Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Lucarelli.
Hi Sam, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been a canoeist, fisherman, and outdoorsman since I first went to a canoe camp in Northern, Ontario (Keewaydin Temagami) at age 12.
Essentially – the camp consists of 7 weeks of canoe tripping in the same manner as the aboriginal people and fur traders have been doing for thousands of years prior. Wood canvas canoes, tumplines, paddling, portaging, cutting wood, making camps – REAL camping/bushcraft, etc. I did this 4 summers in a row which accounted for around 2oo days of traveling and living essentially off of the land (we did bring our food, but ate many fish, birds, etc.)
I’ve been a die-hard fisherman, and outdoor content creator for over a decade now – all due to my years in Temagami/Wabakimi, and much further north. The zeal and call I feel for being out there is inescapable. The mark left and the foundation created in those summers (the best summers of my life) still keep me going strong to this day.
This culminated with my first solo canoe trip this summer, in the BWCA. Unfortunately, this trip was cut short due to a severe ankle injury -which resulted in being evacuated by float plane, thanks to the USFS.
I was nearing the end of the 2nd full day of my 6-day trip, on a mile-long portage over a height of land. I rolled my ankle in the middle of the portage while carrying my boat. I kept on and finished the portage, and then severely sprained it again as I was loading m boat, almost flipping the canoe in the process.
Luckily, I was only 2km or so from my intended campsite for the evening, so I was able to make it there safely. Upon arrival, I took off my boot and realized my ankle was already quite swollen, and I was in a lot of pain. There was no way I could do the portage again on my way out (3 miles with 2 round trips), and the other portages to get me back to the put-in (2 full days travel).
Luckily, I had my Zoleo SatCom device, and after about 30 minutes of coming to terms with my injury – I decided it best to push the SOS button.
The Zoleo Satellite app is super intuitive, and I was instantly connected to a live person – who then coordinated with “local” (I was very deep and remote into the BWCA) authorities to coordinate my “rescue”. Within 90 minutes, I heard a float plane, and Jeremy Harmon of the US Forest Service, along with a local EMT were on site, and to my aid. They braced my ankle, and I was in severe pain at this point. We flew back to Ely, where an ambulance was waiting at the dock. From there I was taken to the hospital, x-rayed, and confirmed the severe sprain.
The first responders and everyone at the hospital were beyond friendly. I can’t thank them enough. Unfortunately, my trip was cut way short – but I know and was told by everyone involved in the scenario that I made the right call. I headed back to Cleveland in the middle of the night – with a bruised ego.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no.
There are many challenges faced even on the simplest days out there. Whether on the water enjoying a Saturday on the bass boat with friends or in the middle of a 2km portage, waist deep in mud, in the rain, with a 90lb canoe on your head.
They don’t call it catching, it’s fishing. They don’t call it glamping; they call it canoe tripping. For good reason. Most of what I learned back in my youth – still translates to how I conduct myself today, 20 years later.
Weather, anxiety, depression, motivation – many elements out of your control – they all play a big part. I think no matter the situation, keeping your wits about you and pushing forward is the best way to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work for my family business – The Minute Men Family of Companies. We do Temporary Staffing, Worker’s Compensation, Payroll, Benefits, Insurance, HR solutions, etc. This was founded by my grandfather back in 1968. My father is now the President, and I’m proud to show up every day and honor the family legacy.
On my own, I have been a musician and content creator for most of my life, and enjoy my free time pursuing these paths. I am proud of all that has been accomplished. What resonates the most is the relationships formed along the way. Experiences are rewarding and make for great memories, but lasting relationships are the true reward.
I also have fun with my best friend, the love of my life, and fiancé – Jessica, and our 2 dogs Lyric and Archer. We never have a dull moment as a family.
How do you think about luck?
I’ve always believed in making your luck. Working hard and keeping focused usually puts you in the right place at the right time. In my experience, it’s not the other way around.
Dedication and results are mutually exclusive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenorthwestwind/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNorthwestWind/featured
