Into the Wilderness: Canoeing Saskatchewan's Porcupine River (Part 3) Dead Man's River

Рет қаралды 4,512

3 ай бұрын

Canoes and a wilderness expedition. One of the finest wilderness rivers I have ever travelled. It is remote and unspoilt. Part 3 includes some of the hardest white water rapids plus, lining and portaging: the last days on our journey but is action packed and exhausting. The Dene called this section, 'Dead Man's River'.
If you enjoyed this then consider making a small donation at: www.buymeacoffee.com/RayGoodwin
I was working with Paul Kirtley from frontierbushcraft.com Paul and Frontier are continuing to lead trips in Canada's Boreal Forest. My guiding out there, at the age of 71, has come to a close. I am still coaching and guiding in the UK including trips with Frontier.
Many thanks to the team of Anouk, Tim, Bert, Keith, Julie and Keith. Thanks to Henry who was assisting on the trip and a special thanks to my bow paddler David. I really appreciate your efforts David.
The map/guide: Dan at GoTrekker Maps gave me kind permission to reproduce parts of the map in the video. Thank you. The maps are available from: gotrekkers.com/porcupine-rive...
The canoes used on the trip were Esquif Prospectors.
In the UK my kit is supplied by:
www.venturekayaks.com
freebirdpaddles.co.uk
www.nrs.com
My website: www.RayGoodwin.com
My illustrated book 'Canoeing', is available direct from me or from Amazon. In North America the easiest way to obtain my book is via Amazon

Пікірлер: 68

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

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

@tumbleweed6658 3 ай бұрын

For those of us new to canoeing we are standing on your shoulders of men like you who have giving so much. Many thanks Ray you are a warrior. Cheers from Colorado.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

That is so kind of you. Very much appreciated.

@JSlippy 3 ай бұрын

Mr. Goodwin, I have fallen in love with paddling just in the last few years. Your content and training videos, as well as your adventurous spirit are so inspirational. Thanks so much for the videos you make and post, they are all part of my research, enjoyment and edification process. Cheers from Vancouver BC

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

That is so good to hear. Thank you so much. Long time since I have been in Vancouver: what a tremendous place to live. Keep well and have fun.

@CyndiLH 3 ай бұрын

Your videos are so inspiring and make one feel like they are in the boat with you. It may be the last of your big wild river trips but there are so many places to explore that are a bit gentler...I love your passion for sharing your knowledge and adventurous spirit!

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! I have a lot more to do but yep that is the last of that type of trip for me. That is a hard pill for me to swallow but there are plenty more adventures to be had. Again very many thanks.

@MrMjt888 3 ай бұрын

Great video Ray. That last piece to camera brought s tear to my eye.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It almost brought one to my eye! But it was part of the story of that trip and felt it needed to be in there. Plenty of trips left but not of that nature.

@PaulKirtley 3 ай бұрын

A great final part of the video series of this trip and for marking a fitting end to our epic Canadian wilderness adventures together.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It has been good and thank you for creating the opportunities. Without you I would have never done nearly as much. Thank you my friend.

@PaulKirtley 3 ай бұрын

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Without you I wouldn't have been able to do nearly as much. It's been a truly mutually beneficial partnership. And we still have the Lakes and the Spey to look forward to 🙂

@suetadman9072 3 ай бұрын

What an amazing adventure for your last big one. I think that's called 'going out on a high'? Inspiring too, so thanks Ray. Coffee brewing as we speak ..... :)

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

'Coffee' now being enjoyed. Thank you so much for your appreciation and support.

@tdotson66 Ай бұрын

Truly an awesome series! Thanks for sharing with us couch canoe enthusiasts 👍👍

@RayGoodwinCanoe Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind comment. Loved it.

@KartsHuseonica 3 ай бұрын

Incredible video. Had it all. Teared up to hear that it was the end of an era 🤗🙏

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

I did wonder about including that but it was true. It was what I felt. Thank you for your empathy.

@ivanoutdoors 3 ай бұрын

Well that was a hell of last wilderness expedition. I learned a lot about filming ones excursions and about canoeing. Good on you Ray!

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It was a big high to go out on. Very special

@jaysway2346 3 ай бұрын

I learn something with every video, you're a great teacher.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Jay. That is kind of you

@brianj9635 3 ай бұрын

Ray in many of your videos I've enjoyed your blend of paddling know-how and lessons in setting up a canoe, reading rivers, currents and history of areas I will never get to. I've enjoyed you and your paddling partner's banter, and discussion over whether to run, line, or portage the next section of river. You have given me much to keep busy in video and print to help me learn and I just wanted to say 'thank you' for sharing your experiences with us. I'm glad my neighboring province hosted your last 'big river' trip (although I struggle to say why really - pride in what Canadian paddling has to offer I guess) - all the best to you and your family in whatever you choose to pursue. Brian

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Brian. Your comments are so appreciated. Yep I have loved my trips in Canada and might still have one or two to do on rivers with no portages. Lots of stuff to do here at home as well so the videos will keep coming and I will keep paddling. Cheers.

@EzeAdventurer Ай бұрын

LEGEND RAY, much love BIG MAN

@RayGoodwinCanoe Ай бұрын

Thank you kind sir (loving your adventures too).

@EzeAdventurer Ай бұрын

@@RayGoodwinCanoe Thanks Ray!

@bencollyer2296 3 ай бұрын

Respect ray your an inspiration for canoeist

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

That us is kind of you. Thank you.

@gordonbaker6568 3 ай бұрын

Great video, nice to see the tripping warts and all. Love the lining segments, it is one of my favourite things to do. Fine finale to great career of river tripping, chapeau!

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Gord. Yep I do to do the Cromwell thing and include the warts😁. Swims and mistakes are really important to acknowledge for both myself and other to learn from. Yep I too enjoy lining and the whole inventive thing of getting down a wilderness river, judgement calls and all. I may head out west to the Yukon again to do a river out there: no portages.

@chaswarren7239 3 ай бұрын

Great River for your last big expedition Ray & brave decision. As you say lots of fun stuff to do in a canoe still to do ! Enjoy.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, yep I still have lots of plans. The list is quite big. As you say the Porcupine was a fitting end to that style of trip.

@davehumpleby3440 3 ай бұрын

Bittersweet. Ive had to give up or dumb down many of my hobbies and interests due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. I know what it's like adapting to a new normal and coming to terms with the fact that there are certain pleasures in life you'll never experience again. I wholeheartedly empathise. Plenty of hard graft on the portages, but what a phenomenal, pristine, and beautiful environment to be immersed in. I thoroughly enjoyed these videos and hats off to the entire crew for making it such a success. Lastly, big respect to David as your a hard act to follow, Ray!

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Yep David did well and he looked after me on the get in and outs. He is a kind man. Yep it is hard when we have to let go. I still have a lot of plans so its not over yet although the body keep telling me otherwise. Making the videos is very good therapy for me and gives me a purpose. So thank you so much for your kind comments. Thery are very much appreciated.

@mikeodonovan7325 3 ай бұрын

great job as usual ray eye candy classssssssssssssss

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Mike. Glad you like it.

@user-ge8gc2tc2h Ай бұрын

Great down river ~!! amazing technic~

@RayGoodwinCanoe Ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

@n9n9n9n9n9n9n9n9 14 күн бұрын

Nice job! Paddled this river about 15 years ago when I was in my 40s - and it was hard work at that age. We used canoes with spray covers which make a huge difference. You could then run the V in the big waves without worrying about swamping and dealing with the trickiness of sneak routes down the side. But the water was HUGE - I remember the bow of the canoe submerging and waves breaking across the canoe *behind* the bow paddler. Was a superb trip but we had lousy weather. Rained for first week almost steady but then the sun cam out for the final canyon and the paddle into Black Lake. Looks like you guys may have taken out earlier. Excellent job of putting together footage on the trip - it's difficult to do this.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 13 күн бұрын

Yep I reckon spraydecks would have made life easier on this trip but it was a lot of fun. Yes we took out earlier only a few kilometres beyond the last canyon and rapid. Thank you for the kind comment on getting the footage: a struggle at times but I am now getting into a habit of filming even when tired. Thank you.

@seanarthur2414 2 ай бұрын

I first saw you on a series called Northern Wilderness with Ray Mears. You seemed effortlessly meander down rapids looking almost feather like, but controlled. I was happy to find your channel almost a decade later. It’s sad to hear that your health troubles are putting an end to this type of expedition for you. The very fact you were on this trip shows your perseverance. I also remember you demonstrating that in starting a bow drill fire in Northern Wilderness. I look forward to more of your content, even if more laid back.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 2 ай бұрын

I am not sure if it is perseverance or bloody mindedness! 😅 Yep that trip with Ray Mears was really formative for me. I had never really been up in front of the camera before and I felt a lot of pressure/nervousness about how I would come across. In the event it worked well and gave me a new confidence. Thanks for the kind comments and yes I have a lot of ideas and plans but excluding the tough portages. Keep well

@canoeingnav7618 3 ай бұрын

Great video Ray. I feel your pain. My knees have forced me to make the same difficult decision to back off the more challenging routes. There is still lots of canoeing left in me however. I am always ready for an easy trip with good company if you find yourself in Canada again. Take care.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

That is a great offer, thank you so much. Yep I still want to do things out there. I feel the same about getting more canoeing done. Thank you.

@wrzlygummidge 3 ай бұрын

Yet another amazing journey, thanks for taking us along Ray. An epic trip to end the era, thanks again for all the adventures Ray. atb

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thanks you so much. Yep it was an epic and a fitting end. Keep well.

@stevenclarke2592 3 ай бұрын

That trip looked amazing. Thank you for sharing.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It was quite a trip. Glad you enjoyed it.

@rinzler1392 3 ай бұрын

Can't believe that it's been almost a year since we did that! Lots of hard work but managed to make it through.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

I know!! Yep it was hard, adventurous, beautiful. An amazing trip.

@EstherWheelerYRQ2013 3 ай бұрын

Cracking video Ray!

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Thank you. Appreciated

@coolcanoechic 3 ай бұрын

That day through the gorge must have been exhausting for everyone. Well done! Ray. It was good that you had a young paddling partner. He did well and took care of the heavy stuff for you. I remember those days when I had all that young energy. Not so much now with back problems, but I can still paddle just fine. I still want to do the long paddling trips, but have to exclude portaging now. My bad back has affected my legs. They don't work so well anymore. I like your spirit though. Keep paddling and keep it within your limitations and you will still have fun. Enjoy it as much as you can and for as long as you can. ❤

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It was 10 hours to do 10 km. A brutal day and I felt the stress. Anyway here is to a lot more fun in canoes.

@grahamrowe6278 3 ай бұрын

Great journey Ray. Thanks for bringing it to us.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

It was something quite special.

@grahamrowe6278 3 ай бұрын

@@RayGoodwinCanoe And though I am sad that your body will not support you for the riggers of these trips, I'm bouyed up by the foundation that you have built and reinforced, and the resource that you continue to provide.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

@@grahamrowe6278 But you know me and I have plans in mind. Some quite adventurous

@bertheemskerk3273 3 ай бұрын

You forgot to mention we spend a full day on less than 10k 😅

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Yes I should have got that in. Bugger

@dougpacanoemanburns4294 3 ай бұрын

Looks like the old Mohawk aluminum and plastic bladed paddles is that what you all were using??

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Sorry but I don't recall. It was fairly typical of the paddles that outfitters provide and with no choice I just use them. Back at home I use wood paddles almost exclusively but it is too expensive to fly my own paddles.

@dougpacanoemanburns4294 3 ай бұрын

Probably wise to use the outfitter paddles on such a river. One of our team damaged a nice bending branch navigating rapids on the Sturgeon River.

@Flamingfred 3 ай бұрын

Hello, Ray. This is really important. I've been wanting to go canoeing the open waters for almost a year now. I just don't have the money to buy one yet. But if I do, how do I prepare for a trip?

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Well that is a really big question! Find some sources of information: my book is just one possibility. Join a club: in the UK you could look at the Open Canoe Association. Once you have a canoe get out on simple water: canals, slow moving rivers and small lakes but stick to the sides. When you are a novice you can easily make a mistake and end up in the water so early paddles should be within swimming distance of the side. Possibly get a couple of days instruction to get you going.

@richardrocamora549 3 ай бұрын

Some of the descents were hair raising! I don’t think you guys were using ferrying techniques in the white water. That would have helped. I think it is better to back paddle in big water rather than crashing thru. Also it didn’t look like anyone was doing Eddy turns. Beautiful river. Glad everyone made it out ok.

@RayGoodwinCanoe 3 ай бұрын

Hi Richard, we often used ferries to get in position at the start of rapids. Lots of eddy turns but often the Eddys were often shallow and full of rock in the rapids. So eddy taken at the start of most rapids and at the end but few taken in rapids for the reason given. Back ferries are good but it takes a lot of skill on the part of the bow paddler and there wasn’t the experience to do this: this was not the place to learn it. Anyway thank you for commenting.