Jun Takahashi was surprised by a social media post he came across. Living in Salt Spring Island, B.C., he couldn’t believe what he saw. The post was made by Colin Abbott on a Yukon paddling group page. Abbott had discovered a blue, waterproof canoe barrel filled with camping equipment near the junction of two remote Yukon rivers. In the post, Abbott inquired if anyone had misplaced their gear in Yukon’s Kathleen River in the past two years.
The image shared alongside the post displayed the blue barrel, clothing, a sleeping bag, and notably, a flute in a case. Takahashi immediately recognized the flute, which held sentimental value for him. He had purchased it in Japan and carried it on his numerous journeys, finding it ideal for remote canoe trips in the Yukon. The flute easily fit inside waterproof barrels used for gear storage. Takahashi enjoyed playing it in expansive, untouched landscapes.
Having lost the flute in June 2021 during a canoe mishap on the Kathleen River, Takahashi had given up hope of ever seeing it again. After their boat capsized, he and a friend had to abandon their gear and canoe in the rushing river while struggling to escape the icy water. They turned to social media, offering a reward for anyone who found their belongings.
Takahashi had presumed the lost barrel had drifted far away, possibly even reaching the Bering Sea. However, the unexpected discovery by Abbott disproved this assumption. Abbott stumbled upon the barrel near the confluence of the Kathleen and Dezadeash Rivers while tracking a moose in the wilderness. Having paddled the Kathleen River previously, Abbott was familiar with remnants of past river accidents.
Upon opening the blue barrel cautiously to check for spoilage, Abbott brought it home as a surprise for himself, his partner, and roommates. While the camping gear and clothes showed signs of mildew, the flute, safely nestled in its case, stood out as the most intriguing find. Abbott suspected that someone might recognize the story behind the flute but wasn’t certain.
Following his online post of the discovered items, Takahashi reached out to Abbott. A friend from Yukon will transport the flute and gear to Takahashi in B.C. during his next visit. Takahashi eagerly anticipates reuniting with his cherished flute, relishing the opportunity to resume playing it in natural surroundings.
