The Steel River: 12 Days Alone in Canadian Wilderness

12 days and 170km up a series of lakes and back down the Steel River for the longest trip of my life, and my first whitewater experience. Lots of pike, walleye, wildlife, wilderness, scenery, and my first brook trout.
But there were challenges. I didn't speak to another human being for the whole trip, eating right became an issue, as did physical fatigue and sometimes morale.
In the end, it was a trip which I sometimes hated, one I plan to never repeat, and, still, it was one that I will cherish and never forget.
FB: / backcountryanglingontario
Insta: @BackcountryAnglingOntario
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Audio Credits:
Chris Zabriskie - I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves
Audionautix - Renaissance

[@WindWaterandPine]

It's amazing to check out these older trips of yours and see how much progress you've made as a filmmaker. Very enjoyable but also just night and day from what you're putting out the last couple of seasons! As someone experimenting with the filmmaking side of trips myself, I find it really inspiring to see how far you can progress in a couple quick years. Thanks.

[@TheTrevortyrone]

Jon, thanks for this offering. Honestly bud, one of my fave vids you've produced ever! Challenging, joyous, funny, great shots (as always). Thanks man. Really enjoyed this one.

[@TuluBayil]

Most underrated channel you deserve more 👍

[@LostLakes]

Appreciate it Rishit :)

[@TuluBayil]

😊

[@Barret-paddles]

Hi Jon! So fun to go back and see these earlier videos :-) You have evolved for sure and as always thanks for bringing us along. 💜 Barret P.S I hope you enjoyed satisfying all your cravings!!

[@davidsethaler6281]

You spilled the scotch 🤯😲🥺😫 Another great video. You definitely have a gift when it comes 2 your videos. Thanks again for sharing. 🎣🎣👍👍

[@LostLakes]

A crime, I know 😔 At least the salvage mission was a success lol. Thank you!!!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

I can’t believe I found this video!,, newbie for sure! Love the whole thing…great moose pic!

[@gtoutdoorexcursions2938]

Thanks for sharing, grand adventure for sure!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks for coming along!

[@fredyd13662]

Looked like an awesome trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[@louisepotier2784]

An older video but a great one. The newer ones I saw have a different light but also you seem more relaxed. Thanks for the adventure ! 🙂

[@Utenerd]

Really enjoyed this. You captured some great scenes as well, like saving that bird which is something out of blue in the outdoors. Thanks for documenting and sharing!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much TNO! That was a pretty random event...poor little guy.

[@MHarenArt]

That was awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@sistaslab3159]

What a awesome trip Thanks for taking me along

[@LostLakes]

Thanks for joining me Deborah!

[@JennyBroadbridge]

I always love watching your adventures. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated Jenn!!

[@mglennon5535]

Epic journey! Well documented. Great stuff! I like you style, honesty and tenacity. You have earned my subscription. Look forward to sharing more of your adventures. Thanks for the trip! Cheers MG

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated my friend. Thanks for coming along :)

[@ReelCanadianFishing]

Cool video. Canada has so much to offer

[@TheBabadush]

You're so happy on this trip.

[@desertrose2059]

Wonderful video! Thank you much for letting me experience the wonders of Canadian wilds that I will never be able to see in person. Thanks to your excellent video I feel I have been too!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks my friend :) Appreciate that.

[@TheHarley883r]

really well done, thank you for sharing your experience with us, like your realness,,and hope to see more from you ...

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated!!

[@ingest111]

Perfect. Good job!

[@MHoodFishing]

I watched all the way into 2020. Happy new years!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah right on! Happy 2020!

[@StanMills]

That was a very impressive adventure.

[@roboutdoors8680]

Great video. Love the scenery and the fish. Trout are awesome.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Rob! They're amazing. Lakers are my fav

[@HalfQ]

Entertained me for the whole day whille I worked. Brilliant stuff, TY

[@LostLakes]

Love to hear it. Thanks for binging here today 🙂👌

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks good trip . Cheers 👍🇨🇦 I’ve done the Steel River going up the Terrace Bay road .

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Tom, it's a beauty. Redid the river last summer with my girlfriend with two vehicles because it's just that special.

[@spenbw]

Great video, love the closeup shots, as always beauty is in the detail 👍

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Spencer! Totally agree...the intricate details in nature are spectacular.

[@jimhanson7476]

What a great adventure , loved the remoteness and the river stretch ... Very well done......... Cheers

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Jim! It's a great route but the river stretch is really the highlight.

[@bernkondret9981]

This is a classic trip. Can't get it out of my mind. Those river sections with rapids and swifts, I could spend weeks there.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah a couple of guys called Northern Scavengers put out a video of this route before I went and it gave me the same obsession. Check out their channel if you haven't, they've got some great vids and have an epic Labrador trip coming out soon.

[@frankulrich3481]

I would really like to see you, your wife, and Xander (w/significant other!) Canoe the Makenzie River!

[@jjmonahan1723]

Jon, the brown element t-shirt is fire! 🤙

[@mkolic2872]

Absolutely love your videos johntario! They feed the soul ! Two weeks ago i was motivated enough to tackle the diablo portage for my 50th ... I spent four days there catching speckies and exploring a couple of other lakes to the right of Diablo so glad I found your channel on KZbin! All the best take care guys👍

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Mitjan! That's awesome...what a special lake

[@susnorth40]

We have fished THE mighty Steel. Amazing, exciting, invigorating !! Wtg 🤘🤘😎

[@canesser1]

Epic tip with some significant challenges. Santoy lake was radical with that wind . . . and you did go back lol. The most hard won adventures will be the most memorable and for many years to come. "Every night gotta clean out the riff raff" lol. You had your fair share of bugs on this trip! First rapids all by your lonesome, much respect brother! Remember my first white water trip with some experienced paddlers and all I had done for the year prior was watch Bill Mason vids and read his two excellent books. My "experienced" partner near the end of our trip said, "let's just shoot those rapids ahead!" But Bill Mason was echoing in my head to check EVERY rapid before navigating them. Good thing I insisted, there was a 20' sheer drop over a water fall. Always like to listen to that still small voice!

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha good on ya, that little voice is a huge survival skill! It's good at letting one take on a certain amount of challenge, but not more than one ought to. Lol I know, went back to it somewhat grudgingly but I wasn't going to let Santoy win. Thanks Canesser!

[@curtbush75]

Had to watch this older video of yours one more time. Long ago had the opportunity to do the steel river but passed on it to do the missanabie. I like when you do the tough portages for me. Curt in northern mn

[@UncleBud83]

Great job chum keep it up!

[@Twobarpsi]

Great trip! I especially liked your philosophical view on the ant staring at your fire, and how we are ant-like, in the grand scheme of the universe.

[@alainbonneau9717]

super trip brother , wish i was that guy sharing the camp site with you . i can feel the way you felt . love the bear

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Alain, sure could've used the company that night!

[@AchimKleist]

Congratulations on the performance! I've done that trip in 2007 it was one of my best adventure in my life. Sometime very, very, very hard but unforgettable.

[@LostLakes]

It's such a wonderful route eh? A group here did some clearing work on the lakes section last summer which would make a big difference now. Still, I don't plan to ever do the lakes section again. But now I live right near this route so I'm planning to do the river section again...that was the best part, plus Diablo Lake.

[@barbmcnaughton6119]

This is a great video and has it all!!!!!..love superior country.....life jacket makes an appearance..Kevin would be proud...bird rec scue....garlic bread ( a constant)..missed seeing some of the detailed campsite walkabouts and reviews......held my breath through the rapids! Excellent video!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Barb!! Hahaha the lifejacket comes out on whitewater and waves :) I was pretty nervous to start the rapids but garlic bread gave me the strength to persevere. You like the campsite overviews eh? I started doing a lot less of them because I thought they might be boring and repetitive...I'll have to find the right balance on that.

[@H0meT0wn]

Fished most of these areas... you did a great job showcasing our area.. Well Done!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Jason!

[@sarahssoapsca]

Just came across your channel. Love your videos! My partner and I would love to take one of your trips soon - we usually do about 4 days ish (with work scheduling) but we are trying to fit in some longer trips next spring/summer. Thanks for making awesome content!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Sarah!! You gotta take what you can get, but it sure is nice to have some longer trips. I feel like I'm only getting into my rhythm on day 3 normally

[@dirtnap7697]

You make most of the more popular youtube bushcrafters look like car campers, lol. Epic.

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha thanks man 🙏🙏

[@nik214]

Great video Jon, I'm actually going to be attempting this route in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@LostLakes]

Right on, have a great trip and scout those rapids :) Some look good from the top but are full of rocks right at the end...maybe high water will wash them out though

[@nik214]

@@LostLakes All the rapids were runnable in early June. Ended up being an amazing trip, I have to thank you for this video it was very helpful. Next up is Marshall lake!

[@switchblade454]

Dude just found your channel. Very cool content. You seem so at piece with life and yourself. Keep it up. Great fun to watch.

[@LostLakes]

Very much appreciated Luke!!

[@bobbysteel3877]

Love your vids!!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Bobby!!!

[@arcticmorning]

Another fantastic video

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Dave!

[@victorziebenhaus3229]

Hey good job conquering this route, I'm heading up to check this off my list this summer, wondering when you ran this route, thinking of going few weeks earlier to get some higher water.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Victor. That's wise. I ran it in the first half of July. Highly recommend the route. The trails were cleared in 2018, and we ran the river portion again in 2019. Should be in decent shape.

[@RobinLauer]

I'm a little late to the party but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed that trip. Running the rapids was fun, the moose was cool, trout too, but my favorite was the deodorant scene and the A&W in Marathon was pretty funny too. Nice editing too, a lot of fun to watch.

[@LostLakes]

Lol!! Thanks a lot Robin! First brookie and first rapids. I'll never forget this one.

[@mattbraysails]

I watched these videos years ago and stashed them away.. Then I learned about KevinC through Jim Baird and Northern Scavenger. Looking at Google maps and seeing the scope of your adventures. You guys are pretty crazy. It's really awesome.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks WA! I've been watching those guys a long time too :)

[@Mr-BuBa]

great trip bro, great video and great adventure, I would love to do something like that but don't have the bottle to do it alone, seeing adventures like yours makes it feel like I was there with you for that experience much appreciated bro

[@LostLakes]

Love to hear that Barry, thanks a lot!!

[@Mr-BuBa]

Your welcome matey

[@rifleman1873]

Beautiful trip, nice fishing, looked like fun. Maybe you should try a seal of tape to keep the top on your scotch. I like your analogy: Nature deserves our respect, but weather demands it.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks rifleman, good idea 👍👍 Yeah usually I'm just blabbing on, but that line came out pretty good lol

[@cretan911]

Great video. loved it. 10/10

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Christian! :)

[@paddlehooked4687]

What a good trip, this is the trip I’d like to do after Bark. Maybe next summer if the wife will allow. I also crave the eff outta ice cream after a trip. I can only assume the thumbs down are those who do not approve a lengthy trip like this solo. I think this is the first time I’ve see ads on your stuff, all good in my books. You deserve something for the effort to share all these experiences with us. “This portage is brutal, straight up and muddy” proceeds barefoot 🙄

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha I think I was trying to keep the mud off my shoes 😅 Yeah man, it's a great route and a local group cleared the ports last summer. Combined with more recent river intel, it doesn't have to be this hard either. Thanks for sucking it up with the ads. Tried monetizing some vids a couple of months ago. It'll pay for some gear :) I don't allow any of the non-skippable ads though because I hate them in others' videos, and do unto others... As for the thumbs down, this is the internet...it's where people come to dump their anger anonymously lol. After your Bark Lake trip, there's a general store and fries stand at the bottom of hwy 553 where you can fulfill your frozen dairy needs.

[@jdaly1739]

Excellent excellent video to watch Beautiful country and love your down to earth approach. Fabulous stuff. Regards from Oz 👍👍

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Jules, really appreciate that! We're both lucky to live in vast, beautiful countries :)

[@cuchulainkailen]

53:24 ... Oh. Poor babeeeey !!! Nice video.

[@sligo405]

Respect. Solo is another world. Nice job on the content btw.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot sligo! This trip was pretty otherworldly at times :)

[@jimf1964]

I laughed when you said the mashed potatoes were the best. Same thing for me, but backpacking. Ran out of food except for some bars, jerky, and those weird mashed potatoes. I was so hungry. I mixed the jerky and spuds, threw in some pepper, and I swore it was the best bush meal ever. Quite the trip. I would have shit myself on those big waves in a canoe. I've done some, but not enough to feel comfortable on that, and all alone. Wouldn't have been too thrilled to see that bear eyeballing me either. There was a bear hanging around our trail to get to the car once. I'm sure he could smell the trout on our boat, and was hanging around for quite a while, sniffing the air. Not the most comfortable walk back to the car. Especially since it was that thick bush you mention where he could have been hanging around. But there were two men, and me, a preteen at the time. So we were pretty safe. Even if I didn't feel it. Anyway, great adventure. Both the physical, the beauty of it, and the emotional part of feeling alone for a week or more.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah man it hits the spot sometimes. That was a rough day...toughest portage I've done but the paddle in those waves was worse. Yeah it's unnerving to see them on your trail but can't blame them for being enticed by trout! Nothing like week+ trips for getting into that wonderful mindset.

[@tombeckett4340]

That’s back in the day we called walleye Pickle. And we still do. 😂🇨🇦

[@LostLakes]

Hahah!

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

You are a warrior man. Those bugs and wind looked brutal. People just dont know how bad the bugs can get in northern Ontario. I want to visit family in Ignace in peak black fly season. We pulled in town and people were walking around the streets with bug nets on. Lol that was an eye opener. I will be heading out in 2 weeks to see some family in the north and bringing home a canoe. Cant wait to start hitting the rivers for some real adventures. Great stuff man I'm loving the channel

[@LostLakes]

Your family sends you home with a canoe? I just get leftovers. Hahah thanks man.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

They decided they were kayak people and asked me if I wanted it. It will be an 8 hour drive to pick it up spend the night and drive back but I would do it just to visit them. Some of my favorite people! I am going to bring my 10 year old son I want him to see some of the Canadian shield. Big difference from Montreal Quebec.

[@LostLakes]

Sweet! You're going to light a spark in him. Around that age, it really starts to kick up a boy's sense of wanderlust.

[@patrickbryanoutside7416]

Well done Sir, new subscriber. Thanks for sharing

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Patrick!

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

Nice sunset. You couldn't take a branch and use it to push your canoe across the weeds over the top of the weeds?

[@scottbuckley6578]

Good camping from fellow Canadian off grid camper

[@robertrichardson7667]

What a beautiful blue walleye

[@LostLakes]

Pretty neat creatures!

[@tomastomas11]

Amazing trip! You should have brought more food lol.

[@LostLakes]

Lol I finally got a dehydrator this winter, so that'll help! For this trip, my food bag could barely close 😐

[@deanazarnush884]

nice, you got a rare blue walleye! lucky

[@lukkyluciano]

ontario and quebec are like only place you can still catch them.

[@tombeckett4340]

I can’t believe that’s your first speck . Where have you been all your life ? I was raised in Cabbage Town and my dad would take me to small creeks around lake Simcoe and catch specks. That’s when they had to be 7in to keep. Great memories.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah Toronto life. I wonder if there are any specs left in those Simcoe creeks

[@mitch5146]

awesome vids man plz keep posting ......this guy is pretty good at fishing tbh , diablos minion lol

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Mitch! Lots more coming

[@lancethrustworthy]

You get extra points for the camera work. Bravo.

[@LostLakes]

That's generous, but much appreciated Dan!!

[@michaeldoyle6702]

I'm sure 99.9% of Ontarians have no idea that this unspoiled paradise exists in the province and not, say B.C. I didnt until I visited Lake Superior Park in 2017. Southern Ontario has well preserved small towns and verdant farmland (Perth and Huron Counties, for example); Central Ontario blessed with Muskoka, Algonquin Park and Georgian Bay. But for nature untamed, wild and awe inspiring, where else is there but north western Ontario? Stunning shots, 37:00, 47:00, 45:00 (a river with great audio, reminding me of the movie The Mission), 46:40, 47:55, 50:02, 55:20 and 56:20 the highlights for me. I will be returning to this video, for sure, many times again. And cheese, even a block of butter, can keep for several days if frozen and the temperature keeps under 20 degrees celsius.

[@LostLakes]

So true, including myself as recently as 5 years ago before I started to really get into this. NWO is a treasure trove. Great selections, thanks man. Disappointed with much of the footage now, looking back, but I upgraded my B-roll camera last year which has helped. Erin and I just ran the Steel again and the footage should be sharper this time around. Yeah I guess the original rationale for making cheese centuries ago was to provide food that had a longer shelf life and could travel well, but I maintain that shredded cheese must have more preservatives...it lasts longer than a block.

[@user-to1to7ck8v]

​@@LostLakesyou mentioned that you & Erin ran the steel river again... did you happen to film that trip? I would love to watch that.

[@LostLakes]

@@user-to1to7ck8v you bet :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpLEhGVunN2je5I

[@user-to1to7ck8v]

@@LostLakes thx! Going to watch it now

[@makegaminggreatagain3907]

I'm not sure if you people have it in Canada or the US, but there is this stuff called Aero-gaurd Mosquitoe repelant, I believe it repels other bugs too, might help you out, great video.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Luke :) Haven't heard of it here in Canada and I don't see it available anywhere. I just got a good quality bug shirt for this summer so hopefully that'll avoid any need for chemicals :)

[@jimf1964]

When you're able, put a dusting of flour on the trout, and fry it in some butter (with some oil so it won't burn), and fry the skin side till it's crispy.....mmmmmmmmmmm

[@LostLakes]

I do like the simplicity of just flour...and it's certainly cheaper than fish crisp.

[@JohnShepherdMusic]

Hey Jon, another great vid as always! What's the device you have hanging out of your pocket (i.e., 46:20)? I see it frequently. Portable weather machine probably? Keep up the great work. Being enjoyed down here in Colorado.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks John! Prepare to be underwhelmed. It's a boat key floatie I attach to the GoPro 😅

[@raubling69]

Awesome trip! Awesome vid! What is that guitar / flute music that you play at the rapid scenes?

[@LostLakes]

:) It's called Renaissance by Audionautix. Quite pleasant isn't it?

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Timely! Planning on paddling a section of this route over the summer. Was just going over maps!!

[@LostLakes]

You're gonna love it! Just the river section? A lot of recent info in this thread: www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=46130

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Nope, mainly the lake section. Using it as a way to reach the Little Pic headwaters area and then take that to Superior

[@LostLakes]

Good god, I hope you aren't going from Santoy up to Mckay then down the Pic in one trip...

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Pretty close, but crossing over further south at Eaglecrest Lake. Hauling the whitewater boat up the Diablo should be a fun start!!

[@LostLakes]

Oh my yes....after you finish the elevation gain, it flattens out into a ravine. If the ferns are grown in, be extremely careful here. I consider this the most dangerous part of the trip. Full of invisible ankle-busters and deep holes obscured by the ferns. And you're tired from the elevation, the bugs are bad here, and it's easy to want to rush. Don't even know how you're crossing there unless you're connecting lakes via resource roads. There better be a video!!

[@fathertomoutdoors6579]

Hey, what would you say is your average drive to a put in lake in terms of hours?

[@lynnrixson1094]

Amazing viewing, thank you ! 😁

[@rickfromvirginia]

Just saw this video, you did an awesome job of documenting it. I'm glad I subscribe to your Channel. Keep up the good work explanation point Rick

[@LostLakes]

Appreciate it Rick!!

[@rickfromvirginia]

@@LostLakes I think you should try signing up for patron account. I would be happy to support you..I cant get to where you're going but definitely enjoy your videos! awesome views!

[@LostLakes]

Ah you are too kid sir! People like you who watch and engage are already giving me back exactly what I look for here: a way to share solo trips, and a creative outlet where I can chat about my favourite thing :)

[@rickfromvirginia]

@@LostLakes Thanks for getting back with me. I was just trying to make sure you were able to keep doing those awesome videos!!

[@LostLakes]

I really appreciate it :) I'm just terrible at accepting gifts/favours lol

[@brianwarrington2856]

Hey. Lovely flute music at 34 minutes in. Can I know the tune please! Love your guys stuff!!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Brian! It's called Renaissance by Audionautix :)

[@nickgrossmeyer5468]

The more I watch these early ones the more I see. Wonder if the little bird is still out there

[@naturegirl8248]

Thanks for sharing your adventure! I really enjoyed it! That blue walleye was beautiful! Great job on helping that baby bird! Was it doing any better by the time you left out of that campsite? ~Rachel

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Rachel!! I hate to say it, but it didn't make it. I wonder what happened to the poor guy in the first place.

[@naturegirl8248]

Awww... You did your best to help the little guy/girl.... Well done! Yeah, it maybe was attempting to fly and unfortunately went out to far and into the water😢.. It was heart warmimg to see you go rescue it from drowning! ❤😊 Again, thanks for sharing your adventures! I watch many other outdoorsy men and women on KZbin, but I find the most enjoyment watching yours. I love being out in the wilderness as well. You are very authentic! Cant wait to see more!💕

[@LostLakes]

I guess so, but wild animals seem to have such great survival instincts so it's surprising that it could falter so easily. Too kind! But much appreciated! Thanks for coming along 🙂 Lots more to come this year.

[@naturegirl8248]

My same thought exactly, but only God knows the real reason... I'm looking forward to more of your adventures! Thanks so much for sharing! 😊

[@joesixpack7551]

New to your posts but love them. Live in USA, Tennessee, but up in the Saymo area of Ontario many times per year - love your work - show more of what you are using to fish and depth, time of year etc. When was this trip - guessing spring early summer with black flies? July?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Joe!! Guessing you're talking about Saymo Lake near Sault St. Marie? Not familiar with any other Saymo here. Yep, this one was in July. Thanks for the feedback!

[@tcressman]

That's cool man. Good job by you. At what point did you start getting lonely? I've found that at about 3 days solo I really start feeling it.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Tim :) A week seems to be my tipping point. Day 10/11/12 here I was really longing for social interaction.

[@JohnShepherdMusic]

I like your discussion of the bonfire in the sky. Check out The Allegory of the Cave by Plato.

[@LostLakes]

Nice reference! Watched a clip about it... it's always about perspective.

[@WhiteWolfXIV]

Hey John! I've been rewatching some of your older videos with the ol' Beach Marine canoe (probably picking one up in May!) I know the keel can get in the way. Do you have any tips for maintaining it or repairing it in the field? Also, what is that yellow thing hanging from your zipper? I've always wondered. Hope the recovery is going well!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks WW! :) That's great, my beach marine served me well. Well it's good to have some marine epoxy (CanTire sells it in a two-part syringe, look for a clear one not white) and fibreglass cloth on a bigger trip for any significant repairs. But the keel will inherently take a lot of hits since it's got the deepest draft. You could put skid plates on it (Nova craft sells kits) if you're going to be abusing it, but if you're gentle you should be fine. I have a big tub of West Systems resin and hardener epoxy and I mix some of that up after rougher trips to spot treat little dings, but the tubs are pricey. Hahah the yellow thing is a key float that I had attached to my action cam I believe. Not enough to make it buoyant but it would buy an extra second for me to grab it before it sank, and I could fish for the lanyard if it did.

[@tombeckett4340]

We had to use fly dope just in order to function. Especially the black fly’s. 🇨🇦

[@kenchapman939]

Hey Jon! Just rewatched this video in preparation for our trip in the fall!! We are trying to decide between our Amok’s or ground tent….can you offer an opinion one way or the other??

[@LostLakes]

Right on :) On this original trip I had no problem finding tent pads and on a subsequent trip of just the river (shuttled), Erin and I found it just a little harder to find two hammock spots. But you'll certainly manage if you take the amoks

[@walterraithby5471]

GREAT Video! I'm happy you didn't find my boat on Diablo!

[@LostLakes]

Hahah is it an actual boat or a canoe? Thanks Walter!

[@walterraithby5471]

Backcountry Angling Ontario, it’s a canoe!

[@fishermanjames1969]

I know where it is Walter

[@entertainmentwithd.r4947]

Nice trip with ur friend.. Come on I no u r not alone there

[@LostLakes]

Lol what...

[@georgewilkinson6510]

What surgeon’s tool do you use for removing hooks. You mentioned it once, but I can’t remember what it was

[@LostLakes]

Hemostats :)

[@mattsmith6297]

Great videos! Been watching them all week. What kind of pants would you reccomend for these trips?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Matt!! I've enjoyed these ones. Main thing I'd recommend is nylon. Lightweight, fast-drying. www.basspro.com/shop/en/world-wide-sportsman-hybrid-ii-pants-for-men#close

[@mattsmith6297]

@@LostLakes Thanks John! Hopefully this Covid 19 chills out soon so we can get out. Cheers!

[@LostLakes]

@@mattsmith6297 anytime man. Clinging to hope here 🤞

[@Inter101Milan]

Watching your videos I now realize how many widow makers I’ve slept under. Not even thinking twice.

[@LostLakes]

EEK! Unless it's really windy, it's unlikely that the timing would line up, but it's certainly possible. I had a massive tree limb fall on a car 10ft from our tent in Killbear PP. Crushed the back end and would've killed us. Just saw your comment on Insta. Answering here because I can write this out faster. That Scotty rod holder is one of my favourite pieces of gear. There are two components which are sold separately for gunnel mounting on the canoe: the mount and the rod holder. scotty.com/product/no-433-coaming-gunnel-clamp-mount/ scotty.com/product/no-279-bait-caster-with-no-mount/ Not super cheap ($50+), but they're excellent quality and worth every penny. www.amazon.ca/Scotty-Coaming-Clamp-Gear-Head/dp/B00OXV25JQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497099181&sr=8-1&keywords=scotty+433+coaming www.amazon.ca/Scotty-Inc-caster-Spinning-without/dp/B004O0DR48/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PRMMT7XMF8GN7N4WH9F4

[@MrStandana]

The baby bird is dying and doing his last gasps but good on you for giving it a chance.

[@LostLakes]

Sadly true ☹ It didn't make it but I certainly had to try. Can't believe how quickly it happened. It flew into the water, presumably failing its first attempt at flight, was floating on top of the water for maybe a minute before I pulled him out (and seemed to have its head above water), but it still couldn't recover.

[@martymorissette]

The Diablo portage! haha

[@LostLakes]

😈😈

[@annettemillette4091]

that's why my dear you all should walk with your handsaw/small ax to clear a little in TRINIDAD we don't go to the bush without a blade

[@tombeckett4340]

Are Hamilton Beach canoes a good boat and are they worth the money. Thanks. 👍🇨🇦

[@LostLakes]

Mine has been fantastic, and cost less than half of any comparable new canoe I considered. Put it through hell over the last 7-8 years and it held up great.

[@garyl6265]

Man and a dog. Justin Barbour and his dog travel 700 kilometers in 68 days across Newfoundland wilderness. Great series.

[@LostLakes]

Agreed Gary! I've been loving that series. Saku is the best dog

[@mattchadwick3557]

Gary L screen shorting saving for later

[@talltimber4577]

Very cool trip. You have to be of sound mind to spend 12 days in the wilderness alone. Most people could not do this even if they could physically do it.

[@LostLakes]

Very true! By the end I was feeling the mental/social part more than physical.

[@cretan911]

48:23 Wow, where did you get all that bucked and split hard wood? Lucky find.

[@LostLakes]

Motorboats can access that beach so they can bring all sorts of stuff like chainsaws. I never like motorboat lakes but there's a silver linging sometimes!

[@richardconnelly7141]

have you posted the same comment on other videos?

[@eureka1512]

The canoe is screaming: "I need two bicycle wheels". So it would be like a trolley. Sometimes in front. Sometimes behind. One end on shoulders. You could (often) put backpack there

[@LostLakes]

Hahah the only time I've heard of people using a cart is for *very* long overland carries...like 5km+. I'm curious to try it though

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Awesome, what an epic trip. One thing surprises me and that’s you don’t appear to tie/strap your gear into the canoe?

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Martin! A problem for strapping down is that I regularly need to access fishing and camera gear, so sometimes I half-ass securing it. Generally all of my stuff floats, with one exception being my fishing rod. In more difficult rapids, I'm more likely to do a better job of it :)

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Backcountry Angling Ontario I’ve only recently found your channel I’ve subbed and I’m going through some of your trips, great cinematography.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks again Martin! That's generous...I'm a complete hack...but I appreciate it just the same!!

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

I've been enjoying several of your trips - and keep wondering why you don't have a camelback backpack with a water bladder when on longer trips in the summer. There seems to be a theme of "I chugged a liter" when you're back in camp😂 1% loss of fluids = loss of 10% performance, I was taught when in the Red Cross 😀

[@LostLakes]

Hahah it's a fair point...just one more thing to bring I guess, and we're always trying to reduce for portages. A bladder full of water is heavy to carry between lakes :)

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

@@LostLakes That makes sense, of course 😁 I was thinking more about while in the canoe, I suppose. I drink stupid amounts of water, easily a liter before breakfast, and kinda stop working without enough of the stuff. At the same time, I hate carrying things in my hands when on the move, like water bottles.