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

Scroungecrafting/camping 101

  I mentioned in my last post that I bushcraft on a budget.  That may be a slight understatement.  When I first began this adventure I was a newly divorced woman with a part-time job and a son going off to college.  As tight goes, my budget was the equivalent of a Victorian-era corset.

  I've never had a free-flowing budget, and I've learned to make do.  This skill proved very valuable in  my new hobby.  Going from bushcrafter to scroungecrafter (thanks to The Professor for this term) was a snap! I simply use what I have on hand, and look for great deals on other things I need.  Many things found around the home can be re-purposed into useful items for camp.  The key is to experiment and find what works for you. Your imagination is the only limit.  Start revving it into high gear with these shopping suggestions.

Second hand stores can be veritable scroungecrafting gold mines.  Oh sure, you may have people look at you funny when you look through every shelf for treasures, and grin like a fool when you find what you were looking for.  But hey...we're bushcrafters...it's not like we're not used to getting strange looks from people ("You do WHAT?").   Shop through the kitchen and craft sections for useful items.  Check the book section for outdoors related titles.  Browse for good quality wool blankets. And thoroughly scan the clothing racks.  You can often find quality outdoor clothing for minimal cost.  Ladies, make sure to look at the men's/boy's section of the store too.  Function is a lot more important than fashion at camp, and the selection is often much more extensive.

Yard sales: Yard sale shopping is a favourite past-time to some.  If you are blessed with both the patience and time to drive around all Saturday morning looking for deals, you'll be sure to come across some bargains. Again, check for kitchen and craft items.  On more than one occasion I've spotted a cast iron frying pan for a steal that just needs a little TLC. 

Army Surplus:  While different stores  vary considerably in price and quality of gear, you can find some amazing stuff that's built to take a lot of punishment.  Packs, clothes, sleeping bags, and shelter items are always plentiful.  But beware...these stores appear to be hidden portals to other dimensions.   A person can get lost in them for hours! 

Dollar Store:  While many items are not high quality, if you choose carefully, you can find a few great buys.  Decent cordage is often available and is much more practical than paracord for cases where re-using it isn't going to be likely. Wash bins can be purchased for very little, and they are extremely handy for base camp. Battery operated lanterns and flashlights can be used for back-up.  Dollarama even carries headlamps, and while I wouldn't count on them to last very long, they are great to keep as a spare.  They also sell clear plastic compasses with map overlay, and even emergency shelters.  Bandanas, travel size toiletries, small containers, and notepads are all great items to add to your kit too.

Liquidation Centres:  My happiest retail shopping moment happened in one of these stores. As I turned down the isle, my eyes lit up. I thought Christmas had come early...and I must have been a very good girl.  It was filled with outdoor gear: folding shovels, emergency ponchos, compasses, folding saws, and even summer sleeping bags...all at 90% off.  After immediately putting in calls to tell my fellow bushcrafters of my find (and take delivery orders, of course), I spent the rest of the afternoon making my selections from what was available.  As a bonus, my excitement over the find sparked some really great conversations.  Along with a few of those strange looks, of course. 

Your own garage/junk room/barn:  This is the best one, because all it will cost you to add something to your kit is a little imagination and some time to search for treasure! Think outside of the box and beyond the original use for an item.  You'll be amazed at what you can come up with:

: folding reflector oven from scraps of sheet metal
: candle holders from old mason jars
: pot set from stainless steel canisters with lids (nesting ones are perfect!).
: stuff sacks sewn from scraps of nylon
: base camp cook stove/oven from an old barbeque side burner section - just add coals!
: pie plates are a multipurpose dish that can be used as a plate, frying pan, or clip 2 together for an oven
: a backpack picnic set, seldom used, turns into the perfect base camp kitchen kit - not exactly traditional, but  with a few minor modifications and additions, you have everything you need in one, easy-to-carry, compact location. 

    I wish you luck on you Scroungecrafting expeditions, as I leave you with a final word of warning.  It can become an obsession.  Every item you see in a second hand store will suddenly be filled with potential as a bushcraft item.  When friends and family are looking to part with something that looks even remotely usable,  a shout of "I'll take it!" will escape your lips before you are even aware of the thought.  No trip to a liquidation or dollar store will ever take less than half an hour. And your storage area will become a  magic land where things are transformed from their original purpose.  All this can be quite exhilarating.  Have fun with it, but please use moderation.  I don't think my conscience could live with someone ending up on "Hoarders", saying they were fine until they read that Bushcraft Girl's blog!


BG

"People wait until they have the latest tools, but it's out of necessity that true creativity flourishes."
~ Steve Supple

DD Travel Hammock aka The Joy of Hammock Camping

     As a budding Bushcrafter/Wilderness Girl on a budget, I've been slow to accumulate my own gear, and incredibly grateful to friends who have been willing to loan me theirs, or even better, give me their starter gear when they upgraded. 

Hennessy Expedition Hammock

    It was in this manner that I was able to experience hammock camping for the first time. I was sceptical at first, but once I tried it, there was no turning back. It felt wonderful  to be off the ground and take the pressure off my joints.  I'm loathe to admit it, but I do have a touch of arthritis that just does not appreciate waking up on the cool, damp ground, no matter how comfortable I make my bed. I would wake up stiff and sore each morning.  Not so in the hammock.  But since I was starting to get less than subtle hints that perhaps my friend would appreciate being able to sleep in his own hammock, it was time to start researching and find one that would work best for me. It's amazing how helpful technology can be to a wilderness experience. 

   My first internet destination was Hennessy, since I had been using the Expedition version of this brand.  I loved the surprisingly roomy interior of this model, but I was less than pleased with the enter/exit process.  There are no zippers, but rather, a self-closing slit in one end of the bottom, where you crawl in and out.  Entering involves shifting your sleeping bag and pad out of the way, then back in place once you are in. The exit process involves a similar annoyance, and feels rather like being birthed from a hippo. Or at least what I would imagine it to be like.  Only less messy. 


      Hennessy also has a zip version of the Expedition, and I considered it for purchase.  But, being a person that enjoys experiencing new things, I decided to explore my options.  An internet search for camping hammocks turned up several sites, but I kept being drawn back to DD Hammocks, a UK based company.  They have several different models, but there were two clear choices for me: the Travel or the Frontline.  Both hammocks feature fine mesh mosquito netting with zippers on each side for easy entrance/exit and the ability to tie it up when it's not needed. They are almost 9 ft long, and weigh around 2 lbs.  The difference lies in the material.  The Frontline features a soft, breathable, polyester bottom; ideal for warm weather camping.  The Travel features a waterproof bottom (adding a few ounces to the weight) so it can be used directly on the ground as a bivy.  A double base layer on both hammocks provides space for a foam pad for comfort and insulation. 

Pure Bliss

     I decided to go with the Travel version for it's versatility.  After purchasing it from my favourite Canadian gear provider, TrueNorth Bushcraft , I was anxious to test it out.  In fact, I had it in my back yard as soon as it was delivered. I must admit, I was a little confused by the set-up at first, since it doesn't come with instructions.  But some online research, combined with experimentation and input from an experienced hammock camper, provided some great results and I was soon enjoying the comfort of my labour.  That was all well and good, but I knew the real test was yet to come.  The buggy extended camp mentioned in the previous posts. 

    I confess to having help with set-up.  When I arrived at camp it was quite late in the evening, and for the sake of expediting the process so I wouldn't get eaten alive, again I was grateful to have an experienced hammock camper's assistance.  When it was time to settle in for the night, I was amazed with how easy it was to get in and out.  Simply unzip, sit, swing your legs around, and zip up.  Preferably with some speed to decrease the amount of tiny vampires which enter with you.  The width felt lacking when compared with the Hennessy, however there was plenty of length, and the raised mosquito netting made it feel quite roomy.  And with 2 pockets sewn in the base, and loops in the mesh, I had no trouble finding a place for glasses, headlamp, etc.  After spending the night in it, the biggest thing I noticed was that the foam pad stayed firmly in place between the two layers, which made shifting positions during the night much easier.  And the waterproof double layer was impossible for the mosquitoes to bite through, even if I did have a leg off the mat.  The only negative I found was that the netting seemed to cave in on me over the night, but that was fixed by simply adding tension to the cord that held it up. 

DD Travel Hammock

    After spending a few nights in my DD, and making minor adjustments, I felt I was ready to make a fair assessment.  With comparison in mind,  I traded hammocks to make sure the Hennessy experience was fresh in my mind as well.  I groaned at the usual entrance ordeal.  I complained at the effort to adjust the foam pad.  And I grumbled at the effort to get in my sleeping bag.  But once settled, I had to admit that the width of the Hennessy did leave room to luxuriously stretch out.  As long as I stayed on the mat. While the soft polyester felt much nicer against my skin than the waterproof base in mine,  it left me vulnerable to attack from outside forces.  Mosquitoes found the weak spot and attack en mass as I slept. And since I kept sliding down and the pad kept shifting during the night, they had quite a feast. 

DD Travel Hammock and Hennessy Expedition

 I was happy to trade back.  As comfortable as I had always found the Hennessy before, by comparison, the DD Hammock is definitely the right choice for me.  But it's not for everyone, and the Hennessy definitely has it's advantages.  The quality of the stitching is noticeably higher in the Hennessy, and that could make a huge difference in longevity.  The breathable polyester material was much more comfortable (the DD feels a little clammy on a humid night). And the diamond shape base makes it much more comfortable for diagonal sleeping and a true hammock camping experience.  By comparison the DD felt more like a bed, rigid and straight, but everything...including myself...stayed where it was supposed to. In the end, it's all up to personal preference.  My friend still loves his Hennessy.  I prefer the DD.  We're both comfortable, and that's the main thing.

  If you've never tried hammock camping, I highly suggest you give it a go. Unless you suffer severely from motion sickness (you will rock for a few moments after getting in or shifting position), you'll likely find it to be the most comfortable sleep you've ever had in the woods.  Normally I long for the comfort of my own bed after an extended camp.  But after the first night of sleeping in my own bed, I woke up confused, wondering why my hammock was feeling so uncomfortable.  That, my friends, is the best endorsement I can give to hammock camping.

    I'll be heading out for an overnight this weekend with some close friends.  It's in a campground, so I seriously considered taking my tent.  My big, bulky tent, that takes half an hour to set up and then I still have to set up the bed which may or may not be comfortable, depending on the terrain.  Or I can take the hammock, be set up in 15 minutes, and know that I will sleep comfortably through the night.  Hmmm...yeah.  Tough decision.  ;o)


BG

Peace

     The first week back from an extended camp always requires some acclimatization.  Life just seems somehow...simpler...out there, in spite of all the modern conveniences at home.  This past week was no exception.  In addition to the standard adjustments and the chaos of being back to work after a week away, were the tragic losses that two families I love dearly have faced.  It has been a week that has made me crave the peace of the wilderness yet again.  And so, an extra post.  To remind myself of what is out there waiting for my return.  To focus on the peace and tranquility of the forest and find it again in myself. And to remember the enjoyable parts of camp, not just the annoyance of the mosquitoes.

     With that in mind, here a few photos, and a poem I wrote when I first rediscovered the peace that is held within the woods.  I hope you find peace in it as well.

Peace.
Stillness.
Sanctuary.
Silence,
but for the rustle of the leaves under her feet
and the call of an occasional bird.
A forgotten love revisited. 
Her mind joins the wilderness in its quiet. 
Only here does it rest. 
All of life's struggles fade.
Away from the noise, the chaos, the stress.
A flock of geese flies low overhead. 
She pauses, listening with amazement
as she hears the beat of every wing. 
How could she have forgotten the beauty,
the absolute bliss,
of time spent with nature?
She smiles,
happy to be back where she belongs.
She bonds once more with the earth below her,
the trees around her, and the sky above her.
She is at peace.

BG

  

It's A Bug's Life

   I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend 10 days at camp.  The thought of sleeping in my new DD Travel Hammock (watch for a full review in my next blog), fresh picked berries for breakfast, food and laughter shared around the campfire...it sounded like pure bliss.  And it was...but for one thing.  Only one thing could make me actually consider trading those things for a stuffy house. Not the dirt, nor the heat and humidity.  No, those things I could live with.  But the hum of the mosquitoes?  It's enough to drive even the most seasoned of wilderness venturer to the brink. 

   The camp is surrounded by marsh.  As the sun sinks below the western horizon, you can hear the hum of thousands of tiny little wings as they rise from the water and prepare to fly into the night.  It's a terrifying sound, really.  Advance warning that in moments, you will be invaded by a massive army, whose soul purpose seems to be driving you insane.  The bite is only a small part of the aggravation.  The buzzing, the feel of tiny wings near your hands, face and ears (and when it's latrine time, even more uncomfortable places)...that's what really gets to you.

   So what's an otherwise happy wilderness dweller to do? There is no way to completely avoid the pesky little creatures.  But there are ways to protect yourself enough to save your sanity.   Here are 10 tricks I find make a difference.

1) Get dirty:  The less appealing you smell to yourself, the less appealing you are to the bugs as well.  Camp hygiene is essential to health, but wash with water only, or use unscented soaps and deodorants if needed.  Remember to apply this policy before you leave on your trip as well, and use unscented laundry detergent for camp clothes.

2) Watch what you eat:  There is some debate on the validity of claims that diet affects mosquito attraction, but  it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution.  Avoid foods high in potassium (like bananas) or salt that raise the lactic acid in your system,  and load up on the garlic; it's been said to repel them.  They are just tiny blood-sucking vampires, after all.

3) Wear neutral colours:  Mosquitoes zero in on targets that stand out from their surroundings.  Light colours blend in with the background, and make you harder to spot.  By extension, one might presume that camo would work well.  Not so much, as I learned this week.  They just find the dark spots.

4) Keep calm: When you get agitated and wave your arms, you produce more carbon dioxide...which attracts more mosquitoes....which makes you more agitated...which...well, you get the picture.  I'm pretty sure it's part of their battle plan. And they say bugs are not intelligent. 

5) Plan a place to get away:  Even a short break can make a huge difference.   Your hammock or tent are great for sleeping, but can sometimes feel too claustrophobic during the day.  Netting is definitely worth the weight to carry.  For a base camp, nothing beats a small dining tent to create a bug free space to wash up, sit for a while in peace, or sleep in.  On a hike, a roll of lightweight mesh can be set up in a similar fashion by hanging it between trees, or using standing dead wood for poles.  For those purists out there who may think of this as "cheating"...remember,  traditional camps made a century ago included netting to keep the bugs at bay. 

6) Wear less breathable fabrics.  While you will have to deal with the heat a little more, wool and nylon create a much stronger barrier against mosquito bites than cotton based fabrics.  A light nylon shirt will cover your arms without adding too much warmth, and light wool socks work well to protect your ankles in the evening.

7) Use repellent:  There are many commercial brands of repellant on the market containing  DEET in various strengths.  There are also several natural blends available, or you can make your own from essential oils such as lemongrass, citronella, lavender, pennyroyal and eucalyptus.  Neither are very effective when you are sweating a lot.  And keep in mind that all forms of bug repellent contain natural oils that deteriorate nylon materials used in modern camping equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, and hammocks.  And that shirt I just mentioned.

8) Stay in the smoke: I have asthma, so this one is difficult for me, but it is effective.  Mosquitoes find smoke in their face just as irritating as we do.  Use it to your advantage.  Only a few will brave the smoke of a smudge fire.  Add some punk wood or greenery to your campfire, or make a small smudge pot to place in your sleeping area.  Be sure to use caution, however, and ensure that no flammable materials are nearby, and that you are not so closed in as to become overwhelmed by the smoke.

9) Remove standing water: Mosquitoes are attracted to water for the purpose of breeding.  Check camp thoroughly after it rains and clear any areas of pooling.  Empty wash water as soon as you are finished with it, well away from camp in your grey water area.  And try to do your dishes during daylight hours.  Providing standing water and human blood creates a one-stop breeding centre. 

10) Do a perimeter check before turning in: Your sleeping area should be bug free.  Before going to sleep, shine your light around the interior of your tent/hammock/netting to ensure that no mosquitoes entered with you.  Hundreds of them can fly around outside and the sound is not pleasurable.  But it's the one inside your sleeping area that will keep you awake all night!

Insects are a part of life in the wilderness, and there is no perfect solution to avoid them.  But with a little pre-planning, and a positive attitude, we can limit the aggravation and focus on the aspects of camp that we do enjoy.  And remember...there is one good thing about all the mosquitoes at camp.  The ones at home just don't seem so bad by comparison!

"I can't think of anything that I could do without easier than the mosquito.  He seems to me a creature wholly devoid of virtues.  He is a glutton, a poisoner, a spreader of disease, a dispenser of disturbing music.  That last is the hardest to forgive.  If he would only be still I could overlook the other things.  I wonder if he will take his voice with him into the next world.  I should like to know, too, which place he is bound for.  I should like to know, so I could take the other road." - From The Tent Dwellers by Albert Bigelow Paine


BG

How Quickly We Forget...

 

 Only two weeks ago, I wrote about enjoying the wilderness experience, and taking time to appreciate the little things.  But then the inevitable happened.   Life.  And all it's responsibilities. Things to do, places to go, people to see and all that. And I forgot all about Bushcraft Girl.  I set her aside to attend to grown-up matters.  It happens to all of us at some point. We get lost in the mad rush. But sometimes, when we least expect it, nature gives us a little nudge to remind us of what we are missing.

After a busy day at work, I went out to tend to some long-neglected yard work. As I assessed the task at hand, I became aware of something wonderful.  Nature had taken an area of my property that had been cleaned out last year, and turned it into a beautiful wildflower meadow.  I went to take a closer look (I did mention I get distracted by flowers and butterflies and such, right?) and found it was absolutely full of life.  Bees, dragonflies, and even a hummingbird moth floated through the flowers, gathering food. It was simply too much for the girl in me to resist. Away went the lawn mower, and out came the camera.  I spent over an hour lost in that meadow. Observing, photographing, but most importantly, slowing down and reconnecting with the world around me. 

 

When reality eventually called me back, I felt relaxed and recharged. There was still an evening of work in front of my computer to tackle, but it was no longer overwhelming.  Just simply...there. Part of life, but not all of it. Even a little quality time in a natural environment can create a sense of balance, and do wonders for your soul.

We all look forward to our next camp. An escape to the sanctuary of the wilderness. Often these trips cannot be as frequent as we would like because work, raising kids, or managing a home require our attention. That's reality.  But we can still get away, if only for a little while. We can recharge with a walk in the woods, by watching a sunset, or by observing life in the wildflowers.  Even the stress of a busy day in the city can be eased by enjoying lunch under a tree instead of inside a busy restaurant. We can't always find a weekend to escape.  But we can always find a moment to Smooth It.

 

Just like this grasshopper....

BG

Bushcraft Girl

     I suppose, if you were a stickler for such things, you could dispute my claim to be a Canadian "Girl".  Age wise, my girl days have long since passed. But I am and always will be, a girl in spirit. Some women may feel that the term is offensive.   I respect their opinion, and can certainly understand the reasoning behind it.  But for me, "Girl" means never having to fully grow up.  To be able to see the world with all the wonder of a child's eyes.  To embrace new experiences, without the jaded input of adult expectations.  To feel free to stop and see the beauty in the wild flower, get distracted by a butterfly, or simply sit in complete silence without guilt because I should be doing something more productive.  That is what "Girl" means to me.  

And I embrace the title fully.  

    The name Bushcraft Girl (Beeg for short), was given to me shortly after my foray into the world of Wilderness Living began.  My natural tendency to freely show excitement after discovering something new, or learning a skill, made it easy to discover my "bush name".  Okay, that and the fact that I said feathersticks were pretty.  I think that cinched the deal. 

    It is this perspective on Wilderness Living that I wish to share with you.  The experience of a single Mom, former car camper, and mild-mannered librarian, who decided (thanks to some great new friends), to dive head first into the world of Bushcrafting three years ago and never look back.  To show the self-confidence and inner strength that can be built by discovering these new skills.  Not just from the female perspective, but for everyone who wishes to really experience the wilderness, and not just walk through it on the way to their destination.  For those who wish to Smooth It.

                                                                      BG

"We do not go to the green woods and crystal waters to rough it, we go to smooth it. We get it rough enough at home, in towns and cities." 

 –NESSMUK (G.W. Sears), Woodcraft, 1963