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

Simple Yet Essential - The Fire Kit

It took thousands of years for Humans to discover the art of fire making. Now we have the ability to create fire whenever we choose to. 

When hiking or camping, always carry a means to light a fire, be that a lighter, a match or a flint and steel. 

Fire is the one thing that Humans require that no other species does. Learn how to create a fire in all weather and your good to go. 

Happy wandering