In another unsurprising move for the state of Iowa in regards to our limited and already shakey natural resources, yet another pride and joy has slipped into a putrid state of disrepair and neglect. As if the degradation of our soil and water to a ridiculous state isn’t enough, we have to add this to the list as well.
I’m not sure if you keep up on the happenings in the outdoor world, but we, Average Flatlanders do, and one of the strange pieces of news recently is the apparent dying on the vine of probably one of the most popular and best outdoor stores REI.
To knock the rocks or to NOT knock the rocks, is that now the question of our age for us backpacking and wilderness travelers? Apparently so.
Unless you are living under a rock, which is very probable considering you’re reading this blog, don’t we all wish, you’ve probably been hearing about the hullabaloo on the left and right about the NPS (National Park Service) ordering the takedown of the American Flag from contractors vehicles in Denali National Park.
Let’s just pretend for a minute, let’s say you knew that you were going to be dropped off in the middle of the woods somewhere, anywhere, 3 days from civilization. You get to take 10 items. What do you take?
There is probably nothing more quintessentially bushcraft and survival in the woods than the classic ferro rod. You see it on TV, on YouTube, in magazines, heck, maybe you’re even jealous of your friend you go camping with who whips that magic eternal flame out and gets the fire going while you’re still breaking matches in the corner.
Disclaimer – I’m not a tree-hugging hippy. Just someone who enjoys the great outdoors.
This is one of those topics that because it turns so political, on both the left and right, nothing ever happens, and the land and water that we ALL use and live in suffer more and more without any end in sight. So, first and foremost, this article is not about politics nor is it viewing this problem of the degradation of our land and water from either extreme side of the political worldview.
The Minnesota Boundary Waters, known for its rugged and untouched wilderness areas, and endless chains of lakes and islands that slither on into eternity, have long been a haven for adventurers seeking solace and connection with nature. The Boundary Waters of the North are one of the best-kept Midwest secrets, loved by some and unknown by most others.
Is there anything more likely to raise an argument in the backcountry and backpacking community than bear spray vs guns for bear protection??? Probably not. It seems like there is no middle ground anymore, simply people on one side of the debate or the other slinging stones and quotes from papers at each other across the fence.
Can we get to the truth of the matter? Is it even possible to convince someone one way or the other, or have people long ago made up their minds?? Guns vs Bear Spray for protection in the backcountry, what’s the answer?
Well, it’s happening yet again. The same old story since the West was filled by farmers and ranchers. Last week we talked about the reintroduction of Grizzilies to places like the Northern Cascades and the impact on that environment and those people who spend time in those backcountry parts.