I have been asked more than a few times if I am disappointed with the outcome of the Yukon River trip. My answer is no, in no way. I am alive and that is what important anytime you do a trip with much risk. Survival is success as long as you left basecamp.
I am disappointed that the injury happened. I do not train and plan a trip to see it disrupted by injury, but that is a risk every time you get on a trip like this. Same in any athletic endevour. Football players, baseball player are always hurt. The difference is that few of them die.
James Bay was a great success even though I only did 150 miles of 500. That 150 miles is the only 150 miles ever kayaked on that body of water. Just surviving that beast is a success. Remember also that I am the only person to challenge and live on James Bay. It was a difficult kayak for sure. A failure, no way.
The Yukon is a tough river and injuries happen all the time, so do deaths. Once a injury happens the playing field is changed. You must adapt to this new field or bad things can and will happen. I did 400 miles after I tangled with the tree. I think I did it right. Survival is victory. Pushing a bad position usually leads to bad things happening.
I am pleased with the 500 mile! I will be back though, not to finish but to enjoy what I missed.