This photo was taken seconds before a lightning strike sent showers of burning branches and embers on to Alan's canoe! by Cliff Jacobson Canoeing texts tend to dismiss storms with the simple admonition that you should  “paddle close to shore when the wind is up” and “get off the water at the first sign of lightning”.   It’s not so simple.  Lightning, for example, often works in mysterious ways that defy textbook advice.  Here’s an example from my own experience on the Gull Ri

by Cliff Jacobson   In 1971, I outfitted and guided three wealthy Chicago men--the least affluent of which earned a quarter million a year--on a  five day canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota.  I was told to provide the finest food, equipment and hospitality--whatever it took to ensure a good time. In return, I'd be well compensated for my services.          For months I worked on assembling the menu.  Supper the first night would consist of Minnesota w

by Cliff Jacobson Cliff: U.S. Army National Match Rifle Team, 1964 PROLOGUE In 1964, I was a 24-year-old soldier stationed in Bayreuth, west Germany, near the Czech border.  I had two months left on my two-year active-duty commitment before I could return to the States.  I was what they called a “short timer”.  It was July 3 so two friends and I decided to celebrate our upcoming Independence Day and my “short timer” status, at a local Gasthouse (family-friendly tavern).   At

by Cliff Jacobson Manitou Falls, Saskatchewan. A decidedly spiritual place: Native Americans believed that the Fond du Lac River here disappeared into a hole in the ground. Here, the river does a sharp 90 degree left hand turn followed by a sharp 90 degree right hand turn. The approach by canoe is intimidating. It’s customary for authors to dedicate their books to a person they love or respect.  I’ve followed suit in all of my titles, except one—“Camping’s Top Secrets.”  I

Every once in a long while, I stumble upon a company whose products are so superb that I want to share my rare find with the world.   FROG KNIFE WORKS is such a company.  Surprisingly they’re located in River Falls, WI, minutes from where I live.   I discovered them at the annual River Falls “Art on the Kinni” festival,* which takes place in early September here in River Falls.  I’ve seen a lot of knives at trade shows, but few have impressed me as much as these.  I gushed ov

by Cliff Jacobson My Bell Yellowstone Solo Canoe. It has been EVERYWHERE!   When I was much younger, I made an annual trip down the Snake River in Minnesota.  The upper Snake--beginning at the now practically defunct town of Woodland--is beautiful and remote. The upper section is characterized by thick woods and intermittent rapids. In the mix there are two low canyons, the first of which, is easily runnable--that is, if you can stay away from the wall on river right.  The s

By Cliff Jacobson Here’s an interesting new product. RADLIGHT is a “take off” on the old Zippo lighter, but it’s much larger, has a very...

by Cliff Jacobson Third and final pitch of Wedding Cake Falls* Just west of Armstrong, Ontario, in the rocky shield country of Canada, lies a spectacular river called the "Kopka".  Along its length is one of the most magnificant falls within the tree line. Here, at what was once called "Mink Bridge Portage," the entire contents of the river spill tumultuously downward 250 feet in three successive drops, creating one of the most spectacular white water areas on the continent. 

Kopka River, Ontario. Cliff prepares steam fried pizza - 10 min. prep/2 min. cook Quick! Name the most important thing on a camping trip. If you said “food,” you’re partly correct. If you said GOOD food, you are dead right! I’ve been on many canoe trips where the rapids were intimidating, the portages bad, and the weather was awful. But my crews never complained. Why? Because we were always warm and dry, and we had really good food. I learned early that if everything