Awesome video! My dad wrote and photographed for the big NFCT book….he would have loved to see your video. The bit about you running the rapids solo had me holding my breath…so glad you survived, sorry you lost your favorite paddle. I knew a 92 year old gentleman named Dr. Homer Dodge. He ran class 1,2 and sometimes class 3 rapids solo in his Gruman canoe. Always used a double blade. Made it look effortless. He used to say he’d just become a “smart log”….the “smart log” knows the way down the toughest rapids without getting into trouble. He was an icon in his day. Glad you have buddies now….there’s safety in numbers!!!
Terrific video John. Beautiful editing. We met at Bissonnette Bridge and I plan to do a thru paddle this coming May. You gave me some good advice that day that I’m holding on to!
im currently tentatively planning a nfct thru paddle and i really appreciate the videos, thank you for your experience and advice! i hope to take that knowledge and dedication into my and future generations
Thanks Joe. A week after the trip a reporter from our local newspaper got wind of my trip and stopped by the house for an interview for a story. You can check it out here warwickonline.com/stories/encountering-trail-angels,175211
@@johnniecanoe1 that is awesome John. Not going to lie I’ve wanted to paddle the NFCT myself but somewhat intimidating. Maybe in a few years when I retire!
@@mrgjoe I was fortunate to be able to retire early (58) My original plan was to do it in 2020 but a phone call from a friend to do a 3 week private rafting trip down the Grand Canyon presented itself and I couldn't say no to that. Then there was COVID in 2021 that was at its peak and the border shutdown. For sure being retired sure did help. The NFCT isn't going anywhere, the question is, are you. Sorry to sound so morbid, but it is just a fact. You can't sweat it, it's life. Two of my closest paddling friends existed this life way too early with unfinished plans/trips unrealized. So when the opportunity presents itself take it and be ready. You won't regret it.
@@johnniecanoe1 I'm 51 now and will be fortunate to retire at 54. It is something I am definitely considering in a few years. My friend Jerry who just retired has expressed possible interest in doing it together at some point.
Or on a rainy 17 mile portage between Rangeley and Stratton. Can't tell you how many times I had to bail. So yes a spray skirt would have relieved a lot of anxiety, especially on the lakes. I just didn't want to drop the cash on one. Just call me Johnny Cheap.😁
@@johnniecanoe1 I may make a spray skirt for my Hemlock Kestrel. I sewed a thwart/lumbar pack, so I think I can manage it after I figure out the snaps. Thank you for posting the video, I did maps 1 & 2 earlier this month and now I want to do the whole trip. I did the non wheelable carries 3X; carried gear, then walked back, then carried my canoe. I found out after that I could have road wheeled around Buttermilk Falls & the next set up rapids. My "short" 5 night was a good way to test gear, food, and my capabilities. Great first episode!
John I have watched your entire video series once before but never realized you had double knee replacements. I am watching the series again while healing from my left knee replacement and gearing up for the right knee replacement in about a month. How long did it take for you to feel strong enough to tackle the NFCT. I am gathering resources and starting to plan the NFCT for my retirement or perhaps even sooner if time allows. Very curious about how your knees held up on the entire NFCT.
My knees held up just fine. Here's a little back story. Had both my knees replaced in 2017 about 4 months apart. The last one in December. PT was key. I did about 4 months of PT with a therapist. I would ride my bike quite a bit after that . Feeling quite confident, In May of 2019 I did a 7 day unsupported bike tour around Lake Champlain hualing 90 lbs of bike and gear. Not long after that I started entertaining the idea of the NFCT. I was in the early process of slowly putting it together when I got a call from a friend asking if My wife and I wanted to join his private 3 week rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. I couldn't pass that up, It just lined up perfectly. 2021 Covid was still a big deal, and not being able to cross the border made a major impact on me waiting another year. So 2022 was the year. My knee felt good, did lots of local hiking and weight training prior to the trip. What's nice about a NFCT thru paddle is that the way it's set up. it slowly builds up your stamina for the long portages and upstream paddling as the miles pile up. By the time I got to Vermont I felt pretty strong. Feel free to message me anytime should you have any questions. You got this,
@@johnniecanoe1 thanks for the reply John. I actually watched a good portion of your Grand Canyon trip last night as well. Looks like you guys had a blast. Beautiful scenery and aggressive whitewater. I enjoyed watching it. Your NFCT series is really well done. How special to be able to do something like this with your daughter as well. I have two daughters of my own and I have had them on the Allagash and West Branch of the Penobscot. Partial sections for the NFCT as you know. I am encouraged hearing your story and learning about the steps that you had taken to prepare yourself for the biking, hiking and paddling. It gives me hope. I am two weeks removed from the left knee surgery and wasn’t feeling very confident that I would be strong enough to enjoy paddling season. I think some days I push too hard due to my competitive spirit. The right knee is scheduled in February 22nd so after that I hope to really focus on strength building and getting back to enjoying life pain free. The PT is not fun as you know but I am pushing through it. Really enjoy your channel John and I thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. Have a great day John!
Don't get too hung up with the setbacks while recovering. I had them too and they were short lived. I know it can be distressing, but you will get there. Stay focused on the prize. I did have one issue that I wish I had resolved prior to the trip and that was my ankle and kneeling flexibility. Something that I didn't work on and should have. I just didn't have it and thought I could get away with not worrying about it. Don't know how familiar you are with Northstar Solo, that was my boat of choice on the NFCT. It was light and fast, great boat. I couldn't get my my size 12.5 shoes under the seat. I did try raising it but found it to painful to kneel that low. Something to think about. I was a competent cl 3 paddler and swam twice on cl 2's. My center of gravity was a bit to high when sitting and loaded. Since you are a bit laid up at the moment he's an article my local newspaper did on me after the trip. A friend of mine dropped the dime on me to the reporter and asked to to a story on my trip. warwickonline.com/stories/encountering-trail-angels,175211?
@@johnniecanoe1 John, just finished reading the article. Well deserved capture of your trip and clearly a kind friend that also understood that you were deserving of your accomplishment. The axe story is great. Says a lot about the kind of man you are. I already kind of gathered that you were a decent man but this proves it. Remarkable gesture! I am just about ready to pull the trigger on the 13 section maps and was supposed to receive the NFCT Paddlers Companion Book today but it was delayed. Very excited about the possibility of doing the entire NFCT in one shot. I have paddled most of the Maine sections so I am familiar with those with the exception of the Jackman area, Dead River and Spencer stream sections. I understand the foot size issue, I come in at a 13 and it has always been difficult to get the feet under the seat. Haven’t been able to kneel for years. I think college sports did a number on me. I will take your advice though and work on that mobility. There is the obvious benefit to be able to lower your center of gravity. I did however run the St.John River in the seated position but that was in a an OT Tripper. Bomb proof canoe. I will have to consider which canoe I would use or buy to accomplish the NFCT. I really like your NorthStar canoe. Not cheap, but really nice. I have enjoyed talking with you John. Perhaps when my time nears to set out on the NFCT we could exchange phone numbers so that I could really pick your brain. Thanks for all the info and encouragement John. All the best to you and on all your future adventures!
Google NFCT cheat sheet. Purchase, read, and take with you the Through Paddlers Companion. Study the 13 maps and add notes to them. Read NFCT thru paddler blogs. Buy upload Far out app for NFCT. Download The Windy app. Satellite messenger, I used Zolio.
Awesome video! My dad wrote and photographed for the big NFCT book….he would have loved to see your video. The bit about you running the rapids solo had me holding my breath…so glad you survived, sorry you lost your favorite paddle. I knew a 92 year old gentleman named Dr. Homer Dodge. He ran class 1,2 and sometimes class 3 rapids solo in his Gruman canoe. Always used a double blade. Made it look effortless. He used to say he’d just become a “smart log”….the “smart log” knows the way down the toughest rapids without getting into trouble. He was an icon in his day. Glad you have buddies now….there’s safety in numbers!!!
I have the book. Thanks for responding. Such a nice post.
Terrific video John. Beautiful editing. We met at Bissonnette Bridge and I plan to do a thru paddle this coming May. You gave me some good advice that day that I’m holding on to!
Thanks. Best of luck to you going forward. Any questions feel free to ask anytime.
Amazing, love watching the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations on completing the trail! It was nice to meet you guys and stay with you for a night at the Benton Campsite on the Connecticut River.
Nice meeting you also. Checked out your channel. Like your style.
@@johnniecanoe1 Thanks. It' s a work in progress.
Congrats! Cool video and channel. Nice van setup. New follower here. Crow
im currently tentatively planning a nfct thru paddle and i really appreciate the videos, thank you for your experience and advice! i hope to take that knowledge and dedication into my and future generations
I wish you the best on your journey. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
HI John! So happy that you accomplished the NFCT and I loved the first episode. Looking forward to the others!
Thanks Joe. A week after the trip a reporter from our local newspaper got wind of my trip and stopped by the house for an interview for a story. You can check it out here warwickonline.com/stories/encountering-trail-angels,175211
@@johnniecanoe1 that is awesome John. Not going to lie I’ve wanted to paddle the NFCT myself but somewhat intimidating. Maybe in a few years when I retire!
@@mrgjoe I was fortunate to be able to retire early (58) My original plan was to do it in 2020 but a phone call from a friend to do a 3 week private rafting trip down the Grand Canyon presented itself and I couldn't say no to that. Then there was COVID in 2021 that was at its peak and the border shutdown. For sure being retired sure did help. The NFCT isn't going anywhere, the question is, are you. Sorry to sound so morbid, but it is just a fact. You can't sweat it, it's life. Two of my closest paddling friends existed this life way too early with unfinished plans/trips unrealized. So when the opportunity presents itself take it and be ready. You won't regret it.
@@johnniecanoe1 I'm 51 now and will be fortunate to retire at 54. It is something I am definitely considering in a few years. My friend Jerry who just retired has expressed possible interest in doing it together at some point.
I was thinking a spray skirt on that canoe would help on the rainy days and the sketchy lake crossings
Or on a rainy 17 mile portage between Rangeley and Stratton. Can't tell you how many times I had to bail. So yes a spray skirt would have relieved a lot of anxiety, especially on the lakes. I just didn't want to drop the cash on one. Just call me Johnny Cheap.😁
@@johnniecanoe1 I may make a spray skirt for my Hemlock Kestrel. I sewed a thwart/lumbar pack, so I think I can manage it after I figure out the snaps. Thank you for posting the video, I did maps 1 & 2 earlier this month and now I want to do the whole trip. I did the non wheelable carries 3X; carried gear, then walked back, then carried my canoe. I found out after that I could have road wheeled around Buttermilk Falls & the next set up rapids. My "short" 5 night was a good way to test gear, food, and my capabilities. Great first episode!
John I have watched your entire video series once before but never realized you had double knee replacements. I am watching the series again while healing from my left knee replacement and gearing up for the right knee replacement in about a month. How long did it take for you to feel strong enough to tackle the NFCT. I am gathering resources and starting to plan the NFCT for my retirement or perhaps even sooner if time allows. Very curious about how your knees held up on the entire NFCT.
My knees held up just fine. Here's a little back story. Had both my knees replaced in 2017 about 4 months apart. The last one in December. PT was key. I did about 4 months of PT with a therapist. I would ride my bike quite a bit after that . Feeling quite confident, In May of 2019 I did a 7 day unsupported bike tour around Lake Champlain hualing 90 lbs of bike and gear. Not long after that I started entertaining the idea of the NFCT. I was in the early process of slowly putting it together when I got a call from a friend asking if My wife and I wanted to join his private 3 week rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. I couldn't pass that up, It just lined up perfectly. 2021 Covid was still a big deal, and not being able to cross the border made a major impact on me waiting another year. So 2022 was the year. My knee felt good, did lots of local hiking and weight training prior to the trip. What's nice about a NFCT thru paddle is that the way it's set up. it slowly builds up your stamina for the long portages and upstream paddling as the miles pile up. By the time I got to Vermont I felt pretty strong. Feel free to message me anytime should you have any questions. You got this,
@@johnniecanoe1 thanks for the reply John. I actually watched a good portion of your Grand Canyon trip last night as well. Looks like you guys had a blast. Beautiful scenery and aggressive whitewater. I enjoyed watching it. Your NFCT series is really well done. How special to be able to do something like this with your daughter as well. I have two daughters of my own and I have had them on the Allagash and West Branch of the Penobscot. Partial sections for the NFCT as you know.
I am encouraged hearing your story and learning about the steps that you had taken to prepare yourself for the biking, hiking and paddling. It gives me hope. I am two weeks removed from the left knee surgery and wasn’t feeling very confident that I would be strong enough to enjoy paddling season. I think some days I push too hard due to my competitive spirit. The right knee is scheduled in February 22nd so after that I hope to really focus on strength building and getting back to enjoying life pain free. The PT is not fun as you know but I am pushing through it.
Really enjoy your channel John and I thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. Have a great day John!
Don't get too hung up with the setbacks while recovering. I had them too and they were short lived. I know it can be distressing, but you will get there. Stay focused on the prize. I did have one issue that I wish I had resolved prior to the trip and that was my ankle and kneeling flexibility. Something that I didn't work on and should have. I just didn't have it and thought I could get away with not worrying about it. Don't know how familiar you are with Northstar Solo, that was my boat of choice on the NFCT. It was light and fast, great boat. I couldn't get my my size 12.5 shoes under the seat. I did try raising it but found it to painful to kneel that low. Something to think about. I was a competent cl 3 paddler and swam twice on cl 2's. My center of gravity was a bit to high when sitting and loaded. Since you are a bit laid up at the moment he's an article my local newspaper did on me after the trip. A friend of mine dropped the dime on me to the reporter and asked to to a story on my trip. warwickonline.com/stories/encountering-trail-angels,175211?
@@johnniecanoe1 John, just finished reading the article. Well deserved capture of your trip and clearly a kind friend that also understood that you were deserving of your accomplishment. The axe story is great. Says a lot about the kind of man you are. I already kind of gathered that you were a decent man but this proves it. Remarkable gesture!
I am just about ready to pull the trigger on the 13 section maps and was supposed to receive the NFCT Paddlers Companion Book today but it was delayed. Very excited about the possibility of doing the entire NFCT in one shot. I have paddled most of the Maine sections so I am familiar with those with the exception of the Jackman area, Dead River and Spencer stream sections.
I understand the foot size issue, I come in at a 13 and it has always been difficult to get the feet under the seat. Haven’t been able to kneel for years. I think college sports did a number on me. I will take your advice though and work on that mobility. There is the obvious benefit to be able to lower your center of gravity. I did however run the St.John River in the seated position but that was in a an OT Tripper. Bomb proof canoe.
I will have to consider which canoe I would use or buy to accomplish the NFCT. I really like your NorthStar canoe. Not cheap, but really nice.
I have enjoyed talking with you John. Perhaps when my time nears to set out on the NFCT we could exchange phone numbers so that I could really pick your brain. Thanks for all the info and encouragement John. All the best to you and on all your future adventures!
What did you read before to get knowledge? And what apps did you download?
Google NFCT cheat sheet. Purchase, read, and take with you the Through Paddlers Companion. Study the 13 maps and add notes to them. Read NFCT thru paddler blogs. Buy upload Far out app for NFCT. Download The Windy app. Satellite messenger, I used Zolio.