Old Factory River Expedition 2017

Bus and the guides wait outside the Community Store to take the paddlers and their gear to a portage on the James Bay Highway where the expedition really begins.

Canoes and gear will be carried down this trail, past some family hunting camps (0:04), to the lake. It is a long portage and has been used by travelers for millennia. After a challenging 1.75 km portage to the lake, everyone paddles to the far end of the lake and a campsite where they will stay for a couple of days.

At the end of the portage, paddlers look out over the lake. Stopping at a sandy point for a quick break, eager fisherman put out their lines in hope of a fish for supper.

The Youth Cabin (00:14) at the end of the lake is a welcome site for tired paddlers.  The group will spend several days here enjoying the sunshine, fishing, playing in the water, climbing hills, checking gear and practicing paddle strokes.

With the canoes all packed and everyone accounted for, expedition members are ready to start down the river (00:26 ).  Stopping at the bottom of a rapid for a break on this warm day, people find the water temperature chilly but too inviting to resist.

On the flat stretches of river between rapids and portages there is time for jokes, laughter and conversation.  Lunch breaks are enjoyed on rocky outcrops, often at the end of portage or a rapid.

On one break Jeremy spotted an osprey’s nest (00:39) with the osprey sitting in it.

The river section of the trip usually takes about five to seven days, depending on the weather as well as everyone’s energy levels.  After several portages everyone begins to feel stronger.  Confidence grows every time a rapid is successfully navigated (00:54).

There are wild geese, a favourite Cree food, on the river too (1:01).  This one made a wonderful dinner.  Other nights there is fish for dinner like these two big pike (1:18).

After dinner there’s a campfire (1:22) to enjoy, stories to be told, marshmallows to roast, and always more laughter.

A bear walked on to one of the portages near the end of the river as Jeremy was carrying a heavy load.  Somehow though he managed to find his camera in time for a few great shots as the bear (1:30) took a long look at him.

Paddling, portages and beautiful surroundings make this trip wonderful.  When the weather cooperates, it is even better.

After many days, everyone is greeted with hugs and handshakes from family and friends when they finally arrive at Old Factory Island (1:42).  There is a feast to celebrate the paddlers before heading up the Bay by freighter canoe (1:53). In Wemindji hot showers and comfortable beds await the tired travelers.

The camera pans back (2:02) to the river where paddlers smile happily at us and one of them waves.