COMMON SENSE
Everyone who canoes the Boundary Waters knows that the maximum group size is nine people and four watercraft. The rule further states that “…you may not exceed either limit at any time or at any place in the BWCA, including portages, campsites or waterways.” Prior to 1995, a crew of ten were allowed. The new […]
ARE BIG KNIVES BEST FOR BUSH CAMPING?
Above Knives: (Top/left to right): Grohmann #1 flat-ground carbon steel “Camper”, Gerber Shorty, Victorinox large Swiss Army Knife, Forschner #40614, Carbon steel Mora Kniv, Inexpensive carbon steel paring knife, Idaho Knife Works “Cliff Knife”. All are good bush knives. Many articles that have attempted to define the perfect “bush knife”—that is, the best one to […]
REVIEW: Chota HYRB-800 Rubber-Soled Boots
The subject of canoeing footwear has been largely beat to death by canoeing writers, including me. There’s no agreement as to what works best, probably because paddle-sport is affected by so many variables. Camp shoes are another matter; they are seldom discussed in guide books other than a comment that when the day is done […]
KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME TO QUIT
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 […]
DRYING HAMBURGER AND BEANS
Hamburger and beans form the basis of dozens of outdoors meals. Examples include spaghetti, lasagna, beef and been burritos and chili. Add hamburger and rice or noodles to soup and you have a complete meal. One of my favorite tripping meals is a mix of Oriental Raman soup, with dried hamburger and shitake mushrooms. For […]
CANOEING INTO OLD AGE
San Juan River, Utah: Cliff Jacobson, Bell Yellowstone solo canoe Tumplines are magical, more so when going uphill as they hold the weight of the load tight against your back! Thousands of Voyageurs and Himalayan porters can’t be wrong! A not-so-funny thing happened this year. I turned 77. That’s seventy-seven! Which is really old! Well, […]
CANOEING AMONG DANGEROUS BEARS
Mention guns and canoe trips in the same breath and some folks are apt to go ballistic. Still, if you’re traveling among dangerous bears it may be wise to go armed. This edited account from my North Knife River (Manitoba) log, relays the terror I felt when a polar bear chased my canoe across the […]
OLD IDEAS DIE HARD–REALLY HARD!
IF IT RAINS HARD ENOUGH AND LONG ENOUGH, WATER WILL GET INTO YOUR TENT! FLOODED TENT: NOTE HOW THE INTERIOR GROUND-SHEET KEEPS WATER AWAY FROM YOU! Old ideas die hard, and when it comes to camping, the hardest to die is that you should place a plastic groundcloth UNDER the floor of your tent. This […]
REVIEW: WEATHERWOOL®ANORAK
The WeatherWool anorak: It’s at home in the woods or at a fine restaurant! Check this if you think that wool isn’t high-tech! I’ve loved wool for as long as I can remember. In the 1960’s-70’s, when synthetic fibers towered, defending it wasn’t easy. Admirers like me were considered closed-minded old-timers who were stuck in […]
SELECTIVE ENVIRONMENTALISM
Kopka River, Ontario Adirondacks, New York At the outset, I should make it clear that I am an environmentalist. I taught environmental science at a Minnesota Middle School for many years. I deeply believe that we are stewards of the earth and it’s our job to take care of it and to pass a caring […]