 |
 |
|
|
|
Unexplored Territory
Part one in a series on remote canoe expeditions by G.W. Martin
Part 1 - The Plan
For those of you who think that there is no place on earth that can be called "Unexplored Territory," you are wrong. I go there. I explore
it in a boat and by foot. My name is G.W. Martin. I am a guide working in The Forks Maine. My home is Montville Maine. I have lived
in Maine my whole life so far and I don't have any reason to move.
I am writing this because what I do, is found interesting to a lot of people. Some folks find my expeditions interesting because they
have common interests in the outdoors. Some of you rather might be interested only because of your desire to go where nobody has
been. I also find a lot of people interested in what it actually takes to get there. Well keep reading because I am going to tell you. I am
going to explain to you what it takes; personal traits, experience, gear, connections, the "secrets". Every two weeks I will be discussing my
ideas, knowledge and experience on specific topics in which are crucial to a successful expedition. Some of these topics will include: Trip
food and prep. Trip gear and prep. Skills and experience. How do you get there?
I will also, every two weeks summarize my last trip a few days at a time. Expedition St Jean was completed last September into
October. The plan was to take 32 days and cover a distance close to 400 miles. 250 of those miles on river and 175 flat water miles. The
leftover 25 miles being some of the hardest, PORTAGE. Our plan was to ride the rail from Sept-iles, Quebec 143 miles north until we
came to the Riviere Magpie. Then get dropped off and canoe 40 miles down the Magpie. Around mile 40 of our trip we planned to
portage and paddle east for a day or so until we arrived at the right watershed. This watershed we could follow upstream to our shortest
portage into Labrador. Once in Labrador we needed to travel 80 miles east. Of course it was not a strait shot so it was considerably
longer than 80 miles, probably closer to 160. As soon as we got above the Riviere St Jean watershed we had to portage 3.25 miles. The
portage would take us through swamps and thick spruce forest. The hike would bring us back down into Quebec. Once on the St Jean
watershed the plan was to follow it downstream for 16 days, or until we reached St Lawrence. Once to the ocean we will have had,
conquered the Riviere St Jean.
Every two weeks some new and interesting events will be revealed in chronological order. I look forward to sharing my experience
and excitement with you throughout the summer.
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
Design and Content © 2002 to 2006 No Umbrella
