Outposts are awesome, value-priced fly-in trips for anyone. Here’s why

Pete (left, leaning on his cane), Wes (centre) and the author

#7  Many outpost cabins are accessible for mobility-challenged anglers

I haven’t mentioned this yet, but as well as being a novice angler, Pete faced another challenge during our trip—one he also faces on every day of his life. Pete has multiple sclerosis. MS, in case you don’t know, is an incurable disease of the central nervous system. It can have a number of unpredictable and often debilitating symptoms, and almost always manifests between the ages of 20 and 40, when people are in the prime of life. Pete has mobility issues and uses a cane or walker to get around, and also gets fatigued easily. (If you look closely, you can see his cane in some of the previous photos).

As a mobility-challenged angler, the outpost format suited his needs perfectly. I just checked ahead of time that the path from the cabin to the dock (and the one to the outhouse) wasn’t too ragged, so he could navigate without much trouble. It did take a little practice to find the best way for Pete to get into and out of the boat, which was much lower than the HaberCraft he runs at his cottage. But once we cracked that, it was smooth sailing.

In addition, the DIY pace of an outpost trip was perfect. Since it was a small lake, we could fish in the morning, then come back for lunch. Then Pete typically rested up during the afternoon, so we could all head out in the evening for the prime fishing hours.

Because the backcountry is, by its nature, wild and rugged, it can be hard for people with disabilities to experience outdoor adventure. It’s not something we think about enough. An outpost really does offer an excellent opportunity for the mobility challenged to get out there, and Pete hopes that his example will encourage other folks living with disabilities to try it.

#8  There are always new adventures around the next bend

The more time I spend in Canada’s wild places, the more I marvel at the magic you find there. But perhaps the greatest magic trick is that even after decades of fishing trips, there’s always more to discover. I don’t mean specific places—you could live a thousand lifetimes and not see it all. I mean there are always new ways of enjoying the backcountry. In this case, with two of my very closest friends, including one with a significant disability, who doesn’t even fish. (Or maybe “didn’t” fish is more accurate, since the dusty rod at his cottage will may get a little more use now.)

That week on the water—and just hanging around the kitchen table—with the guys was enjoyable and memorable in a fresh new way that made it unlike any of my previous adventures. It was a powerful reminder that adventure isn’t measured by the size of the fish or the difficulty of the terrain. It’s measured by the moments of unexpected joy. By connection with nature and each other. By friendships that adapt. By landscapes that humble us. And by the courage to step outside our comfort zones—whether that means learning to use a new lure or navigating life with a disability.

To Pete and Wes, all I can say is: Thank you.

***

Also, many thanks to Toyota Canada for the loan of the sweet-riding 2024 Tacoma i-FORCE TRD Off Road that made the long drives so enjoyable. And finally, another huge thank-you to the friendly, efficient and well organized crew at Cochrane Air Services. The cabin, amenities and boats and motors were all first rate. Even better, the staff were true pros, and a joy to fly with.

Cochrane Air Services operates over 30 outpost cabins, and has been providing remote fishing and hunting vacations for over 60 years, with excellent pike, walleye and brook trout fishing, as well as world-class moose hunting. Find out more at www.aircochrane.com, by e-mailing office@cochraneair.ca or phoning 1-888-234-8882 or (705) 272-5570.