Algonquin Fall Colors - Captured On A DJI Action 5 Pro Camera - Kayak Trip

 I spend much of my time wandering the woods and paddling the lakes and rivers near my home. 

I keep a record of these adventures by "filming" the highlights on a digital camera. I have found that the best camera to carry is of the action variety. This is due to their robustness and ability to capture steady footage when the user is engaged in walking through a forest or any other manner activity.  

I have used the Gopro Hero 9 for several years and it has served me well in capturing most of what I wish to preserve for my kids; however, the Hero 9 suffers from several issues. To name a few; It overheats and shuts down. Low light capture is not possible. The battery consumption is high - I am lucky to capture 20 minutes of footage before the battery is drained, this is a major issue when I am engaged in a multi day trip as recharging the batteries takes hours. 

Recently, after much research and soul searching, I purchased the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro action camera.  It is purported to have good low light capabilities along with none of the issues listed above with the Hero 9. 

The video highlighted above was captured entirely on the Action 5. The trip was six hours long and the camera was powered on for at least 5 hours. I only used one battery the entire time - That was awesome!

I am not an expert by any definition, on the use of cameras and their settings, I rely on the people who claim to be experts on YouTube and test their "best settings" until I am satisfied with the results. 

Grab a life jacket and paddle with me to see the awesome colors of the Algonquin Highlands as captured on this little camera. 

Simply for the love of it.

 A simple video to bring you into the seat of a prospector canoe. 

Canoe Tripping - What to expect

 Canoe tripping is an experience which has to be lived to be understood. 

A canoe trip can be a simple drop and plop. This is when you park your car, load your canoe with your gear, paddle to a campsite on the same lake. This type of trip is great if you need some respite from everyday life and you want to "melt" into the landscape for several days of relaxation and rest.  

Canoe tripping; however, is a strenuous ordeal which requires planning and skill to execute effectively. I have seen people reduced to tears on a well planned trip. The reasons vary but inevitably the "tears" are the result of the persons expectations not meeting the reality of the situation. 

Some people have the Hollywood or YouTube idea of tripping in their mind when they plan a journey through the lakes and woods. They envision soft gentle clouds dancing across a blue sky and calm gentle waters upon which their canoe glides. The portage trails are relatively flat with gentle undulations in ground elevations. Torrents of mosquitoes and blackflies don't enter the theatre through which their mind is wandering.  

Canoe tripping has some of those elements; however, I can guarantee the bugs will take part in your trip; unless your trip is booked when the temperature is below 10 degrees. I can guarantee the portage trails will test your resolve. After walking the second 1,000 Meter portage you will ask yourself; "Why the heck did I pack all this junk?"

I can assure you that the wind will try to push you back to where you started and halfway through your adventure you will vow to never to do it again.

Experienced trippers know this simple truth and yet we plan our trips as soon as our tents and gear are stowed for the winter.

Tripping takes skill and patience, it takes courage and tenacity to complete a trip of extended distances. It will teach you everything you need to know about yourself. Your strengths and shortfalls will be highlighted by the trials and tribulations of a long canoe trip.  

When you plan a trip, add at least 20% onto your estimated time. Plan and then plan again. Expect rain and wind. Leave the YouTube versions of tripping on your computer. 

When your gear is packed, unpack it and pack it again leaving out the unnecessary items which are simply useless. Remember, wet gear can weigh five times the weight of dry gear therefore pack all clothing in dry bags and ensure your pack is water tight. 

When you launch your canoe onto the first leg of your trip, smile and draw the fresh forest air deep into your lungs. Dig your paddle deep into the water and pull your boat up to speed. Leave all your expectations and trepidations behind you in your canoe's wake. Every stroke of the paddle from that point on will be one of discovery and adventure. 

Happy Canoeing Everyone! 

You have to check this view out! Crow Lake in Algonquin Park.

After setting up the camp on Big Crow Lake, Liam and I paddled over to the Ranger cabin to find the trail to the summit.

The trail to the look-out is located behind the outhouse, We took a different route to the top.

If you find yourself on Big Crow Lake in Algonquin Park - it is worth the climb to see the view. 

As I was sitting on the ancient rock outcrop, I could feel the power of the place and felt privileged that I was sitting where the ancient ones sat hundreds of years prior to my arrival on the planet. 

140 KM trip through Algonquin Park. Day One. Two Guys with paddles.

My son and I embark on a journey through Algonquin Park.  

The route will take us on a round trip of approximately 140 Km. 

We are scheduled to be in the park for ten days. 

The trip will test us; physically and mentally.

Grab a paddle, sit back and enjoy, as the wilderness of Algonquin Park draws us into her embrace.