Outdoor Writer & Consultant – Wilderness Guide – Custom Canoe Expeditions into the far north
Outdoor Writer & Consultant – Wilderness Guide – Custom Canoe Expeditions into the far north
A bright summer morning on any river. A crowd of canoers prepare for a downstream float. It’s 9:30 a.m. and confusion abounds. “Weren’t we supposed to shuttle at 9?” someone asks. What! You say the shuttle’s gone? I didn’t hear any announcement. How’m I gonna get my car to Reedsville landing?” Between the mix of […]
I recently got a call from a casting director in California. She was casting for a new TV show, similar to “Survivor”. The idea was to pit an expert wilderness traveler (who often spends weeks in the wilds) against a gear-head with limited backwoods time. The wilderness pro will have basic stuff: map and compass, […]
You are REQUIRED to hang your food in Yellowstone NP. Note that the bear-hanging pole is directly over a prime tent spot. Way to go, trail crew! DO NOT exit your car for a photo op! Animals have a minimum safe distance. Get too close and you’re toast! I grew up in Indiana, a few […]
#1. Bear climbs tree, chews through rope #2 Bears climb trees. Really! Readers who are familiar with my books know that I don’t recommend hanging food packs in trees to keep the food away from bears. Over the years, I’ve come under considerable criticism for this approach because II refuse to comply with what appears […]
Kayaks now outnumber canoes on almost every waterway. Why are they so popular? Some years ago, I guided a group of teens on a canoe trip in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. As we rounded a point, a yellow kayak darted toward us. The paddler—a young woman in her twenties—flashed a smile, then poured on the coal. […]
Cliff: above center: Note LLBean boots Note leather boots. I learned fast that rubber is better! Above: Cliff canoeing Above: Cliff with Eureka! Drawtite tent–a great tent for its time When I was a kid I dreamed of canoeing the Boundary Waters. But my Chicago home was a long ways from Minnesota, and I couldn’t […]
I recently returned from my annual fall solo canoe trip into the Boundary Waters. My experience began at the Tofte ranger station where for the nth time, I was asked to watch the seven minute ethics video that is required of all visitors. I politely told the ranger that I had seen the video at […]
Snake River, Yukon, Canada Kopka River, Ontario Point Lake, Nunavut, Canada I am often asked this question: “We’re planning a wilderness canoe trip and want to be prepared with the best equipment. I hear there’s a great new trail stove (tent, rain parka, canoe pack etc.) on the market that is absolutely terrific. It was […]
Stuff happens as we age, and it’s not all good. Darrell Foss, 75, one of my closest friends, has Alzheimer’s disease. Darrell has lived with this disease for about five years now and he’s done everything possible (medication, memory clinics, mental exercises, etc.) to slow it down. He’s been persistent in pursuing every possible light […]
I like to eat well on canoe trips. Pre-packaged, freeze-dried meals, like the ones you buy at camping shops don’t cut it. My food comes exclusively from grocery stores and where possible, it is organic. I dehydrate hamburger, chili beans and salsa then vacuum-seal them for the long haul. I carry fresh vegetables—onions, peppers, celery, […]