NAHANNI JULY 2017 | Gayle & Neil

Nahanni Wild 2017

In 2017, we decided to step out of our comfort zone (at least Gayle's comfort zone) and try a guided raft trip down the Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories with a company out of Canmore called, Nahanni Wilderness Adventures. The trip was from July 23rd to 30th starting in Fort Simpson, NWT. There were six guests and two guides on the trip. One of the young guides said we (especially Gayle) had changed during the trip. Gayle has to admit that she was anxious about the trip as we started and was quite proud of herself for her endurance and accomplishments at the end.

Bison on the Liard Highway

We saw a few groups of bison along the road on our travels north.

Liard River Ferry

We drove over 1800 kms in 3 days to get to Fort Simpson to start our trip.

Our pilot, Ted Grant, with Beaver float plane.

Ted Grant owns Simpson Air and has been flying float planes for 38 years - lots of stories to tell.

Fort Simpson

Volcanic Erosional Remnant

Arriving just upstream of Virginia Falls

All gear was packed in the pontoons.

Neil in Red Chairs

We had a chance to hike before our trip began.

Upper Virginia Falls

Preparing our first meal

All meal prep was done outdoors with cooking done on a fire.

Portage destination

All of the supplies and equipment had to be portaged to the bottom of Virginia Falls. We each had to carry our heavy packs, while the guides had carried the rest of the equipment down before we arrived.