I have taught the ways of the wilderness for well over thirty years and have authored a novel which dives deep into the shadows that follow you as you traverse wilderness trails. It is my hope to reach as many people as possible to tell everyone that the wilderness is not a place to be wary of. It is the only place where a person can dig deep into their soul and find that which is hidden to them by modern day society.
~ R.G. Wright - Hawks Shadow

Sunday, July 11, 2021

A Simple Bench for any Camp.


 I can't help feeling that the world, society, is in a free fall. Everyone is trying to escape to something other than their present situation. In my opinion, the pandemic has increased peoples anxiety to the point where narcissism has reared it's ugly head. 

I have found that using your hands during times of frustration and anxiety can work magic on your overtaxed nervous system. The simple act of creating something, fulfills an ancient need buried deep within our beings. 

My tipi required a simple table which I can use for many camp projects and simple tipi living. 

For the table top, I used a piece of balsam fir which was ravaged by Pine Sawyer bugs (I show one of the larva in this video) and some sticks which were left behind after a beaver had a meal.

Sisal twine bound the lot together and provided me with a sturdy bench which will serve my needs and when rot begins to call the wood to the earth, I will simply use it for firewood.  

In the process of building this bench, I left my anxieties. I soaked in the sounds of the woods and disappeared into the mists of the wilderness where my mind could wander; free of the bindings which society had placed on it. 

If you feel anxious - just get busy. 
That way, you will be
simply living, Out here. 
  

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Opeongo - A lake of wind and waves


 Opeongo Lake, situated in Algonquin Park, Ontario, is a sprawling expanse of water with arms pointed north, east and south. She has a tendency to test paddlers regularly by inviting brother wind to blow across her waters. 

The skilled canoeist can average four to six kilometers per hour by trimming their boat and digging in steadily with their paddles. The rhythm developed over years of paddling comes instinctively and adjusts as conditions change. 

When faced with a two to four knot head wind, there is nothing to do but stay on shore or move forward; digging your paddle deep to gain a few inches of travel across a lake which is determined to place you back at your starting position. 

This is no time to pretend, this is now time to step up or step out. Mom (nature) doesn't care if you sink or swim, she only cares about the continuation of a cycle of life started long ago; before humans ever existed. Now is the time to humble yourself and work with her rather than fight her. 

This video was taken when I decided to go for a paddle after dropping my book off to Algonquin Outfitters. I wanted to check out the campsites for potential future adventures. 

The lake taught me what the winter had made me forget. My arms and body remembered the rhythm of the paddle and the wind freed my soul from the chains of society which had ensnared it. 

My canoe responded as she was built to do and my paddle dug deep into the waters of Opeongo Lake. 


Thursday, July 1, 2021

A Blustery day - Opeongo Lake


 After dropping my novel off at Algonquin Outfitters, Opeongo Lake, I decided to put my canoe in the water and go for a paddle. 

Opeongo lake can be brutal to paddle due to the ever present wind. It always seems to start with a gentle breeze which stirs the rivulets into small waves. Then brother wind decides to show off and the next thing you know, your facing waves which toss your small boat around like a bobber.

Inexperienced paddlers would do well to pull their canoes up on the shore and wait out the wind.

Experienced paddlers load their boats heavy to the bow and drive their paddles deep into the frothy surf; keeping a wary eye out for cross waves which seem determined to swamp the humble boat known as a canoe. 

This day was to put my skills to the test. As I paddled downwind, I was fully aware of my return journey which would be directly against a steady wind which seemed determined to keep me from my destination.

This video is about the short lunch break I took prior to facing - Brother Wind.  

Happy Paddling

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