Stress Relief Idea

Sitting quietly in the forest is an experience which can be transcendental. I find it the best way to quiet the incessant noise of society. 

That noise pushes all manner of polluted thoughts into our minds which in turn; forces our internal guides to vanish into the shadows.  

Your mind is comprised of two separate but symbiotic pieces.  One part of the mind is the logic side. It holds physical information which has been gleaned over your lifetime  such as how to light a fire or how to operate a vehicle.  

The other side is the connected side, some would call it the spiritual side. This part of your being is capable of gleaning information from sources which are outside of our current understanding.

Musicians, writers and artists often state that much of their art came from somewhere unknown. 

As an author, I have to agree with that statement.

Stress is a hunter killer. It stalks you and infiltrates you slowly and insidiously. It takes hold of you and annihilates  the very core of who you are.  Much of this stress is caused from societal pressures.  

Over the course of my sixty five years on the planet; I have always retreated to the woods to seek clarity and to rid myself of the stranglehold of stress.  It's only here that I can quiet my thoughts and allow the spirit of the wilderness to infiltrate my being and clarify my existence.  

Everyone is unique. What works for some, will not work for others; however, I would highly recommend that you wander into a forest and simply sit there for an hour or more. No phone, no distractions, just you and the woods, it might be something that becomes integral to your life.   

  

Happy Wandering. 

Learning To Slow Down - Living Life Moment by Moment

 This photo was taken in early March of 2025. Notice the ring encircling the sun. This is an indication of wet weather which is yet to come. 

Sure enough, the following day, the forest was covered in a thick layer of new snow. 

There are signs everywhere in the forest which foretell of future and past events. One thing is for certain, time moves forward at a pace which is both steady and concerning to all living creatures. 

The reason I state this is quite simple; our lives are temporary and there is nothing anyone can do to alter the final outcome.  

Mammals and Birds do not count the passage of time as humans do. They carry on with their lives, living each moment as fully as possible. Nature is always on the lookout for more humus, in other words, nature is always trying to convert living matter to soil. The wild ones are fully aware of their vulnerabilities and therefore are living in the present paying full attention to the world around them. 

Our species has removed itself from this natural order and have created a world which corrupts the very fabric of the web which was woven long before humans placed a footprint in the mud of an ancient riverbank.  This attitude precludes us from living life in the moment. 

I have seen people on Portage trails in Algonquin Park attempting to find cell service so that they can check their social media sites. They are so focused on the disconnection from society that they miss the very reason they came to the park to begin with. 

As the shadow of age gets closer, the reality of my mortality is coming into focus. I am not consumed by this reality; however, it does motivate me to invest my remaining time in living life moment by moment. 

When you are out on the trail, or wandering in a park or on a city sidewalk; take the time to take your time. It is in these quiet moments where life truly exists.  

Reflections On Life

As time goes by, I am becoming more aware that life is a finite affair. 

I am approaching the ripe old age of 65 and am very conscious of the fact that there is more time behind me that what is in front of me. 

I know this sounds somewhat depressing, it truly is not; it is simply a  fact of existence and once a person comes to embrace it, the more they will spend time wisely. 

Cutting firewood has been something I have done for over thirty years and I have learned much about the nuances of the work. How much longer I can continue to tackle this demanding work is a mystery but I intend to continue to do so as long as my body permits. So far, I have not heard any complaints from my anatomy. 

I produced this video as a way to show the amount of work that goes into gathering firewood; and the necessary safety protocols a person must use in order to preclude a hospital visit. 

I hope you enjoy this video. 

R.G.W.  

The First Snow Of The Season

 The date was December 1st 2024, I was watching the two beavers in front of my home preparing for the winter. They seemed to be in a heightened state of activity which made me wonder if they knew something the weather channel did not. 

Sure enough, slow steady snowflakes started to descend from a featureless grey sky. I sat on the bank of the pond and watched as the flakes landed on my pants, showing their unique patterns before succumbing to the heat of my legs. 

The Beavers did not look up from their work, choosing instead to continue the mudding of their lodge roof and stockpiling of tender saplings; upon which they would feast during their time locked beneath the ice of the pond. 

The snow started to fall in earnest and before the hour hand on a clock could make it to the next marker, we were engulfed in a snow globe. 

The following morning, I found myself outside, staring at the depth of the snow surrounding me. "This is mid-January snow!" I muttered as I trudged to the barn to extract my snowshoes and head off into the forest to read the tracks of those wild ones with whom I share the forest with.

Donning the shoes, I began to create the very first snowshoe tracks of the season. Snowshoe Hare tracks were abundant along side that of Red Squirrel and mouse.  I came across a few deer tracks but they had not yet created their usual trails. 

This video simply highlights portions of the trek which happened on the first day of significant snowfall of the season. 

I am happy that winter has shown up early and hope that the snow will stay to blanket the forest and protect it from the deep cold which will inevitably come when January comes calling. 

R.G.W. 

First Paddle of 2024 - This Feels Great

 Winter has drifted into spring and the temperature is slowly climbing into the "no jacket required" zone.

While winter held sway on the wilderness; I would open the barn door; behind which my prospector canoe hung upside down from the ceiling joists. The canoe seemed to stare at me and ask if it was time to take her down. I would touch her hull and whisper a simple word  "Soon". 

The tracing of snow we received this year; began to melt and the forest started to fill with the sounds of missing friends as they alighted on branches and called out to their mates. 

During this time of seasonal transition, I would wander to the edge of a nearby lake and test the ice which clung to the waters surface as if trying to defy the rising temperatures. 

One of those wanders provided me a green light to take my canoe down; set her up for a new season of paddling; and set off on a short excursion to find the skills which had been dormant for many months. 

The video posted is simply an account of that first paddle of 2024.  

You must remember that as the years slip past us, it leaves us with fewer years remaining to enjoy that which makes our hearts fulfilled. Don't procrastinate doing that which you love to do - just do it; because tomorrow is indeed, just around the corner. 

When the time comes that I can no longer paddle, I will be able to look back at these images and feel what it was to hold the paddle and face the wind and waves as a man of the wilderness. 

Why Use A Hiking Pole?

 

The forest has a way of seeping into your soul and showing you life the way I believe it is meant to be; not a conjuring of peoples imagination and indifference. 

Hiking in the woods is a passion of mine; it has been thus since I was a young boy. Many years ago I was told to carry a walking staff to aid me in my wanderings. At first; as most young boys do, I didn't listen. Many adventures later, I learned to grab my staff prior to entering the woods. 

The land is full of surprises such as streams which are too wide to jump across, puddles which are so thick with mud you will sacrifice a shoe should you decide to wade through them. 

A good walking staff will aid you in your hiking. It can be used for so many different purposes, it has remained a constant companion mine for many years. 

Pole vault across a wide stream and you will see how fun a forest wander can be. Use it to test the depth of a puddle before deciding to offer the seemingly innocent body of water your foot. 

Hang your pack from it to keep it off the wet ground or use it as the main post of a shelter should the rain force you to hunker down for a spell. 

These are just a few of the uses a good staff will provide you. 

Happy wandering

Shelter In The Woods

 I have seen a major increase in shelters being built in wilderness places. Most of these are built simply for the sole purpose of gaining views on YouTube. 

The amount of damage that is left behind by the builders is brutal. Young trees by the dozens cut down, ground dug up, large Balsam Fir's cut down for their branches, moss pulled out of the ground in bucket loads, It's freaking shameful. 

The shelter depicted in this video was created out of used lumber. The unit is self standing with no ground penetration. I built it so that I could take it apart and move it should the need arise. 

I realize that it looks invasive; however, I can attest to the fact that many wild animals have used this shelter for a place to "hang out". Porcupines, Red Squirrels, Chipmunks and a host of other furry critters have left their mark on this cozy place in the woods.  

This is the perfect place to hang up my gear, light a fire and melt into the forest which surrounds me. 

Happy Wandering

2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness - Can it get me there?

 

The Subaru Outback Wilderness Wagon is touted as being an off road capable machine - easily holding it's own on rough roads and terrain. 

I had decided to camp at a site which could be accessed via two routes, one was via a portage trail and the other was via an unmaintained logging road. 

This road has claimed everything from tailpipes to bumpers; however, I decided that it was time to put the vehicle to the test and take a chance running this wild stretch of dirt road. 

My resolve was firm but my nerves were questioning my decision when the Subi's front wheels hit the first rut. 

It wasn't long before the Wilderness in the Outback taught me to calm down and have fun, as this powerful vehicle tackled the road and showed me that the Subi was more than up to the task. 

Happy Wandering

Snowshoe Breakfast - A Morning In The Forest

 It's always good to get back to basics. 

Deep Snow and a pair of snowshoes places my mind into a place of quiet comfort. 

Lighting a fire by flint and steel reminds me that the stresses of life can be unraveled and placed into their proper perspectives. 

A quiet meal and a warm fire reminds me that this is exactly where I belong. 

The buckskin shirt was made by me almost thirty years ago and was made from a deer which was killed by a vehicle. I wear it when I need to return home. 

Hawks. 

Fly In To Opeongo Lake - A Lake of Strong Winds

 The winter has set in and brother cold has embraced the area; freezing the lakes and blanketing the ground with a thick layer of snow. The canoes are hibernating and the paddles are stowed.  

The videos and photos I took during the previous summer become an escape and allow me to "feel" the pull of the paddle and the gentle curves of my canoe. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 becomes a tool, facilitating the ability to virtually fly over my favorite canoe lakes and plan for the coming summer. 

In this video, I couple the virtual flight to an actual canoe trip I took last summer. The trip; unlike my usual trips, did not include any portaging but rather several days exploring the North Arm of Opeongo Lake in Algonquin Park. 

Opeongo is a vast expanse of water and is prone to ill temper. She invites the wind to play on her surface; giving brother wind a huge playground in which he proves that he does indeed, rule. Waves, higher than the gunwales of your canoe, will challenge the most experienced of paddlers.

Opeongo is not a lake to take for granted. You play by her rules and be sure to know you limitations before attempting to cross her water, should she be stirred up. 

I hope you can lose yourself in this virtual flight as we fly from Stanhope airport to one of the largest lakes in Algonquin Park. Have a seat, buckle up, and lets hit the throttle. 

Rain Returns to the Forest | Brother Bear Leaves His Mark

 The summer has been hot and dry. Many of the small streams which meander through the forest became devoid of water. 

This particular stream was blocked with fallen trees and debris; I decided to spend a day and clear the waterway so it would flow freely when the rain returned. 

What I discovered as I was cutting my way up the creek was that it was being used by the local wildlife as a pathway to move through the forest. 

Most importantly, brother Bear had left its mark in the mud. 

Wicked Mosquitoes | Testing Bug Jacket | Forest Life

I purchased this bug jacket/pullover from Marks- a clothing store in Ontario. I test it out in this video against hordes of Algonquin Mosquitoes.

 

Explore By Canoe | Big East Lake | Day Trip

Flint and Steel Fire lighting

 This method of fire lighting pre-dates ferrite rod and steel. It is tricky to use as it is affected by moisture. 

A carefully constructed "nest" of tinder is vital to success. 

Don't rely on this method - always carry other means of lighting a fire when you wander into the forest. 

Wander and Wonder - R.G. 

Mother Raccoon Asks For Help

A wild raccoon has decided to take a chance and ask for handouts from a human - me. 

I normally do not do this as it habituates the wild ones and makes them believe that humans are not dangerous. 

News Flash - Humans are very dangerous; however, I decided to lend a hand in this case as I saw she was struggling to maintain her weight whilst taking care of her two young ones. 

Raccoons are omnivores and will eat almost anything. They will certainly eat anything that you eat and once these intelligent creatures learn where handouts are offered, Halloween becomes a nightly affair - after all, they are wearing masks. 

All that said, I named this one Scruffy as she always looks disheveled. 

Hope you enjoy her as much as I do. 

Forest Hike | Mosquitoes and More

The Humble Porcupine

The porcupine is a woodland mammal which loves to spend its days high up in a tree minding its own business. 

You will often find them on a narrow branch huddled in a ball. 

Porcupines are not a prolific mammal. 

The gestation period is lengthy - up to 250 days.

The female gives birth to a single offspring anytime between April and August. The little ones are born with quills!

The young are weaned after 3 to 4 months. 

I watched a female porcupine give birth several years ago and it was truly fascinating. The baby was born with a layer of skin around it which protected the mother. Once born, the mom opened up the "baggie of skin" and the little ones quills popped up and started to dry out and harden up.  

These gentle animals will do you no harm as long as you don't get too close to them. They can't run and they can't shoot their quills; however, they will swish their tail around as a warning to stay clear. 

If you should get a quill in your skin, do not cut the tip off as recommended by many misinformed people. It will do nothing to ease in the removal of the quill. 

Quills have scales on the business end which swell when they enter flesh. The only way to remove them is to endure the pain and pull them out. Quills also have a nasty tendency to work their way into your body as you move. Get them out as soon as you can, disinfect the wounded area and chock it up to experience. 

These docile creatures are slow, near sighted and absolutely the masters of chill. 

Happy Hiking  

 

What's This Beaver Doing?

  It's a special moment when a forest wanderer gets a chance to watch wildlife without influencing their behavior. 

Recently, as I was returning from a wander through the woods, I was able to witness a beaver as it groomed itself. I am sure the pond keeper knew I was there but he didn't see me as a threat and allowed me to hang out and film him.

I filmed for over an hour and have condensed the footage to six minutes. 

Come along and watch as this much maligned woodland creature calmly goes about oiling his coat prior to a days work. 

Spring is Coming

 Spring is on it's way! The Sun is climbing higher in the sky and pulling the blanket of snow off the slumbering forest floor. 

Soon, the sound of spring peepers will fill the air and the dance of life will be in full swing within the green embrace of the wilderness. 

Bitter Cold and This Little Sled Still Goes

The temperature outside was - 25 degrees Celsius as I trudged toward my little 256cc sled. 

I needed to pack in the trails for future firewood gathering but I was unsure if the little Bravo would fire up. 

One pull on the cord and the little Yamaha started. The game was on and away we went to pack in the trails and collect a few pieces of firewood I had previously cut. 

It's amazing how fast the wildlife catch onto the trails and use them to their advantage. Instead of pushing through deep snow, they can traverse the land and conserve energy. 

In the coming days, my little Bravo will be put to heavy work hauling out the cord wood needed to keep the homestead warm. 

Stay Warm and Happy Trails.