Spring Ice Out Canoe Camping

After a month of rain, we set off on a spring ice out trip May 5-8 2023 for 4 days in the backcountry of Algonquin Park. With fishing on the mind, we began at the Tim River access point #2. Our first night was spent on Little Trout Creek with temperatures dipping down below freezing. On the second day we paddle our way towards Shippagew Lake, little did we know we wouldn't get there without incident. The water levels were high and the current was strong. We were on the wrong side of the river and once we realized where the portage was we didn't have enough time to make it over. Our canoe capsized. All of us and our gear in the river, the canoe full of water. Emma, a pack and paddle floating down river. We managed to haul the canoe to shore, one bag, with daypack and one paddle, while Emma swam herself to shore. In all the commotion, we didn't realize we still had a paddle. James had seen two floating down river (although we realize he likely saw it twice and assumed both were gone. He took off through marshes, alders and bush with Emma to hopefully find the second pack which contained all of our food, cook kit, axe and saw. I'll save the rest for the video - needless to say we will be purchasing drysuits for our next ice out adventure. Ironically enough we met a couple on the river the day prior who were wearing them and we discussed how we should finally get them!
We did eventually make it to camp, and were very very grateful to be safe, dry and warm by a fire to re-tell the story.
The next day we traveled back along the Tim, had rain all day while tackling 8 portages, some long and un-maintained into Rosebary Lake for our third night. Travelling out of the park the next day. A trip to remember - now to get those drysuits..

[@bampotbampot]

I appreciate that you decided to post this trip and are so candid about how it happened and how dangerous of a situation it was. I have enjoyed the style of all your videos and the practical tips you and James provide - but showing that canoe camping is not always idyllic as you have with this video - is extremely valuable. Glad you were all OK and looking forward to more videos!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

We really appreciate your message, and the recognition that we may have chosen to not post. We were pretty embarrassed by the situation, because after the fact, of course it’s easier to see where you’ve gone wrong. If it was a wake up for us, we thought if it could be a wake up for even one other traveller, or help anyone in anyway going forward - then it would be a success. We really just love canoe tripping and sharing the trips with the community feels fulfilling, so we will always be real and honest. Thanks for coming along on the adventure!

[@yeoldfart8762]

So grand to have a new video. I grew up in North west Pa. There were rivers and swamps my Dad and I could only paddle in spring because there was not enough water in Summer. All the ducks, geese etc. returning. 😊 Live, learn and go on. One suggestion I guess. The one left behind should have matches. A lighter, in their pocket and started a fire. Gathering wood and setting a fire helps you to stay warm until the fire is lit. Getting dry and warm is a must. I've always considered my self very lucky. 69 years old with ever so many canoe trips in Ontario and Alaska and always stayed upright. Been balanced on a rock in a rapids twice but we stayed upright🙄 Hope you have more adventures coming.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much, so good to hear from you! As I was the one left behind, I can say that I did have my Fanny pack on me which has survival gear in it. I have a means for starting a fire, and a knife, a snack, a light source etc. inside. This situation did not merit a fire as the weather was quite decent during the day. The sunlight that I found while waiting did warm me up enough and then James made his way back for us to plan our way forward. I started drying my fleece out while I waited, but had I been there longer, I’m sure I would have had to begin other survival tactics to stay warm and plan for nightfall in the cold. Luckily we got out of there in decent time. Likely, I should have taken my wet clothing off if anything, it would have been my next move for sure.

[@garymagill8553]

Thanks for showing us the danger and power of water. As with you I sometimes get too comfortable on the water. It reminded me of my one similar mishap. It was a day trip so, not so much gear. I remember watching my pack with the camera floating/sinking down the river. Knowing that a wet camera becomes no more than a paperweight I had to quickly decide what to save. But then, my wife was all wet too. I did make the right decision.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Gary, I did almost send James after Emma, before I realized that Emma was likely a better swimmer than us all combined. Good choices while the pressure is on, are key to talking about it afterwards. I’m so happy that you both made it out safely from your trip, I find day trips can be even more dangerous because you may not anticipate adverse conditions. This experience honestly was amazing, because we were able on experience the power of the water and the situation, with the outcome being very positive. Priceless experience.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

😃😃can’t wait to watch this one!! Lotta content comin through the tube these days!!😃

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Hope you enjoy!

[@katrinarobb4883]

I could seriously watch an provincial parks channel with all amazing camping trips.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks! We love watching camping videos as well

[@hogie48]

Love the video as always! Keep up the good work :)

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Hogie! 😃

[@LostLakes]

Got quite an adventure out of that one! Always appreciate your camping ethics and fish handling :)

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks John! This was one for the books for sure - grateful for the heart pumping experience.

[@ronbaker9971]

Thanks for the video. I kept looking for you all summer and finally pleased that you posted. Always happy with Emma’s antics. I was somewhat shocked you had never tipped before. I’ve went over three times in my many years of canoe camping. It happens. Just pleased no one was hurt. On the plus side, James gets a new rod and reel from the ordeal. Looking forward to your next post. (My two cents, Kokatat two-piece dry suits)

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Ron! The canoe is very stable despite Emmas constant 'maneuvering' ..hopefully we don't have many more tips in our future, but as you say, it happens. We will be getting dry suits for the next spring trip! James has already sorted his new rod, reel and net and is pleased :D

[@mikemckinley1031]

I love your dog

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

You can’t have her she’s ours 😝😜♥️

[@adkkev]

Glad you liked the Peak Refuel meals. And thanks for sharing your adventure, it was great that you really chatted about the canoe flip. Looking forward to more videos!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Kev, we were hoping the chat wasn’t too long but, we felt it was good to go over the scenario. Also helped us process the situation after the fact. More videos to edit and will be coming out!

[@jaysway2346]

Wasn't expecting that, glad to see you guy's pull through. A good reminder for me on how quickly things can go sideways. Emma and the water, too funny😂, the net, antler's and I know the that "bog dog smell" all to well. Great video!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Jay - great to hear from you! It really can happen very quickly. It was a great wake up call for us too. Lots of notable moments on this one! Bog dog smell seems to be a reoccurring theme on most trips though hey? 😂

[@joeypropane]

I can't help but laugh with Emma. What a sweetheart goofus, gotta love her. Free spirit is right!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

😂 quite the character she is for sure. She makes us laugh a lot!

[@AManCalledAidan]

My wife and I really enjoy your videos. They are beautifully shot and edited and we love the peaceful moments, gentle humour and scenery. We have done a fair amount of flat water paddling ourselves and have some river experience, almost entirely in the company of an excellent river guide and instructor who happens to be a good friend. I really appreciate that you shared your experiences and all of your thoughts and reflections are of great value. We learned a lot about river safety through our time time under the guidance of an instructor and some key things we learned and always follow (that likely would have really helped in the situation you found yourself in) are tying down gear to the canoe before entering moving water (at least tied together and clipped to the yoke would save your bacon in the event of a tip) and always having a spare (3rd) paddle lashed to the floor of your canoe. This way if the canoe tips, the only thing you have to focus on, especially if the water is shallow like this, is grabbing the painter (which is an important piece of safety gear in itself) and pulling the boat to shore. Worst case scenario you will have your canoe, all your gear and at least one paddle if the others are lost. It is so easy to tip even a very stable canoe in fast flowing water if the canoe is parallel to the flow and leaned upstream, which is what happened here. We have done the same thing in very cold water and that experience was highly motivating to get better at eddy-out manoeuvres! Anyway I don’t mean to be preachy and am not claiming to be an expert but just wanted to share these thoughts. Again, love watching your videos and am super impressed by how much paddling you two (3!) do and your all round approach to spending time in the wilderness.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you so much, we really appreciate your comment, it's not preachy at all. We are grateful for you sharing with us. It's also very nice to hear that you and your wife enjoy coming along with us on the trips! We certainly keep learning each and every day that we're out on the water - this trip was particularly valuable for us. We wanted to share the experience in case it could help anyone. Part of our trouble was that we were caught off guard, we did not plan to enter into fast moving water, but we should have. We have thought through multiple different scenarios of how things could have gone differently. Very grateful for how they ended up, but we will have to make some adjustments for sure. ..Currently thinking of ways to secure Emma in place as well ;)

[@johnkassimatis6719]

glad you guys got through this ok. Great dog ! It just goes to show, that no amount of planning can give you a safe trip in all situations. Learn from it. I really enjoy your videos , keep up the good work. Johnny Hiker

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks johnny! It’s true, you cannot guarantee safety, you can only learn and prepare the best you can in anticipation of different events. Experience helps to learn more and more. Emma says hi

[@paulfroud3920]

Yikes, close call. It can happen so fast. Glad to see no one was hurt. Safe paddling

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Paul! It is shocking how fast things can happen.

[@paulfroud3920]

Been there a few times myself. If you've never tipped, you're not trying hard enuf-lol.@@TwoPacksandaPup

[@golfish8589]

Congratulate yourselves. You did the most important part. You always had your life jackets on. In 40 years of paddling we tipped once. And it happened to be the only two minute span we did not have our life jackets on. We tried to shorten a portage in current. Just like you guys. It only took a split second. The current just grabs that up stream gunnel and pulls it down. I suggest you take a whitewater canoe course. Doing a back ferry into that portage where you flipped would have been the correct move. In a down stream current, as soon as you point the nose towards shore. You are actually ferrying away from that shore. I know you spotted the portage late. But if you had started back paddling and pointed the stern towards shore. You would have slid backwards right over there. Its fun to do in a whitewater canoe. Now if there had been an eddy there. You stick the nose of the canoe in the eddy and also the bow person plants there paddle in the up stream moving water on the upstream side of the canoe and holds on with all their streng as the down stream flow swings the back end all the way around. Add in the stern paddler with kind off a rudder stroke on the upstream side. I took a whitewater canoe coarse 40 years ago. It was a blast . But current still scares me. We paddle long fast narrow canoes that the current does funny things to . I suggest you pick up some used wenonah bent shaft carbon fiber paddles from an outfitter. They are at least 1/3rd the weight of your current paddles. And the bend will make them far more efficient. The blade will be in a vertical position for a longer period during the stroke. If you watch the bow paddler. Her stroke has the blade at a sharp angle with her top hand far far ahead of the blade tip. So for at least half her stroke. She is lifting the water behind her. A good stroke reaches far forward and keeps the blade vertical and ends at the hip. Short quick strokes are more efficient. Once you do it for a while . It will become automatic. You don't need to paddle harder. And it still can be relaxing. I also recommend a Eureka bug free zone tarp/screen CT13. Its a game changer. You and your dog will be able to relax during the worst bug invasion. I live in Minnesota. Ice out last year along the Canadian border was around May 17. In Minneapolis we should have 17 inches of ice on the lakes. We have maybe an inch and grass can be seen through the snow. Crazy

[@kerkleblanc7690]

Outstanding video, I camp with a black lab. Dogs are the best to camp with. Thanks

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for the kind words! Labs and retrievers.. they have our hearts. Dogs are awesome ♥️

[@mlussier1971]

Very sorry to hear of your mishap at the 125 meter portage on the Tim River. I'm very familiar with the area I completed my third trip down the Tim about 10 days after you folks. I missed the portage myself, only thing saving me from sharing your fate was I was on the right side of the river, having been there before I was travelling solo. Glad the three of you are ok, the water was crazy high and fast this past spring. Your campsite was a gem of a place, I've always enjoyed staying there. Your both super tough (and Emma too!) for tackling those long low maintained portages, I don't think I'd ever try those again!! I always enjoy your commentary about the trip and comments on the abuse/misuse of the park that you see. My wife and I love watching your videos and enjoy Emma's "Free Spirit" We could all take a lesson from your pup. Wishing you both the best in the off season and hope to see more videos of your adventures in 2024!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Ah thanks so much for the message ♥️ we really appreciate it. Did you come across James’s fishing rod by any chance?! 😂 I imagine water would have been flowing quite heavily 10 days later still, glad you made it out safely. He was quite distraught about the rod.. it was supposed to be a fishing trip 😬 Redemption to come 2024 😛 we’ve got a number of trips to still to edit and post from 2023 so we should have a good time with that!

[@BushcraftAdventure]

↟↟Awesome adventure Friends🏞️🛶✨ Best regards from Karjala🙌🏻 Ꭿℓℯℵ🐾

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much Alex! So glad you enjoyed visiting Algonquin Park with us 😄

[@raymondnoel6053]

Love you guys & love the nails at 53:04 ... not what I expected toward the end of wild camping trip... lol

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

😅 may not be recommended for wilderness adventure but hey, real life is a thing, and then we go on a trip in between day to day life 😋♥️ thanks for hanging out with us in Algonquin Raymond

[@AbundantAdventures]

Crazy wreck! Glad you both got your bags back. It could have been a lot worse. I would have been quite a bit shaken up after that for sure.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

We were very relieved! And very happy to have such a beautiful site and calm weather afterwards.

[@clintonroushff7068]

Glad things came out 👍 ok. I've not thought about spring conditions versus summer.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for coming along! Spring, summer and fall (winter too, but that’s beyond our scope) present some enormously varied conditions. We pack differently for each season, and it’s vital that spring and fall are not taken lightly. Could be a great video topic going forward 👌

[@lenbeaudry]

Such an adventure, glad you're all ok. Great video 👍

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you Len! It was an experience we won’t forget. Very grateful it turned out the way that it did.

[@jtexplores4966]

Great video. Glad you were all ok after that capsize. Sorry about the lost gear. When I am on canoe trips I generally clip my gear to the yoke so that in the event of an unplanned capsize my gear stays with the canoe. I always have a spare paddle secured in the canoe as well. I also have a dog who loves to move from side to side in the canoe which can be exiting if I’m not paying attention. Keep the great videos coming.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much! The dog movements are quite the skill to counter and keep up with sometimes, aren’t they! Clipping gear to the yolk could help for sure, we’re also worries about it potentially being dangerous in some scenarios. Something to think about depending on what is expected for sure. Thanks again!

[@elementscustomwoodworx]

A helpful and obvious but hopefully not arrogant tip...Always strap your sh!t down in your canoe. Been tripping for years and even in the most obvious easy areas always use the pack straps to strap to seat supports, etc, of the canoe. This way when you dump (I can't relate as we haven't experienced it, yet LOL, your stuff stays strapped to the boat and really has limited chance to get too far from the dump without finding it. Paddles are a whole other challenge in this situation, enjoyed the video!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you! We appreciate any feedback, and always happy to hear the video is entertaining / enjoyable at least haha. We are on the fence about strapping things down. In different situations it could become a hazard if loosely attached. Strapping down tightly could also become an issue in different situations. Totally understand the pros also. Everything is a trade off of some kind I guess. Relieved it all tuned out the way it did. Mostly feel that drysuits would be the wisest thing to add to our kit for a spring trip like this - planning to do that for sure!

[@OntheChew]

Fantastic video. Probably the highlight of the year. Unfortunate events but glad it worked out ok. The fun of holidaying with pups eh. Thanks again. 🎉

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Paul! Unfortunate events, but the way that it turned out created a valuable experience for us, and we hope can provide some value for even just a few viewers. Pups.. they are worth it but jeez 🙄♥️

[@alanbierhoff6831]

What a crazy adventure. Thankfully you’re all ok.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Alan! Adventure strikes when you least expect, great learning experience though.

[@cbergec]

Love your video so happy you guys are ok!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed the adventure!

[@moegardner1]

I am so glad to see this video out, I missed you guys over the summer. Looking forward to many more to keep me at peace over the winter. Thanks so much.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Hi Moe, we’re so happy to hear you were excited to watch! There is lots more to keep us all dreaming of spring over the winter. No time to edit during tripping season, rather be outside 😂

[@papacampoutdoors]

Great trip glad you guys made it and are safe and sound.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you! Yes, huge sigh of relief everything turned out excellent

[@mikemckinley1031]

I love your dog Emma this was back in may 2023 wow I know people have to work but I wish you three had more videos this year I love watching you three here from Ontario Canada I in joyed it ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦😎

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Mike! We love Emma too ♥️♥️ such a goofy sweetheart. Haha and yes we just don’t have the time to do the trips and edit them during prime tripping season. Much more to come so you can dream of warmer weather over the winter!

[@jeffconner9281]

I so enjoyed this video. What a beautiful couple you are. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much Jeff!! appreciate the comment, it makes us happy to hear that you enjoyed the video

[@daivapetrikaite]

Amazing 😊

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for watching!

[@marshaburden145]

We love your videos .Just a thought, we had a spot but had it in our pack thinking it would be a good idea to have it in our life jacket or pocket. We also took our golden Kilby with us .Enjoy all your trips the interesting ones stay with you forever.Thanks for all your hard work it is appreciated,😌😌

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Marsha! We really appreciate the kind comment

[@HF918]

When I saw this in my feed I got so excited! So glad you guys fared out okay, and it's good to see how you guys worked through it. We did a trip may long weekend in Algonquin through the Grand Lake/ barron canyon route. It poured buckets for our big portage day (7) and it was such a good reminder for us to prepare for utter wetness in the cold.😅 can't wait to see more of your adventures!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

So glad you enjoyed the adventure! 😄Rain is challenging.. we’ve been caught unprepared, mostly when it’s warm out, but there’s a lot to think about for different weather conditions. Cold and wet is the worst. I will sometimes just wear a full rain suite when it’s cold, and NOT raining just in case Emma goes swimming because then I’ll be wet no matter what 😬 7 portages are a lot of portages 😅 even when they are short.. the in and out, bag on, bag off etc is so tiring! It does feel good to conquer a challenging day though doesn’t it! Glad you guys got through it, hopefully in decent spirits.

[@haroldjennings5771]

Loved the video, you guys! Although the tent that we use, is not really wide enough for 2-25 inch sleeping pads, it does work. Cozy too. Everyone is going to the water pads with the high R-value. Such a better sleep experience. NEMO Tensor 😊

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Harold! Glad you enjoyed. It is very nice when the pads fill the whole tent I agree. I hate falling in the crack 😂

[@DerekSOutdoors]

I think it's time for a new net .. I just watched 3 net failures in the past few minutes 😂 great video so far.. waiting to get to the part when you guys flip over, the suspense is killing meeeeee 😅😅 glad you guys made it out safely especially in the spring

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

By now you have discovered the net is no longer our burden to carry 😅 didn’t get strapped into the canoe properly for the portages and snagged 👎 We are very happy with how we made out in the end, could have been much worse! Thanks Derek

[@DerekSOutdoors]

@@TwoPacksandaPup the holes were a sign that the net would be lost to the river gods 😂

[@Wordsnwood]

wow, glad you're all okay! Nice recovery, also. As for 8 portages in one day... we did that last year and decided that was way too many portages for us! (we're a bit older than you guys)

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks, we’re relieved with the outcome as well! 8 portages are too many, period. My typical preferred limit is 6 regardless of length (or age ;)) it’s just tiring. Sometimes it in the cards though. I think when James was explaining the route I must have misheard the plan for this day 😅 Nice to hear from you!

[@kwerner]

James is a fucking HERO! Woo! Subscribed!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

His month has now been made with this comment! 😂 He shall now be know as James, the Fucking HERO, from here on out. Thank you sir & Thanks for the subscribe!!

[@kristingrounds4163]

Wow that was a trip to remember !! Glad everyone is ok! Good thing you were not filming then you may have lost the camera too

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Kristen! It’s funny because I thought to attach the camera to the canoe and start filing right before we got to this section.. the mount likely would have stayed put but who knows. I keep the camera in my life jacket mesh pocket when in the canoe and not filming so it was tucked in there safely. Good thing it’s water resistant

[@vicki4801]

Oh my. I could feel your 'on the edge of fear' there. We've paddled the Tim quite a few times, once in May to Shippagew as you did on this trip. I count it as one of my all time favorites --so many moose sightings, and those campsites along the Tim with the spring chorus. (we stayed at the one on the river before the 125). The river was springtime high that year too, but nothing like this, and I remember feeling urgent at that portage ---'we have to get over, we have to get over' --because I didn't want to get swept past it in the current. I think my partner thought i was being abit over anxious because hitting these downstream portages always make me nervous (I may have to share this video with him! ) and sometimes when the river is so narrow, it can be tough to see on the map which side you should be looking for it. You were far out there indeed... and thinking you might not have a paddle or food! , and then with James gone too. I could really feel your fear there, knowing in my own gut what that would mean. It is incredible the way things worked out so well in the end--- finding your paddle, your bag (with dry clothes inside!), the BE free, even Emma's leash. I know what you mean too about getting too comfortable that we aren't as careful perhaps as we should be. This is a good reminder to us all. Thank you for sharing this!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Vicki, it really is a beautiful route! We plan to make it back this way again as well, although this portage will always have me feeling uneasy now! we grew anxious while trying to make it over as well, and it just all happened so fast. We are so grateful for how things turned out in the end though. A good wake up for sure. thanks for joining along

[@danielborden8385]

Glad to see you guys made out ok, that could have turned bad ( worse ) really quick. I have a mec slog bag, I love it a good heavy duty dry bag, worth the price. Glad also to see a new video from you both I was wondering what happened . Glad to see Emma is doing good also 😊

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Daniel, we got very lucky! Those bags are such good piece of mind ..and to think the bag that went down river was in the water for well over an hour not even rolled up the amount recommended and everything was dry is very impressive. Emma is dandy, and we will be editing and posting this years adventures from now until the the new adventures begin in the spring,. Unless we succumb to hot tenting and then there will be no time for editing 😂

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

So glad you 3 are back and safe and sharing your adventure! What an adventure for sure. Great Job by the way!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Jim! Glad you could make it out with us on the adventure 😉 one for the books.

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

@@TwoPacksandaPup Thanks understated...LOL

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Great video and good reaction time with your “dump”…things do happen soooooo fast! Was in a similar situation with my daughter when we came around a bend in a river and was swept into a sweeper…we ,too, ended up ok! Keeps us on our toes from getting too comfortable! TY!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Wow, scary. You’ve got to rely on being prepared and having a quick reaction time. Happy to hear you and your daughter ended up ok as well!

[@escapewithjay]

Glad you guys made it through the roll over safely. I truly believe these smaller "incidents" really humble you and remind you how careful you need to be in the bush/on the water. I had an incident when paddling the Mississippi river and it served as a lesson learned the rest of my journey. Stay safe out there you two!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you Jay! We are very grateful for the incident. Huge learning experience and wake up

[@escapewithjay]

@@TwoPacksandaPup take care out there!

[@kevinthewild]

Scary incident. You both handled it well. Glad you were able to continue with your trip!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Kevin! Totally, scary at the time, but came out of it relatively unscathed!

[@mactube72]

Whao..That was an adventure..glad to see you guys didn't got hurt and return safely. Thanks for sharing!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much for coming along! Appreciate the message.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey there you three!! WOW!! That was scary for sure! Especially the time of year. So glad you were all ok. One thing I’ve learned n KZbin watching Canadian canoe campers like yourselves is to carry a ferro rod. If the boat dumps and lighters and matches are rendered useless, a ferro rod will spark. Bring a piece of fatwood, make shavings and the ferro rod sparks will set the fatwood shavings in the rain. Fatwood is what I’m guessing those mongrels were doing when they cut that root. I could see fatwood in there. I always thought you got better fatwood from dead trees or dead parts of trees because all the sap settles at where the branch meets the trunk but im probably wrong. I’m wrong a lot😁. I couldn’t help but wonder if you paid a little more for camping permits if the park could afford wilderness rangers to monitor and educate the public. In fragile ecosystems down here in new england there are people called ridgerunners paid by private hiking clubs and presumably subsidized a bit by the usfs, that educate long distance and other hikers on poopin properly, camping, food yada yada.. I would happily pay $35 a night for a campsite in a Massachusetts state park if it meant more oversight. And that’s not elitist, its just spending my money the way i want. Owning a 2008 Kia is not elitism!🤣🤣. Couldn’t help but think algonquian could do that but again im down here and you guys are up there. It was just great to see you all out on a trip again and I’m glad ur safe! Take care. NQU

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

So scary! Turned out very well though. I do have an emergency kit on me at all times, its in my fanny pack (Jen). In a bad situation, I would always have a way to make a fire, very important your'e right! Thank goodness I wasn't quite cold enough to get that going, and then James got back so we could get out of there! I bet you are right about the fatwood, I saw that and thought the same afterwards, so crazy to do something like that for that kind of selfish payoff :'( We agree, we would love to pay more for permits, or even make donations to that kind of cause regarding educating anyone entering into parks. Really hope this becomes a thing someday before its too late. Nice to hear from you NQU!!

[@EzeAdventurer]

New sub :-) Keep your adventures and videos coming guys, awesome to get out so early in the year! I may do something similar next year, thinking Wabakimi if possible, but not sure about likelihood of being ice free!

[@soggywilson]

Honestly this looks like a fun trip

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

It was epic

[@alexs3447]

Having tripped the Tim and Nippising rivers tandem and solo i have felt the same issues . Never had a flip with my canoe but had a sister canoe capsize on a river north of Massey .We were about 20 yrs old and one guy went into shock over it. He was ballin like a baby over his lost fishing rod ( which we later found) .Was really impressed with how James went down the river .But too risky in my opinion in that cold water . I have been down the Tim as far as the Shah L portage but it was later in the yr and the water much lower . Too bad about the lost gear . I'll chip in a telescopic rod . Its what I use .Send me an address . Just notch the trip up to experience .Shows Jen is more that a pretty face .

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Alex, James bought a new rod almost immediately as he’s been ‘fishing’ for a reason to purchase new gear anyhow. Says it’s lucky as he’s caught a number of beauts on it already. Appreciates the offer and gear suggestion, very kind ♥️ Cold water can be quite traumatic, even if the event turns out well. Glad your sister and friend came out safe and sound from their experience as well. Totally agree that it would be better not to go down river like James did.. I was worried sick about him. Mainly because I know he almost has no fear, which can get you into trouble. He took off too fast before we properly assessed the situation. Live and learn, we consider ourselves lucky to be in a situation like that, with such positive outcomes and the opportunity to experience so much that no book can teach.

[@alexs3447]

My sister ? I meant the second canoe in our group . Everyone survived the incident but my canoe partner would fall asleep on the drive home and i fortunately steered the car back on the road . @@TwoPacksandaPup

[@fireflyrocks1]

Tying things up would have been a good idea.

[@garyechols9458]

A small waterproof two way radio attached to your lifevest, most vests have a pocket for one.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Gary! Good idea. James has got an Inreach mini attached to his vest just in case, but I like the two way radio idea

[@warrenfaulds5470]

Great videos. Can't wait to see more. What are you using for your waterproof back packs?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much Warren! The use MEC Slogg 70L packs. Awesome

[@kinlol]

Love your video, as first time wanna be, my husband and I planning to do portaging very first time in August. a question, do I have to reserve portaging spot/camp site? we are thinking about book through Algonquin outfitter?! any advice? and love your doggie Emma

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Congrats on planning your first journey into Algonquin! You have to book the lake that you will camp on, once you arrive on the lake that you booked, you can choose any unoccupied site to camp. You can book though Ontario Parks reservations.ontarioparks.com but if you are looking for more help, Algonquin Outfitters is excellent. Have fun!

[@JoeGuilbeau]

What if...If then...Then what? Words to live by, cuz Life gives the Test first, and the Lesson after.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

So very true. Always best to be prepared

[@charlesschnepp5358]

arent u lucky u have a good man

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Super lucky ♥️

[@mrdave22]

may? i think you're a wee tad behind on editing. does that mean summer videos are coming? thumbs up

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

That’s right! Lots of videos coming, even a trip from last year that I didn’t get too! Rather be outside enjoying good weather when it’s around, edit when it cold outside 😋

[@mrdave22]

@@TwoPacksandaPup thanks for replying, God bless

[@electricgreygoat6151]

Glad to see you two recovered from your spill with minimal loss,these things happen SO fast.Emma got in an extra swim. The tree root could have been to prevent someone from catching their toe under a D shaped root and going done hard.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you, it all happens SO fast. Thankful for the outcome. Emma was unscathed. I saw her floating down river but as soon as we called her she was able to swim ashore 😀. Good point on the tree root, could be the reason. We’re visitors though, so I would not merit this reason as reasonable, still a thumbs down from me. You’re in the forest, watch where you’re walking 👀

[@mrwes100]

56:54 that’ll have little effect on the root system.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for the comment. There was no reason to do it, and it could definitely harm the tree if that root was the primary source of water and nutrients. We always try to leave no trace when we camp. The campsites in Algonquin park see a lot of visitors so everyone needs to do their part to minimize any impact, and keep these places pristine for generations to come.

[@MARTYSUPERNOVA]

Can youtubers stop making portages sound like they are posh and Pronouncing it portàge. Seems that is the new trendy youtuber way of saying it. Look it up it is pronounced Port-age

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for the comment!! Portage is actually a French word that means “carrying”. We’re not French but I believe our pronunciation (and most other Canadians) is closer to the francophone pronunciation of the word. Our American friends pronounce it as “port-age” and always poke fun at our pronunciation 😂

[@MARTYSUPERNOVA]

@@TwoPacksandaPup Actually in Manitoba it is Portage de Prairie not Portàge de Prairie and just south in Minnesota it is Grand Portage not Grand Portàge.

[@raymondnoel6053]

C'est quoi ton problême? Ici, la prononciation est excellente.