“Journey Through the Wilderness” (1970) is a color travel film made as part of the ABC News and Public Affairs series Discovery ‘70. Produced in cooperation with the United States Forest Service and the Minnesota Department of Economic Development, this film follows host Bill Owen as he travels the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) of Northern Minnesota via canoe. Along the journey, Owen points out the natural wildlife found in the area, how to properly set up and take down a campsite, as well as how to visit the Canadian border at Quetico Provincial Park.

Aerial view of BWCA (part of Superior National Parks) in Northern Minnesota, mix of forest and lake (0:09). Lone canoer canoes through waters at dusk (0:26). Graphics for Discovery ‘70 program (0:36). Host Bill Owen emerges from forest, introduces episode (0:59). POV camera pans rugged, untouched landscape from canoe; Shots of other canoers and kayakers (1:24). Host meets with Patterson family from Ely, Minnesota and other experienced wilderness guides Don Beland, Mary Cheffy at cabin where they pack, outfit canoes with proper equipment (2:17). Don Beland issues Bill Owen proper travel, fishing permits for trip (3:55). Map of BWCA outlining routing of campers (4:08). Host, Patterson family make their way to dock and set up canoes in water; Canoes light-weight aluminum boats (4:32). Paddling canoe, “J-stroke;” Montage shots of group out on the waters (5:40). Portages along the route, established by Native Americans and trappers to evade waterfalls (6:22). Small waterfall rushing white water, trekkers carry canoe and packs over small land portage (6:45). Gentler rapids, example of towing canoe while trekkers walk on land alongside vessel (7:29). Mr. Patterson demonstrates how to place canoe back in water after carrying it along portage (8:00). Searching for a campsite, group paddles past group of men drinking coffee around a fire before spotting their own campsite, unload packs on ground and pull canoes out of water (8:50). Trekkers use found logs, upside down canoe to make table at campsite (10:01). Group sets out to find water and firewood: Take canoes back into lakes and lower buckets, water is pure enough to drink; Mr. Patterson searches near campground for driftwood, fallen branches (10:14). Everyone involved in setting up camp: Don Beland pitches tent, Mrs. Patterson and kids unpack packs and set up cutlery, food (10:58). Fishing and dinner at campsite: Walleye, Pike, Bass all found in waters; Mr. Patterson cuts open fresh cut fish; Mrs. Patterson prepares meal on grill of fish and potatoes, peach cobbler and details various cooking tricks (12:26). Group cleans up after dinner, scrubs pots and pans, hoist pack with food up into tree to keep away from animals (14:15). Silence in the wilderness and sounds of the camp site: running water, saw cutting firewood, flap of sleeping bag being shaken out, crackle of fire (15:03). Park ranger John Vogel appears from forest, visits and checks in on camp site (15:54). Mrs. Patterson narrates, details why she loves the woods as footage plays shots of family canoeing through calm waters (16:31). Protected wildlife in wilderness area: beaver houses along shoreline, beaver dams (17:22). American Bald eagle nest in branch of high tree (17:55). Group arrives at landing of Quetico Provincial Park; Sign for “Canadian Customs” (18:19). Canadian customs agent stands beside small customs house, welcomes group and supplies them with permit (18:37). Young girls find old trade beads used by Native Americans in the area along rocky shoreline (19:15). Young boy uses vermilion clay found in shallow waters to paint face, originally used by Native Americans as war paint (19:25). Process of breaking camp: men take down tent, gather trash in bag, put out campfire (19:39). Bill Owen closing words, recommends books to learn more about Minnesota wilderness: “The Little Dark House” by Edythe Records Warner, “Canoe Country” by Florence Page Jaques (21:03). Closing credits (21:28).

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