7-Day Solo to Canada's Greatest Wilderness Cabin? - A Lonely Homesteader's Wooden Castle
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References:
Friends of White Otter Castle: / whiteottercastle
Booklet referenced: White Otter Castle: The Legacy of Jimmy McOuat by Elinor Barr
Peter Elliot's documentary on McOuat: • THE CASTLE OF WHITE OT...
Twig stove:
I bought it from a small shop in Manitoba (Nomad XT Ti model is my smaller one, Yukon Mini model is the bigger one used here):
www.canoepaddler.net/shop?page=2
Approximate location: maps.app.goo.gl/Zv2ZPihmzE7bW...
Day 1: 0:00
Day 2: 4:25
Day 3: 15:34
Day 4: 29:02
Day 5: 47:44
Day 6: 1:00:25
Day 7: 1:07:45
MUSIC: tracks are mostly licensed from Artlist.io and if you use the voice search on your phone, there should be a button to ID the song for you there (or a dedicated song ID app). Otherwise feel free to ask in the comments.
Drone: all drone footage was shot at the start of the trip, launching outside the park boundary. Bird: That bird was indeed a peregrine falcon according to feedback on iNaturalist. *References:* Friends of White Otter Castle: facebook.com/whiteottercastle/ Booklet referenced: White Otter Castle: The Legacy of Jimmy McOuat by Elinor Barr Peter Elliot's documentary on McOuat: kzhead.info/sun/htmee6qLrXyId30/bejne.htmlsi=pAQgYizHFY0Tl_X6
Timestamp 53:35 Are you suggesting… Bigfoot?! 🤩
@@allisonwanderland9917 lol of all the moments people have suggested bigfoot clues in my vids, I would say that's one of the most viable 😜
Wow wow wow
Great video. It's too bad people have to vandalize such an amazing part of history by scratching their names in the wood. That castle is unbelievable. People like Jimmy are few and far between.
Congratulations on that wedding you have to go to 😃👍!!
Your filming, editing, narration and storytelling are second to none. What a pleasure it is to watch another one of your canoe trip videos on a grey and gloomy January day.
Many thanks Kev!
Don't kid yourself, you too make excellent videos. You get so many animals in your trips and trek far in a days paddle. Jon is one of the best but it is his full-time job mind you. The fishing gains so many more viewers and showing meal cooking also a win. A little history research with narration when editing also keeps ppl coming back. Between you two Xander Canoe the North Jennings Northern Scavenger and a couple others are my main channels I watch. I do miss solo kayak camper guy... haven't seen him lately... hope he's doing well. Keep up the good work guys. You all have special personalities which is enjoyable to see and keeps everything interesting. See ya around the campfire.
What I don't like is not being able to watch videos that only allows members. If I have to pay to watch I'll save my money so I too can afford my camping trips.
I give early access to some new videos when I'm not ready to post them publicly so non-members still get to see all new videos. My old videos that I was going remove are now available to "exclusives" members ad-free. If someone wants to, they can pay the $5 fee for one month and binge 200 older videos ad-free...if that ain't worth it then 🤷♂️ But the newer ~200 videos on this channel are available for free to anyone. Seems pretty reasonable to me
@@hikeCANOEcampsolo kayak camp guy was one of my faves as well! I'm a kayaker as well. He does more on instagram.
This is a completely next level cinematographic masterpiece, from the intro to the editing and music. What a pleasant experience watching this, theater quality on KZhead. Amazing work yet again.
Thank you so much 🙂🙂
Hear hear! Yes, Jon has blown my mind yet again.
You romanticize his story, intertwined with your own adventure - in a way that no one else can. Quite remarkable
You have no idea how much joy you bring to my life with your videos. I am 72 years old and an outdoor girl. No longer do I have the health to roam the woods but through you I can find some of the fun and peace I experienced . I love the way you respect nature. You can leave a person spellbound with your voice and your ability to tell a story. My plan is to never miss one of your videos. Thank you for all the work it takes.
Really love to hear that--thank you!
That, my friend was spectacular. You're camera work and story telling is second to none. Plus, you did a spectacular job of portraying White Otter Castle. Thank you for honoring that very special place.
Thank you so much Randy 🙂🙂
The music, the editing, the story….just wow….you are certainly where you are supposed to be in this world. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much!
Story, narration, shots, angles, lighting, live action, stills, sound, music, voiceovers. Mastery. Brilliantly done Jonathan. Every time you release a new episode it’s a cut above the previous one. Don’t stop doing this. Thanks.
Thanks so much Rod!
Literally always dropping bangers here. These videos are better than any tv show, such a great way to tell a story about a wonderful hidden castle.
Thank you so much!
I was going to complain we don't see Erin enough on your trips, but this one called for a solitary man to appreciate Jimmy's legacy. What a beautiful trip with amazing scenery. Your intelligent commentary makes this channel.
Too true :) Thank you John!
Erin is like cowbell, I've got a fever and the only prescription is more Erin!
Watching this. My 4 year old daughter runs in and says "You're watching my favorite guy." Curls up beside me and watches. She doesn't do that for Xander 😅
Awww 💚 Thanks to you both for watching!
❤ cute 😊
Your editing and music are next level. I was a Jr ranger in Ignace. Your love for this land echoes my spirit. Thanks for taking us with you. " Not all those who wander are lost..."
Thanks a bunch Joshua :)
Nice! Ignace is my home town. I love seeing Jon camping and exploring my backyard
Jon every time I say you out did yourself. You really did this time. You are truly blessed to be able to do what you do and thank you for sharing. If I could go back in time I’d take Jimmy up on his offer and share that beautiful castle with him. ( if he’d have me). The song you narrated brought tears to my eyes. Thank you again
Thank you so much :) If only he was alive today with our dating apps to find you
You said at one point that some may find rocks boring. I will say that at one point, so did I (the south shores of Lake Superior make terrible "beaches"). However, after these past few years watching your channel, I have an amazement for rocks that I never imagined. How they ended up where they are now, how they were formed and shaped. Suddenly, geology is a fascinating topic. All in part, due to the cinematography of you videos. Thank you.
That was so thoroughly enjoyable John very beautiful and relaxing and you are very good story teller 😊
This intro is next level. Teleporting. Thanks for taking us with you
Another amazing Video. One of my favorite Channels that deserves a Million views. Amazing. Thanks for taking us a long.
I finally got a sweet amok Dramur 5.0 for Christmas this year john! Showed my parents some of your videos and they saw how excited it made me. All thanks to you my man!
These videos are actual movies. You’re extremely talented and I’m really grateful for your content. Cheers from Texas 🍻
Love all the credit you gave to Kevin Callan throughout this one. His guidebooks are such treasures and I think he has had a tremendous influence on canoe culture in ontario and beyond. Also, really enjoy your beautifully written and spoken narration throughout the castle tour. Keep it up!
Thanks a lot Matt! Kevin has certainly impacted my life with his work
Omg soooo many memories of my summer of 1989 as an Ontario Junior Ranger. Spent 5 days, 4 nights on White Otter Lake. I should dig up the pictures of the 2 POW camps and of the castle from back then. The clear water along the cliffs is forever etched in my mind. Now, I want to go back and just spend a week paddling that lake ❤
That's awesome
White Otter Caslte is a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity, dream to dream a dream, and then accomplish the unimaginable. Much like your never-ending persute for wilderness adventure. Seems to me you and Jimmy are kindered spirits.
I pray that Jimmy found what he was seeking. Glad you found your queen!
I shed a tear to this. Your videos our bringing me back to who I used to be. I thank you for this.
💚
Beautiful cinematography on this trip, with stunning rock and pictographs. The story of Jimmy McOuat really touched me and I have nothing but respect and awe for anyone able to do what he did. Thank you for bringing Jimmy's legacy and Otter Lake to us..
This was absolutely amazing, stunning, spectacular, magical, mysterious , serene, heartwarming, mystical…you truly have a special gift expressing yourself thru your videos . What a wonderful and special place to visit and experience…what a wonderful blessed peacefulness. TY, Jon
Thank you so much!
Your films are just such an amazing gift. The sense of peace, the beautiful colours, the quietude, the gentle sounds of water, fire, weather, and the sense of wonder and curiosity. Sincerely, thank you.
Very impressive scenery in this one. You have captured it so beautifully once again. I cannot imagine building that castle, unfathomable 😊
So much beauty - I am living vicariously through you! I laughed so much about Scotch being like Draino through pipes! Cloud 9 indeed! I love the story of Jimmy... thanks for sharing it! My eyes are so happy to see all of these gorgeous sights! Congrats on being a groom!
Jon you have made a fabulous life. The scenery is food for the soul. Sunset day one was phenomenal. I love the rock formations as well. The castle was such a feat. Wish people could resist carving on it. Fantastic trip.
Absolutely blown away by these videos-they're like cinematic masterpieces! Your talent is undeniable, and I'm immensely grateful for the incredible content you create. Cheers to you from Pakistan Thanks for keeping us entertained and inspired!
Thank you so much! 👋
I happened across your channel a few weeks back, not exactly sure what I was looking for. I am an avid hiker and seek quiet communing with nature whenever I can, life isn't always cooperative with that unfortunately. Your channel has filled that gap for me when I can't get outside as often as I want...your quiet, intelligent and educated narration, the obvious reverence you and Erin have for the Canadian wilderness, the cinematography, and the respect you show the world in which you live is life affirming. In this day and age of egos, frenetic noise, and disregard for others, your channel is a wonderful respite and I thank you for sharing your world with us.
Truly appreciate that!
Another incredibly beautiful trip with you. Watching on the big screen tv enhances the experience. Hope Erin is doing well .
I was in such a 💩 place when I started this video. Full of distress over the plight of Palestine. Of need of distraction. Within 5 minutes I was transformed. Tamaracks and giant pines! Your videography always out does my memory. Serenity. Thanks. ❤
Glad to hear that Greg 💚
You are a master at this. The videography, the music, the editing, the narration - everything is top-notch. This is as good as it gets. Bravo.
Breathtaking story and delivery! If I’d been an available woman back then, surely I would have met up with Jimmy at the Rat Portage. Thank you for this, Jon and Erin.
Thank you for another great video, You are getting better an better . This is TV documentry quality
Your night shots of the stars are always so awesome and inspiring Jon! Thanks for the video to enjoy while recovering from the nasty flu - John in Victoria
I was going to comment on that also, but you said it for me. There's nothing like the night sky. Magnificent.
I always like to see beautiful Canada
Very compelling story of a unique man, set in beautiful Canadian wilderness. Yet filled with both success and failure and an untimely end. Sad that Jane married another man in what must have broken Jimmy's heart. Thank you, Jon. Masterfully told, wonderful filmed.
Very much appreciated!
Another very enjoyable video. Spectacular scenery and great story telling, I’ll never forget Jimmy’s story because you told it so beautifully. Thanks
Congratulations on your wedding ❤️😎
I can say this was a magical hour watching your paddling canoe adventure. I love the way your eyes are constantly scanning up, down, and around. I'm doing the same thing from my sofa, only Im looking for bears 😂😂😂
This was magnificent as always. I go through stretches where I work long and stay busy. I don't watch many videos during those times. Today, I find myself slowing down for a while. I'm binge watching your videos. I like the ones with Erin in them. Y'all have a beautiful dynamic in your relationship. It's all a joy to watch.
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the feeling that you seem to intimately admire and connect with Jimmy and his search for isolation and happiness. There's a lot to be admired from simple. And I hope we can all find our own simple happiness someday.
Amazing video Jon! My apologies for not reaching out and congradulating Erin and yourself on your next chapter. I am so proud and excited for you and your future. Keep living your Dash!!! - Davey.
Thanks Davey!
Another awesome adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us. And congratulations on your marriage. It's about time you and Erin tied the knot. 👍💞🤗
Loon calls are so majestic
I detect hints of Farley Mowat in your words , a compliment to be sure. Separation from the mainstream is very addictive and difficult to pull away from , there is a voice telling humanity to turn back and follow nature . Thank you for taking my husband and I with you on your journey as we are old and can no longer adventure out.
Greatly appreciate that!
You did such an incredible job showcasing this amazing area. I was there this past summer, actually only a few weeks before you and I felt the exact same about the castle. Mind blowing an individual did all that work so remote with essentially such primitive tooling. This area is hands down one of my favorites and like you, I'll also be back! Amazing video
Wonderful photography. Very peaceful. I love the water, trees, rocks and the story of Jim and his castle. Good music and readings.
That underwater footage of the bass is unreal. Can never get tired of these videos. Thank so much
My husband and I watched this weekend on our large tv - stunning! Love seeing your adventures. That house is amazing! (And the pictographs!!!)
Thank you so much!!
You take quick nature shots of the sublime and the simple and the simply sublime ie, rocks, leaves, water movement, birds and wildlife etc. I really appreciate those "zen moments" that you add to your edit of every area you visit. Great trip, incredible destination. This was one of my favorite episodes Jon. Great work. How nice to have nice weather and no bugs at the same time!
Greatly appreciate that Josh!
@@LostLakes Congratulations to you and Erin! Legends! Best wishes
That POW camp was at least a saw mill of some kind. That shaft you picked up on one end was a planer head.
_(Canoe glides effortlessly into shore. Our hero and explorer disembarks and begins his quest onto the land in this untouched, resplendent place... by slipping and nearly falling down)_ 🤣 This looks like such a cool adventure! Love the narration/setup at the beginning. You are just so good at telling a story, Jon.
😂 Gotta keep y'all on your toes. Thank you my friend!
and this choral music over the drone shots at the beginning are seriously setting the mood haha
@@ropshubop😬
The graffiti destruction is so sad. This is an amazing beautiful story. Is there any chance there were aliens to help him? HOW could he have raised those logs up to the heights of his roofline. This whole adventure was simply stunning. And the cliffs, rocks and ambiance of your campsites are magical. Some of those large boulders are very precariously balanced
I wonder if the forestry workers had any hand in it but locals said that he did it himself. Just incredible ingenuity
The glaciers were the most violent paint brushes ever known. Beautiful adventure as always, my friend.
Touring and listening to Jimmy's dream is very humbling!
Beautiful journeys through your eyes. Thank you for so much beauty and poetry.
I’ve subscribed to literally hundreds of similar channels including yours. I’ve followed you for some time now and I have to say your art has far surpassed your original work. The quality of your productions is reaching such a high point that you stand head and shoulders above. Simply amazing. As for your comment about yourself no, you’re not that. You’re a man with a heart and soul. Can’t say enough.
Thank you so much!
Absolutely stunning scenery. Northern Ontario never ceases to amaze me. So much untouched beauty. I knew off the bat from the thumbnail that was beautiful White Otter Lake castle. Fantastic presentation and adventure!
Dude your videography, editing and narration is hitting a whole new level lately
Jon, there are so many words I could write, many others have written them here. I'll choose a few to describe your stories...Excellent, Brilliant, Inspiring. Thank you, for what you do.
Thank you so much!!
This video made me feel so many different ways! A sense of mystery and even eerie foreboding at the beginning, especially fueled by the amazing music choices. A sense of awe and wonder, and then a deep sadness as I pondered the unfulfilled dream of this man's heart, all followed by a calm serenity. Very moving and expertly done. Thank you for taking me with you on this journey!
Very much appreciated!
Quite the storytelling experience you gave us. Kudos for such fantastic video capture of trip.
I would have to say that’s been one of your best videos. That cabin was awesome and the majestic, wild eagle footage was incredible. Thanks for another great video. I really enjoyed the underwater video too of the bass.😊
Really appreciate that!
John, we loved this documentary! We appreciate how you told the story mixed with your footage and humour to bring this incredibly beautiful experience into our home. Thank you!
Very much appreciated!
it does sound rather like he didn't have an accident, but that loneliness got him. you have such a great eye for what you show, editing and story telling. I really get the meditative peace of your journeys. thank you.
I really enjoyed the way you filmed the castle and told Jimmy's story 😊❤
What a beautiful haunting video. Beautifully shot and commentary. Thank you, Sir. From New Zealand with love and admiration.
I've been waiting to see you get into White Otter! I used to guide trips in that area back in the 90s for a Minnesotan summer camp. One of my favorite places. Thanks for this one Jon!
Jon, FYI if you didn't know, Flextailgear and some other companies make a small rechargeable air pad pump about the size of a mini Coke can that both inflates and deflates air pads (in about 1 - 2 minutes). Small enough to warrant taking on trips and would remedy having to blow up and deflate the air pad manually. Stuffing the pad as you did works too but wanted to mention in case you did not know 👍. Great video (again).
It's midnight .. was going to bed ... saw this .. not going to bed ....✅️👍 Victoria 🇨🇦
A wonderful trip done with reverence and respect, congratulations and best wishes wishes to you and your beautiful bride!💐🛶
Another very enjoyable presentation to view as well as listen to
Awesome place. Was there 25 or so years ago when they were doing some restoration work on the Castle. An amazing place and an amazing story.
has got to be one of the best youtube videos ever made
Thank you!!
Absolutely beautiful and so inspiring, Jon! What an unbelievable feat old Jimmy completed with that home. What an incredible province that we call home, Eh! Thanks for sharing your travels.
A truely professional video and a narration that was both informed and heartfelt. Best wishes for your wedding day and a happy and adventurous life together.
Another amazing trip thanks for taking us along - The picto at 1:05:27 that’s you man!
Wonderful video. A note here - the Wakami Wailers (a group (formed in the 70's when they all worked at Wakami Lake Provincial Park (and only retired as a singing group last year actually!), wrote a song about the castle at White Otter Lake. It's on their CD called "Waltz with the Woods". Brilliant album (that they wrote for the 100th anniversary of Algonquin PP.) You can hear it on youtube.
Excellent Jon I enjoyed this one immensely. We tend to drop everything and tune right into the notification. ❤
yess
So beautiful and calming, sad and uplifting. Thank you.
Beautiful workmanship on the castle, but such a sad tale………it is amazing. What an incredible man. Oh course jerk would write something on the wall downstairs. The music is perfect for this. Thank goodness it was restored and protected!!! What an adventure, wish Erin was with you! It seems as if all your creativity has been unleashed afresh after your long convalescence. This one is fresh creative and inspired . Bravo 👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much!
Yay 🎉 just in time for a nice rest and relax! Thank you
That Lake name on the map at 57:31 !! New bucket list destination for me, my cousin, and any long lost tripping brethren in our clan.
Very cool seeing you explore my backyard. I was camping the day before the storm that leveled all those trees. I left the lake early because I knew what was coming. That day it was plus 37 and after that storm front hit the temperature dropped to 14 degrees!!! That is a very unusual place to put it for that loop. Ignace does have a lot of portages but the Turtle River access off highway 622 is most commonly used. Very cool video Jon!!!
Looked like you had a silhouetted sunset glimpse at a Red-necked Grebe! That's VERY cool!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful trip with us. Congratulations!
Merci d avoir partager cette vidéo. J ai beaucoup aimer .J aime vraiment beaucoup les commentaire que tu l'es sur toutes les choses que tu vois . merci beaucoup .x
the photography mixed with the music of the cabin is stunning Jon!
Congratulations to you and "I believe" your bride. 🥂 To a beautiful future!
A very well done video in all aspects. Thank you. My now wife and I visited the Castle on our first canoe trip together in 1977. We started at Clearwater West and canoed the Turtle River to Rainy Lake, oddly enough ending the trip in the same bay on which we now live. At this time, the area had not yet been protected as a Provincial Park and there was no road crossing the river west of Pekagoning. I’m glad to see the Castle now looks in a much better state of repair than it did when we saw it. And, no, we weren’t among those thoughtless individuals who carved their names into the walls of a man’s dream.
Another stunning masterpiece Lost Lakes! The morning fog on the lake is really beautiful and the eagles (and falcons) just never get old. Hope the little hare found his way home.
You never fail to get me there. Thanks, John.
Ahhhh, such a lovely, moody video this time. Your work in all aspects is just remarkably thoughtful and a delight to see. I too can never get enough of sunset and sunrise, but I have grown to love your captures of starry skies. Congratulations to both you and Erin on your wedding.
Greatly appreciate that!
Omg, your videos are always exceptional...but this one is superior to all. I truly love this. Thank you.
I visited the castle with my father and his fishing buddies in the early 60s. It was in somewhat of disrepair at the time and the upper levels were not accessible but even as a small lad, I was struck by the accomplishment and beauty of the site. I remember being moved by the small, lonely grave and asked why it was so small. Sad story and ending of such a man of the times
What a great trip. Thank-you for taking me along