Epic Wanderer

[John Stone]

I just finished reading Epic Wanderer. Wow is all I can say. It’s the story of the late 18th and early 19th Century Canadian explorer and surveyor David Thompson. I know a little bit about physically grueling endeavors. I am humbled. In fact I would say any notion I have of how tough I am is laughable compared to Thompson or his comrades.

He made numerous trips from the Hudson Bay westward ever deeper into the Canadian territories eventually making it to the mouth of the Columbia River. He and his comrades travelled mostly by canoe and on foot portaging their boats and equipment hundreds of times each voyage—they were called voyagers in their day. Anyway, this was not a summer event—they traveled year round trekking across frozen rivers and lakes in the winter. In one 10 month period he covered 4,000 miles of total wilderness mapping it the whole way. What really sets him apart from other explorers though was his unparalleled surveying skills through celestial navigation, note taking, and mapping. Beautifully rendered and accurate maps. The first of western Canada. He made a 9’x10’ map of western Canada that hangs in the archives in Ottawa. He has been described as “the greatest land geographer the world has produced.” He surveyed much of the US—Canadian border and made a strong case for why Oregon and Washington should have been part of Canada.

He also had a great relationship with the native tribes with whom he interacted during much his life. He spoke many languages and was warmly received by most Indians. His life was well documented through the 80 journals he kept throughout his life. A superb leader and operational planner, he never lost a man on one his expeditions. He lived to 87 years old!

Anyway, If you are interested in history, wilderness exploration, navigation, mapping, or adventure I highly recommend Epic Wanderer.

[JD-MDR]

Thanks John. you always find the best stuff.

[Tom Keevil]

I enjoyed that book as well, and recommend it. He sorted out a lot of very complex country.

[Paul D.]

I sent many teenagers on 30-50 day unsupported wilderness expeditions dawn rivers following Thompson's path and much of them are still the way they were in his time. I have only scratched the surface of that region. He was truly a bad ass of all time. I am looking forward to this book. Thanks.

[JD-MDR]

[quote="John Stone"]I just finished reading Epic Wanderer. Wow is all I can say. It’s the story of the late 18th and early 19th Century Canadian explorer and surveyor David Thompson. I know a little bit about physically grueling endeavors. I am humbled. In fact I would say any notion I have of how tough I am is laughable compared to Thompson or his comrades.


I just finished it. Awesome read. It's so sad that such a hard working, devoted, accomplished person could go to the grave broke and so unappreciated. Thompson is a first class person. There are probably many of these unsung heroes out there. I'm glad they saved this story.