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Thanks Pat! I agree, it is such a small park that I think it often gets overlooked. I have had nothing but great experiences. I hope you have an awesome trip and thanks for the well wishes 😊 I’m excited to be back in action!

Thank you for watching, we love sharing the fun! Ya, those alders 😳

I’m so glad you enjoyed!! The alders are buggers aren’t they?! It was definitely a trip of epic highs and lows. Thanks for sharing our adventure 😊

Haha, no Big foot, just Big Moose.

Hahahaha yes very big moose 😂

Awww! Thanks, badass is a definite compliment in our books! We had all 3 types of fun on the link and plan on more trips just like it.

Thanks!! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was definitely a fair amount of type 2 fun but I know we would definitely do it again!

Thanks for your kind comment John. I’m so glad you enjoyed! It was scary to be somewhat vulnerable but it has been really nice to connect with others who have similar worries or struggles. I’m learning to slow down and enjoy when I can. I have a 7 day trip coming up with my husband as well as a 90km canoe race with Mary! More content is on the way 😊

Thanks!! It was a big undertaking but so worth it. I’d love to paddle boundary waters and Quetico (Canadas bordering park). Cheers!

Thanks Tom! I’m glad you enjoyed 😊

Thanks Tom! I’m glad you enjoyed watching our adventure!

Thank you Tom, happy to share the journey! I am very grateful to have such an awesome tripping buddy. After the fall, Steph was the courageous one for taking a chance on me getting through the rest of trip! 😂

Thanks! I definitely prefer paddling in places that don’t have many cottages (or people for that matter). Frontenac has far more than I prefer but I try to stay away from them in the centre of the park as much as possible! Paddling during shoulder season helps a lot

Thanks Jim! Mastectomy and reconstruction was just over 2 months ago. It couldn’t have gone better and now my risk is just 2-3%. I feel so much more at peace now.

⁠@@stephaniefinn488happy to hear, hope to see more of your adventures.

@@jimcumming7966 Thank you! I took a pause after my surgery but luckily I had some two year old footage from our trip on the Nahanni River to work on. That should be coming down the pipes soon!

Thanks Jim! I’m glad you enjoyed! Mary is doing much better now but it took a while for her to recover. We weren’t able to go on another trip until 5 months later in November. I just released the vid on that one too. It was a chilly but awesome trip with an unexpected surprise! I hope you’re still able to get out and paddle in some capacity. Thanks for watching 😊

Thanks for watching! And thank you for asking, I have fully recovered. And like Steph, I am hopeful you can enjoy tripping in some capacity. It’s not easy when the brain, the heart and the body cannot agree❤

I thought of removing the stern/bow seat towards the end of the trip as well but then realize it would mess up the weight distribution for portaging (making the bow end too heavy and awkward to portage). I have actually bought a few 20L dry bags based on someone else’s recommendation with the intention to scoop up water and use those as ballasts. They’ll fit in front to the seat and I don’t have to worry about dropping rocks in the boat! It’s also nice because they’ll be a relatively consistent weight. I visited swift and learned that I’m actually below the “minimum carrying weight” for this boat (it’s about 350lb so I’m well under even with the dry bag) which gives it a lot of freeboard making it more difficult paddling in the wind. A little weight will be my friend in more ways than one! Lots of learning. Comments are always appreciated 😊 No rocks will be moved.

@@stephaniefinn488 Yes, I read that comment about the water bags too, it was a good suggestion.

@@onanysundrymule3144 I’ve yet to try it, but I’m hopeful it will work for me!

I haven’t done an official review, but here is my opinion: The swift keewayden 16ft was the canoe we used (Mary’s awesome boat). It’s got an asymmetrical hull- more narrow at the bow therefore cuts through the water more easily making it faster in open water. I was worried about its steering capabilities on the tight turns of the Nippising and oxtongue rivers but it actually did a great job there too. It has a small amount of rocker so it was very capable in even C1 rapids. It’s around 42lb so reasonable carrying weight for us. It has the champaign painted bottom which helped protect it from all of the rocks on the big east, Nippising and oxtongue rivers (and there were A LOT). And finally, it’s only appropriate to paddle a swift canoe on the meanest link! The route is dedicated to Bill Swift Sr (founder of Swift canoes) so it just felt right. We did consider my 16ft Swift prospector but since it weighs a little more and isn’t painted on the bottom, we opted for Mary’s faster canoe. Both would be good choices but I think mine would have needed more repairs at the end. We were actually met by Bill Swift Jr on our second last day of the trip and he had a look at Mary’s canoe. He said it had some extra “love” (the scrapes), but it didn’t actually need any repairs at all! I was very impressed with how it handled our abuse!

@@stephaniefinn488 Thank you so much for that splendid detail. If I were you I would copy paste your own answer into the video description, or as new pinned comment from yourself. Kind regards.

@@onanysundrymule3144 that’s a good idea! I know I love hearing paddlers opinions about techniques and products. I’ll definitely do that!

@@onanysundrymule3144great idea to put the info in the description!

@@onanysundrymule3144I have had the Keewaydin for about 8yrs. It has seen a lot of action. I am a bit of a “basher” with my equipment and this canoe has withstood me, Steph and a few of my family members. 😂

Hey, that was most excellent of you to bring back the 'ghost tarp' and trash from that neighbouring camp site (@ 1hr 48 mins).

@@onanysundrymule3144 thank you! We figured that we had time to kill while waiting for the wind to die down and no portages to carry it over. No reason not to bring it with us! I’m glad you enjoyed!

⁠​⁠@@onanysundrymule3144thank you and glad you enjoyed the video! Bears are often a problem on this access lake and is garbage like this, that is part of the bear problem. I am glad we were able to dispose of it so easily. 🗑️

Thanks Uncle Bill! Glad you enjoyed. We were so happy to be out tripping together again. Gabby was an amazing bonus! I can’t watch footage of her without smiling.

Muchas gracias!

Thanks Kristin! This was a really fun trip 😊

❤good to hear from you Kristin!! Hope you are keeping well.

@@marymillerlynch I’m good. I loved watching the video of you and Stephanie and witness your friendship. Seeing the wonder of the outdoors even with all the portages here in Ontario.

Absolutely! Hahaha yes her tail wagging was hilarious in the canoe 😂 I’m glad you enjoyed!

I totally get it! We had beagles and other hunting dogs, growing up and I totally understand their wanderlust. But if they didn’t make it home at night, there was hollow pit in your stomach.

It would be awful to lose your dog! We were so glad to find her unharmed and be able to bring her back! She was a really fun paddling buddy even though she was a bit wild at the beginning 😂

Very unexpected!! It was so awesome though 😊

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed! You just never know what will happen out there 😊

I can only imagine the history those rocks, trees and lakes have seen. Happy to bring back some memories for you!

@@marymillerlynch thank you, Mary. Good to see you healthy and back out again!

The paddle from Long Lake to Buckhorn via Mississauga R is wonderful. In my early 30s took my 75yo dad on that route. Special memory for both of us!

@@DavidDunford58 we will definitely check that out!!! We are always open hear about different paddling locations.

Thanks Wendy!! So glad you enjoyed 😊 I hope the weather clears up for you!!

Thank you Wendy! It’s very entertaining to be on these adventures!

It sure does! It’s always worth it though! The dog was an unexpected bonus. She made the trip even better 😊

Hahaha so glad you enjoyed! It was quite the twist on our trip, but we loved every minute of it! She was such a sweet pup and really missed her after we dropped her off! Her owner was very happy to have her back though. My canoe is a swift prospector 16 and it weighs 47lb. It’s a bit heavier than the standard Kevlar layup because it’s expedition Kevlar that has basalt innegra fibre in it. It’s a bit more durable because I’m a bit rammy lol. Thanks for watching 😊 I’m hoping to start editing our 2022 Nahanni river trip soon. There is a lot of footage so it may take awhile!

Good to hear from you again NQU (LOVE the name!). That happy little tail wagging certainly made us laugh!

Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed Andrew 😊

I’m so glad you enjoyed!! It was such an awesome adventure!! I’m so glad that we could share it. I have always wanted to try a hammock. If I can find a place that rents them, I will definitely try it out that way before buying. I’ve had my eye on the amok brand (supposed to be good for side sleepers). Mary correct me if I’m wrong but the X-ray showed an S5 fracture. The physiotherapist strongly suspected a gluteal tear of some kind. Both nasty injuries that caused her pain for quite some time! It definitely takes some skill and the right gear to weather the storm! Thanks for the subscription! I’m working on a follow up video to this right now. Mary’s come back story. It took her quite awhile to recover! You’re close! July 1st is Canada Day but thank you all the same. Happy Independence Day to you 😊 Ps. I love the term “canoetuber”!

Good Morning and thank you for your message! I have not ever tried hammock camping - I am super light sleeper and anything outside “normal” would probably keep me awake. That said, I would still give it a try someday. My youngest son loves it. There are definitely some areas in northern Canada that it would be next to impossible to find places to hang a hammock, the trees are just too small. My injury ended up being a fractured pelvis and a torn glute muscle. All well recovered now. Thank you for asking! I have camped but never paddled in Maine. So many places to visit!! It’s a lovely state. Happy Independence Day to you!

👍🏼😊

Thanks Kristin!! It was a tough 7 months leading up to the mastectomy but I’m happy to say the anticipation might have been the worst part. I am now 5 weeks post op and the recovery has been almost pain free and quite quick! I’ve already spent one night in a tent and been out in the canoe as a passenger. I’m working back up to being able to paddle though! Thank you for the kind words 😊

@@stephaniefinn488 I watched your video last night. I can’t imagine how it must have been to live your life knowing that your Mom died so young and living in fear that when it might happen to you. Being the partner of someone who lived with stomach cancer the waiting for results or surgery it was always very difficult. I’m so impressed that you were able to share your story publicly. I will also look at the information about gene testing. In particular for both of my daughters. I’m so glad you are on the road to recovery

No worries, it’s a long video! I usually have to come back to the longer ones two or three times because I’m hyper and I usually don’t sit that long lol. Glad you’re enjoying 😊

Happy you will be back to watch the rest❤. We definitely take “badass” as a compliment! 😂

Haha thanks! I’m not afraid to laugh at myself 😂

Thank you! It wasn’t completely smooth but it’s rare that life is! Always learning 😊

I love a stick stove too! We have two but this one is by far my favourite. I was actually missing the top half of it because I couldn’t fit it in my bag. It’s called a Kelly Kettle (if you love stick stoves, you likely know of them). The thing I love about the Kelly kettle, is the kettle part on top is essentially a chimney so it creates draw. It actually works better in windy conditions! We’re pretty obsessed with ours. Here’s the link in case you aren’t familiar: www.kellykettle.com I’ve been curious about the trangia and other alcohol stoves too. I love gadgets! I’m glad you found value in the bit about facing fears and anxieties. I think it’s a common thing and it can be empowering if we talk about it. Good for you for taking on addiction, I imagine it isn’t easy but I’m sure being in nature helps. Thanks for the chat 😊

Yikes!!!

I’ve definitely seen videos of people using them around grizzlies and polar bears. Good to know they come in an ultralight version. My bear encounters have all been “good ones” with the bear running away from me. I can’t imagine how scary it would be if the bear was not afraid of me though! Thanks for the info!

Thanks Michael! I’m glad you enjoyed. Yes, I definitely like to keep my gear as minimal as possible. I could have cut things out on this trip. I’m always learning 😊 Cheers!

I love Lost Lakes too! We’ve been watching his channel for years. We are very lucky to have the expanses of wilderness that we do here in Canada. Boundry Waters look beautiful too! Apparently you can paddle right into Canada from there! (The park connects with Canadas Quetico - a Park that’s on our paddle list!). I hope you get back there and even come to Canada if you can! Thanks for watching Gary, I’m glad you enjoyed 😊

@@stephaniefinn488 I forgot to mention that after many years of owning an 80lb Mad River Royalex we purchased a Swift Prospector Combi canoe. I love the beauty of Bill Swifts canoes and I’m especially drawn to RUclips video canoeists paddling a Swift canoe. We have a Son and grandson down in Lafayette Louisiana and a Swift canoe distributor happens to be located there. Pack and Paddle is the dealer in Lafayette. I had my eye on the beautiful red 16’ prospector but my wife preferred the greenish gray 15’ canoe that they had in stock I hope it’s big enough for gear and big “doodle” dog! She was only 4 months old on the last trip with a rented Wenonah from Ely. ……so in the interest of a longer happy marriage we compromised and bought the one she liked ( compromise?). Anyway we love your videos! Keep them coming! New subscriber.

@@garyl3819 we love the swift canoes as well! I’ve paddled three different models and loved them all! (Prospector16, keewayden 16 and solo pack boat 12). We’re really lucky to live close(ish) to the Swift outlet. We pop in almost every time we head north to paddle. Sounds like you’re lucky to have a swift dealer in the family! Compromise is key to a happy marriage… but maybe you need a his and hers canoe hahaha. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! I’m loving creating and sharing them 😊 happy paddling! Ps: I hope the dog fits in the boat! lol

@@stephaniefinn488 His canoe is a real possibility!🤓👍

@@garyl3819 that would be a real compromise! Hahaha

Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed! Train hard and plan carefully. I hope to watch a video of you doing it one day 😊

Ok this is a great strategy! That would definitely counter my weight and avoid having the dry bag sticking up. I didn’t love having the weight up high and the bag in all of my nice shots. This would also be good for trimming the canoe properly while paddling tandem with my husband since we have a huge weight discrepancy and it makes it difficult for me to paddle stern (which I still do using rocks or a pack). It’s a great light weight solution. Thank you!

Thanks Michael! I hope you enjoy!

Thanks Ed! I’m so glad she and Mary took a chance bringing me out there when I knew nothing. They have had a huge impact on my life. I’m so glad that I could share and you enjoyed it 😊

Thank you! I love canoe camping so much so sharing it feels this way feels like a natural progression of my obsession lol. Some of my favourite life experiences have been preceded by fear. I am learning to take calculated risks and trust myself. I’ve had a bear outside the tent before but it feels very different when I’m alone! I consider it a “good” bear encounter since he ran away as soon as he heard me yell. Thanks for watching 😊

@@stephaniefinn488 It was my privilege. I love RUclips. Such great content to be found. Your strength and fortitude really inspired me. I'm in my 60's now but if I were your age, I'd like to be just like you. Blessings, sweetie. Thanks for your reply. I'll watch more of your videos. I'm sure I'm in for a treat. I think one day your channel will really take off. ~ Cheryl in NM.

@@Pack.Leader Thank you so much for the encouragement Cheryl! It can be scary to create and share videos when they come from the heart. It’s so lovely to hear that I can connect with others through this content 😊 I hope to continue!

@@stephaniefinn488 Please do !

You are right, most humans (both men and women) are good at heart. From a female perspective, we don’t know who the 1% is who aren’t just alone in nature and may try something. There are no locks on tent zippers. I felt it was important to share my perspective in a male dominated hobby. I doubt any man ever goes out and feels afraid they might bump into a woman who could hurt them. I wanted to be completely honest about my concerns. I bet if you asked most women, they’d be worried about this too. It’s just something for everyone to think about.

@@stephaniefinn488 In todays male/female climate, men have genuine reason to fear meeting a woman alone. As far as the general 1% threat of the unknown, the possibility of being harmed, assaulted, robbed, or otherwise is universal anywhere for any gender. Men just accept it differently, but we still keep it in the back of our head as a possibility. We handle it differently than women. You have a nice day and enjoy your time in the woods.

I really enjoyed this. I took my first solo backpacking trip last weekend up in Vermont in 32 years! I was terrified the whole week before and when I finally got out there and started hiking in, I started to relax and just get into the rhythm of the hike. I WILL say however that later on the first night a gentleman hiked in and set up camp solo and with his hardcore southern accent and the fact that he told me he had been hiking the Appalachian trail for two years now! I had created this crazy narrative in my mind that he had basically been on a killing spree for the last two years and was hiding out on the Appalachian trail!🙄. I unscrewed the snow baskets off of my trekking poles so they could be used as spears! He of course ended up being fine and sadly my firebox nano kept sending smoke all the way over to his tent spot but it had been raining a lot. He was gone before I awoke the following morning. My biggest fear is always bears but ironically in the middle of the first night I heard what I thought was skunks and THOSE do terrify me!! Black bears run away when you yell and bang. There was also a ridge inner staying at the same csmping spot as I so that helped. I’m a skinny 53 year old male. You seem extremely level headed and really cool! Take care.

@@notquiteultralight1701 thanks for sharing your story! It’s amazing what the mind can get up to when it’s left to its own devices! It can spin stories up that are so much scarier than the truth! That’s why I made sure I was prepared for things that really could happen and just got out there. Most people are kind and talking usually takes the fear out of the situation. Experience solo camping will teach me to ease into it more quickly so I hope to do more 😊. Skunks can definitely be scary too. I had a job gardening when I was a student and I worked beside a sweet family of three skunks and we got along just fine. I saw them most days for months and I feel like we developed an understanding hahaha I’m so glad others can relate to me. Thanks 😊

as a solo male traveller I seem to run into more women out there travelling alone and good on ya. I never thought of that point of view before, I sure hope most are out there for just solace, my only real interaction with a female traveller was a nervous looking girl heading into a strong headwind, padded with her just to be safe. Great video

We actually did that on our next trip! Way better than the bag sticking up! Thanks 😊

Thanks Dave! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you and Carole are well 😊

I hope you do a solo trip eventually but going with a friend is fun too! Food planning can be tricky though. Depending on your experience level (and how much gear you own), Algonquin Outfitters do an awesome job at meal prepping and outfitting. If you want to do it yourself and you are into apps, we just got this one that looks really comprehensive (haven’t tried it out yet though). It’s $9, so pretty good! Happy planning 😊 www.paddlelikeagirl.com/product-page/notion-template-for-organizing-and-collaborating-on-your-outdoor-adventure-plann

@@stephaniefinn488 i did 2 trips last year, the first one i did with a friend, we did 45km with insane head winds for 2 days (1 night at a campground mid may) and the second was a solo in a provincial park for 2 nights, now im done dreaming about algonquin and planing it, the 2 first days its essy to eat fresh, but after that i need to learn stuff

@@Canal-gi8di awesome! I’m glad you’re making it happen! We have a dehydrator and make a lot of our own meals. It’s much cheaper and healthier than store bought. Dehydrators are only about $150 and there are lots of websites with recipes. I usually use this one: www.backpackingchef.com/backpacking-recipes.html Happy planning 😊

@@stephaniefinn488 yeah i founded 3 identicle dehydrator cheaper then buying trays on market place, now i just need a vaccum sealer and its time to cook (walter white) next step its to find a date to bring in the woods with me

Excellent video! Thank you for taking us with you! 🛶

Thank you! It’s definitely been a passion project for me. I’m so happy others are enjoying it too 😊 cheers!

Thanks! I’m glad it could help. I didn’t want to make a video and pretend that I wasn’t scared and that everything went perfectly. It was an awesome experience, difficulty and all. I hope your first solo goes well!!

Thanks guys!!! Surreal is a great way of describing it! It almost felt like magic. Pat is already planning for us to see 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland! He won’t miss that one lol I’m glad I could share the adventure with you. I continue to recover well. I’m adding very light weights back into my daily stretching/exercise routine 😊. I’m hoping to do a 90km canoe/portage race in September! Cheers!

Thanks!! It was absolutely gorgeous. Hahaha I knew I was going to forget to put that in!!! Doing it now, thanks for the reminder!

Thanks 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed!!