A Tigger's Guide to Life

  My little country house is nothing fancy.  More what I would call a work in progress.  But it's home, and I love working on it. Every once in a while it does like to throw a challenge my way though, just to keep me on my toes.  And it must have great faith in my abilities because it's seldom a small one. 

  Recently it presented me with the biggest challenge yet.  I was running out of water, even while spring flooding was affecting most of the area.  Now, I can handle most issues that need repair around here, but I figured this one was probably best left to the professionals. 

  After several consultations with my plumber and a well expert, a multitude of phone calls and inspections, and finally a camera down the shaft to see what's going on....we've come up with a solution that means I won't have to drill a whole new well.  Good news indeed, since the average well in my area runs over 200 feet deep. But there is some prep work that needs to be done first, which will take some time. 

   So what does this have to do with wilderness skills or adaptability?  

  For over a week I haven't had water.  What was supposed to be one day with the water shut off is looking more like 2 or 3 weeks. And the surprising thing? It's really not a big deal.

  It's an inconvenience, for sure...but it's not the end of the world. I hadn't realized how lightly I was treating it until the well expert expressed sincere concern about the time it would take to finish. He couldn't understand how I had managed this long, and was shocked when I said it wasn't that difficult. 

  I go to town and fill up water jugs. If I couldn't do that, I would go to the river.  I fill the toilet tank so it's flushable.  I heat water on the stove for dishes, washing, and cleaning.  If I didn't have the stove, I would do it on the barbeque.  And if I didn't have that I would heat it over a fire.  I would adapt. What's the alternative?  Lamenting over the difficulty or being frustrated that "it's not fair" certainly won't make the jugs any lighter or the get the work done more quickly. 

  Our ancestors didn't think of it as a hardship to go and get water from the well.  They just...did it.  It was part of their daily routine.  It never seems like a hardship at camp either, just one of the chores that needs to be done.  But at home we've adapted to life being easy.  Turn the tap, and there's water.  No effort required. We lose sight of the fact that we are equally able to adapt to life's challenges, if we remain realistically positive.  Acknowledge the negatives so they can be dealt with but don't allow them to become the focus. 

   In this case, it means being grateful for the modern conveniences I do have that make it easier to manage.  For being fortunate enough to be able to borrow a shower.  For the car to get me there. For the plastic jugs I can fill up. For getting some camp prep (dehydrating and baking) done while I still had water. For the wilderness living experiences that have made me more comfortable with making do with what I have.  And most of all, for the wonderful supportive people in my life. Accept, adapt, and focus on the good.  I believe it's officially called positive mental attitude.  But I just refer to it as being a Tigger rather than an Eeyore.  


No matter what life brings you...just keep bouncing!



 BG

 

Winter Travel Preparedness

It's that time of year.  Driving conditions can change without warning, and suddenly you find yourself sliding along on an icy road, or trying to find your way through a blinding snowstorm.  Even the best drivers can experience difficulty, and it's good policy to expect the unexpected.  Just like when you go for that casual stroll in the woods: anticipate that everything will go smoothly, but always be prepared in case it doesn't. 

With that in mind, I've created an EDC for my car.  Once the weather turns cold, the kit never leaves my vehicle.  It isn't a full survival kit and it's definitely not fancy, but it will give me what I need to manage until help arrives.  It's also portable in case it isn't safe to stay with my vehicle and I need to hike to safety or set up shelter elsewhere.

This is used in addition to my usual car kit (jumper cables, flares and emergency signs, window emergency seat-belt cutter/glass breaker), as well as the items I carry on my person like my cell phone, water bottle and granola bars. 



Old backpack stuffed filled with items for warmth: wool blanket : poncho : multi-tool : bungee cords:  9x12 tarp : small emergency first aid/survival kit

Small Emergency Kit (kept in car year round):

basic first aid kit with bandages, pain reliever, gloves, gauze, tape, sling, blister pack, tweezers, alcohol wipes, instructional book and glucose tabs : emergency blanket : string : matches in waterproof container : candle : compass : elastic : expandable towels : flashlight.

Backpack (winter kit):


 over-sized (so it can go over top of another coat) water resistant jacket with hood and removable fleece liner : hood/hat : scarf : cotton and leather insulated work gloves : boots big enough for extra socks : 2 pairs of thick socks : lined water resistant snow pants : sleeping bag (not shown)



fire starting kit : paracord : handwarmers : toilet paper : candles in jar (windproof holder) : knife : compass : emergency blanket 

I've focused a large percentage of my kit on items to keep me warm, since cold is likely to be the biggest issue.   I usually travel close to main routes in populated areas (unless I'm headed for camp, in which case I'll have all the gear I need), so a short-term survival kit should be sufficient for my needs.  If you travel in more remote areas, you may wish to prepare a larger kit for long-term use and include a water filtration kit and pot for boiling, as well as extra food.  Alter your kit to suit your personal needs, making sure to cover the basic necessities of shelter, warmth, water and food. You can survive without food, but eating will help keep you warm and thinking clearly.  Of course the hope is, you won't need anything from your kit at all. 

Hope for the best....prepare for the worst. 

 

 

BG

Best Laid Plans, and All That

You know, I've always believed that something worth doing, is worth doing right.  Apparently that counts for injuries too.  My early prediction of my shoulder recouperating in a couple of weeks may  have been a little overly ambitious.  Now, it's not the end of the world by any means.  But it definitely has put a bit of a wrench in my plans to build a camp on my property this fall.  And, by extension, my plans to document it here.  At least I know what I will be doing come spring!

But I'm not about to leave you all hanging until then.  I will be planning and prepping, and hopefully managing to get to camp some time soon (healed shoulder, or not!).  In the meantime,  here are a few video links to get you in the mood for some cold weather camping!

What's better than a hot coffee around a roaring fire on a cold day at camp?  And who better than Mors Kochanski himself to show you how to do it right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX91Nj0uItI

One of many winter camping videos from Kevin Callan - aka: The Happy Camper. The best part?  He has a ton of fun with it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4yhC4Gb3s
Also check out his Winter Camping segment on Canada AM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOGIjb0JH4s

Ray Mears sets up camp in the Northern Wilderness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTiqlZQ_I-0

The ever-energetic and entertaining Shug gives some winter camp prep tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffquSy7EYUA&list=PL545B7B34BF666C96&feature=plcp


The fire is the main comfort of the camp, whether in summer or winter, and is about as ample at one season as at another. It is as well for cheerfulness as for warmth and dryness. ~Henry David Thoreau

BG

Sorry Folks!

  Every blogger knows that at some point they are going to be making the inevitable post.  "Sorry Folks, no blog this time around".  I had just hoped to hold out a bit longer.

 Due to a minor home improvement mishap, involving a rogue staple gun (I swear, they are out to get me) and a ladder, typing for long periods of time is not a viable option.  Or, at least, not a painless one. Nothing major...just a badly bruised shoulder bone.  But it does need some time to heal. 

So I will be back for the next bi-weekly installment.  In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful fall weather that is perfect for Smoothing It! 

BG

Bushcrafting at the Library

  Well, not ACTUAL bushcrafting at the library.  For some reason librarians don't appreciate it when you build a shelter in the middle of the room, even if it is well crafted.  And fire starting is definitely out of the question.  But the library is an incredible resource for researching wilderness living skills.  And best of all, it's free! Here are some insider tips to help you utilize all that your library has to offer.  

  Try before you buy!  We've all done it.  Bought a book that looked excellent in the online preview, or with that quick glance at the store.  But upon closer examination, found it lacking, full of misinformation, poorly written, or simply a duplicate of material already covered in other titles.  Many people prefer purchasing books so they always have the information on hand.  The library can still be a valuable resource, as it provides an opportunity to look at a title more thoroughly before you make that decision to buy.

  Browse through your library's collection for relevant titles.  Books with information on wilderness living can be found in many areas of the library.  Survival and first-aid information is found in the health section, recipes with cookbooks, and sewing in crafts.  Backpacking and camping books will be in the sports section, and some books, like the excellent Foxfire series, will be in the history section.  Woodcraft can be found in several categories, depending on whether you are looking for carving or building information.  Books on flora and fauna will be in the natural science section. Search the online catalogue by subject to find what you need, or ask your librarian for assistance. NOTE:  Not all librarians will be familiar with the concept of bushcraft, but with an explanation, or broken down by subject matter, they will be able help you find what you are looking for.  Just don't count on a lengthy discussion on, say, the benefits of supershelters vs. lean-tos, or the best fire-starting method in wet conditions.  I don't think that's as common in other libraries. 

 Your selection isn't limited to what your own library has to offer. If you have something specific in mind, but it is not available at your library, you can request an Interlibrary Loan.  A great way to find books that interest you is by searching your favourite online book store.  Just type in the subject you are looking for, then make note of any that appeal to you. Your librarian can also search for subjects, and print a list of what is available for you to choose from. Once you have made your selection, a request will be submitted and the book will be delivered when available at the lending library. 

  Ebooks are also available to borrow from most libraries.  You can view these on your computer, smartphone, or ereader.  Helpful titles will range from cookbooks to first-aid, to survival manuals (The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks, for example).  Free ebooks can also be found at Project Gutenberg.  This site provides downloads of classic titles which are no longer in copyright.  This is an excellent resource, as you can access authentic information on traditional skills.  You do not have to return these selections; they are yours to keep. With an ereader and a solar charger, you could take hundreds of books with you for reference on an extended trip!

 Some libraries also have access to eResources - a wealth of online material that is not available to the general public.  These resources vary widely, depending on your library, but most will have something of interest.  A search for "bushcraft" in the main search engine of my library's resources provides links to articles in Geographical, Blade, and Ontario Out Of Doors magazines, as well as 166 news items, and 4 academic journals.  A search for "wilderness survival" turns up even more relevant titles.  Your librarian can help you find articles of interest.

  Mors Kochanski gives credit to his local public library for the incredible knowledge and wilderness skill base he possesses.  When he first began his journey into the world of bushcraft, he spent many hours at the library, and would take upwards of 30 books home at a time to pour through. His love of books continues, and with a vast library of his own, I'm sure his visits to the library have declined a bit.  But his appreciation for libraries still runs strong. As a librarian, I was thrilled to hear him speak these words, and to have the opportunity to converse with him on the value of libraries.  As a bushcrafter, the opportunity to learn from such an incredible man was truly priceless.

  I've included a few of my favourite resources to get you started, with Mors Kochanski's book, Bushcraft, topping the list.  Feel free to post your favourites in the comment section below.


Books :

Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski

The Happy Camper by Kevin Callan

A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America by Lee Allan Peterson

Camping in the Old Style by David Wescott

98.6 Degrees - The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin

Survival Wisdom & Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Thrive in the Wilderness

The Survival Handbook : Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure

The Dehydrator Bible by Jennifer Mackenzie, Jay Nutt, and Don Mercer


eBooks:

Woodcraft and Camping by George Washington Sears

Shelters, Shacks and Shanties by Daniel Carter Beard

Woodcraft by E. H. Kreps

Woodland Tales by Ernest Thompson Seton

Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

BG

The Healing Power of Bushcraft

  Adaptability, positive mental attitude, and the ability to heal yourself under stressful circumstances are key skills practiced in bushcraft and survival training.  Once learned, you quickly realize that these are not just applicable in the wilderness.  Normal, everyday life is filled with moments which seem unsurmountable and struggles that can overwhelm.  Practicing this mindset can help get you through them. 

  When I first became interested in wilderness living, I was going through a rough time, and was severly lacking self-confidence. I had forgotten those valuable skills.  Bushcraft was the reminder I needed, and it provided the perfect opportunity to practice them. It also provided me with a refresher on life philosophy.

  For every new skill I learned, I felt stronger and increased my self-confidence. Shelter building reminded me to be adaptable and find new ways of using what I have.  Firecraft taught me that patience is needed when working toward my goals. Cooking meals over those fires showed me that things require preparation, attention and perserverance to turn into something great. And learning about edible and medicinal plants taught me that often, everything I need is right around me...I just have to take the time to look.

Jewelweed

  When life's stresses mount, I notice an increase in the ever-present urge to practice my wilderness living skills.  I'm sure part of it is the simplicity...the need to get back to something basic.  But I also think it's my subconcious' way of reminding me to put those skills into play.  To adapt, be positive, and heal myself.   And to slow down and take the time to get it right.

"Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.” ~ Jose N. Harris

 

 

BG

Time to Smooth It

   Camp was imminent.   I was packed.  I had been counting the minutes.  Each hectic day that went by made me more excited for the overnight trip I had planned with a friend.  Which, of course, meant it didn't happen.

  I was disappointed.  But I still had a block of time at my disposal, with absolutely no obligation to do anything.  And gosh darn it, I was going to take advantage of it.

   I packed some food, water and fishing gear and hiked 45 minutes to a beautiful spot nearby.  The perfect place to sit back and Smooth It for an afternoon.

  I packed light, so the photos are just from my phone.  But I hope they will convey the peace and tranquility of the river and allow you to enjoy a virtual visit to a beautiful location.

Small Mouth Bass

Swimming Hole

“May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

BG