So here we are in Cochrane
This is my jumping off point for the Kesagami River
I'm going to be paddling all the way to the ocean to James Bay
And I'm just going through all my stuff
Make sure that I got all my ducks in a row before I get out there
I got a good vehicle, it's a 4x4 Pajero
Its a right-hand drive car from Japan
and these cars, you know, they'll get you anywhere.
Great canoe, great stuff, I'm just going to quickly go through it
and show you what I bring with me
So, yesterday before the trip even started
I somehow managed to dump burning hot oil, and burn my hand
I thought I was going to have to cancel my trip to the Kesagami
It hurts like hell but the doctor gave me some anti-biotics
he said I got some good second degree burns
One of the biggest concerns I'm going to have up here
is making sure my cut doesn't get infected
because if that starts to become an issue
I'm going to literally have to get out of the bush by some sort of float plane evacuation
Great little headlamp I got here
It's quite bright and it's actually pretty good on batteries.
Always good to have this, it's a canoe repair kit
basically just like mighty putty
and a rain coat.
I like to bring two.
This here is my Kokatat dry suit
I've had it for seven or eight years now.
It's seen some unbelievable action
This has just been a very long lasting and durable product.
I have to bring a large assortment of tackle
One of the best things to bring are Mepps Spinners.
I bring them on all of my trips.
Just a variety of types of Mepps, you can catch a lot of different species.
You know really, at the end of the day, your fishing tackle is a survival tool.
Because I'm doing this trip by myself, one thing that's always important,
but especially important on a solo trip is having a good survival pack.
I just use a big fanny pack,
and I have everything in there waterproofed that I would need.
You got your lighter, your matches, some snare wire,
some fishing stuff is in there, couple extra batteries for your GPS, a lighter, maybe some bear bangers
Now this never leaves my body.
This is called an inReach SE and it's made by Delorme.
It's distributed in Canada by RoadPoast.
It's a satellite texting device.
And stored in the machine I have search and rescue,
my boat shuttle number that I might need.
So I think this is a pretty key safety thing,
especially with me and the injury I have on my hand.
Okay, we got all our gear ready, we're just going to pack up and leave Cochrane,
and hit the detour mine access road, which will be a long drive
into the bush to access the Kesagami River, so let's go.
So it appears we found road 2.
and it's actually not too bad
so I might be able to put-in further down than Little Kesagami Lake,
which means I can probably have a little more time to rest up my finger.
However we're not too sure yet because we might have to turn around,
so keep your fingers crossed.
Unless they're burnt.
Well we found the put-in
it's kind of tricky to spot because all it is is a tiny little trail,
going from road 2 here into the lake.
So now I portage from the car into the lake.
Nobody likes to start their trip with a portage.
Where'd I say this trail started?...