Am I Okay? Wild Family - E.1 - 10 Days & 110kms Canoe Camping on Northern Ontario's French River

#jimbairdadventurer #outdoors #camping
Am I Okay? Wild Family - E.1 - 10 Days & 110kms Canoe Camping on Northern Ontario's French River
In early September, my family and I headed off on our 10-day canoe camping trip down Ontario's French River. Family fun for everyone and off grid living were the plans for this French River canoe trip, but with the two young kids along, we had our work cut out for us. Hiking with kids and family camping with kids can be exhausting and even terrifying at times because you want to make sure the kids are always safe. At the same time, you really make some incredible memories and all the work and planning is so worth it.
Not long after pulling away from camp, I started experiencing a scary health issue that I think may have been caused by exasperated concussion symptoms but I still don't really know what was happening to me to this date.
This video series picks up on day-5 of our adventure as we didn't film the first days of the trip were we remained camped in the same spot and did a number of shorter day trips. Our plan was to paddle down to Georgian Bay and then circle back up the French River's beautiful Voyageur Channel (the mouth of the French consists of many outlet channels). We'd then make our way to the access point at Heartley Bay were we'd have our vehicle shuttled from our starting point.
This was our longest and farthest canoe trip with both kids to date. Our baby Hudson was 14-months old and our son Wesley had just turned 4, and naturally, that comes with a lot of challenges, particularly because Wesley has a rare condition called Fox G1 Syndrome. You Can learn more about Fox G1 here foxg1research.org/
- Please subscribe to my KZbin channel to catch this full adventure series and click the bell icon to receive a notification when I upload a new video.
Give me and Tori's social media channels a follow and check out our website too:
Tori’s Instagram: / torigoesoutside
Jim:
Facebook: / jbadventurer​
Instagram: / ​
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jbadventurer?​
Twitter: / jbadventurer​
My website: www.theadventurer.ca​
Check out a previous camping trip we did with our kids, this one is in the winter!
E.1 • -30° Winter Camping wi...
E.2 • -25° Winter Camping Wi...
Thanks again for watching and have a great day!
Chapters:
0:00 Mist over Five Finger Rapids
0:26 Adventure Overview
1:46 Cute Kids Shots
2:26 Dehydrated Raspberries and Oatmeal Camp Breakfast
3:05 Packing Up Campsite & Heading out in the Canoe
5:49 Jim's Feeling Faint - Health Scare
11:18 What Happened? Jim Explains Health Scare
12:40 Negotiating Little Pine Rapids on the French River
15:10 Lining & Poling Big Pine Rapids
17:52 Catching a Nice Walleye!
18:36 Arriving at Camp
19:46 Filleting a Walleye
20:28 Fishing, Swimming & Lighting the Campfire
22:10 Cooking Walleye Fillets
23:55 Muskol Kids & Family Insect Repellant Review
24:40 How is Jim Feeling? What to Expect for Tomorrow

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks for watching! Please subscribe to my channel and let me know what your favourite part of this video is.

[@chrisblack8390]

My favorite part was when you came back to normal and caught the walleye an said YEAHHHH. Scariest video yet!

[@melonyrichards937]

Awesome video. But glad you're okay. And whatever that Lodge was couldn't find room for the greatest man on the river everyone needs to boycott it from now on. Take care of yourself Jim seriously. Thank you for another awesome video. Maybe get to the doctor when you can?

[@melonyrichards937]

You and Tori are an awesome team. I have to add. She is one strong woman. Good person to be with when you're down and out for sure. She totally had your back.

[@CanoeCampClimb]

My favorite part was how your wife handled the situation when you fell ill. She's one tough cookie.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

A few simple things from the past which may be significant. 1) Castor oil and Cod liver oil These were normally provided by mom's when these identifiable but illusive syndromes were observed. Very safe... everyone takes a teaspoon. 2) Strong Salty Rinses and gargling. Epsom salts or table salt 2-3 x day for a few days. 3.) Iodine. Consider that today we often avoid the needed iodine. Add iodine to diet or just brush and rinse with a few drops. 4) Cloves and fennel were used in foods and teas. The cloves powder ok n the spice rack is also a good sniff. These are what our parents did to reduce parasitic drag which is nothing but normal microbes enjoying a meal ...we just knock them down slightly an they respond perfectly to their host. Just a little bit of 1-2-3 is what moms have done for a very long time. ✌️♥️👍👍👍

[@bettyjohnson2286]

Wow, this episode goes to Tori. Way to remain calm, assess the situation and take charge! You are a lucky man, Jim. It makes me happy to see y'all take the kids adventuring, and what troopers they are. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jamesphilbrook5567]

Jim , when you found Tori, you found a one in a million! Awesome that you are able to do the things you do with your entire family.

[@robinp13946]

Tori is a true ‘Ride or Die’ wife! Awesome mom! You’ll got this girl from Harlem NY ready to go Camping !😂 love this family

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Amazing!! And yes, she truly is. I used to have a gig in NYC as a sales rep and have been to Harlem before. One of my customers was the store at the International Youth Hostel at 891 Amsterdam. I’ve been past James Baird State Park and camped at Bear Mountain State Park. They might be cool places ti check out that aren’t too far away from ya. Who knows, maybe next time we’ll bump into you in the Yukon.

[@robinp13946]

@@JimBairdAdventurer I been to Bear Mountain when I was a kid. Definitely will look into! Wow small world! I know exactly where you are talking about on Amsterdam.. Stay Blessed! I can’t wait for the next video

[@lindadonahue9279]

I am absolutely convinced that Tori is Superwoman! She just nails every situation that is thrown at her! Be safe and take care of yourself, Jim. This adventure is shaping up to be epic!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

She really does!

[@2770monz]

Tori is a machine. Hats off to her, much respect. I hope one day I find a best friend, Wife & mother like her.

[@georgejulien3286]

Man most families can’t survive trying to park a 5th wheel, you guys have mastered managing situational stress.

[@evanhammond7305]

So excited for this. Not many people get their whole family in the wilderness these days let alone kids that young. Should feel good about yourself. I hope your family is happy and healthy.

[@gladlawson61]

Untill something bad happens. I appreciate the Baird's known what they're doing. But many people.... get in over their heads.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Indeed they are and thanks a lot, ya it’s not a particularly easy feat but we’ll worth the effort.

[@evanhammond7305]

@@JimBairdAdventurer I have been camping in remote areas with son since he was 5. The fear of everything kept me from doing it earlier. But my daughter has been coming for years and she's 6.

[@Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats]

You know it! I am lucky my wife joins me on almost all my adventures! FYI I would love to share some of our 6 Odyssey trips around the US & Deer Island Point Campground (to see the "The Old Sow" whirlpool) over our 24 years of togetherness!! Unfortunately KZbin didn't exist when we started our full time/ sold our "sticks & bricks" trips in 1992.. My personal adventures started 25 years earlier when I was 15. Me, my cousin (who grew up to be the top enlisted nuclear engineer on a submarine-- Senior Chief Master Petty Officer) and my younger brother biked 90+ miles to the NJ shore to visit our grandma. We had full backpacks on one of the hottest days of the summer. Water was our main concern on this 10 hour day. We had snack bars from "Little Debbie" snacks that were similar to 'Whoopies'. (We discovered from past car camping trips with adults from the downeast Maine area.) Please Stay Safe!

[@normarobertson3909]

Lordy Jim you had me worried , thankfully you were feeling better. Here's the mother coming out in me , take care of yourself!!! Tori is amazing, kids are beautiful !! Waiting for the next video 🛶💕💕👍

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Will do and thanks a lot!

[@FreakofNature1]

Tori taking care of her three boys!😊💪Glad your doing ok Big Jimbo🙌

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Indeed haha, thanks buddy

[@codybrooks2696]

Looks like a great adventure, Jim. Tori is a rock star and Wesley is a sweet little guy. He looks like he's loving every second out there.

[@ji-gaabiikwedianecampeau5288]

whoa ... what a crazy start to your family adventure. Glad you started to feel better. Kudos to Tori for keeping her shyte together of ensuring you were ok and tending to the kiddos. What strength she has. Love that you continue to do family adventures and looking forward to this series!

[@kimberlyzamora4437]

WOW I've always had huge respect for the 2 of you. This trip it's reached a whole new high. Love your channel! ✌️ ❤️

[@ronpyke8377]

You two++ are simply amazing. You get my vote for CANADIAN family of the decade!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks very much

[@michaelzlab]

Really enjoying seeing the family making their way on these journeys. Such a great beginning for the little ones.

[@waltsimonson2556]

I don't usually comment half way through a video , but man you scared the crap out of me , the second you stated you were feeling bad , I started praying , that you all be ok . ( I don't usually , pray ) You two are awesome , your like this mountain man survivalist , and Tory (?) Can't spell worth a crap ) is this amazing mom , who didn't even panic , she stade come and did the right thing . I've watched the whole video now , and can't wait for the next one . You guys are an awesome family .

[@joannherrman8895]

So just be glad Torie is in you life. She does so much for your kids and you. Good that she has the strenght and fortitude to make decision for your kids and your family!!!

[@judyschepp8748]

JIM, How did you get a concussion? That's nothing to fool with!!! Please take care of yourself. Your family and viewers🙂🙂😊 need you!!!!♥️💕💖❣️😍

[@eric09laura]

You have an awesome family. My daughter is autistic and we started taking her in the mountains 2 years ago and she has improved so much. You are doing something awesome with your kids.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot, ya we had our OT and Physio therapist both tell us that being in nature is good for anyone but it’s particularly good for children with disabilities like Wesley.

[@Anndyinthewoods]

Wow! Tori is awesome for keeping her cool and taking great care of tge whole family through this video. I have been meaning to watch this sereies for a while. Finally have the time. Well done!

[@shyra7480]

Tori is a rock star! 🎉👏🏽👏🏽

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Absolute rock star

[@tWoforgamenot1]

yeah lets rock so cool :)

[@judyschepp8748]

YYYYEEEEEAAAAhhhh!!! That's what I was missing!!!!😁😁😁🤣🤣🤣💙♥️💜

[@tim7527]

Wow ! What a woman ! You are a blessed man , beautiful family .

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

What a undertaking JB! Was very worried for ya! How incredible to have such a strong partner as Tori, to be able to step up as she did! Hope that was an isolated health issue Brother. Take care of yourself and Thanks for sharing with us!

[@lindastump4788]

Your health issues were concerning, glad you got to feeling better. Tori is amazing the way she stayed calm and made the right decisions. All the best to you both and your adorable boys.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thank you very much

[@YouTubeWorldChanger]

Love ❤ Love ❤️ Love

[@SnowfogOutdoorsbushcraft]

So glad you’re feeling better. The love, care and respect y’all have for each other is EPIC. You’re def the family of the year, love to see such happy faces when I watch your videos. Take it easy, get some rest and stay hydrated. Give my best to Tori and a smooch on the forehead of the boys. Don’t forget the belly rub for north. Lol. Stay safe… Atb…Diane.

[@markoda2120]

Glad to see that Jim felt better by the end of the day. Tori always works very hard but she really stepped it up this episode. Looking forward to the rest of the series .

[@wandaberry3189]

Holy crap...I was getting light-headed just watching this!! Glad you're feeling better Jim... maybe some blood-work is in order. Kudos to you, Tori, calm, cool, collected... you rock, girl!! Those boys are having the time of their lives!

[@marcomcdowell8861]

I almost choked up a bit seeing the doggo watching over the kids.

[@lindapetersen1800]

JIMBO Get checked on out it would be the best for you & TORI & THE CHILDREN !!! I mean it !!! Watched as you lay there and your left hand & arm were moving a different way !!! I am not a doctor but had to sit with Pts. at hospitals !!! You come closer to my heart then any of those pts are to me !!! DO IT FOR TORI & CHILDREN !!!

[@JustJake77]

All these Baird familia adventures, are really helping with the Westcoast, winter blues. I appreciate the effort, and you sharing them with us all. Beats watching Netflix any day! Thanks!

[@lauracasey830]

Hey, just jake, I was having those exact thoughts. Always look for Baird videos, then Netflix!

[@barbaralockett2956]

Hi Jim, another awesome adventure with you and the family, take care of yourself out there, Tori is awesome, she knew exactly what to do.

[@barbaralockett2956]

Jim when you feel lightheaded check your blood pressure, 120/80 is normal, if it’s much higher than that take 4-5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, I’m a nurse, believe me it works, make sure you pack a blood pressure cuff and a bottle of apple cider vinegar.

[@patriciabernard8386]

I can afford to pay for cable and premium channels but I hate doing it. My father use to put aerials up for TV reception back in the 50's and I never quite adjusted to watching TV with ads and paying for cable as well. So when I was watching political news from morning til night I decided to give up cable and any pay channels and I am quite happy watching shows like this.

[@lastfanstanding999]

You and Tori have a cute family Jim... and Tori is the Hero !😊🛶

[@Jackiew061]

Good job, Tori!! Loved how you handled it all. That's a strong woman!! Jim, I hope you're feeling better. How scary. And the boys look like they are so enjoying!! Thank you for sharing, you all are so great. Take care. ✌️🙏🙏

[@antoniobaez6282]

I love the strength of Jim and Tori! Real trooper parents!

[@sun_paper_girl]

this family is an inspiration

[@kevinstromquist5954]

Tori carried the family on her back while you thankfully recovered. Paddling with 2 toddlers and an incapacitated Jim had to be tough. The French River is a beautiful paddle.

[@melissavillard8244]

Sounds like anxiety dude. Right age for it, two little kids, lots going on. Symptoms match too. Love your stuff! Amazing content!

[@jagsiva1358]

Wow! This is awesome. We did something similar in Killarney a few years ago when our kids were 3,5 and 6 + 2 small dogs in a 19ft canoe. I think I grew pack mule ears and a tail by the end of the trip 🤣. Well worth it, now the kids are 10, 12 and 14 and totally addicted to the outdoors. We’ve pretty much spent August each of the last 5 years in Temagami, and they love it.

[@randychenoweth3874]

Your kids are so lucky to have 2 of the best parents ever. Most parents only take their kids shopping, but the Baird kids get to see some of the most beautiful places in the world!

[@tomdies7451]

Yay, Baird family!!! I was extremely worried at the onset of the trip. After experiencing 3 heart events over the past 20 years, I was so worried for you all. So glad you're feeling better, Jim. You have a great wife calling the shots there.

[@lpschick7237]

Glad you are ok. Just goes to show you never know what could happen out in the middle of nowhere. Glad you had Tori there to help talk you through it all and what was best to do at that moment. You both just amaze me with everything that you take on. Good reminder to always have a way to communicate with others in the event of an emergency.

[@pastorshaunokeefe6851]

Well done tori calling it Jim's to important to take the risk he inspires me

[@pastorshaunokeefe6851]

Hope he has got checked out

[@anthonypayne2526]

Family canoe trips are the best! I can’t believe we’re getting TWO Baird family series at the same time.

[@jasonpan5095]

Jimmy and tori you put the ad in adventure, I know this isn’t a crazy wild trip but this is the wildest with a family on KZbin to date and probably will be for a long time to come. Cheers folks 🥃

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Cheers and the for tuning in! Glad you can appreciate the wildness of it 👍

[@MrGogogordo]

Great trip! You guys are definitely in the running for best parents of the year award🏆💪❤️

[@tseilheimer]

The French River is amazing. I spent some time at the mouth of the river studying the wetlands and wetland fish back in 2005. I'd love to explore it some more. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure.

[@kjames8299]

Wesley has been in his element since day 1.Very cool

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Absolutely

[@ADVENTUREKM]

Did you mention how you got the concussion? I don't think I missed a episode or maybe I missed it in this episode. Glad you pulled through. Watch those slippery rocks. Cheers to your great wife too!

[@bloodyeyeful]

Fishin' in your chonies!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Haha, yup

[@constancemccrary988]

So enjoy seeing you all and the boys having so much fun! Tori is the bomb and so adventurous!

[@tomelko]

I have never seen poling on rapids like that. I've done it in wild rice and that's enough for me.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks! If you enjoyed that you should check this trip video of mine out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/anbLc36qiLide7M

[@MrDbeatty52003]

Seems like you had a bit of exhaustion/ and anxiety Jim. A little rest and hydration can help. Glad you’re feeling better.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot, ya it was heat, and exasperated symptoms from a concussion I had

[@buckmusky2201]

Liam Neeson living the life a king. Baller.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Haha, thanks a lot

[@tWoforgamenot1]

cool to Find this :)

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Nice! Great to have ya.

[@tWoforgamenot1]

@@JimBairdAdventurer :) hug

[@Q-BinTom]

Making memories with the family what life is all about.

[@tmacmi9095]

Scary start of the day but happy to see you made it, keep the videos coming, loving the adventures!!

[@magickmike6510]

What an incredible family, Glad you are feeling better Jim, really looking forward to this series

[@charlie6947]

Glad you started to feel better man! Beautiful family and just keep a eye on your health brother! Can’t wait for the next video!

[@sylviabradley7355]

You are an amazing family. Love this💥

[@sonjamarchello9625]

Love your videos, you, your wife and kids are amazing.

[@johnj620.]

👍👍🤠 you guys are amazing… glad your ok Jim.

[@mattphillips6578]

Wow it really is an amazing feat to do a trip like this w your young kids. Well done!!

[@martinvanoene7192]

Great to see you are OK. The French River is so beautiful ! Awesome to see from here in southern Ontario.👍👍👍

[@kennethlangford5797]

Love to see you get rewarded with that beautiful walleye after pushing through the rough start

[@david40271]

"Beast mode" hilarious great story

[@gwenagar7189]

Glad your feeling better. You two are incredible parents.another great journey.look forward to the next one.Stay safe.

[@williamleopold507]

Looks like a nice trip , hope Jim will be ok .

[@thefamily_ak1863]

So encouraging, thx much love

[@teamgrow7146]

I salute how strong you both are. Kids are so fun to watch. I love watching your family adventures

[@Mike-iv3hy]

Never a dull moment, Jim . Torrie must be having the time of her life . Merry Christmas.

[@kristingrounds4163]

wow love this episode and I am not sure how Tori stayed so calm...you got a keeper for sure

[@tWoforgamenot1]

was fun. and god bless you two. and the sweet kids ! Happy All Turned Out OK :)

[@joee1976]

What an amazing family

[@pjoutdoors]

Have done this trip with the fam many times. Nice to see your family's version of the trip!

[@mattsflytying2816]

Love your videos Jim . I spent my 20s and 30s in the back country I miss it I still live in the mountains but I miss the free spaces thank you for sharing

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

You’re very welcome! Ya it’s pretty special

[@elaineoutdoors9581]

Wow, what wonderful memories you are making with boys. So glad you're ok, scary stuff!

[@mattc7988]

Health is wealth Jim and I wish you the best. Thanks for bringing you, to us on the regular 3

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot and you’re welcome

[@shelleypakenham9129]

So glad you aired this episode after your other one. You would be giving us a heart attack thinking something was wrong. Love watching you all out as a family .

[@CanoeTheNorth]

Glad your feeling better. Huge amount of respect for you guys doing this with your two awesome kids (and dog to top it off)! Love it. 🛶

[@1953jazznut]

Thank You!! for your family!!!

[@fayelightburn9255]

Wow! Way to go Tori! I can’t even begin to imagine the work involved in this trip! We love watching your videos! Amazing scenery and that pickerel looks mouth watering delicious! Glad you are ok Jim! Can’t wait for the next video! 💕💕

[@coryrouse969]

Great video, scared the hell out of me Jim, man hope your feeling better. Amazing job Tori. Very entertaining. Thank you!

[@wanderfux]

such an inspiration!! thank you once again to take us on your amazing trips. please stay healthy, I wish you all the best

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

You are very welcome! Thanks a lot for tuning in.

[@talben-shahar2745]

What an amazing adventure. Looking forward to seeing more of it. I said it before and I will say it now -Tori is a trooper!! :)

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

I heart goes out yo Tori. That was scary. I've enjoyed seeing the French River adventure with your family. Love it! I hope you see a Dr. soon.

[@joshmontgomery4040]

Jim I’m so glad you are feeling better, you got a long was to go yet.

[@mattharte7334]

Great video Jim, glad you survived! Looking forward to the next one and hope once you were ashore you got yourself checked over.

[@debpinter4341]

Wow, that was concerning when Jim wasn't feeling well. Glad it all worked out! Love your family videos!

[@montybarbee8128]

Looks like another amazing trip in the makings. Good to see you pull through and able to continue. Tori….. what a trooper. A woman who knows their way around a canoe/kayak and campsite are priceless, and you nailed it when you said that those moments at the end of all the work and trials of the day are why we do this. Love to see the kids out with you. Keep up the good work you two, your doing great, and Jim, you better thank your blessings brother. You got a good Mother and paddle buddy…..they’re few and far in between. Happy Holidays to all of you. Monty

[@darenroth7390]

great video thanks

[@judyrobinson9556]

Glad you started feeling better after that frightening light-headedness. It can happen from dehydration, but who knows what it was from. Wonderful trip and the kids really having fun. The walleye was beautiful and also looked good in the pan :) Beautiful waterways and scenery. Will look forward to the next one. Stay well and take it easy.

[@debbieholman906]

Tori is a Rock Star

[@rosemountfarms2897]

Way to go Tori! Jim you are one lucky guy! We all have those dreadful days that we wonder what’s up! I don’t think I could be so chill in this situation. Exciting adventures 😊

[@tonyupham2340]

Loving the family adventures

[@chuckydiesel8747]

Your kids are so adorable ! I have 4 of my own.. 4, 5, 7 and 17. I couldn't imagine the anxiety I would have putting them in a canoe! You guys are troopers! Jim's health scare sounds like what I go through if I don't eat enough food. I friggen love you guys! Thank you for sharing and showing me it can be done. Love love love from thunder bay.

[@mjmcg73]

I've been doing backcountry for 20 years. It is a big part of who I am. So much so I bought a place in the French. You went pretty close to my cottage on your route!! So cool. Love your videos.

[@danbudd1046]

I love this video. The scenery is unimaginably amazing, one has to see it to believe it. I have to say seeing you and your beautiful family together fulfilling why we were created to me far surpasses the natural beauty surrounding your four souls :)

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks very much and meaningful words.

[@philphilison1623]

YEAHHHH! 🥳

[@loriegreene9375]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing the good and the ugly as every day is not pristine. This is real life! Your viewers always learn something new about canoeing and the outdoors. This time I learned from Torry to stay calm and assess the situation. I take my hat off to her. Jim’s weakness could have been from the concussion, stress, hypoglycemia or some other cause. I am glad to hear that he is ok.