Into the Wilderness: Canoeing Saskatchewan's Porcupine River (Part 1)

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

If you enjoyed this then consider making a small donation to support the channel at: www.buymeacoffee.com/RayGoodwin

[@petgeo5269]

Thank you for a canoeing video without music; just the sounds of water, wind , birds and people.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I think it started out that way, with my videos, because it was difficult to choose music but I soon realised that there was real merit in the natural sounds of the journey. Thank you for the confirmation.

[@Mainepolingguide]

“ not go gently in to that dark night, rage, rage against the dying of the light” ! I’m not far behind you Ray, and you’re inspiring.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

That is so kind of you Lisa. Yep I am not giving up but just having to change the type of trip I do. Paul really urged me to do this one: one last big one! If I don't have to portage I am ok and have a few ideas. But I am not intending to go 'gently'.

[@MrMjt888]

Great video Ray. Burt, Paul and Howard on a trip. That’s good solid support.

[@PaulKirtley]

I didn't do very much.

[@MrMjt888]

@@PaulKirtley I was mainly thinking Burt, just being polite to you two 😀😝

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Paul and I very much shared decisions on the river but I very much got looked after on the land. Yep Paul, Bert and Henry did a good job on me.

[@rinzler1392]

Keith here Ray, what a trip to have been a part of. Will remember it always ❤❤

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It was a great one. Really pleased to have paddled it with you. Love the shot of you taxiing the plane!

[@KartsHuseonica]

Excellent video Ray. I didn't have to fast forward through any of it like I do with other folk's videos. I can't wait for part 2.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you enjoyed it. It has been a real labour to edit this one so your praise is really appreciated.

[@explorerjames8563]

"Power but gentle" 😂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I will get the hang of this english language one day 😅

[@mikewenholz8423]

Excellent video. The Porcupine (and the Fond du Lac) are on my list. It looks beautiful. I have very much enjoyed the handful of videos I have seen of yours. Sorry to hear your big tripping is over, but it is a reality for all of us at some point. I was on a trip in Arctic Alaska with Cliff Jacobson on his last far north trip. Thank you for sharing. I have wanted to get to Scotland and try to paddle with you but have not gotten there yet.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I would have loved to have done a trip with Cliff and in Arctic Alaska too! Awesome. Yep gutted that there will be no more trips like this for me. But other things to do. This life is a one way trip so I need to fill it with fun and learning.

[@unclejohnthezef]

new goal to unlock!!! outstanding, Ray!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you.

[@hamishmorton1905]

Thanks, i’m not sure who had the Wannigan? Looks like you had a great bunch. Love the commentary. what an adventure? Well done Ray and Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you Hamish.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you Hamish, my very first Super Thanks. I raised a glass to you last night. Again thank you.

[@gordonbaker6568]

Nicely done, Ray. Glad your AO canoe pack got some more mileage on that trip!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

One of the best buys ever! That pack has done so many trips in Canada and the UK. Love it. A classic take on a great design.

[@JamesKeltan]

Amazing, I like the angles. I can almost feel the video, lol

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yep I do try on that. Thank you for the kind comment.

[@nookiedv]

A fantastic video of a fantastic trip - thanks for refreshing my memory, it was an awesome fortnight! Anouk

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It was so good. Great to have you along.

[@PaulKirtley]

Nice work Ray!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you and thank you for convincing me to do one last 'big' trip. I am going to miss those trips.

[@PaulKirtley]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe And you will be missed. But I think this trip was a fitting last hoorah. Best river we have done.

[@bertheemskerk3273]

I feel honoured to have been on Ray's last big trip :)

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

An absolute pleasure to havee been on so many trips with you Bert. A real pleasure and thank you so much for how much you have helped me on the last few trips. You are really appreciated. Keep well.

[@Christopherbarett]

Great video, really get the feeling of being on the river.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

That is a kind and appreciated comment.

[@mairnealachamu]

Sorry to hear about your health issues Ray. I hope they don't slow you down too much. I would love to take on a big trip like this in Canada some day, but the planning and logistics seem daunting. Any chance you could make a video about how to plan a trip in Canada? Recommended routes, arranging planes and other transport into the wilderness, where to find suitable maps and info on the rivers and features/obstacles etc. An estimation of what all that might cost would also be very helpful. Anyway, looking forward to part 2!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

That is a big view request! But I will have a think on it. I am in my 70s so some problems are not unexpected but I still have things to do and experience.

[@richardmoses2105]

It’s nearly midnight, I should be asleep but yet another captivating video of an awesome expedition keeps me awake! Thank you Ray - can’t wait for Part 2….👍🏼

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It was great, it was tough. A fitting last big one for me. Now to edit part 2

[@dougpacanoemanburns4294]

Well Done Ray!!!! Very informative and I like that you include the camp sites. The length is perfect. I'm sure all of us have great anticipation for part 2.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was an awesome trip and the feedback from folk has been very useful and encouraging.

[@simonwestonjones9661]

Amazing Ray, I take my hat off to you. Your an inspiration to many. I last saw you in 1999 when as my assessor for my ML on Tryfan you tool a slip just infront of me & I managed to grab you preventing a very nasty fall 😁 . I'm now 56 living in SW France and still the owner of of an old town Discovery 169. You were an inspiration to me at 17 Ray and are still today. Keep at it Ray. Simon.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I am really grateful for the grab you made! Thanks again. Wow living in SW France, a darn sake warmer than here. Keep well and thanks.

[@LadiaBlaha]

Nice. Thanks. Looking forward to roll in part 2 😂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Coming soon and working on it now. Many thanks

[@CyndiLH]

Oooh! My home province!!! So cool that you paddled one of our great rivers!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

And one of my favourite rivers of all time! It was wonderful.

[@myronkillebrew1303]

Excellent video! The first time water came across the bow, I would've cried for home. You made it look very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you Yep there were some big waves waiting for us. It gets bigger in part 2!

[@brianj9635]

enjoyed this Ray! it is a pleasure watching your trip unfold as the trials and tribulations and decisions made along the way help make the trip interesting. thank you for keeping it authentic - I appreciate your style of capturing the adventure! Brian

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you kindly! Very much appreciated.

[@tdotson66]

Outstanding video 👍👍

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CanadianSledDog]

I loved it, Saskatchewan is so underrated! One of my dream destinations for sure.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yes I was so glad to get this trip in. A stunning place, a stunning river

[@JohnPerrott1]

Lots of valuable lessons especially reading the water and getting your speed balanced to enable you to maintain steerage.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Every day on the water is a learning day.

[@wrzlygummidge]

Great video Ray as always. Hats off and respect to you for all the expeditions you've led and shared with us over the years. atb

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you so much. A few to come I hope.

[@NickleJ]

Great stuff, I was glued to my screen

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. I hope you enjoy the other parts as (part 2 is my favourite).

[@kevinbungles]

Good to see Paul K putting his skills to play

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

He is good and quite at home out there in the wilderness. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the years

[@MedicJ.D]

Tanks Ray and Co. I've made it as far North in Saskatchewan as there Grey Owl cabin, North of Waskesiu and Prince Albert. The Porcupine River looks amazing!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I really love the story of Grey Owl and have visited a number of the places associated with him in England. Yep the Porcupine is amazing, one of the best.

[@brian_ward_outdoors]

Great video Ray. Looking forward to part two.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you. Working hard on part 2 now

[@bushcraftstevesonnyokeeffe]

Hi there Ray great video thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thanks for watching, appreciated. Now onwards with the editing of part 2.

[@bushcraftstevesonnyokeeffe]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe I shall be watching with a brew

[@Igorfun]

Great adventure... again. Some of those rapids are really impressive... Have fun, greetings from Belgium, Igor

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you so much. Just trying to complete part 2 but having a break to clear my mind. Again thank you.

[@spoonerbooner]

Ray, you're an inspiration.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you so very kindly

[@chrossbone]

very wholesome as usual and lots of things to learn from the video. ...as usual :-)

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you.

[@litesimpson9736]

Great footage Ray! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you.

[@scottjock]

Great video Ray.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you

[@jaysway2346]

Another great video! You have the best white water instructional video's.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Glad you like them! Thank you kindly.

[@kristaps2010]

Liked video, very dense woods. I have feeling it's full of bears.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

There should be a few about but we only saw one. No idea how many saw us

[@canoeingnav7618]

Ray I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I totally get the issues with your knees, I have the same issue. Love your instruction in white water. I look forward to the next installments.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you. I tend to hobble around nowadays. But I still have plans

[@canoeingnav7618]

Well if you ever find yourself back in Canada, specifically Ontario, I would be happy to hobble around on a trip with you. Keep well.@@RayGoodwinCanoe

[@tonystacey3347]

A really lovely video to watch h ray which was both informative and entertaining. Thanks for sharing - it’s fantastic to see you’ve still got the spirit of adventure despite the body not being in full form of our younger selves. Well done ! Looking forward to the subsequent films.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I can't believe I didn't respond to your kind comments. I hope you enjoyed the next two parts. Kind wishes.

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Cracking viewing ray. Can’t wait for part two

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

This week is busy so hoping to get it done next week. Fingers crossed.

[@BurtReynoldstash]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe it was fantastic to watch, was the trip organised through Paul kertly?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yes indeed. The links to Frontier Bushcraft are in the info below the video.

[@BurtReynoldstash]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe thanks for that ray, Keep up the fantastic representation of open canoeing

[@kevinthewild]

Great video. Looking forward to part two!!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you Kevin, appreciated

[@johanwagner_sweden]

Thanks Ray. Enjoying your content.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you. I hope you are doing well

[@paddlermike]

Inspirational! Next time I see him, I will have to ask David how you were as a back seat paddler! 🙂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Back seat drivers are much to be feared!

[@MrWhiskybmr]

Very good video as usual Ray. Adapting as we get older is all part of the game to keep on paddling. Looks like you had a great trip in any case. Part two will be fun and very well done. I will be interested is learning what your future plans are?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It was an amazing trip. I would like to get back out to Canada and do some trips without portages but that now depends on finances because of insurance costs for me. But there are British trips I have in the pipeline. Anyway working away at part 2. Thanks.

[@jeronomosp]

Nice one Ray - and team!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you

[@coolcanoechic]

Well done Ray!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you kindly.

[@scoutjohnson1803]

It’s good to get the prospective of the trip from a right handed steersman! Maybe I’ll do it some day.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It is a fabulous trip. One of the best.

[@alantaylor688]

Another great video Ray :-)

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thanks again!

[@dougpacanoemanburns4294]

Another great episode Ray enjoyed every bit of it. The swim inevitable it seemed when the front of the canoe got pushed into the Eddie. That's too much slow and too much fast put together. 😂. I love your mates comment about "not swimming just taking a bath". I really enjoyed the moment with the butterfly, one time on the Sturgeon River we had at least a hundred dragonflies maybe 500 shield us from the mosquitoes that came down on us at dusk. Those magical moments are great to catch. Looking forward to episode 3

[@dougpacanoemanburns4294]

It appears I put this on your first episode

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you for your kind words. Very much appreciated. Love the hundred dragonflies. Yep that capsize became inevitable but I fought it to the end.

[@Dansmithsoloventure]

Great videos Ray 👍

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thanks Dan. Appreciated. 👍

[@johnwprice1761]

Another beautiful, inspirational video, Ray. Don’t stop! If we were to rig up a sedan chair to cover off the portages, could you carry on? I feel a whole new video coming on devoted to the construction of just such a contraption using only paracord and a bush knife 😂 Thanks for all you do; you help keep the flames of adventure fuelled in more than one aging paddler and we are very much in your debt.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Thank you so much. A sedan chair would be most welcome. So now looking at trips with no or minimal portages. Some good plans and plots.

[@mistymountainrambler61]

Great video thanks Ray, can’t wait for part 2. I see in the comments that you’re not going to the OCF, sorry to hear that, I was looking forward to meeting you, next year? Cheers

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yep no OCF this year for me. In all honesty it costs me a lot of money to travel down there to help so can only do that every few years. Love it though. Kind regards.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

No OCF for me this year. Maybe next, I will see.

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

You know, the only aircraft tougher than an Otter is a Twin Otter! 😀

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

So I have heard 😆

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

So good to see another video Ray. Paul is the quintessential English Gentleman, I see, with straight back, and towering physique. By the way, were the berries ripe? And did you get a chance to forage? My canoe trips involve as much exploring the land as the water, and portages are great for that. Then again, I hate time limits. A typical Metis, I am on Indian Time; I get there when I get there. I am looking forward to the next episode.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I think I have been guilty of travelling through the landscape rather than exploring it. I do a lot on the sea and that imposes its own rhythm with tides and weather and so I have done far more exploring on sea trips.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Marcel, it's good to hear from you. We were on this trip ( starting at 60 degrees north) in early July, so it was a bit too early for most of the berries. I did keep my eye out though. There was not a lot to be foraged in the forest, really. We did have some spruce tea and labrador tea, though. And we made plenty of use of the abundant sweet gale to help keep the mossies and blackfly off our skin, particularly our scalps. In terms of food from the land as we went, the main source was fishing. Mainly northern pike but some walleye also. Yum! I dislike time limits too but an $8,000 floatplane charter arriving to pick us up on a particular date necessarily imposes one :-) Cheers, Paul

[@meetmedog]

That's inspiring Ray. Didn't think you were older than me! I am now well into the water sports, left it till my dotage, ideal as it is less stress on the knees but with equal commitment as the mountains (or more). Have just moved up from my packraft to a cruising dinghy for the chance to do more on the sea, as well as a bit more room for the dog. By the by how to you ensure the integrity of your barrels?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

We just try to get barrels that are pretty tight but even then they are not perfect if you take a long swim. Trouble is my knees are shot and with a heart condition those harder portage trips are no longer feasible. But more to do elsewhere and plots and plans are there.

[@missinipemagic8951]

Might be worth mentioning that CRCO (Churchill River Canoe Outfitters) supplied the canoes? At least it look like they did.

[@PaulKirtley]

CRCO also supplied the food. For this and the boat hire, they were paid handsomely. I don't think we owe them any advertising.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Yep it was CRCO.

[@missinipemagic8951]

@@PaulKirtley TBF, it is extremely costly to make that food.

[@PaulKirtley]

@@missinipemagic8951 I'm not complaining about the food. It was good and plentiful. But this was more expensive than other similar offerings from other outfitters (such as MHO). Plus they didn't provide large enough cooking pots to cook many of the meals for our group, which wasted a lot of time in our camp. But hey ho. It was a good trip and we move on.

[@missinipemagic8951]

@@PaulKirtley Shame about the pots, not sure what went on there? The problem is that there aren't really any "similar" offerings due to the remote setting of Missinipe which is where the food was prepared. You aren't really comparing apples to apples, so to speak.

[@grahamrowe6278]

Ray, when they outfit you do you get a choice of paddle lengths?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Generally yes. Not always enough variation but always manage.

[@davidlindley6454]

As a solo canoeist who has hardly done any tandem paddling, why doesn't the lead in the boat sit in the front and direct from the front instead of the stern ( and have the 2nd follow)? Great scenery. Not sure about the Mosquitoes, Midges are bad enough.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

ideally both should be equally skilled. When paddling with my wife, who is both a highly skilled bow paddler and solo paddler, we will agree a line and then she does her stuff at the bow with no interference from me. Plus she can see more ahead so my general policy in the stern is to follow her. On the Porcupine I was best in the stern to keep overall control on a line but unfortunately my bow didn't have the experience to be truly independent: this was to cost us on a later rapid.

[@pajmage]

Are all the canoes tandem paddled on these trips? Assume its for the extra carrying capacity the provide?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

I think it is more the cost of getting canoes in there. But It is not the weight of the canoe but the drag it creates strapped to the outside. I have flown in with solo boats on two trips, one for the BBC. On this trip we flew in six people, all the gear and three canoes (two nested). With all solo canoes it would have taken extra, very expensive, flights. Other trips such as the Missinaibi it would be easy to sort into solo boats as it is road/track access to the ends of the Missinaibi Lake to Mattice section.

[@ThomasSchweizer-m1v]

gefällt sehr gut würde am liebsten mitkommen

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Vielen Dank für Ihren freundlichen Kommentar. Es war ein toller Ausflug. via google translate Thank you for your kind comment. It was a great trip.

[@ThomasSchweizer-m1v]

@@RayGoodwinCanoevielen Dank für Ihre Antwort, kenne auch Ihre Filme in England, wir sind Freunde auf face-book, vielleicht sehen wir uns am Drome (F) dieses Jahr!?

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Ich fürchte, wir werden dieses Jahr nicht zum Drome gehen. Es passiert zu viel zu Hause. Vielleicht noch ein Jahr.

[@ThomasSchweizer-m1v]

@@RayGoodwinCanoeich Danke Ihnen für die Antwort, irgendwann mal auf dem Fluss Sie zu treffen würde mich freuen, ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Zeit

[@gailmciver1440]

Oh my days!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Indeed.😊

[@gailmciver1440]

Not a trip that will be forgotten in a hurry! 😊 looking forward to part 2.....​@RayGoodwinCanoe

[@RoughWalkers]

And theres me scared of swans when im drunk 😂😂😂😂

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Don't worry an aggressive swan still strikes fear into me but I have got better at hiding it over the years.

[@RoughWalkers]

@@RayGoodwinCanoe hahaha

[@johnmorgan4849]

Think I'd prefer solo paddling. Tandem looks way too stressful to me.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

It is worth looking at some other stuff on my channel. My wife is both a very good solo paddler and fantastic bow paddler. She can throw that boat around when we are tandem and I tend to follow her moves when I am in the stern. David had very little experience of that size of water and the decision making so couldn't make many independent decisions, but he was learning. With Lina in the bow we would have danced it down the rapids. But being good tandem takes a lot of work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2qUpJWriLd5lcU

[@MichaelHartley-l7b]

The person in front of the canoe needs to stop trying to steer.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

The problem was that David wasn't sure what to do. Normally in an experienced tandem crew the bow paddler is involved in steering in rapids but both must have an agreed plan or method.

[@loriwakley6583]

I would never take such a poor bowsman on this trip. Good grief.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

your choice. David had a wonderful time and I was taking into account his lack of experience. I never put him on a line that would endanger us although might get us wet. There were rapids I did not run because of his experience. But we all make our choices.

[@suemoore1965]

HARD TO ENJOY THE VIDEO WITH YOU DICTATING TO YOUR PARTNER.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Oh dear. David had no experience of that size or speed of water. He needed direction. He wanted direction. That is not the way I like to paddle tandem. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it.