I just finished re-watching all fourteen segments of BeaV's 2013 epic 5,000 mile, 6-month journey - Paddling To, Through and Around Alaska. If you haven't watched it, I strongly encourage you to do so. Words can't describe the trip so I won't even try.

Great video, great narration by BeaV himself and incredible challenges combined with some excellent music, some of which is performed by BWCA.com member One Match, Jerry Vandiver.

There is a private group forum here on BWCA.com that you can join to see the videos: BeaV's Trip to Alaska. Enjoy!

I will second that... I have watched it all the way through twice. Outstanding adventure!

Just an extreme solo adventure that I still shake my head at. There’s a good reason why nobody will duplicate this feat. I’ve seen it twice and I think it’s time for number 3!

Beav’s epic journey is one fantastic adventure.

Yes sir ... I will watch it again this weekend. PBS should pick this up and make a documentary about this solo trip. It will not disappoint.

TomT: "Just an extreme solo adventure that I still shake my head at. There’s a good reason why nobody will duplicate this feat. I’ve seen it twice and I think it’s time for number 3!"

And here I thought I was the only one watching these over the winter and during the quarantine! :) I'd echo TomT's sentiments above. I still marvel at the descriptions and the brief video clips of the water funnels created by incoming surf and outflowing rivers. Yikes.

You will think twice before complaining about the next portage.

The series has been a pleasure to watch...more than once. Thanks BeaV for having the adventurous spirit to imagine, plan and complete this daunting adventure!, and thanks to OneMatch for editing the raw footage into entertaining movies and Jerry for some fantastic music.

Favorite video, favorite guy!! Thanks BeaV!

Just watched the first in the series--we're hooked!

TZ

That canoe with the lettering should be hanging in a bar in Skagway.

TomT: "That canoe with the lettering should be hanging in a bar in Skagway. "

I agree! Last June, I was in Skagway and walked around there a lot trying to imagine BeaV's time there. It was a great town. Would have liked to have spent more time in it.

Jerry, I remember BeaV’s story of going to church in Skagway. That’s stuff out of a John Prine song. :). Now that I mention it, The Ballad Of BeaV (or similar) might be fun for you to sit down with.

TomT: "That canoe with the lettering should be hanging in a bar in Skagway. "

Heck, if I remember correctly, I think it is on saw horses next to his log house, just sitting there looking so inconspicuous and modest. An understatement of sorts.

Took Jackfish's recommendation and watched again. I'm amazed at how it almost completely seemed like a new watch considering this is my 3rd time on it. It's also great to read the comments on each episode's thread as BeaV adds a lot of info there as well.

A great watch. Highly recommend.

I started last night and watched all the way to Skagway. I'm hooked again. I think what makes it so good is that you see real life adversity and BeaV goes through his decision making with us. He's honest in the beginning and tells us to be patient with his camera skills. You see some real emotion in his triumph over nature and wondering if fellow passed on family members are looking out for his well being.

I'm sure a lot of this footage would be cut from a network mini series so I really am enjoying just letting it all unfold in the long form. Very cool! The only thing I wish we had is footage from the hat cam when battling those waves and whirlpools etc. The "bull riding" as BeaV calls it.

Yes incredible story. I've watched it twice.

There is a great thread on Alaska outdoors forum that is very entertaining to read through.

It's a thread that continues through his whole trip, starting with much skepticism.

marsonite: "Yes incredible story. I've watched it twice.

There is a great thread on Alaska outdoors forum that is very entertaining to read through.

It's a thread that continues through his whole trip, starting with much skepticism."

Thanks for this link Marsonite. Yeah, the locals gave him about a zero percent chance of doing it in one season and living to tell about it. Here's a sample of the comments.

"It sounds like a great trip, I also think that your allotted time schedule is not workable, even with perfect weather. I would drop the Chandalar portion. You will be hitting the YK Delta country when the fall storms start tracking in from the West/SW. The Bering Sea at the Yukon Delta will easily take your life. This is not canoe country. I would throw all my stuff on a DC-6 at one of the lower river villages. Fly out to ANC.... Nothing wrong with that scenario. Nobody canoes down that west coast....."

marsonite,
That is a great thread, thanks for posting it. I saw around page 38 where he finally landed in Anchorage and logged in with an ever so humble post. All those Alaskans who know the area much better than most of us do were completely amazed at his accomplishment. Makes me even more amazed now.

Thanks for sharing the thread. It was fun to read. I noticed one poster offering not so positive thoughts...

"I admire your adventurous spirit, but your planning leaves a bit to be desired"...

"I have no clue how tough you are, but that canoe weighs over 60lbs. That means that every portage is going to take THREE times the walking that going with a simple pack will. 1 mile forward with the canoe, one mile back to get your pack, one mile forward with your pack...repeat. Some days it will be more like 200 yards forward per shuttle. I suppose you could drag the canoe for some of the portages. Still no way you are going to make the mileage you desire."

and thought to myself,..., Said everyone who has never met BeaV.