OUTPOSTS ARE FOR EVERYONE
Think only expert anglers can have a fun and memorable backcountry adventure? Think again
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Pete Kloppenburg (left) and Wes Nelson just before taking off in the floatplane#8 There are always new adventures around the next bend
The more time I spend in Canada’s wild places, the more I marvel at the magic you find there. But perhaps the greatest magic trick is that even after decades of fishing trips, there’s always more to discover. I don’t mean specific places—you could live a thousand lifetimes and not see it all. I mean there are always new ways of enjoying the backcountry. In this case, with two of my very closest friends, including one with a significant disability, who doesn’t even fish. (Or maybe “didn’t” fish is more accurate, since the dusty rod at his cottage will may get a little more use now.)
That week on the water—and just hanging around the kitchen table—with the guys was enjoyable and memorable in a fresh new way that made it unlike any of my previous adventures. It was a powerful reminder that adventure isn’t measured by the size of the fish or the difficulty of the terrain. It’s measured by the moments of unexpected joy. By connection with nature and each other. By friendships that adapt. By landscapes that humble us. And by the courage to step outside our comfort zones—whether that means learning to use a new lure or navigating life with a disability.
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To Pete and Wes, all I can say is: Thank you.
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Also, many thanks to Toyota Canada for the loan of the sweet-riding 2024 Tacoma i-FORCE TRD Off Road that made the long drives so enjoyable. And finally, another huge thank-you to the friendly, efficient and well organized crew at Cochrane Air Services. The cabin, amenities and boats and motors were all first rate. Even better, the staff were true pros, and a joy to fly with.
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One of Cochrane Air Services’ planes, under the northern lights (photo: Cochrane Air Services)Cochrane Air Services operates over 30 outpost cabins, and has been providing remote fishing and hunting vacations for over 60 years, with excellent pike, walleye and brook trout fishing, as well as world-class moose hunting. Find out more at www.aircochrane.com, by e-mailing office@cochraneair.ca or phoning 1-888-234-8882 or (705) 272-5570.