Footprints

 When wandering, I'm always on the lookout for trail cameras. They are generally camouflaged and are tricky to find. Some individuals hang them about eight feet off the ground and point them on a forty five degree angle toward the trail. These are almost impossible to spot. 

Why do I look for these devices? It alerts me to the presence of potential hunting activities which in turn scares the wits out me if I am not in blaze orange. 

No, I'm not trespassing. I have found these cameras in Algonquin and surrounding Crown lands.

Private land owners are now resorting to using these cameras to inform them when a trespass occurs. I have talked to several land owners and the general consensus among them is that people are abusing the land. The destruction of living trees for Youtube shelters, tarps and garbage left to pollute once pristine woods and dangerous fire pits are high on the list of complaints. 

An elder, a long time ago, told me to "just leave footprints", it is a memory I carry with me into the woods every time I wander.

I just wanted to pass along this simple wisdom from a man who taught me how to "see" the forest. 

Happy Wandering. 

 

 

 

Ice Advice

 There is nothing like walking on a snow filled lake followed by silence and the mystery of the surrounding forest; however, it can be risky. 

The thickness of the ice varies due to factors such as current and temperature differentials within the water body. 

If you spend time out here, your wandering will bring you to the edge of a dilemma. Should you cross the ice or should you go around? 

Climate change has altered our winters, they have become more moderate. The bitter cold of January is no longer the norm. The thermometer rides a roller coaster every day and that temperature variation directly affects the formation of ice on the ponds and lakes we love. 

This video shows a method I use to cross ice, it's not fool proof but it will give you a fighting chance should you punch through ice that you thought was solid and safe. 

I have fallen through ice; and it was totally my fault.

I stumbled my way home with teeth chattering and hypothermia stalking me.

I called myself a fool more times than I care to admit. 

Once I thawed out, I had gained a whole new respect for the flat white expanse's of frozen water which seem so inviting to walk across. 

Walking Pole - Go Pro Camera Mount

 A stout walking pole is a tool like no other. You can use it for many different tasks when hiking and camping. 

One task I discovered, is the ability to use it as a primitive but functional camera mount. 

By simply installing a 1/4 by 20 bolt on the end of the pole, you have just made a camera mount which can be utilized like no other on the market. 

The best part - it costs less than a dollar to make. 

This camera mount will fit all cameras and is especially suited to the Go Pro style sports cameras. 

Easy to make and awesome to use, it makes a great addition to the humble but fantastic hiking pole. 

Have fun Out Here!

An Amazing View

The view from the lookout on Big Crow Lake in Algonquin Park has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

If you find yourself paddling across Big Crow Lake in Algonquin Park, take the time to hike the trail up to the lookout. The trail is located behind the Ranger's cabin. 

Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted with a view that will take your breath away. 

I know this because it took mine away. 

Happy Wandering. 

Winter Campfire Tips

 Wandering through the woods is always an adventure. You never know what you may find or what you might see. 

Eventually, you will get chilled and lighting a fire will keep potential hypothermia in the shadows. 

The secret is to know how to light a fire in all conditions. 

This video shows a few tips which will help you bridge the gap between being warm and warming up lunch or being cold and wondering if your toes are going to fall off. 

Always be prepared and you will never have to worry. 

Happy wandering. 

A Skull in the forest

 A wander through the woods can reveal much about the world around you. 

Tracks and sign left by the wild ones lead to many discoveries and adventures. 

As you wander, the primitive side of you slowly comes out of hiding and reveals itself. You begin to blend into the forest and you start to feel the energy which surrounds you. 

As you shed the skin of civilization, your body begins to respond to sensory inputs which have laid dormant for far too long. Small noises now have meaning, bird song becomes a message and the tracks on the trail are the signatures of the creatures which call the forest home. 

Always enter the forest without expectations, leave fear at home, simply go for a wander and let your mind drift; the forest will do the rest. 

How to build a log bird feeder

 The snow covered forests and fields are home to birds which do not fly south when brother cold blankets the land. They are generally the species which hunt for seeds, nuts, dormant bugs and the carcasses of animals. 

Winter is hard for the wild ones. Foraging becomes a never ending quest for energy. Both predator and prey must dance to the dictates of the winter winds. 

Setting up a bird feeder helps augment the wild birds diet and allows you to watch the interaction of the many species which will visit. 

The happy-go-lucky chickadees will flit in and out taking a seed at a time, the nuthatches will entertain you with their antics while the verbose blue jay's will test your patience as they scoop out half the contents of the feeder looking for the perfect seed. 

Red squirrels will find your feeder quickly, this will certainly command the attention of the predators. I have seen hawks, owls, weasels, fox and wolf at the feeders I have in front of my home. (Don't worry, the chatty red squirrel is clever and alert.) 

The project in this video is simple to make and easy to use:

1. Drill holes in a log of any size. 

2. Fill the holes with suet or peanut butter.

3. Place your log feeder where you can see it.        

4. Sit back and enjoy the dance.