.. Glad you were able to enjoy the Canadian wild. Love that you were able to take an HF rig with you. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@mikes6844]

Tenacity and patience by the bucket load, proves low power does work we just need the opportunity to be listened to. Glad to see you finally managed to get out. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Mike!

[@av8torish]

Outstanding video excellent ham radio outing. I often listen for you on the air but so far no luck. Keep up the great work 73 Ron. W2RON

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Ron! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@jayange6735]

Good outing. Great production. Thanks for sharing it.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Jay!

[@buckeye5704]

Way to hang in there Tracy! Winter Field Day this weekend. Good luck and hope to work you. 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Tim, thank you! No WFD for me this year. I always seem to have a conflict on that weekend. Maybe next year...73 from VE3TWM.

[@buckeye5704]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir No worries my friend. Maybe next one. I did qso another YT star yesterday tho. Rob from the Sevenfourtyone channel (N1NUG). I do expect to be on for the June event and hope to hit some parks when things warm up a little.

[@madcarew.3256]

Starting I thought it was a real life "Deliverance!!" Glad it worked out better 73.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Me too!😆

[@TI3IES]

Hamradio with squirrel at 6:58 very nice activation 73!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I should have asked him to run the antenna up the tree! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@TI3IES]

​@@OutdoorsOnTheAir can certainly take the antenna higher! 73, TI3IES

[@zanado11]

Great video Tracy, as always intertwining and inspirational. Best 73 Roger W8RLP

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Roger! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@keithviglucci5934]

Great stuff Tracy. I've been able to take my gear into the wild a couple times. My favorite way to play radio. Thanks again for answering my email a while back regarding the EFHW antenna. Keep up the good work! 73 de kd2evc

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Keith! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@leeharrell67]

What a beautiful area! Looks like fun. Thanks for posting.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Lee!

[@DK5ONV]

Very nice trip. I am on 100W qrp outdoors at any time and anywhere. I hate to repeat my callsign and name dozen times. But you doing a fine job, Tracy. The IC-703 performs awsome. Stay safe & hope to talk on 40,20,17 and / or 15m Band. 73's de Günter

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Gunther! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@DK5ONV]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Hi Tracy, happy weekend to you and yours. Stay safe.

[@va7dgp]

As a young adult, I went on a canoe trip. I remember canoeing 16 lakes. We camped on an Island and did hang our food up in the trees as you mentioned

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your memory, Don! 16 lakes is one heck of a trip.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Thanks Tracy,...Recently, have heard several contacts watching youtube, of other youtube'ers, today was yr contact with Val, from Ham Nation, take care Tracy the canoe trip is living the dream,.., gotta love the endfed, cheers n 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Tom, I did not realize until reading your comment that Val was the lady from Ham Nation! Thank you for letting me know I rubbed shoulders with ham radio royalty. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir super, yes I recognized her voice, cheers tracy n 73

[@forthy62]

What a great country side. 1998 I was the last time in Canada. Was great. The IC-703 is a nice radio. I have one also. Always fun to operate. Life is long enough for qrp :-) 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Stephan! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@tron2132]

Nice video Tracy. That was me making the QSO with you at the 10:00 mark. I look forward to working you again. '73, Louis N8LEK

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for the contact, Louis! Hope your POTA outing was a big success. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@johnpwmcgrath]

Hi Tracy, great Algonquin video! Easily my favourite park! Drove through park last weekend to ride ATV north of Whitney. Will be taking my radio next time! Thx for your video! John VE3JPW

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi John, thank you for your comment! An ATV trip sounds like fun. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@mark351]

The utter joy of no man-made noise!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Yes sir!

[@enigmarbs2886]

Very nice video Tracy, thank you for sharing impressions of your trip and the activation with us. I also love operating with my IC-703. 73 and stay healty DG4RBS Stefan

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much for your nice comment, Stefan! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@BrianJurkowski]

7:01 Even the fury woodland friends are enjoying your ham radio outing! :)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

What's not to enjoy 😀 Thank you for your comment!

[@neubert500]

The usual excellent content! Thank you!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@evanbetter]

inspiring, tracy - thanks for this really cool video!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome...I always appreciate hearing from folks who I have inspired!

[@jeromebraconnier1227]

I love Algonquin Park. It must be great being there and make some contacts. Very nice video. 73 Jerome

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

An operation like this one really fulfills a long-time dream...my favourite hobby in my favourite place. Thank you for your comment! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@charlieb.4273]

Great video and wonderful radio adventure. 73 Charlie KM4ZZ

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Charlie! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

Great video. The spot you guys chose looks fantastic. Thought that little chipmunk was going to run up your pant leg. Lol. 73 Clark KG7LOI

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

If he did, you would have seen me dance! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@Roanokekidstech]

Great video Tracy. Your videos convinced me to buy my own FT-817, I am very excited to have a small rig as opposed to lugging my 450D. I will have to look into bringing the 817 to my kayaking trips.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment! Let me know how that 817 works for you while kayaking, sounds like a great combination.

[@brucecairnie3975]

If you could get a vertical fishing rod holder mounted on your kayak, then with a 20’ telescoping fishing pole / crappie pole like the Shakespeare Wonderpole, you could wind a wire around the pole and have a vertical antenna afloat. I do that on my lunches and have good success... but I haven’t tried it in my canoe. Maybe I will! 73 VA7SGY

[@kayli3294]

Very nice video as always...good luck an hopefully sometimes on the bands. 73 from Germany DM5KS :-)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I'm looking forward to that QSO! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@RodMurray]

Nice work! Looks like a fun way to be outside and making radio contacts. I know this lake. Camped there in the summer of 2018. We chose the site on the cliff, at the south end of the lake. The site was littered with moose scat, just like the one you camped at. FYI- I never hang my barrel except when tripping along the Hwy 60 lakes. I just got my ticket in June, so I did take a VHF/UHF handheld with me on our canoe trip to Temagami in July. Did not make any contacts, though. Learning about POTA, and I noticed you made one POTA contact. Thanks for this encouragement to get out and be in the outdoors and on the air. VA3MZD

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Rod, thank you for your comment! The site you refer to was taken when we got to the lake, or we'd have stayed there. Interesting that you never hang your barrel in the interior. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@blomidon]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been using some of your ideas and encouraged by your insistence that we get out there and do it. I noticed you had at least one Parks on the Air contact. I’ve been activating a number of parks here for POTA. If you can get spotted you can end up working a pile up. If you have cellular access, which I’m sure you didn’t have in Algonquin, you can spot yourself.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good tips, Michael! Thank you for your comment.

[@DK5ONV]

I like that Barrel Pack Thing...

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Very handy for canoe tripping.

[@WKMG365]

Cool trip!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@VE2FGJ]

Awesome trip, very nice! 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@trig6712]

Excellent and interesting again Tracy but .. Ye need to buy and use a Morse KEY Easy Peasy

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Always great to hear from you, Trig! Maybe once I am retired I will get a good key and re-learn the code. It's on my bucket list 👍

[@KX4UL]

Looked like a really nice time Tracy! The scenery was breathtaking. I can't remember the last time I went camping with my buddies so, I am long overdue. It's always exciting to head out in the woods and make long range contacts off a battery powered radio and a wire antenna. 73 my friend!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Get out there, Gary! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@n9oqu]

Using compression on your rig sometime can give your RX extra "pop" also grounding your radio and RFI protection helps too. It could also be the band conditions.73,

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing those tips! The transmit compression was turned on for this video.

[@barrykery1175]

Neat video. Looks like a fun trip. Barry, KU3X

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Barry! Always nice to hear from you.

[@Roanokekidstech]

Also I am not sure if you caught it but Val(NV9L) is a host of the Ham Nation.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for letting me know!

[@Papa-Rah]

Is your name Tracy ? Roger, roger ! Roger, roger ! Copy that, thank you, Roger :D Had that happen to me once, I was expecting that to happen to you at 12:23 This is a dream POTA for me.

[@GerryDX]

You might have to change your name to Bob! Might have easier contacts - lol. Great show!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Believe me, I was considering it 😆

[@vk2lhc332]

Thank you for sharing, what style battery were you using? What runtime were you getting and power output? 73 VK2LHC

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I used a 7 Ah SLA battery. RF out was set to 8 watts. I ran the rig for a couple of hours and had plenty of juice left when I pulled the plug. Probably could have run for another 4 hours. 73 from VE3TWM!

[@CigarsOnTheAir]

Good to see you out there Tracy! I had two camping trips cancel because of covid as well. How long did the battery last you and did you did you have any other gear besides antenna, radio, battery? Like a solar panel, back up antenna, etc.? What bands did you contest on, how many watts and any lessons learned looking back afterwards?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Lambert! I only operated for a couple of hours and the battery still had plenty of juice left when I pulled the plug. I focused on 40m and 20m. No other gear on this trip.

[@StephanRidgway]

great video, wondered why didn't you take the Hyendfed 4 band mini I saw you review a while back?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I almost did and opted for the 4 Band Classic at the last minute. No special reason.

[@trooper2221]

Well, u tuned the wire up there for 40 mtr. Right? Nice video

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment! The HyEndFed 4 band is resonant right across all of 40 without a tuner, so I was all set.

[@TerryG7wrs]

Nice video Tracy at least you didn’t give up. De G7wrs

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Terry!

[@digitaldreamer5481]

Tracy, I enjoyed watching this video and I think maybe you should come up with a nickname that’s easy to understand easier, lol. BTW, what was your farthest contact that day?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Todd, you'd better believe I have thought about changing my name during contacts 😀 Farthest contact was Alabama.

[@digitaldreamer5481]

Outdoors On The Air Tracy, whatever ever you decide to do, don’t ask your wife to help you with a nickname, you just may find out what she really thinks of you, ha ha. All kidding aside, I recently bought the new Xeigu G90 and discovered that my building here in Waikiki is actually a Faraday Cage with so much steel and concrete, built in 1962 before American and Japanese steel went through the roof in the 1970’s, later fueled by the Vietnam War. So I’ve been trying to buy the MFJ 1622 Apartment Antenna for HF but according to MFJ, their supply chain has been disrupted by the Great DemoCRAPic Scamdemic and they are hoping that they can start making antennas again in December. I really enjoy the Great Outdoors and really enjoyed your video. I think you would really enjoy Hawaii because its mostly outdoor life here. I’m looking forward to doing the Lighthouse weekend and Battleship weekend on the Mighty Mo. Mahalo for the reply, Skip, Paul, Tony, John, Dave, Tony or whatever you decide, Trace, lol!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

😆 Yes, I won't ask her. Hawaii does sound incredible but I can't see myself getting there in this lifetime. Hope you enjoy doing those portable activations! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@digitaldreamer5481]

Outdoors On The Air Tracy, one of your fellow countryman is stationed here at Pearl Harbor/Hickham, Dave VE3SDU. He is from my wife’s hometown of Ottawa. We were in Canada last two years and I can’t wait to go back for another visit. Maybe I can bring you a bag of Kona coffee for your next camping trip. I don’t drink coffee myself but I love the smell of it brewing first thing in the morning, lol. The pic you see here is my reflection off the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington DC, in which I’m holding the American flag. Right after I snapped this picture, a 4 year old Vietnamese girl had gotten too far ahead of her parents and tripped backwards right behind me after her parents called for her. She started crying, so I helped her up and started talking to her softly in Vietnamese, which made her stop crying instantly. As her parents walked up, she ran to them and told them that the big American speaks Vietnamese and had apologized to her. She then said that I did nothing wrong and that she had tripped by herself. Her parents started apologizing to me and I held up my hand to stop. I then gave her that American flag and the little girl thanked me. I had like 3 more back at my hotel room in Dupont Circle, lol. What a wonderful trip to DC. I want to take my whole family there once this Scamdemic is over. Thank you very much for each of your replies, its been wonderful, Tracy. Just keep using Tracy, it will make sense once everyone gets to know you like I do, with a kind heart...73’

[@gilbertcarrascojr558]

That funny how people sync together like minded outdoors men’s etc in one place. My family and I have been kayaking the last couple of years but this year my dad and I have been doing a lot of time together since his wife passed, exploring caves over in San Diego on tours with some guides. Then I tune into catching up on some videos I run into yours and I got a comfortable feeling. I myself am I ham and do alt of traveling for work sometimes I’ll key up to some of the repeater at home, good job making contacts in the great outdoors. 😀 Km6dak Gilbert Ca. 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Gilbert! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@francescosilvi654]

Very nice video Tracy ! '73 de Franz as ik0 rks ..

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Franz! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@taldeus4008]

How you liking that 703 Tracy?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I am liking it a lot! It's a nice rig to operate.

[@W-733_KWX]

You shoud say you're Mr T :D ... ;)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I PITY THE POOR FOOL THAT DOESN'T GIVE ME A CONTACT 😂

[@jordantri]

A "granny" throw, two-handed and between the legs works first try, more often than not.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Is that a 100w rig ?? KC3ONO

[@oldpreach]

The 703 is 10 watts. The 706 series all have 100 watts on HF.

[@deniscahillpixs]

Kevin Helijeepworld your call looks familiar. I’m also a Tracy fan. Denis VA3ONO

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Denis Cahill yea I watch a bunch of ham vids online ☺️

[@stelthy100]

I GUESS YOU DIDNT NOTICE THE RAT RUNNING AROUND YOU LOL

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

The chipmunks at that campsite were absolutely fearless.

[@Snarky_Radio]

"failure isn't an option" Oh, I wasn't recording. good one.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

WB0WQS , Now, SERIOUSLY... did he actually get away with that? ROFL de KQ2E

[@CigarsOnTheAir]

I got a great chuckle out of that one. Good one Tracy!

[@garys.7846]

You worked Val NV9L of Ham Nation fame (weekly internet ham tv show). Check NV9L on QRZ, huge antenna farm.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for letting me know. I'm having a hard time believing that antenna farm is real, but there it is.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

hi tracy 73 from kb2uew

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Alvaro! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@Ei2iP]

That's the worse thing about operating portable, hearing all these guys using a 1KW and they can't hear a guy using a few watts...

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Perseverance and adjusted expectation pays 😀

[@ricardopinheiro8426]

73 tracy PP5 RC RICARDO RS Brasil

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

73 Ricardo from VE3TWM.

[@garyreed354]

Need a bow and arrow the send the wire up into the tree

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

That might just work! Not sure if it is legal to take that stuff into the park, though.

[@nr3rful]

Very interesting......

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@kellypaws]

I'd be using a middle name, or nickname. Tracy is a bit painful for rapid fire.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Yes, you are 100% correct.

[@jameswoods2171]

The contest is the problem. Nobody can hear a thing. No matter what power you are running.

[@mechanicandskills7215]

switch out that mic !

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I'm considering that.