Zaac's 2009 bicycle visit to the Rupert River, far away from human population centers and inaccessible to many Americans. It was one of the most remarkable wild places on the planet. Selected photos of a 5000km bicycle journey over some of the most mysterious and remote roads, including a 666km dead-end, dirt road known as the Trans Taiga Highway. The second known bicycle journey on this road, rode on a vegan diet, most of which had been scavenged.
Until the twentieth century, Cree men and foreigners united together in the fur economy, indifferent to the carnage it brought to animals.
Paradoxically, the 1971 launching of hydro-electric development broadened that indifference to include the fate of the Cree trapper himself.
Blueberries are sweeter than I am used to and grow in dense clusters that I pick by the handful.
They will later freeze on the bush and helped traditional natives survive following the 1920’s fur fashion boom which decimated animal populations, nearly exterminating the beaver (Morantz, 2002:149).
Morantz, Toby Elaine. The White Man’s Gonna Getcha: The Colonial Challenge to the Crees in Québec. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2002.
During a summer abound with wild plants and mushrooms, hunting would be both cruel and a major inconvenience. Perhaps this porcupine had this in mind when s/he made the decision to saunter over to me, stopping within a mere few feet. Fantastic!
After some time, the rush of a passing car prompts a quick escape into the brush. Porcupines are the most commonly killed animal I see on the road.
Edible Dwarf Dogwood
In putting this sideshow together I must send out many thanks to many people who I will do my best to properly acknowledge. I am especially grateful to those who helped me prepare and made this trip possible such as Aaron at Carrion Cycles who constructed an incredible bicycle frame. I also want to send a big thanks to Nick Jackson who I had the pleasure of riding north with for the first leg of the trip, and who generously provided a ride to Montreal.
The critique and editing advice of Meg Rudne and Jim Hoffecker were also an invaluable contribution to making this particular recollection possible. The web support by an old friend Nick McGlynn was very helpful. I am grateful to Eric and Mike Giannico who painted my bicycle. I also own thanks for the assistance offered by Dave at Raw Indulgence, who gifted me some tasty energy bars for my trip.
Several people who found me shelter along the way were, at times, crucial. I owe a big debt to Sophie Richard-Ferderber & Denyse Richard & Danny Ferderber for their generous assistance and support. I am grateful to Sylvan of Camp Despains and send hope that his project flourishes. Additionally I send thanks to Tourne-Sol, Antoine Desrochers, Julie Sim, Alexis Bertrand & Noah, Lucie & Sam & Irish, Silvio Gallus & Sabrina Morissette, a much appreciated accommodation and friendly debate at Leaf River, Blanch's family, the family at Nouchimi km 286, Marie-Anne Boulanger, Jean-Luc Boily, Alex Robitaille, Stéphanie St-Amant, and Peupleloup. More thanks to other support and arrangements along the way made on my behalf from Jean-Marie Arsenault, Clotilde & Marie-Josée, Téa Troy, the warm reception arranged by Joselyn, and Freddy Jolly.
Additionally I am glad to have met and been acquainted with the wonderful projects of Lucy Golden & Jamie Burris & Luke Golden who provided a ride from New Hampshire to the Connecticut Mycological Foray.
Finally a big thanks to many others from whom I retain memories but not names.
I appreciate all of your assistance!
Photos by Zaac C. All rights reserved.
