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.
If you’re an outdoor lover like us, especially those people who are the persuasion of being into backpacking, hiking, and other backcountry activities … you’ve probably noticed two things in recent years …
Springtime is here. Rain is in the air. Things are getting green in the woods. The Average Flatlanders are all about Spring Turkey Hunting. We scouted a few areas, ran into a plethora of turkeys, and called in two Gobblers, a shot, and a miss! Plenty of turkeys, but nothing in the fridge yet.
But, time is on our side. This is only our first foray into the woods in quest of a turkey to call our own, we did find some morels. More to come!
If you’ve never been exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior, especially that hidden gem of the GreatWhite North, Grand Marais, then you’ve been missing out on one of the best-hidden vacation and adventure destination spots you can find.