Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By MountainMan
  • 1 Post By todderz
  • 1 Post By Socks
  • 1 Post By maja
  • 1 Post By kito

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Nov 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
A canoe trip down the Yukon River - Brain storming.

I've got my mind set on taking a Canadian canoe some 1500-2000 miles down the Yukon River. Probably starting in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and finishing on the west coast of Alaska at the bearing straights.

I'm after any information and possible interest in joining/help planning this trip for 2013.

I know it's not a bike/4x4 so that's why I'm posting in the bar.

Well, I'm thinking of about two months for this trip in a group of between 3-4 people (One canoe) or 4-8 people (two canoes).

It would be all about wild camping, fishing, light hunting, bush craft and obviously strenuous hard work. I think it would be a brilliant trip.

I've got VERY little experience in a Canoe but from my research, it's a nice river to travel (technically) as the only rapids are just grade two's which are pretty much nothing at all. (I've rafted over grade fives before).

Anyway.. Feel free to post on this thread with any relevant information or interest in getting involved.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 17 Nov 2011 at 07:56.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
The Yukon, eh? A classic trip by any definition.

A good starting point is one of the more popular guide books, great for general planning, background info on the trip, gear requirements etc. You can supplement with some of the suggested historical books that tell the story of the river and the people.

Like any adventure, a shakedown trip of shorter duration will let you refine your gear list and practice a bit. If you have the time, there are some great trips here in B.C. that would allow you to do that, and in a wilderness setting which is one very important aspect of the trip.

I've got a canoe you can borrow for practice or for the trip. There are a couple of large lakes and rivers nearby that would allow for multi day or multi week trips.

Check out some of the options for canoe types. Most commonly you'll see tandem canoes out on the lakes and rivers. Good handling, plenty of storage required for all the gear, and light enough that a single person can carry if portaging is required.

Clipper Canoes - Home

The wilderness skills are harder to prep for and are usually only acquired through experience. It is by no means impossible, but wilderness camping has it's own challenges that need to planned for. The more a person does it, the better they get and the more enjoyable it is. It's not to be underestimated.

Oh and the mosquitos can be the size of eagles, bring plenty of deet
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainMan View Post
T

I've got a canoe you can borrow for practice or for the trip. There are a couple of large lakes and rivers nearby that would allow for multi day or multi week trips.
That's a good idea. I might just take you up on that...

Penny's permitting
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Nov 2011
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Interesting. I'm investigating feasibility of a kayak trip along beaver creek for 400 miles over 3 weeks.

And I thought that was ambitious!

Haven't got very far with research and planning yet, but will be very happy to share anything I learn.

We need a new forum section for boats. Why not?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 105
Looks like a great trip Ted.
Can I recommend "Path of the paddle" by Bill Mason. This book is equivalent to say, Chris Scott's Adventure M/cycling H/book.
This will give loads of tuition on how to (on the rivers) and when not to, along with "types of canoe and wilderness camping", amongst many other bits of info.


Dont be afraid to wear buoyancy, it's akin to crash helmet, but much more.

Have fun

Socks
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Nov 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Ted, I have a copy of "We Live in Alaska", the story of a young couple who canoed down the Yukon on their honeymoon, in 1942. It's a terrific tale, they too wild camped, did a bit of hunting, stayed with riverside residents a couple of times.

If I remember correctly (not at home at the moment so can't look it up) they built their own canoe.
Despite it being 1942 I should think the info in the book would be useful, as well as the account of their experiences.

If you can find it for sale it should be about a fiver. If you can't and fancy reading it I can post you mine.

Look at www.abebooks.co.uk. I just found quite a few there.

Also there are some informative reviews of the book if you look up the title on amazon.com.

One thing I remember - they encountered life-threatening swarms of mosquitoes needing full head-to-toe netting.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Nov 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
Couple of years back I was in the large modern tourist centre in swinging downtown Whitehorse and got the impression that they have a mass annual paddle from there down the Yukon so a little e-mail to them might not go amiss. However, to add weight to a previous post, the Canadian blackflies/mossies/horseflies make their jock cousins appear amateurs in the biting, sorry, savaging, game so forget about the black and grizzly bears, most of the year they are veggies the flyboys are anything but. However (again) were I younger and fitter I would definatly pack my bugspray, dynamite and spare paddle.
Ride/paddle/survive safe.
__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky

Last edited by maja; 18 Nov 2011 at 12:51.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Nov 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Thanks for the advice and book suggestions guys. Just bought them both on Amazon for £16.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nw england
Posts: 379
have a look at this 1 then ted to get some ideas.
Mazungu - Canoeing The Congo
www.youtube.com Trailer of the 48 minute documentary film of Phil Harwood's five month 'source to sea' solo canoe expedition down the mighty Congo River in Central Africa. W...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:12.