Not really doing a trip report but relaying some interesting things I picked up from the trip.

I was hesitant to ever use a guided trip service as anyone who's ever done it DIY. But after I did my 1st river white water trip with one cause I was failing to recruit any interest from follow paddlers I've never been disappointed with a guided trip. The extra experiences and learning has never failed to expand my knowledge and skills.

The guides all seem to know each other and we were talking about trips, guides, and places to paddle when something interesting caught my ear. One of the major arctic guiding companies use to offer a Pukaskwa to Wawa trip and it wasn't popular enough to continue cause the guide said most of the clients were "trophy paddlers". But it was a great trip to do. I've done some trophy trips myself and the comment made for some amusing reflections. Not a bad thing, and I hope everyone gets to do their trophy trip someday. But good trips don't have to be that exclusive.

There was another comment about accidents. Somewhere the guide had picked up that there were 3 things that were common in fatal accidents; schedule to keep, wanting to prove something to oneself or others, and having survived a near fatal accident in ones past. I thought it was interesting to ponder and share.

ST, I think the near fatal escape in ones background meant it lead them to believe they'd ecape again, and they were willing to put themselves at risk.

This was only in reviewing the background of fatal accidents. Some of us would learn our lesson and be more careful next time.

db wrote on Aug 15^th, 2013 at 9:09pm:


I think you just know what you like and are happy with that. It's all relative, to some Q is a trophy, or soloing someday. I'm always excited to meet a well traveled paddler and ask what one trip they do again besides all the rest. There's also some curious social dynamics some assume based on what they've done or where they've gone. The whitewater tales, travels, or the races.


db wrote on Aug 15^th, 2013 at 9:09pm:


For me it's also the benefit of getting schooled by instructor level paddlers as we go, i.e. whitewater river tripping or kayaking, rolling, and sea conditions.

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Sadly we now live in 15 minutes of fame world, good or bad, it doesn't seem to matter.
The old saying about as long as they're talking about ME, it's good, seems to be the norm nowadays.
If someone wants to tempt fate after a near death experince, that's their privielge.
Problem is others may think their "experts" and get themselves in a situation they might not survive.
I guess eating humble pie isn't on the menu of life for some.

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I think that's true in almost all group situations.
Men are usually the worst at admitting their in over their heads.

Ever notice that if someone that others look up too admits to being uncomfortable with a situation, others are more likely to speak up as well.
Anyone that tell you they fear nothing are the ones YOU should fear when bad things happen.

A little fear tempered by experience keeps you safe.