Marshall Lake Canoe Trip, 10 days solo, northern Ontario

A solo canoe trip with my wood canvas Chestnut canoe, a 100 mile, 10 day circuit on crown land.

[@Wintertrekker]

Thanks for making that video Robin! I was really impressed with your various camera angles and how you mounted the camera in the canoe. You are a natural! I picked up several pointers. I subbed! Looking forward to more....

[@kgdblade]

What an excellent video. Thanks for sharing. I'll echo Hoop's compliment on the camera shots, its clear you put a lot of effort into setting up video that comes at the expense of just getting along with your trip. We really appreciate your efforts to do that. Love the classic canoe and mix with modern gear choices. Hoping 2015 holds another trip in store for you.

[@jaykita2069]

Great looking boat. Judging from the balance your packs must have been pretty darn heavy. I live in Colorado now; rare to see that much vegetation or so few people. I envy your experience

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks, I’m not sure of the weight of the packs, but yes, they are somewhat heavy. I don’t eat dehydrated, just off the shelf items, so for a 10-12 day trip the food pack gets up there, and my gear is old and not very light. I do 3 trips on a portage, except the last mile &1/2 portage, that was 2 carry’s with the almost empty food pack.

[@wedkowaniewkanadzie]

Hi Robin, great video and scenery, what makes it more interesting is that these are familiar views to me as I'd done part of that route, ending on Summit lake (in 2013). Your first camp on Dog island on Marshall brings lot of memories......and than creek full of wild rise to Gripp lake full of walleyes.....I wonder if you could shed some light on what's like pass Summit lake as I would love to make the whole trip one day ex. how is the longer river stretch before you cross the gravel road towards Stone lake, and portage to Ara lake and finally Meta lake to parking lot (this one must be tricky as once I tried to walk from Marshall parking to Meta but no sign of any trail whatsoever...) Anyway great post and happy canoeing, Canada is amazing !! John Grabowski

[@Genetk44]

66 years old! How awesome is that! I’m 63 now and want to do something like this...but am terrified it would be too much for me. You must be incredibly fit and strong.

[@Naughtz]

Filleting on the canoe paddle that was fantastic! Veteran skills indeed. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@blackspruceroutes]

Congratulations on your beautiful life and camera work! Thank you for sharing your peacefulness!! How much does that canoe weigh?

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks, It (Chestnut Chum)weighs 63lbs, it's 15' x 30", very nice solo canoe, not good as a tandem. I know it's heavy but I really like the way it handles, I used it on my last trip to Quebec. I have a 14' Chestnut Fox replica that only weighs 44lbs, it was built lightweight, cedar inwales and decks, spruce gunnels,#12 canvas, nice canoe but fragile compared to the 15' Chum.

[@blackspruceroutes]

@@RobinLauer Haha, This is too funny, Im actually going to pickup a chum later today..... i know basalt boat wpuld be better to carry but....nothing beats the silence, the history that comes with a 50 or 100 yr old cedar canvas canoe

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

Seeing this in 2022. How powerful and motivating for me at 55. Thank you! I'm immediately subscribing - decades in a canoe and I hope decades more. What a beautiful canoe and its many memories with you most be amazing. I bought a 12ft OT Pack canoe - 33 pounds - for my 40th bday. 15 years of memories already...I own bigger boats but nothing like a beaver style paddle and a light canoe for pure paddling enjoyment. Pace is very nice in your video. It's all about the journey! I hope this finds you well.

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks for those nice comments. I have heard and read a lot of good things about those pack canoes, very popular. I have a lot of fond memories in my canoes, that 15' Chestnut Chum has been a real workhorse, just a great canoe imo

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

@@RobinLauer I see some more of your vids now... its amazing you do the restoration as well. A true hero to all of us who paddle...and maybe one day dream of a wood and canvas beauty beneath us!

[@RobinLauer]

@@Motorcyclewindtherapy Thanks, 1/2 the fun of wood canvas canoes is working on them over the winter.

[@blackspruceroutes]

So the boat I picked in NYS yesterday is 14 ft..from all the measurements and history on the wood canoe museum website it appears I have a 14 foot Prospector Fire model. Its in general good shape but has had some sub par repairs done to it like maple decks , lots of paint and possibly epoxy coating inside...... it will need new inside and out rails... it weighs 73 pounds and has a huge keel.. im thinking of just replacing the inner and outer rails for now plus sanding down alot of the paint! it appears to have 4 different colors under the present green.. is that a good idea? im trying to bring it back to its normal 62 pounds.. any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.. thank you sir!

[@samthai818]

Awesome adventure! I want to do this.....Soon, I keep telling myself.

[@WooglesOutdoors]

Looked like tons of fun! Really enjoyed watching this, thank you!

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

Beautiful country, thanks for taking us along

[@vintagescoutingoutdoors9096]

I got the 16 inch bean boots, well dubbed with mink oil, never a wet foot casting off.

[@lithabelle8001]

Hope you are still out there on the portage trails Robin. Tks for sharing.

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Very nice video.Thanks a lot !!!!

[@randymakiej347]

At first I was like, "why not talk to the camera", but after watching the whole thing I think it's really great. It's pretty authentic to how silent is would be out there. Beautiful land to spend time. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@dontcare3430]

Great video, thanks for no crappy music.

[@jefferywine6249]

Gramps shows some of them young 'ens how it's done. Great video.

[@Simply-canoeCoUk]

Excellent video Robin, thoroughly enjoyed it! What an awesome looking trip, thanks for sharing it with us. Subbed you as well, so looking forward more!...Atb Nige.

[@antiNuetron]

Nicely done, though I'd rather hear you talk than have to read text.

[@jeanlaniel1342]

Hi Robin, Last year I did a 7 day on the Kap river and stayed where you stopped so it was nice to see that spot again. I am looking at a similar circuit you did starting at Marshall lake. Could you give me the lakes and rivers you travelled , where you started and where you ended up? The 10 day, 100 mile trip is what I am looking for... Thanks

[@RobinLauer]

Hi Jean, Send me a note at my email address and I will send you the information @ [e-mail]

[@robhoffman2070]

Good video! And no awful background music.

[@TJackSurvival]

That is one beautiful boat. Great trip and thanks for making it.

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

Do you catch many rainbow trout there? My paddle also depends on my joints at 62. Not many care for their canoe like you are with wet feet loading. Good for you! Waste Not, Want Not.

[@RobinLauer]

I only caught walleye, maybe a few pike. There where fish at the bottom of every rapids, great tasting fish diners over the campfire. No trout on this circuit, and if there where trout, they would be speckled (brook) trout. Thanks

[@vintagescoutingoutdoors9096]

Have you heard of Tobeatic Wilderness in Nova Scotia. Alot closer than Northern Ontario and prime canoe area. It's just a hiur or so off the Bar Harbour ferry.

[@RobinLauer]

Yes, I have heard of it, unfortunately, I'm unable to portage anymore so I stick to large lakes. I can paddle all day. I like those big lakes in western Ontario with lots of open shield to camp on. Thanks

[@HikeordieTV]

Fantastic work mate. It's inspiring to see you getting out there into such beautiful country. So awesome you got footage of catching that fish. Nice video. Look forward to more. -Tom

[@bobabooey4537]

Veteran. A man who has caught many a fish in his day 7:21

[@bubbennett]

Nice video. I hope you enjoyed your stay on Gripp. It was neat to see pictures of our camp on. We were up there in June of 2014. Heading back up in 4 days.

[@beindustrious]

Lovely video. Best regards from Sweden.

[@ClaireMarieH]

If you don't mind me asking, what type of fishing gear do you have?

[@RobinLauer]

Hi, I carry two lightweight poles and reels, 6lb test. I use mostly Rapalas and jigs with black tails. I only bring about 6 lures and a handful of jigs and tails. I used to troll a lot, but now only fish evenings/mornings and only for dinner, although I can’t resist fishing at the bottom of wilderness rapids for walleye

[@bryanwilhelm8341]

Nice to see you in that canoe. I made a living restoring wood canvas canoes fo 16 years. Spent summers in the bush. Yours brings back memories..

[@filmic1]

Just purchased a second hand 50lb 16' kevlar canoe and well into my 66th year....

[@markaugustus621]

I live through your videos. My health has limited me so your adventures are so inspiring.

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks Mark, I really do appreciate that. I hope things are going well for you.

[@johndeans6578]

Great video! Do lots of flat water canoeing down South, can't wait to get some paddling in up North. Beautiful canoe!

[@44musher]

Robin, thanks for taking the time to bring me along, greetings from Maine, layed back way to travel. i believe as we get along in age its about taking in the things that we missed when we were moving through time a bit hastily. happy trails !

[@nakinajay]

I think I seen you. I was the grader operator on the Ogoki Road.

[@RobinLauer]

Maybe, that's a cool job.

[@bluesideup007]

Thanks for taking us along. As a solo paddler, only a few years younger than you when you made this, I hope to be able to keep up with you!

[@bruceruttan60]

This is it. Never done it but had friends who did, and loved it. Well done vid from my friend's stories. I have a lot of respect for this man.

[@ThomasLeNinja]

Did a 3 mile portage once, that wasn't the most fun portage I ever did :-) Great video!

[@worldtraveler419]

Looked like an amazing solo trip! Very good looking canoe. What kind is it?

[@brianve7jyd943]

nice trip txs fer sharin - that sure is a beautiful canoe - cant beat a canvas covered wood canoe - memories of my childhood

[@cliffordwright1603]

What a great trip. Where is Marshall lake? I’m 67 and still enjoy solo canoe tripping. Thank you for sharing

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks Clifford, To get to Marshall Lk you follow 643 out of Nakina through a FN village called Aroland and follow Ontario 643 to where the Ogokie Rd begins. On the map Marshall is near Meta Lake, directly south across Ogokie Rd. I have really good maps downloaded I can send you via email if you want, just send me a email address in a pm if at all possible.

[@cliffordwright1603]

Robin Lauer my email [e-mail]

[@jaywinters2483]

Great vicarious experience for me while suffering winter blues here studying. Mealy needed that journey with you. Thanks

[@SoutheastBackpacker]

Somehow your video showed up in my KZbin feed to watch and I'm glad I got to enjoy it. I bet the walleye tasted fantastic. Looks like a fantastic trip.

[@hikewithmike4673]

beautiful canoe......I miss canoe/kayak camping.....awesome trip!

[@tomcostello2274]

Great video, thanks for sharing, definitely jealous.

[@theshadowpeople1493]

wonderful video thanks for sharing it looked like you had a wonderful time

[@randyking9138]

great video. maybe someday we'll cross paths...er..bows

[@brianve7jyd943]

Mornin Robin - had to rewatch it agin lol - hope all is well with you - miss your videos - take care

[@RobinLauer]

Hi there, all is well but not strong enough to canoe trip yet. Thanks for the note, appreciate that.

[@brianve7jyd943]

@@RobinLauer well hang in there pard - itll come - take care

[@danybarceloux7950]

thanks for bringing me with you in that trip sir . thats what is life in this video . !

[@psrothenb]

I really enjoyed your video. I have been watching all of Wintertrekker videos and was looking to see if the next post of his 24 day solo was up and found this. I love to fish so the two walleye clips were great. You are really gifted with the camera. I was at Kabetagoma early this spring and in the southern most end of the boreal forest. Beautiful country I must say. I have done BWCA many times and also Quetico but the videos from you and Wintertrekker have me thinking of points further north. Great Job!

[@MrShanerd11]

Awesome job!! Enjoyed very much :).

[@liz7319]

Lovely video! thanks for sharing

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks

[@aprilz6540]

That's just good for the soul after a long winter.

[@gardnerellis2957]

Nice to see another wood canvas canoe.....carry on that tradition.

[@MrBlackbamboo]

excellent video I bet the fish was so tasty

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks deptuty dog

[@markaugustus621]

Robin, I enjoyed your trip nearly as much as you did. I can imagine just how much planning goes into the trip.

[@bobschnitzler93]

happy paddling

[@616Aleksandar]

Great Video,love the canoe as a teen I use to use very similar .

[@jflounsbury]

hey Robin I have soloed in Quetico, but my camera recording isn't close to yours. what did you take? By the way, a great video

[@wetcanoedogs]

super video work and you folks up in Canada really know how to take canoe trips!

[@davidc4233]

Just saw your posting on TLN, what a great adventure!

[@cnc75adventures49]

Excellent 👍👍

[@rbutner1]

This was an amazing trip. Being from Florida I dream of the day I can take a canoe trip like this. Love this video thank you so much for sharing.

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks, it was an 18 hour drive for me but well worth it, northern Ontario has so many great places to canoe trip.

[@jimhanson7476]

Wonderful..

[@jayhyland4023]

You do a great job filming ! whats the gadget taped up and hanging from your PFD ?

[@jayhyland4023]

yes sir i do!

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

Well done young man.... Great video.. Cheers ...Kev.

[@MrSnmpsniffer]

Very nice!!

[@eye8owne8u]

This is absolutely beautiful. I hope to take a trip like that soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@westmeathguy]

Great video and wonderful camera work. Perfect angle when you catch the walleye. Nicely done! Terry

[@saxman7131]

I am more than impressed sir I am inspired.

[@sarbai-u7b]

👍

[@thebugman2007]

Terrific video! Thanks for sharing.

[@dannypalmer8990]

Great time with you. lovely place and a great canoe set up. thanks for sharing

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Great vid and it will add years on your life thumbs up 👍 from me..

[@RobinLauer]

Thank You

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Robin, I have just found your channel soon weekend comes I will be Watching a few more of your videos if i can do half of what you do at your age I'll be a happy Man, and Thank you again Sir.

[@RobinLauer]

@@FOOKKZbinNUMBERS Thanks for the kind words, very much appreciated.

[@LarryHyett]

Nicely done! Beautiful canoe. Thanks for sharing.

[@LarryHyett]

+Robin Lauer what are those things hanging from your PFD btw?

[@LarryHyett]

+Robin Lauer ah yes, good old film canisters. I use them for fish hooks among other things. I also keep a ditch kit in my PFD for the same reason.

[@ccwweeman3385]

really enjoyed this video sir many thanks for sharing stay safe....colin

[@cigi668]

Great video. Hope to see more of your work.

[@sylvandread9721]

Great video, would you be willing to email me a map of this route? Thanks!

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks, here's the maps-www.canoetripping.net/forums/forum/trip-reports/canadian-trip-reports/78334-marshall-lake-map-set-reposted-on-imugr

[@RobinLauer]

To get to the put in on Marshall Lake take 584 north from Geraldton, Ontario, left onto 643 , go thru first nations village of Aroland and continue on 643 for about 40-50 miles (sorry, not sure but you can see Marshall Lk on Google maps)

[@sylvandread9721]

Thanks so much! And it's 1km plus carry to the put in at Marshall?

[@RobinLauer]

@@sylvandread9721 Yes, it's a 1km walk on a good road to the lake. The road is closed to automobiles, you must walk. It's cart friendly but the rest of the circuit is not. The guy who made the map, Rob Haslam (aka Memaquay) can help you with any more info if you join the canoetripping.net website. He helped me a lot, good guy.

[@RobinLauer]

Here's my trip report on Canoetripping.net www.canoetripping.net/forums/forum/trip-reports/canadian-trip-reports/16052-northern-ontario-marshall-lake-circuit-10-days-solo

[@sapoutdoors9873]

what size of canoe you got there?

[@robinlauer4647]

15' by 30" Chestnut Chum

[@FredBushcraft93]

Salut super je m'abonne j'aime .

[@tomlakeandriver7670]

Superbe !!je partage ce moment excellent.

[@lukecamp7262]

In my mind.. I'm off to the side paddling my canoe ..love it !

[@RobinLauer]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@vinnyc365]

That looks like a great time.

[@DjRuzza]

Literally the trip of a lifetime, wow.

[@niborselrahc4651]

Is that a Gransforth Broks axe. Great vid.

[@hikewithmike4673]

beautiful canoe!

[@NorbertNipken]

What route did you take?

[@NorbertNipken]

Thanks!, I am always looking for out of the way routes..

[@HighDesertCactus]

Great Filming! Youre the man!

[@Wolfdaughter]

Nice video. This looked like an amazing trip.

[@haltaylor5935]

love the duluths

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Nicely shot!

[@FastSet]

tqlk to ue

[@RobinLauer]

Hi, How are you?

[@CentralOSurvival]

I love it!

[@danieltrottier8599]

Ya I saw the face also.

[@michaelzlab]

Super nice! Buddy that is living! I did not see any thing short in your stroke! Beautiful canoe. Great packs. And what a great idea using your paddle as a fillet table!! Those were some beauties you caught there.. made my mouth water!! Great job videoing!

[@mwillblade]

Any bears?

[@RobinLauer]

Maybe at night while I was sleeping, but I never saw them. I did see two at different times swimming across the river far ahead, just their heads showing. I did see a huge moose at daybreak as he walked the shore in front of my camp and I saw 6 more during the trip.

[@mwillblade]

@@RobinLauer Did you have to hang your food in a tree at night? I use to love paddling around in the swamps where I live in Louisiana until a 7ft. gator tried to crawl into my boat. He was not aggressive. I think he wanted a place to sun itself.

[@RobinLauer]

I do hang my food sometimes, but mostly just stash my food in the thick alders along the shore. The campsites I use in Northern Ontario are seldom used so bears don't get used to visiting them.

[@HighDesertCactus]

How do you cook your walleye in the bush? Thanks!

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Robin Lauer Thats usually how I do it, I plan on doing a long solo trip and to save on weight I was wondering if there was a way to cook it without oil? Like maybe wrap it in aluminum foil and cook it over a fire? Salt, Pepper maybe a bit of butter? Ever try to cook without oil?

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Robin Lauer Also, have you ever tried using a kayak paddle for soloing? If so why don't you use one now., about how heavy is your canoe?

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Robin Lauer Do you leave the white gas at home and only use fires for cooking?

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Robin Lauer are you ever concerned leaving your pack win portaging? I have heard a few stories of bears getting into packs when double portaging, I assume that would be a rare event

[@HighDesertCactus]

Lol perfect, well I have the same amount of "talent" when it comes to singing so I guess I'll be set. Thanks for sharing , you have my sub!