The Big Wild
Challenge
Paddling the Great Bear
by Sean Mahar | January 28, 2009
British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest is the largest remaining temperate rainforest on Earth. It represents a collision of astounding terrestrial and marine biodiversity, stunning geography, ancient human history and modern economic importance. This 3 month, 2000 km solo kayak journey will take me from Prince Rupert to my home in Vancouver, paddling through the heart of the Great Bear and along the rugged outer coast of Vancouver Island. My goals are to experience these special places firsthand, to educate myself on the issues facing the region and its inhabitants (human and otherwise) and to share my images and stories in the hope of spreading interest in this unique and globally important region.
UPDATE: TRIP SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED
On May 24th, 2009, with the help of several burly construction workers, I launched my 200 lb kayak from the North Pacific Cannery (www.cannery.ca) near the mouth of the Skeena River.
On July 30th, I landed in Vanier Park, Vancouver and walked my boat up to its storage shed.
Between these dates I paddled 2000 km through some of the most wild forest and unspoiled coastlines remaining in this country. I had a close encounter with a spirit bear and was howled off a beach by territorial wolves. I was trapped on the remote Brooks Peninsula for nine days by gales and separated from my boat for a week in Tofino for less "wild" reasons.
Most importantly, I met some phenomenal people all along this great coast. The trip definitely wouldn't have been the same without them. Thanks to everyone who helped me realize this dream!
Stay tuned for more stories and photos!
Donations
Our Goal: $
Amount Raised: $100.00
You can help this Challenge team reach its fundraising goal. All donations go to the Big Wild Fund to conserve Canada’s wilderness. Thanks for your support.
Challenge Donors for Paddling the Great Bear
- Sean Mahar $100.00
Challenge members
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Awesome Trip!!
If you want o continue on we are paddling the west coast of Vancouver Island during the month of September! Hey Everyone! Thanks for supporting the challenge I am about to engage in. I have to admit, I am as nervous as I am excited about the largest undertaking of my life to this point! On Monday (weather and SCUBA diving dependant) we will start our journey from Port Hardy in kayaks down the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island and paddling 600km to Victoria. In the last few days I have received phone calls from friends that are very experienced kayakers and guides that I have a great respect for that weren’t calling to tell me about secret spots and people they know along the way; but more warning me about the challenge of making it down the first half of the Island and living to tell about it. Despite these phone calls I am confident with the experience I have and the experience of the girl I am paddling with that we will make solid decisions and safely navigate our passage to Victoria. I thank all of you that have donated to my Big Wild challenge and have been working with them to make sure your donations get published to my challenge if they have not been already. Really what I am asking you is for those of you that have not donated to my challenge is too look at what I am to accomplish and donate $5 or $10 not to me, but to a good cause that supports the conservation of wild places that are left in Canada at http://www.thebigwild.org/challenge/wild-coast It only takes 2 minutes and I know you all will spend at least 5 minutes checking out my photos when I get back. If anyone would like to join us for a day or two anywhere along our route let me know and weather dependant we will be there! Thanks Again everyone, this is an extraordinary journey and I appreciate your extraordinary support!
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