It can be overwhelming to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your family. You hear the stories and watch the videos of overly crowded roads and crazy people chasing bears. Yes, we saw some of that. But, it’s also true you can escape the crowds and have an amazing adventure in the woods, streams, trails, and mountains WITH your kids, and have one of the best family vacations ever!
It doesn’t matter who you are are where you are, when you wander into the backwoods of any Wilderness area or a National Forest, you had better be prepared for whatever comes next. The problem is that most people think that what awaits them is nothing but rainbows and unicorns.
Well, this has been an exciting year and if you’ve been reading any of our recent articles you know that there is more than rainbows and unicorns waiting for you out in the woods if you don’t come prepared. In today’s article, we will explore lessons from another absolutely amazing survival situation.
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.
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.
Unboxing the new Survival and Bushcraft kit from famous YouTuber NWFS …
I’ve never had an actual bushcraft or survival kit, usually, I just throw whatever I have into my backpack when heading out. It was time to upgrade to the “real-deal.”
I was curious what would actually be inside a bushcraft survival kit. Time to find out!
Nestled into the tall trees on the North Shore of Lake Superior, MN is a lesser-known but hidden gem of a campground and State Park called Tettegouche State Park / Baptism River. While most North Shore explorers and vacations stop at the more popular Split Rock State Park or Gooseberry Falls State Park, they forget that a little farther north lies another, and arguably better State Park and Camp Ground located on the raging and rushing waters of Baptism River.
The campground is located directly on the North Shore highway and is a circle loop with all campsites buried into the tall trees giving a great barrier and much privacy between each site, more than most campers are used to at busy and loud State Park grounds most summer evenings.
The relatively small size of the 20-some-odd campsites also gives it a smaller friendly appeal.
One of the best parts about the Tettegouche State Park / Baptism River campground is the fact it has YEAR-ROUND open HEATED restrooms and shower facilities that are well-kept and clean. Especially for those looking for a place to call home in the offseasons of early spring or fall, when the campground is only holding a few visitors, it feels like you have the North Shore to yourself and these heated and learn restrooms and showers are a wonder to behold.
You won’t ever want to leave.
One of the best parts about camping at Baptism River is there there are trails and hiking right from the campground, you can easily hike .3 miles to beautiful waterfalls! You don’t even have to get in your car.
Also, this is located farther North of the popular Split Rock and Gooseberry Falls State Parks, so you are within striking distance of Grand Marais and the more rugged North Shore scenery than if you had stayed a little farther south.
If you are looking for campsite on the North Shore, skip the more popular Split Rock and Gooseberry falls, head north to Baptism River!
