The Happy Camper: Mona Gauthier’s Amazing Solo Canoe Journey
I doubt many paddlers know Mona Gauthier and her latest accomplishment—paddling 200 miles solo through the BWCA (Boundary Water Canoe Area) which borders Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. Why? Because Mona didn’t do the canoe trip for fanfare and social media views. I don’t even think she has an online account for any of that. Mona paddled and portaged the entire length to “change the paradigm.” She did it for the right reason, and I find that so refreshing.
It took Mona 25 years to come up with the planned route, and the gumption to try it alone, at the age of 65. She had canoe-tripped the same lakes and portages prior with two good friends, but this time the route was to be done solo; at least until the end when the two others joined her to finish off the last stretch and to take a dip together in the icy waters of Lake Superior after completing the historic 8.5-mile (13.7 km) (2720 rod) Grand Portage.
Mona and I have been good friends for years. She’s joined me on stage at Canoecopia’s Aluminum Chef Competition, the largest paddling sport show in North America. She was the experienced canoe tripper showing her dried food expertise, while I’ve been the loud-mouth MC throwing insults and food leftovers at the audience. Good times had by all!
At last year’s event, Mona told me her plans to do her big solo trip along the Canada/U.S. border. I asked her, “Why now?” and her response never left my consciousness.
“It’s my time.”
Any mother, grandmother or parent would understand that reasoning. No question. It’s one of the best reasons I can imagine to head out alone for a multi-day canoe trip. You’ve cancelled personal plans long enough for life commitments and now it’s time for yourself.
I interviewed Mona about her trip on my KCHappyCamper Whisky Fireside Chat recently. Check it out.
Mona didn’t get the attention that other more social media savvy canoe celebs get. But she should have. At first Mona rambles off topic a bit, which is why I love her character so much. But soon she becomes Thoreau like, with a dash of Rachel Carson. Poetic but informative. It becomes obvious how complex her reasonings behind her trips are. Proof of it is when you see me, a babbling fool usually, simply sitting quietly and listening to her deep philosophical views about time spent in the wilderness. “Positive discipline,” she called it, while viewing her “assets and liability.”
“If you quit, you will never accomplish your goals.” Words to live by, that’s for sure!
To me, the real kicker of Mona’s journey is the end. Rather than cross the finish line alone with flags flapping and horns blowing, she had her two best friends join her and take a ceremonial bath together in the waters of Lake Superior. A narcissistic, selfie-oriented influencer wouldn’t have done that. They would have blurred out the backdrop and made it look unreal and superficial.
Mona didn’t do that. She’s the real deal! She dropped the mic. Let’s see what else this 65-year-old solo canoe tripper wearing a knee brace and badge of courage has in store for us this season.
