The WORST PORTAGE in the History Of Portages

Episode 9 of The Land of Wild Rivers - A 10 part video-series documenting the 2021 Côte-Nord: Maze to the Aguanish expedition.
Follow us on Instagram - / northernscavenger
How to Support Us - www.buymeacoff...
SYNOPSIS
A 30 day, 620 km canoe journey through the expansive wilderness of Côte-Nord, Quebec. The route is designed to traverse the headwaters of the Romaine River, a river seeing significant change as part of Quebec’s major energy project Plan Nord, followed by the descent of the little-known Aguanish River. The goal of the route is to gain a first-hand perspective of the land of wild rivers as we paddle and portage our way across the Labrador-Quebec plateau to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
This trip was supported by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Mountain Equipment Co-op.
ROYAL CANADIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY: rcgs.org/
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COMPANY: www.mec.ca/en/
ESQUIF CANOES: esquif.com/en/
MATT'S CHANNEL: / @mattbalcombe648

[@jpowe501]

The degree to which this channel doesn’t engage in clickbait is pretty epic. These boys literally did one of the hardest things I’ve ever watched on KZbin, and they just act mildly pleased with themselves. Most channels would have had an insane thumbnail photo of someone almost dying and then had the most clickbait title of all time.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

@Jacob yes sir you hit the nail on the head!!

[@deltronzero9]

To be a contrarian, I'm generally tired of outdoors channels seeking any kind of recognition for doing activities like this. At the end of the day this is a leisure activity. I get it you worked your ass off... I respect the ambition of it all, but this isn't a "living". I respect the blue-collar guy working with sweat equity. Working to the bone day after day, for years. Thats grit, this is still time off. Contrarian signing out....

[@Dexter7723]

@@deltronzero9This is way better than the brainwashing TV "programs", and look how much they get paid. These men should get paid three times the amount of what "ACTORS" do. This is real!

[@frankdunn1003]

Absolutely heroic, guys. The pain. The exhilaration. After devouring these 30 minutes, I have never longed more for ice-out. One of my favourite canoe videos ever, and they didn't even touch the water!

[@NorthernScavenger]

Haha love this. Cheers Frank

[@tedblack7625]

In the midst of all that slogging I’m sure the last thing you wanted to do was to keep filming, but by doing so you have shared a truly epic venture.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I'm not gonna lie. Those gluteus exercises were maximus funny.

[@rayopeongo]

It reminds me of the Winston Churchill quote: “If you are going through hell, keep going.” Well done. Great video.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Great quote

[@marm2077]

Honestly when Noah threw up his arms at the sight of the river I had tears in my eyes. Just one of the most gripping series I've ever seen. Well done. The amount of determination is unfathomable.

[@shadowofgod7271]

It’s insane to me that this channel doesn’t have millions of subscribers. The content quality is always top notch and I am always blown away by each video put out.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Cheers!

[@eckosters]

jaw dropping. And to think that people did this 100 years ago with incomparably worse equipment. Congratulations though, what an accomplishment

[@NorthernScavenger]

Way different experience back in the day with the gear they would have been using

[@michelinecomeau3257]

Absolutely amazing… just amazing…. Your hard work paid off…. this is a megalith of a portage! You definitely have bragging rights on this one … I promise that I will never complain about portaging again!!!!!

[@andreacormier1869]

This episode had me in tears! The whole series has had me experiencing every emotion and the footage has been incredible. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Glad to hear it!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

love your avatar

[@tomf2716]

Real adversity and real pain. And yet, nobody slapped anyone else in the face! 😎 Well done boys and thanks for the great storytelling. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@fishpants3877]

Yeah, a slap in the face would leave "Fresh Prints".

[@NorthernScavenger]

@@fishpants3877 🤣

[@manuelwebe]

Dudes, that was a brutal portage. Tips for using the Agawa 24: Use the most aggressive blade on it. It is far better than the "normal" one. And when using the saw vertically (not sideways) try using both hands when power cutting (when possible). It will considerably increase your cutting power, particularly on large logs. Great chapter. Thanks for sharing!

[@TerribleDate]

This makes the Meanist Link look like childs play, well shot, well produced, amazing ability capturing the moments and tell the story.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Haha yeah different experience for sure

[@ritawilson8762]

You guys are brothers for life. Such great attitudes in such challenging conditions. Respect.

[@NorthernScavenger]

We had a great team out there

[@Katie-oq4zz]

The mental fortitude it would have taken to do this is incredible. Brb while I go pick my jaw up off the floor!

[@markfrench1410]

Imagine the voyageurs gathered around the campfire eating pemmican and activating their glutes

[@backcountrypipe]

Unbelievable portage. Great attitudes during this challenge and awesome editing to portray the feelings and emotions. This series is hard to beat. Regards Mark

[@jorcktheoutcast8007]

You guys barged through no man's land head first and busted through to the other side. Good job fellas, you guys are built different 😂 💪

[@grantwhelan5863]

There is no question about it, you guys are the kings of slogging. I’m exhausted just watching that lol.

[@johnclark9691]

Absolutely brilliant I think this has to be the best one yet a great team working together awesome..I can watch these all day just keep making them. Cheers.

[@kevinharding2099]

I find it hard to believe that I get to watch these quality videos for free!! Your efforts are sincerely appreciated.

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Our actions may be impeded, but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. You guys just made Marcus Aurelius proud.

[@lukebob4243]

This reminds me of the sailing brothers, very inspirational

[@Matt-pz1st]

Epic: an exceptionally long and arduous task or activity. Fair play boys, fair play.

[@bensfiveandtwo6069]

Not many people get to see what y’all got to in the end. Thanks for pushing through and sharing it with the world! So beautiful!

[@ruggedendeavours756]

Your guy’s content is unmatched. The level of adventure you guys do and the quality in which you document the whole journey is just incredible.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Cheers 🍻

[@mattymieds]

The view at the end looking back at the waterfall and the canyon must of been the most beautiful thing to see.

[@johnnyb2677]

Great video boys. 10/10 This type of content is why I check my KZbin subscriptions each day.

[@talonsc]

The strength of mind to push through from the 4 of you, just amazing! Well done gents!

[@ralphmason706]

Wow. I love the way you chronicled this part . No candy coating. Just really hard slog up over and through the black spruce forest. You guys are amazing.

[@newfounder1200]

Amazing, Just Amazing!!!!!!!!

[@ghisallo2970]

Best one yet! Next level editing! I watched this one with my family like a movie. The raw emotion and difficulty of that portage shines through. What an incredible effort.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Love to hear that! Thanks for sharing

[@avbtube2]

So glad you stretched your glutes first. You guys have the best sense of humour through all the pain and struggle. You should be very proud of your teamwork and perseverance. Wish I could have dropped in a few more cold beers for you that night. 🍻🍻

[@johnfunk7568]

Man, Matt lost so much weight on this trip!

[@fishpants3877]

He's starting to look like Robert DeNiro from "The Deer Hunter"

[@jaythomas996]

WOW! The kind of effort exhibited by you guys is to be applauded. And more proof that your adventures demand youth and strength. At 79 years of age, I'm just happy I get to watch your journeys via your videos. Thanks so much fellas.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Glad to hear it Jay! Cheers

[@tomcook7676]

Oh man, I feel your pain! You guys are real team players.

[@timedmonds2315]

End scene was/will be one of the most memorable. Goosebumps

[@johnfunk7568]

It is sure good you had the mood boost of the trail before the hail.

[@jakepankanin9908]

Why you guys gotta be so wonderful, vulnerable, and enduring on these videos. Putting my yearly canoe trip with my brothers to shame.

[@luciereadman4003]

You lads are amazing, despite the obstacles, you all were so positive. I truly enjoyed this one.

[@sydneyrobinson8470]

Don’t sign me up for this portage, wow!

[@stevebraun4682]

You guys are great Canadians! Well done. I would have been a smoker, drinker, gambler or maybe all three by the end of that portage.

[@stephendouglas6328]

So, I spend a lot of time in the sub culture of KZbin canoe tripping, and this series is about as good as it gets. You boys are amazing, and I'm constantly on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. I thought the Baird brothers were extreme...

[@TimBondy]

Your portage redefined the word "Sufferfest." And it makes me sorta believe all 4 of you are crazy. Thanks for the video.

[@NorthernScavenger]

😅

[@karl00l]

What a phenomenal job capturing this experience. Its providing a raw view into your perseverance over nature. Amazing!

[@the_hippe]

insane! yalls reaction to finding the trail and waterfall was priceless.

[@davidedwards4836]

Inspiring. Perseverance, friendship and beauty.

[@bheineez]

As a man who lives for adventure.. this one was epic! Thanks for taking me with you on this ride.good job!

[@sweetdaily1690]

You guys are just awesome! What a brutal portage! You dug deep and pressed on. I felt Matt's relief when he heard there was a trail on the last few kilos to the river. I have enjoyed every moment of this series. Thank you for bringing us on this journey with you!

[@amandagryzwacz9433]

Superior effort and fantastic team work! Any reminders of Diablo on Santoy lol

[@Wearespurstv]

That stretch is one my physical therapist have me do for my acute spinal herniations (l3&l4)

[@diont8100]

I even have sore muscles after watching that. You guys are beasts.

[@bonpecheur4565]

You guys almost made me cry tonight 🥲, what an épisode !

[@johnclark9691]

Here I am a year later and watchin this again and I still get exhausted just watching it Great Stuff

[@brucenesbitt7621]

The tune at 20 minutes is mesmerizing and in a perfect place!

[@dwrivers47]

The entertainment value of this series is insane, even my wife was sad it was over 😊

[@NorthernScavenger]

Still one final episode next week! 🍻

[@johnfunk7568]

Love Eric's mug in the frame during Noah's yoga lesson!!

[@davidlefrancois51]

I was born on the North shore. Truly amazing you did that portage without getting bitten alive by mosquitoes and black flies. I work one summer doing forestry inventory around Baie-Comeau up to Manic V and we had to walk path with only a bearing between two points. No trail as you did. But we had the strict minimum with us, water, axe, food and a tarp. We were paid - not on vacation - and we did not had to film anything! Those memories will keep with you for a long time. Your channel is the best for canoe tripping on youtube by far. I don't know who is doing the editing and the musical choice but he is great!

[@YYChinook]

An epic treck, WOW

[@paulhayes9765]

That was awesome guys. You are truly mountain men for sure. Looking forward to the next adventure. Cheers

[@jimbob2308]

That was tough and you 4 are tough as nails. After blazing that trail I hope you blazed a couple, or at least a Gummy with the whisky. Well done guys. keep em coming!!

[@waltmoore3095]

Trail Blazers! Can't get enough. Bring it!

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this amazing, totally epic video, which is as close as I will ever get to the Aguanish; no way my body could handle it. What an incredible journey! Not only will you be telling your grandchildren about this extraordinary journey, but also, other people will be telling their grandchildren about it: "You might not believe this, but there's a video of these four guys who went down the Aguanish River, and they..." Keep on rockin' and again, thanks for this video. Please post more.

[@stevenrochon2513]

Ok this has to be CGI if not you boys aren't human !!! What an epic awesome amazing video. This series has been incredible !!! Thanks guys. Now bring on the next one 👊

[@pmsheridan1492]

2 day portage! Well done. Great drone shots in this one and the portage cam inside the canoe was great. I could smell the moss and spruce trees in this one.👍

[@Dexter7723]

You boys should be very proud of yourselves. It truly is soooooo nice to see young men doing things like this instead of going to the bars and getting in trouble. You are going to be excellent fathers I just know it. OMG I don't know how you do it and you would have to be in really good shape. I watch your video's all the time, keep up the good work. Hugs.

[@lae52]

You guys are MONSTERS! I will never ever again bitch about a portage. I used to marvel at the Voyageurs and the Grand Portage. New heroes!

[@KelJayP]

Wow wow wow. I'm already sad this journey will soon end. What an episode! What a series! Thank you!

[@OpenAirOutdoors]

All the ups and downs right there!!!! Great episode🤘

[@tomhaffly7498]

Well done lads! Nothing is better than the end of a tough portage to lift the crew’s spirits!

[@BushCog]

The only thing better than the clearing at the end of a grueling Portage is the first paddle stroke away from shore. Well done gents! That was no easy task!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Boys, you guys are my hero's! ABSOLUTLY a GREAT SLOG through the bush - this is the true meaning of "slash and bash!" I felt like I was right their with you - great video and looking forward to next week! Truly inspiring - Thank you!

[@SoloSchmitty]

Brutal Portage!!! Enjoyed watching you while I sat on my comfortable couch drinking a beer. 🍻

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

Wow guys...best vid yet! Love the bonding of you four. Congrats

[@catchinfishies5765]

Beast mode portage

[@steveh6147]

WOW, so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing this epic adventure!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Nice push fellas 👍

[@daniellinck5185]

This video made this old Quetico paddler smile. Great job, boys! Bravo!!

[@johnfunk7568]

God bless you guys. Tenacious wilderness warriors!

[@tsumacity]

Love the saw work boys! Glad to see another long video, keep em' coming. The drone shot of the waterfall at the end was beautiful. Peace from Toronto.

[@aarondlorenz]

Perseverance boys. Beautiful views.

[@chrisf5841]

Another brutal slog. Congrats on having the grit to push through!

[@kearnsey64]

THAT WAS GRUELING!!! I've done some portages but that was unprecedented?? SO soul crushing but you guys did it! I hope the whiskey was just epic!

[@NorthernScavenger]

It was everything we could have imagined and more haha

[@lunabouch]

Wow! You guys certainly deserve many high 5’s, admiration, & whiskey to celebrate. Can’t imagine the amount of energy and physical stress on your minds and bodies. Congratulations

[@edsteeves1028]

Boys, this episode was epic! I find it amazing to watch such adventure and hardship in something so basic in its nature. Such a departure to day to day life in a city today. Good work and I can’t wait to see more.

[@adventuretimefishinghunting]

Now that looked intense! Really cool to see you guys find the old trail! Great video guy's!

[@adventureswithjosie]

Wow wow wow!! Amazing! Epic! All of the words! What a journey and struggle! I can't wait to see the next episode of this awesome adventure guys!

[@mackhughson3722]

What a slog! Quite the accomplishment, great series guys

[@trishaharrison6183]

What amazing team work. The dependability on each other to get the job done really shows here. One word “OUTSTANDING”😘

[@mrdean7206]

What a triumphant, epic, accomplishment , brought tears to my eyes, congrats guys.

[@kirstymilligan9813]

You all have such a wonderful attitude and positivity. I admire your spirit as a group. This is one of my absolute favourite KZbin channels, always so uplifting.

[@jimf1964]

I wonder if that cedar canoe and old billy boot was from some guy that died doing that route……probably best you didn’t think that then. 🙂 Ahhh, so many positive comments I could make, but I wouldn’t know where to start. Only complaint is there wasn’t a lesson from Noah, but I guess there wasn’t a lot of geology to see. I can imagine the feeling of feeling that open space when you got out. Forest, as beautiful as they are, can be pretty….I dunno, confining, oppressive? Not the right words, but to get out and feel the open, can be wonderful. Can’t wait till next week.

[@OtherBrotherDaryl]

Patience, perseverance, and teamwork. Truly excellent boys. What a marvelous journey!

[@13prevailbushcraft]

Another awesome episode, guys !

[@silverdesk72]

This is the most compelling one yet. I can’t wait for next week.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Outstanding team work on that portage/bushwhack. Everyone stepped up an NO ONE HAD AN ATTITUDE. Love your videos very much. Bravo!! Michael from NH.

[@thomastonelli675]

I almost jumped out of the chair at work when I heard the word trail great job on the trail and doing all the work putting it toghter made you feel what a slog it was. Hope you have sunny weather for the rest of the trip

[@easternexposure3950]

Another great episode! Very powerful and moving moment at the end of the portage. Amazing accomplishment.

[@normajeanhoorn964]

Wow wow wow that is some journey wow I'm very happy for you guys you did kudos epic epic job and clear cutting thank you from Ontario

[@katejordan9569]

All anyone can say is “WOW” !! I held my breath more than once with the view of your boots slogging through that bush. One slip and …….we’ll you know……NICE WORK BOYS. Bj from AK.

[@NorthernScavenger]

Yeah we need to be very careful out there. One wrong move and the whole trip could be over