SEE THE WORLD 12: Kemano

So after I reached Panama, I went back to work in Canada. While planting trees, my foreman would often take out the British Columbia backroad map and start telling me about interesting places. One of which was this power generating station on the ocean, beside the Coastal Range. Since I already got a packraft for The Darien Gap, I kind of decided to give it a shot - what better place to learn to paddle than in a giant reservoir and later in the ocean!
it wasn't until my 2nd day on the Darien Gap paddle that somebody told me my paddle was upside down...
Episode 12 from the SEE THE WORLD series
more info at www.bikewandere...
(also on website, full journal, route, bike/gear, etc.)
Big thank you to the Patreon Supporters for helping me to continue doing what I love and making videos about it (which I also love). All 270+ of you who have never met me (and the 7 that have actually met me)!!!
If you would like to support the ride & video project monthly, you can find more info here: / iohangue
Or one time via Paypal: bit.ly/BWpaypal
Music:
Brad and Dan - Redneck Road (also thanks Brad for giving me the idea for the route!)
Axl Ludwig - If Tomorrow
Axl Ludwig - Carrion Crow
contact: / axlludwigartist
youtube: / axlludwig

[@erricomalatesta2557]

Youve lived more in a few years than most people could in 10 lifetimes. Well fucking done chap.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Hi lohan I lived in Kemano for 3 years from 1985 until 1988. When it still was a town with 250 people living there it was a bit of a magical place. As with all small towns, if you had shown up before they closed the town and decided to run it like a camp, you would have been welcomed by the town. There probably would have been a party in your honor. Not like today when the company runs you off. The road from Tahtsa lake to Kemano used to be well used in the summer. Just after you left Tahtsa lake there would have been a small lake on your right, Sandifer lake. The people of Kemano had a small cabin built there right on the lake. I used to take my truck and camper up there and camp for the weekend. It was just beautiful. During the winter months I used to maintain the generators up at the gate house up on Tahtsa. At the time there was always someone living there for security and incase they ever had to close the gate. Flying up there in a helicopter when there was 10 feet of snow on the ground was interesting. If I remember rightly we went about every 6 weeks. When I lived there the boat ride from Kemano to Kitimat took about 4 hours. I never minded it that much because the scenery was so intense. It could be one nasty ride in the winter when the weather was bad. I am now 60 years old. My bicycle is a recumbent trike. I am hoping when I retire, to ride the Pacific Coast from Vancouver the San Diego. Your exploits just amaze me. Good luck in your journey Oh, and I just subscribed.

[@IohanGueorguiev]

Brian Dick thank you! its so great to hear more about the town, i could not believe they had bowling too. i completely missed the cabin at sandifer lake, i saw te road but did not go. it would probably still be standin now, who knows. few other people were not happy with rio tinto, they had closed the marina too, used to be open for visitors before. the whole paddle was magical, there are nice hot springs and even some cabins on the way, i think i will be back there one day to see more of the inlet. i also feel that they sent me off as more of a safety issue, with all those bears in the bay - can you imagine the paperwork for an accident? haha. cheers and best of luck with your ride on the pacific!

[@ddev7376]

@@IohanGueorguiev There are hot springs in the area? Do tell! Closer to Sandifer Lake or Kemano itself?

[@stephenburnage7687]

I worked on the "Kemano Completion Project" (that was never completed), based out of Vancouver in 1989-90. I visited Kemano, probably a dozen times, during that period (both by helicopter and by the boat). What an amazing place!. There was still an active community living there at that time and the project/construction personnel were not allowed to visit the village (as we outnumbered the community 10X); the one exception being Sunday Service. The highlight of my visits there used to be to drive down to the garbage dump at sunset, to watch the bears. One time we had nine grizzly's and three brown bears, all within 20 yards of our truck. We kept the engine running to make a quick get-a-way, if necessary, but the bears were thankfully more interested in the garbage!

[@truckguy6.7]

I watched this video years ago. I recently made a trip to Ootsa Lake and seen the Skin Lake spill way. I have also been to Kemano by boat a few times, never had the fortune of seeing the townsite.Had to search this video again. If people knew what you endured during this trip and how risky it is this video would have 100 million views. It's hard to document the trip when it is such a brutal journey just to survive it. Talking with folks who helped construct the cabin at Sandifer Lake, I wish you would have known about it and were able to stay there. It is supposed to be beautiful and seldom gets used anymore. What a shame. Thanks for sharing this amazing journey.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

@@truckguy6.7 Not sure if you know it or not, but Lohan has passed away

[@Meisam.Safari]

You are missed tremendously Iohan... What a beautiful soul.. what an amazing adventurer you were... Rest in peace brother...

[@sailingaeolus]

Strange how someone you never met can have such an impact. I sobbed like a little girl when I heard Iohan was no more, an act I didn't do for the passing of my own immediate family.

[@1johnlangford2]

Truly one of the greatest explorers in all of time. If this history is ever documented you should be mentioned. I couldn't help but see the risks you bravely accepted. Like the possibility of your bike poking a hole in your raft, hypothermic waters rendering the obvious possibility of loosing your bike and raft/belongings and having to trek many miles back is astounding had you survived such an event. Then seeing you drag your raft with the bike still on top across the rocks is incredibly naive. Exhaustion playing a big part in your decision making. Thank you for doing what you do and have done Iohan. The best videos on all of KZbin. Cheers, john

[@IohanGueorguiev]

hey about the town - it is a private town and apparently the whole bay is. i think they wouldnt have wanted me to camp there because its full of grizzlies... the guy I talked to pointed me to the old Kemano native village across the bay where I slept in a nice cabin :)

[@jonny5415]

"It's okay to be afraid because if you know you can do it. Why go in the first place." I usually hate quotes but this is beautiful

[@Kirinji1kirinji]

Can't agree more. Liked this video just as I saw it on the screen. Words alone would've meant nothing but the context in which Iohan put them made them all come alive.

[@hippyswift]

you are the very definition of a human bieng. the whole world should look upto your way of life with inspiration & admoration. peace be with you Iohan Gueorguiev

[@judil3294]

Fortunately that bad news will not want to stay and make friendly. Your limits looked like they were being pushed on this stretch. May God continue to watch over you.

[@raymond_luxury_yacht]

The tragedy of Iohan is that he spent years enjoying his ride, but still wasn't happy. Only nirvana is peace. With a peaceful mind we can be happy all the time; regardless of whether our outer conditions are good or bad. Prays for his fortunate rebirth.

[@LiveLifeInABox]

Your videos always remind us to live in the moment. Not fearing fear is a great attitude for the traveller. Happy travels 🚲

[@dbruce99]

You are my hero! My Dad worked in Kemano from the early construction in 1951 until 1969. The Glory Years. Many ex-Kemanoites lay awake some nights cooking up schemes on how we could sneak in to re-visit our childhood paradise.

[@user-ic4qi5tr3m]

I am starting to ting that you are some kind of masochist... all these "roads" full of trees and branches and that voyage against the wind and tide, it just seems like you don't like tings to be easy for you. Another great journey for me, thanks and keep going! Жив и здрав :)

[@johntwerp]

Super cool. You're one tough dude Iohan. That's crazy that they kicked you out of town.

[@Dampflanze]

Iohan, you are a true inspiration. your sense of humour is contagiously. Keep wandering and thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@zssdog]

Not many know just how rugged remote this trip would be Wow!

[@katakanadian]

I lived in Kitimat for 9 months in the late '80s. Lots of families had one spouse working out in Kemano. I had no bike or driver's licence so I didn't get to explore the area and now I wish I had spent the money on a bike instead of a VCR. I've really enjoyed your videos over the last year as I recover from a broken knee, poor recovery from surgery, and then a knee replacement (which seems to be going better). I'm hoping to be back on my bike by summer but I'll be sticking to blacktop.

[@thornwarbler]

You've the heart of a viking....................................Amazing

[@lavapix]

That entire adventure looked really fun. Obviously difficult but, that's what makes it fun.

[@DylanHaskin]

Ah man, love your films!

[@bradrandel1408]

I just can't believe you do not run out of food... you are amazing thank you!

[@mervhoward5821]

Respect mate, respect....

[@fictitiousfictitious8964]

You really raised my spirits in a time of mourning. Grace under pressure

[@wendysalter]

Oh boy, what a challenge - death-defying. Where do you get your inner and outer strength - is it the heart of the explorer in you? a lack of concern for anything that others would see as failure? the love you have for beauty which seems to cancel out the struggle? a total disregard for 'no entry'? Did you find filming a motivation to live the untold story? Whatever you are, you are an extraordinary super-human, in the most humble and likeable way. I congratulate you. :)

[@jeremyw20]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoys long adventurous rides. Keep trekking my friend. You'll have our support.

[@Utoober67]

Holy f*$k, Iohan. You are such an inspiration. That's all I got for now. Can't put into words what your adventures stir in me. Travel well.

[@sampage7104]

That was a tremendous adventure. And it was really interesting to see what that region looks like from the surface.

[@abuber88]

The wilderness is such an amazing place...cannot get over its magnificence.

[@ovidiuperta8342]

Hey there Iohan, At first I couldn't wait to see you off that boat, just didn't seem safe ... I'd rather see you on that bike...in the end I thought, that this can't go wrong, you're a survivor! Stay brave, as always!

[@GuzmanTierno]

I miss you so much !!!

[@MegaTrdi]

Thank you. Stay healthy and safe !

[@lytab5]

That whale though! My heart stopped. Beautiful!

[@isaacmont3623]

The best!!!!

[@sachinchenglei3012]

Wow man love you keep uploading I will catch up with this video let me finish watching your previous ones I really appreciate you and your willingness to see the world, anyway Thanks for sharing I'll keep in touch with all yours videos always don't forget brother.

[@ferchuruguay]

amigo el viaje que estas haciendo es increíble. la verdad es que admiro tu coraje. saludos desde Uruguay

[@juanguerrero1035]

Iohan, reposa en paz hermano.!!!!

[@davidjroberts77]

Hi Iohan I have to say, you're a bloody legend! I have watched a few of your videos now and it I just think its great that you just throw yourself into wherever you are and just enjoy it. You are a true adventurer! Keep up the good work - PLEASE!!!!!! Also, what do you use to film everything?

[@IohanGueorguiev]

a high zoom point and shoot and an action cam

[@WhiteCavendish]

In planning my next 4wd/inflatable boat expedition in northern BC, I came across this video. I had wondered myself about possibly visiting Kemano, as it seemed like a pretty awesome place. I'm saddened to know Hydro will run any explorers right out of town, as it would have been nice to visit, but let me say, you're a kindred spirit and a fantastic modern day adventurer. Bravo, sir! And thank you for sharing this epic journey with us.

[@anonymousguest9274]

what a man you are, amazing.. still watching your series until complete..

[@hackisack]

Amazing video, Iohan! As if your adventures weren't crazy enough as you planned them, things go unplanned and yet crazier. Crossing an ocean unprepared, with no life vest. Glad everything went right, you have a few guardian angels for sure!

[@dustman96]

Fantastic journey and scenery. I wish I had the will to just drop everything and head into the wilderness. Thanks for sharing.

[@KeiteiVentures]

just wanted to say - I love your videos, I hiked up the west coast of the united states last year and that was amazing! and watching your videos brings so much of that back. Keep traveling, love your work!

[@kenprice1047]

Wow! This was a dangerous voyage!

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Wow! The most adventurous adventure I ever saw!

[@colinmcpherson2515]

Nice work. It is a real shame that those guys in kemano treated a Canadian citizen so shabbily. As a fellow packrafter/bikepacker I am truly impressed by your perseverance. I would like to point out, and i could be wrong, that the paddle is supposed to work the other way up, broad bit at the bottom and thin bit at the top. I look forward to seeing your next video. Thanks for all your work.

[@j.-adanes3853]

Another great episode, full of craziness and beauty. Well done mate & thanks for inspiring !

[@anonpers0n]

Hi Iohan Gueorguiev, we talked about a year ago, i Hiked the AT sense then and now im heading out for the palmetto trail and whatever adventures might follow, living full time out of a backpack now.. loving it, thanks chopsticks

[@outdoorschoko]

Wow! Iohan, what an adventourus episode again! I also rode a little bit more off the track than I was supposed to do, but never as hard as you did it (like taking the bike on the shoulders to carry it over rocky fields, "riding" through such a dense forrest - lucky you didn't get lost!). And than the paddeling! I do padeling for quite a long time but never combined it the way you did (i just rent a kayak sometimes when there is the possibility). that is so cool! The whales are amazing, but would have scared me a lot. I love your videos, thank you so much for inspiring and taking part in your journey. Love and safe travels from Germany, Britta :-)

[@scottmacdowall527]

You're the MAN keep on cycling and posting Sir....⚙️

[@thomasackerman1677]

Great video series Iohan!!! keep it going! great motivation, just watched all 12 yesterday and today at work and now i have to wait for the next upload :( lol

[@IohanGueorguiev]

maybe not! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHibpaxvba-VndU shh, don't tell anyone!

[@thomasackerman1677]

;)

[@mbmattcor]

You have inspired me to be a wanderer.

[@johanvandijkh5042]

You have the right mind for Adventure Racing.

[@joseandress11]

great video bro

[@lindzhoward7752]

Good job you didn't do the full RAMBO thing after getting kicked out of town ! Another great adventure Lohan....love your films.x

[@MuskaKillz]

I wish some day I have a portion of your bravery dude. Keep it going. Beautiful channel.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

great instinct for finding lost roads. cheers.

[@felixbusso]

you know how to do it and how to express it. keep going! abrazos desde argentina. Félix&Babuni.

[@RandyConsular]

your such a great explorer Iohan .. love those epic ride ......keep safe dude...

[@TanvirAhmed101]

What an adventure!

[@sean2me]

Shameful treatment you received at Kemano! What an amazing trip and video! Your an amazing person! Thanks for posting this!

[@poordirtyhappy9704]

Epic as always Iohan! Hope you're having a blast in Colombia!

[@veysur1002]

You are crazy, crazy crazy. You are (mine) hero. Were you ever in military? Beautiful scenery. Nice music. Keep going!

[@sergeytretyak4891]

you're amazing, guy

[@bobbydixon4484]

I have learned and become inspired by you. thanks

[@Ana-ox3xj]

So amazingly beautiful.

[@zssdog]

Everest is littered with people with more money than brains Its scary to think this video wouldn’t exist without you making it back

[@REB65]

Pretty darn amazing 👍 God bless

[@rickrayn]

That was quite an Epic!

[@VitalityMassage]

You made it!

[@MrDometheo79]

Awesome stuff!! Superb footage!!! 😀😀😀

[@nomadesbtt307]

superb, as always!

[@CMOOREtbay]

Crazy adventure man

[@arnoldguzman8736]

Personally, I don't know how you keep going sometimes. I mean, the forest closing in on you like it did so many times would have made me turn back. I know my comfort zone and you blow way past it

[@speed6ump]

Damn. That's impressive!

[@arunvishnu2365]

Hi, Iohan.. do come to India. It would be a wonderful experience for you.. have a great journey man.. keep going

[@saintever1]

wonderful nature. keep yourself safe, man!

[@JT-hw6mq]

rip, brother

[@robdogracing]

Magic!

[@ianbing]

Freakin mining try to stop man but man continues life adventure, another cracking trip Lohan

[@crilawar]

Realmente impresionante, me encanta

[@akaviet909]

I like it!

[@xovimac]

Hi Iohan, men you rocks, when it's your next journey i'd like to join you men, love what you're doing

[@RealSpaceHobo]

I can't believe your stamina and energy Iohan - it's crazeeee.....:-)

[@migueldeguzman3836]

Always epic Man!

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

well done

[@Grty33]

SUPERRRRR

[@menjavlafitta]

Holy shit them trucks driving fast.. Had any close calls? Feels good watching ur vids, gives motivation for my own adventures! Edit: Damn i hate explosive driven heavy giant metal constructions traveling in evolutionary suboptimal speeds.. i mean cars.

[@IohanGueorguiev]

menjavlafitta hey the loggers are pretty cool, if they slow down its worse - the slowing down brings in a whole cloud of dust and a lot of them do slow down. close call only once on a narrow road, there was a big convoy in the cloud of dust but luckily i saw the headlights on the 2nd truck and god off the road, better to stay on the side until you can see.

[@menjavlafitta]

Yeah i can imagine. Almost every person you got on the videos seem real nice, especially the truckers. Love that guy on the icy road that filmed you with his phone! He was so excited for you. And damn i am on the edge every time you get into the water with that kayak. I know you made it out okay since the video is here but.. shiit!

[@BattleBulko]

Thank you for showing us this place. It looks like you fixed your render settings. Video looks quite good.

[@birdbrainmafia5108]

true adventurer

[@mayalarks6622]

13:18 Was that a whale breaking surface? Dolphin? It was so close!

[@antemula5888]

nice one man!

[@imabeliever4341]

I live in Kitimat. This is an awesome video. Sorry Kemano was so unfriendly . . that's big business for you.

[@IohanGueorguiev]

no, actually the guy i spoke to was great, management, not so much. too bad i was unable to negociate few photos from the kitimat museum for the backstory of kemano. cheers!

[@renziencarnacion6989]

thanks a lot for all the video you share so amazing lot to learn.whats your next project.tc and godbless

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

doesn't look like it in the next shot lol epic man

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

Page 32 Q: What is the advantage of electricity? A: The advantage of electricity is that it can be generated where the water power is available and carried many kilometres by wires and used elsewhere.

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

1 Kemano River power station inside a mountain in western Canada. 2 North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board. 1 Pitlochry2 Sloy 3 Cruachan.

[@EverestExperts]

Nicely done! If you even need a packrafting buddy, let me know. I could teach you how to run whitewater.

[@IohanGueorguiev]

where are you out of? I want to do rivers in utah at some point but also in canada shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@EverestExperts]

I'm in Northern Alberta, but do stuff in BC, the Yukon, and NWT as well.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

Legend

[@joshualiang3485]

LETS GO CHAMP

[@yilmanbabilonia]

Why you couldn't stay? I love your videos, you are crazy!

[@gallopingg1]

BRILLIANT UK

[@bernardolorenzini9213]

Amazing video! Did you use some kind of life vest?