Mackenzie River, NWT

Chris · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:18 pm Post subject: Mackenzie River, NWT

Any of you folks up there on the northern end have any experience with the Mackenzie River? Can't be too many ramps to choose from...there aren't many roads to choose from. Looks like it would be a GRAND ADVENTURE! Any thoughts?

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:22 pm Post subject:

the parts I've seen are drift boat kinda water...and I don't know the regs, but seems to me it might be all catch and release...pretty sure someone'll pipe in who knows tho Wink

Ron on Meander · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:15 pm Post subject:

If you mean the Mackenzie River in the NWT Canada. I'm not sure which Mackenzie Caty Mae is thinking of.
The Mackenzie River is navigable from Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean. At least it is for the short period called summer. I'm not sure when the ice leaves but I would be guessing late May. Its a major river system and has been used by Natives and fur traders/explorers since the mid 1800's. It has tugs, barges and small freighters during the summer months. Fuel and ramps would probably be fairly scarce but would be available, at least in some form or other at most of the villages, which there aren't many along the route. The only time I've actually been on the Mackenzie was on the ferry that crosses it on the Dempster Highway. (The highway is an adventure in itself) and the river at that point is big and muddy!
Ron

Ron on Meander · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:02 pm Post subject:

This is a link to some info on the Mackenzie NWT. There is a lot more if you check out google.
Mackenzie River
If you go to this site, read the trip report. Although the report is meant for paddlers it gives some good background on the Mackenzie.
Ron

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:33 pm Post subject:

doh! sorry...I've always wanted to fish the Mackenzie in the Eugene Springfield area...supposed to be great flyfishing! I'm sure you're right that it wasn't the Oregon version in question Smile

MOOSE · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:27 am Post subject:

Good for you for thinking outside the box, Chris. I've read a lot of books about folks travelling in that area a hundred years ago or so, and I've often thought it would indeed make a great C-Dory adventure. Personally, I think the logistics of driving all that way and shuttling trailers, etc. would be enough to disincline me to actually do it. But I'm also sure it could be the trip of a lifetime.

I've also thought the east end of Great Slave Lake would be a worthy exploration. I think it might be a new Canadian national park or some such thing. It's supposed to have a lot of high rocky granite islands and to be quite scenic.

No matter where you venture up in that country though, be sure to bug-proof the heck out of your boat.
Al

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:40 am Post subject:

An interesting story that includes a kayak trip down the MacKenzie is "Kablona in the Yellow Kayak" by Victoria Jason. As therapy(?) recovering from a stroke, she kayaked all the way across the top of the arctic. It has a good discussion on the trip down the Mackenzie, the people along the way. She is a little over the top on her rant regarding one of her first travelling companions, but still this is a good book for the library.

El and Bill · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:03 pm Post subject:

Casey --
There has been a serious security breach on the GAI!! Since you are an expert in such security breaches, I'm sure you are currently investigating the source of the "leak" and will take all appropriate measures.
Meanwhile, let's nominate the San Diego operative as the leader of the '07 GAI -- unless of course, he has already compromised himself and will shortly be facing an indictment. (Keep an eye on him -- he could easily slip across the nearby border).

El and Bill · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject:

Casey:

This morning at 10:42:16 (UTC) there was a 5.6 earthquake reported at 64.932°N, 129.261°W -- this is but 79 miles WSW (252°) from the GAI. Check with the duty officer in charge since this seismic event may be the result of the San Diego operative trying to setup a diversion event to throw you off the scent.

Casey · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 1:44 pm Post subject:

Sounds good to me.

That has a nice "ring" to it: Expedition Commander Chris - GAI '07. I'll find someone to sign-on as navigator, and I figure we need a grant writer to apply for DOD, USGS, and Nat'l Science Foundation and a few others for funding. (I figure the bug dope alone will run about nearly $1K per person.) May need a couple of recruiters as well, as this promises to be a major undertaking (or brain overload, depending on your perspective).

Hmmm...I wonder how much annual leave the Commander will have by then. (...or will he be retired(?)-even better)

Earthquakes, eh? Hmmm...
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Maps/10/230_65.php

Casey
C-Dory Naknek

Chris · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject:

Oh...no! What have I done????

Chris · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:22 pm Post subject:

Hey...wait a minute...it wasn't me!

Hunkydory · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:03 pm Post subject:

We are considering doing the Mackenzie after I retire in 4 years. To much logistics in a one way trip, so am planning slow voyage down and fast back.

Have been on sections of the Mackenzie, Artic Red, Peel, Pelly, Teslin, and Yukon rivers on a 12.5 ft inflateable with 18 hp moter. Also from Carmacks to Whitehorse and back on our 22 ft Hunkydory. Thats 400 miles on the upper Yukon. We were advised not to do the upper Yukon by a very knowledgeable person we met while putting the Hunkydory in the Yukon River between Marsh Lake and Tagish Lake. At that time we were exploring Taghish Lake and He owned the Marina where we launched. He Had lived in Faro, Yukon and explored most of the Yukon Territory rivers by jet boat.

You might consider doing the upper Yukon 1st. It has alot of the same challenges, but with clear water and easier access.

It would be a grand adventure. Just wished we could go sooner.

Jay

Wanderer · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:23 pm Post subject:

Hey guys,

It is nice to know the plans for 07 are coming together. I've ordered my charts and bug deterrent for the Beaufort Sea - just a short run from Great Slave Lake.

However, times and places for 06 would be more useful. When and for how long between "Anacortes and Glacier Bay"?

Wanderer · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:30 pm Post subject:

Bill,

I see you're on line. I thought you would be on a Ship of the Desert by now...

Have fun