Whitehorse — Yukon River

2 men. 2 countries. 1 river. 1 canoe. A pen, pad, small camera and 2,000 miles across the vast wilderness of Canada and Alaska. 1 amazing adventure.

In the summer of 2018 Will Collins and Jackson Hill loaded up an old Jeep Wrangler, strapped a canoe to the roof and drove 35 hours north to Canada’s Yukon Territory. With little knowledge of the river and no expectations, the two pushed off on what would become a 70 day adventure canoeing the length of the famed Yukon River. These are the stories of that journey.

Day 1 Yukon River

It’s funny how hard decisions can be when you’re removed from them. As I sit on the banks of the Yukon near the dam just north of Marsh Lake I understand that the right decision was made. In the hustle and useless busyness of everyday life it can seem daunting to undergo a change and trip like this, but as I sit now, ready to begin another expedition it is all so clear. I am home.

The water here is amazingly beautiful. Deep turquoise in color throughout the width of the water, other than at the rivers edge where the clarity of the river shows the riverbed below, as if looking through glass.

It’s a bit chilly, overcast skies and rain this morning. The sound of wind and moving water puts me at ease.

Whitehorse, CanadaWill CollinsJune 10, 2018Day 1, Whitehorse, White Horse, YukonComment