Here is wishing everyone a Happy New Year in 2013! I hope the year finds you happy, healthy, and wise. I also wish for you to go out and enjoy the outdoors as often as you are able, and share it with someone new.
As for the North Woodsman, my goal is more of everything here. Including folks following along and joining in on the conversations.
Stay safe tonight!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
gear fiddlin'
Horace Kephart said it best, " To be sure even though a man rigs up his own outfit, he never gets it quite to suit him. Every season sees the downfall of some cherisshed scheme, the failure of some fond contrivance. Every winter sees you again fussing over your kit, altering this, substituting that, and flogging your wits with the same old problem of how to save weight and bulk without sacrifice of utility. All thoroughbred campers do this as regularly as the birds come back in the spring, and their kind has been doing it since the world began. It is good for us."
long story short, I am fiddling with my gear a lot right now. Anyone else?
long story short, I am fiddling with my gear a lot right now. Anyone else?
From the Chow Hall
Hey all, this is just a quick little post that is food related and thus gets the Chow Hall title. On my Christmas shopping adventures I stopped for lunch at Panera Bread. It's a chain restaraunt, not fast food but quick service. Obviously they make their own bread and pastries but they aslo serve sandwhiches and soups...not a bad place to stop actually but enough chit chat and on to how this applies to the North Woodsman!
We all know that sometimes out in the field when we are fixing chow we want to add some flavor. Handy portable options are always popular and this company has some condiments out that I really like and maybe you will enjoy as well.
Good quality mustard and mayonaise.
One of my favorite lunches to bring out on a day trip is summer sausage, bread,cheese and mustard. Usually I make a sandwhich out of it but sometimes I just dip the cheese or bread or eat right in the mustard and just eat. Carrying a jar of mustard can get pretty heavy and in some cases breakable. carrying a couple of these packets mkes it much easier to add some flavor or use to make some sandwhiches.
the only thing more perfect than these 2 packetsin my opinion are the tiny bottles of tabasco sauce.
We all know that sometimes out in the field when we are fixing chow we want to add some flavor. Handy portable options are always popular and this company has some condiments out that I really like and maybe you will enjoy as well.
Good quality mustard and mayonaise.
One of my favorite lunches to bring out on a day trip is summer sausage, bread,cheese and mustard. Usually I make a sandwhich out of it but sometimes I just dip the cheese or bread or eat right in the mustard and just eat. Carrying a jar of mustard can get pretty heavy and in some cases breakable. carrying a couple of these packets mkes it much easier to add some flavor or use to make some sandwhiches.
the only thing more perfect than these 2 packetsin my opinion are the tiny bottles of tabasco sauce.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wilderness Survival Baseline
This topic came up on the blades and bushcraft forum as "Fun Wilderness Survival Test" and I really like the idea. This is the testing requirements for the Boy Scout Wilderness Survival Merit Badge. I see it as a really nice baseline for us to measure our skill as woodsmen/busch crafters/ outdoorsmen take your pick. Just looking through the list I see I have some things Ineed to brush up on and even a thing or 2 to learn. Certainly gets my juices flowing.
I really like that it also addresses some mental skills to develope for survival, avoiding panic and keeping up morale and such. I would add a few items here and there but that is just me nit picking.
Take a look and see where your skills fall. Get out and enjoy the outdoors!
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Requirements:
1.Show that you know first aid for, and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur in backcountry settings, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, and snakebites.
2.From memory, list the seven priorities for survival in a backcountry or wilderness location. Explain the importance of each one with your counselor.
3.Discuss ways to avoid panic and maintain a high level of morale when lost, and explain why this is important.
4.Describe the steps you would take to survive in the following conditions:
a. Cold and snowy
b. Wet (forest)
c. Hot and dry (desert)
d. Windy (mountains or plains)
e. Water (ocean, lake, or river)
5.Put together a personal survival kit and explain how each item in it could be useful
6.Using three different methods (other than matches), build and light three fires.
7.Do the following:
a. Show five different ways to attract attention when lost.
b. Demonstrate how to use a signal mirror.
c. Describe from memory five ground-to-air signals and tell what they mean.
8.Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a night in your shelter.
9.Explain how to protect yourself from insects, reptiles, and bears.
10.Demonstrate three ways to treat water found in the outdoors to prepare it for drinking.
11.Show that you know the proper clothing to wear in your area on an overnight in extremely hot weather and in extremely cold weather.
12.Explain why it usually not wise to eat edible wild plants or wildlife in a wilderness survival situation.
I really like that it also addresses some mental skills to develope for survival, avoiding panic and keeping up morale and such. I would add a few items here and there but that is just me nit picking.
Take a look and see where your skills fall. Get out and enjoy the outdoors!
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Requirements:
1.Show that you know first aid for, and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur in backcountry settings, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, and snakebites.
2.From memory, list the seven priorities for survival in a backcountry or wilderness location. Explain the importance of each one with your counselor.
3.Discuss ways to avoid panic and maintain a high level of morale when lost, and explain why this is important.
4.Describe the steps you would take to survive in the following conditions:
a. Cold and snowy
b. Wet (forest)
c. Hot and dry (desert)
d. Windy (mountains or plains)
e. Water (ocean, lake, or river)
5.Put together a personal survival kit and explain how each item in it could be useful
6.Using three different methods (other than matches), build and light three fires.
7.Do the following:
a. Show five different ways to attract attention when lost.
b. Demonstrate how to use a signal mirror.
c. Describe from memory five ground-to-air signals and tell what they mean.
8.Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a night in your shelter.
9.Explain how to protect yourself from insects, reptiles, and bears.
10.Demonstrate three ways to treat water found in the outdoors to prepare it for drinking.
11.Show that you know the proper clothing to wear in your area on an overnight in extremely hot weather and in extremely cold weather.
12.Explain why it usually not wise to eat edible wild plants or wildlife in a wilderness survival situation.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Hatchet project phase 2
Well today was the day I decided to get off my duff and try to finish refurbishing my Stepfather's old Boy Scout hatchet. A trip to the hardware store for some zipstrip and a good stiff wire brush got thins started.
Once home I applied a good thick coat of zip strip to the head and let it sit for a few minutes. This is powerful stuff. The can clearly states it is poison so be careful and read the can before using. I used the stuff outside and wore rubber kitchen gloves during the whole process.
Next step was to give it a good brushing with a stiff wire brush. Pretty straightforward, i was a little surprised at the dark gray color of the metal underneath the OD paint. In fact I kept brushing it for quite a while not thinking the zip strip was working. I rinsed it off quick and here is the result, obviously it worked.
Got a little in to the work at this point and forgot to photograph a few steps. Here is the axe with the handle on, the wedge hammerd in with a rubber mallet and I sawed off the excess.
The last shot is looking down the eye. Everything looks tight to me and the head doesn't move. Being this is my first refurbish I am worried if I did it right or if there is more I should do I have a metal wedge I could pound in crosswise into the wedge if needed but I am not sure I need to. Any tips or advice?
Once home I applied a good thick coat of zip strip to the head and let it sit for a few minutes. This is powerful stuff. The can clearly states it is poison so be careful and read the can before using. I used the stuff outside and wore rubber kitchen gloves during the whole process.
Next step was to give it a good brushing with a stiff wire brush. Pretty straightforward, i was a little surprised at the dark gray color of the metal underneath the OD paint. In fact I kept brushing it for quite a while not thinking the zip strip was working. I rinsed it off quick and here is the result, obviously it worked.
Got a little in to the work at this point and forgot to photograph a few steps. Here is the axe with the handle on, the wedge hammerd in with a rubber mallet and I sawed off the excess.
The last shot is looking down the eye. Everything looks tight to me and the head doesn't move. Being this is my first refurbish I am worried if I did it right or if there is more I should do I have a metal wedge I could pound in crosswise into the wedge if needed but I am not sure I need to. Any tips or advice?
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thanksgiving Holiday
I hope everyone had a good time celebrating what ever they believe in over this past holiday.
I loaded up my family intothe swagger wagon and made the 4 hour drive to Bemidji to spend it with my Parents and other family. We ate, played dominoes and talked about numerous topics and generally enjoyed each other's company.
It seems there is a growing movement of people against the holiday for various reasons, and that is their pergoative. My family will continue to celebrate with each other as we always have: eating a home cooked meal, gathering together and enjoying each other's company.
I loaded up my family intothe swagger wagon and made the 4 hour drive to Bemidji to spend it with my Parents and other family. We ate, played dominoes and talked about numerous topics and generally enjoyed each other's company.
It seems there is a growing movement of people against the holiday for various reasons, and that is their pergoative. My family will continue to celebrate with each other as we always have: eating a home cooked meal, gathering together and enjoying each other's company.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Another Rant!
Sorry all,
This isn't outdoors related but I need to vent so here it goes. We have been fortunate in that we have an in home day care friend who has watched all of our kids almost from the birth of our oldest who will be 9 next month. Her personal lifestyle and politics are different then ours but has never really been an issue until recently. I am not a very political person at all. I hate getting into disscussion about politics and will leave the room when folks start up. I am a Libertarian if anything. I have friends who are very left, like our day care lady and some who are just as right. I don't mind being with these folks for the most part. When they do get up on a soap box so to speak I politley listen, like at a party or get together, and then just mind my own business.
I picked the girls up after school the other day, a couple days after the election, and the girls seemed upset. I asked them what is up and what they told me really has my blood up. The ladies at daycare told them that Mitt Romney wanted to kill Big Bird. I verified with them to be sure of the words used and they said it was. These ladies are wiccan, polygamous, bi sexual, right wing peacenicks and yet the are sitting there telling my kids that the Republican Candidate wanted to KILL BIG BIRD if he was elected. Shame on them for saying this to kids who are impressionable and who take things to heart because they haven't the life experience yet to pick up exageration or sarcasm or what have you. Shame on them for trying to press on my kids their politics. I am still pretty mad about this.
We have been friends with these folks for years and years now and have always been able to take them with a grain of salt and the good they have done by being affordable daycare in an age where the cost is ridiculous. But this has hit me rather hard and I am at odds.
Do you think I am right with being this upset or should I just, "Lighten up, Francis"?
This isn't outdoors related but I need to vent so here it goes. We have been fortunate in that we have an in home day care friend who has watched all of our kids almost from the birth of our oldest who will be 9 next month. Her personal lifestyle and politics are different then ours but has never really been an issue until recently. I am not a very political person at all. I hate getting into disscussion about politics and will leave the room when folks start up. I am a Libertarian if anything. I have friends who are very left, like our day care lady and some who are just as right. I don't mind being with these folks for the most part. When they do get up on a soap box so to speak I politley listen, like at a party or get together, and then just mind my own business.
I picked the girls up after school the other day, a couple days after the election, and the girls seemed upset. I asked them what is up and what they told me really has my blood up. The ladies at daycare told them that Mitt Romney wanted to kill Big Bird. I verified with them to be sure of the words used and they said it was. These ladies are wiccan, polygamous, bi sexual, right wing peacenicks and yet the are sitting there telling my kids that the Republican Candidate wanted to KILL BIG BIRD if he was elected. Shame on them for saying this to kids who are impressionable and who take things to heart because they haven't the life experience yet to pick up exageration or sarcasm or what have you. Shame on them for trying to press on my kids their politics. I am still pretty mad about this.
We have been friends with these folks for years and years now and have always been able to take them with a grain of salt and the good they have done by being affordable daycare in an age where the cost is ridiculous. But this has hit me rather hard and I am at odds.
Do you think I am right with being this upset or should I just, "Lighten up, Francis"?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Television "experts"
I saw something today while channel surfing that has really bothered me. I don'tnormally get upset by this sort of thing but today it really bothered me. I was flipping channels and came to a program called "Gun Gear". They were in the middle of reviewing some Stag Arms AR 15s. Talking about their new relatively inexpensive gas piston models and what not. This was followed by a host of the show demonstrating how much cooler the gas piston model was compared to a traditional gas impingement model.
The test was straight forward, measure bolt temp on a cold weapon, fire a mag through quickly and then measure temp again. He picked up the first gun, locked and loaded and fired towards his target area. I don't know what he was shooting at but he seemed to be at a range so I assume some sort of target was there. It is what he did after he fired that caught my eye. After the last round was fired the hold open caught the bolt, the camera showed this and it was easy to see the chamber was clear. Then the host released the bolt forward with the mag still in inside and set the rifle down and picked up the other. As an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in the Army for over 20 years, having been a range saftey and Range Safety Officer on countless rifle ranges wht he did not do stood out to me as if it had bells and whistles on it. It happened fast so I watched him shoot the second weapon and repeat what he did with the first rifle to be sure. I even waited and hoped the cameraman would close in on the weapons as he talked so I could be sure. I was kind of surprised by what I saw.
He never put either rifle on safe. As the camera was on facing the right side of the weapons where the selector lever is not visible I looked at the notch on the flat head of the lever and it was pointed straight up, on fire. These Stag arms rifles even had Fire and Safe stamped on the right side and it was crystal clear that both weapons were still on fire. He just continued to talk about the temperature diferences and some other features, even picked them up again so the camera could get better angles.
It really stood out as wrong to me. In our rifle training we emphasize and train constantly to put the weapon back on safe immediately after firing. We hammer it home at every qulification range where the saftey in the tower announces, "Cease fire, cease fire, place your weapon on safe, lock your bolt to the rear, back away from the weapon and stand by for a saftey to inspect you". When we do shoot house training and CQB firing we spend hours with unloaded weapons training in raising our weapon to a target, making certain it is what we want to shoot, switching the lever from safe to semi, firing, switching back to safe and lowering our weapons again. We drill this safety practice home to our troops. We chew each other out if we find weapons on semi when we are in the rear or just hanging around or whatever.
It really struck me as negligence. Now perhaps my view point is skewed but I don't think it is. This person is a host of a program on television that is all about firearms. As a host, he is going to be viewed as some kind of "expert" in the field. As a host on a televison show I think he has the duty to demonstrate safe handling procedures of firearms at all times. In this case I think this was an extreme lack of safety. In the Army and especiallyin the Infantry we always tell ourselves to train as we fight and I sincerely hope this host doesn't do this often. Even if the host and the one cameraman were the only people on a closed range with absolute certainty there was no one else around I would still be bothered by this.
When we are learning basic firearms safety either through the Military or hunter safety courses or conceal carry permt courses we are always taught to keep our weapon on safe until we are ready to fire. it is basic safety and to see it disregarded on a show by an "expert" really bothered me today.
Wow, my first real rant!
The test was straight forward, measure bolt temp on a cold weapon, fire a mag through quickly and then measure temp again. He picked up the first gun, locked and loaded and fired towards his target area. I don't know what he was shooting at but he seemed to be at a range so I assume some sort of target was there. It is what he did after he fired that caught my eye. After the last round was fired the hold open caught the bolt, the camera showed this and it was easy to see the chamber was clear. Then the host released the bolt forward with the mag still in inside and set the rifle down and picked up the other. As an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in the Army for over 20 years, having been a range saftey and Range Safety Officer on countless rifle ranges wht he did not do stood out to me as if it had bells and whistles on it. It happened fast so I watched him shoot the second weapon and repeat what he did with the first rifle to be sure. I even waited and hoped the cameraman would close in on the weapons as he talked so I could be sure. I was kind of surprised by what I saw.
He never put either rifle on safe. As the camera was on facing the right side of the weapons where the selector lever is not visible I looked at the notch on the flat head of the lever and it was pointed straight up, on fire. These Stag arms rifles even had Fire and Safe stamped on the right side and it was crystal clear that both weapons were still on fire. He just continued to talk about the temperature diferences and some other features, even picked them up again so the camera could get better angles.
It really stood out as wrong to me. In our rifle training we emphasize and train constantly to put the weapon back on safe immediately after firing. We hammer it home at every qulification range where the saftey in the tower announces, "Cease fire, cease fire, place your weapon on safe, lock your bolt to the rear, back away from the weapon and stand by for a saftey to inspect you". When we do shoot house training and CQB firing we spend hours with unloaded weapons training in raising our weapon to a target, making certain it is what we want to shoot, switching the lever from safe to semi, firing, switching back to safe and lowering our weapons again. We drill this safety practice home to our troops. We chew each other out if we find weapons on semi when we are in the rear or just hanging around or whatever.
It really struck me as negligence. Now perhaps my view point is skewed but I don't think it is. This person is a host of a program on television that is all about firearms. As a host, he is going to be viewed as some kind of "expert" in the field. As a host on a televison show I think he has the duty to demonstrate safe handling procedures of firearms at all times. In this case I think this was an extreme lack of safety. In the Army and especiallyin the Infantry we always tell ourselves to train as we fight and I sincerely hope this host doesn't do this often. Even if the host and the one cameraman were the only people on a closed range with absolute certainty there was no one else around I would still be bothered by this.
When we are learning basic firearms safety either through the Military or hunter safety courses or conceal carry permt courses we are always taught to keep our weapon on safe until we are ready to fire. it is basic safety and to see it disregarded on a show by an "expert" really bothered me today.
Wow, my first real rant!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Veteran's Day
To everyone, please take a moment today and remember the service and sacrifices of the men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. To my brothers and sisters in arms, it is my HONOR to serve alongside you.
Monday, November 5, 2012
My first hunt
Hey all,
I made it back from my first ever deer hunt. While I didn't manage to get a deer for the freezer I did enjoy my time in the stand, and I will be back again as soon as possible.
I did get close to getting one on opening morning but it just didn't happen. The stand my Uncle put me in was a proven one. It sits in a saddle between two hills on the east and west. On the North side was a dried up swamp and on the south side was a lake. It was pretty much the only path deer could take to get past the lake and swamp and my Uncle has taken quite a few deer in this stand in the past.
We got up at 5 am got dressed and made our way out to the stands. I was up and sitting by 6:15 just waiting. It was a little cold, but that is to be expected in November in Minnesota. We had heard there was a chance for flurries of snow and were hoping it would be true. A little of the white stuff really helps visibility. The woods we were in was pretty brushy, lots of little popples all over the place.
Sitting and watching the sun rise and the day shift of nature get up and going was awesome. There were a pair of swans on the lake that started trumpeting with the first rays of the sun. Crows caw-cawing, squirrels scampering. At about 7:30, just about the legal shooting time, I heard something big walking in the woods on the backside of the westerly hill, the bigger of the two hills. It was taking its time just casually making its way around looking for a place to bed or maybe some last minute browse to fill up on before sleep. It came around the hill to the low ground near the lake and then started heading right towards my stand. I had the wind in my favor, blowing towards me from the direction of the animal. The blood started to realy pump as I slowly raised the 7mm and sighted throught he scope towards the sound, my thumb on the safety waiting for a good look at a deer before engaging. The sound kept getting louder and louder, coming right at me. I was really excited! I was going to have a deer in the 1st minutes of the opening morning! Meat for the family and some bragging rights too!
But the deer never came the sound just started to slowy ebb off iback in the opposite direction and it never showed itself to me. Other hunters all around me near and far were firing now, nothing close but still I hoped something would maybe flush my way, but nothing did.
I stayed up in that stand until after 10 a.m. waiting and was back in it by 3 that afternoon and 6 again Sunday morning. Still no luck.
I didn't get my deer this year but I am keeping up a long tradition of deer hunting and will pass it on to my own children if that is what they wish. I am proud and thankful to live in a state like Minnesota with such a rich outdoor sports heritage. I am also proud to carry that tradition and heritage on.
I made it back from my first ever deer hunt. While I didn't manage to get a deer for the freezer I did enjoy my time in the stand, and I will be back again as soon as possible.
I did get close to getting one on opening morning but it just didn't happen. The stand my Uncle put me in was a proven one. It sits in a saddle between two hills on the east and west. On the North side was a dried up swamp and on the south side was a lake. It was pretty much the only path deer could take to get past the lake and swamp and my Uncle has taken quite a few deer in this stand in the past.
We got up at 5 am got dressed and made our way out to the stands. I was up and sitting by 6:15 just waiting. It was a little cold, but that is to be expected in November in Minnesota. We had heard there was a chance for flurries of snow and were hoping it would be true. A little of the white stuff really helps visibility. The woods we were in was pretty brushy, lots of little popples all over the place.
Sitting and watching the sun rise and the day shift of nature get up and going was awesome. There were a pair of swans on the lake that started trumpeting with the first rays of the sun. Crows caw-cawing, squirrels scampering. At about 7:30, just about the legal shooting time, I heard something big walking in the woods on the backside of the westerly hill, the bigger of the two hills. It was taking its time just casually making its way around looking for a place to bed or maybe some last minute browse to fill up on before sleep. It came around the hill to the low ground near the lake and then started heading right towards my stand. I had the wind in my favor, blowing towards me from the direction of the animal. The blood started to realy pump as I slowly raised the 7mm and sighted throught he scope towards the sound, my thumb on the safety waiting for a good look at a deer before engaging. The sound kept getting louder and louder, coming right at me. I was really excited! I was going to have a deer in the 1st minutes of the opening morning! Meat for the family and some bragging rights too!
But the deer never came the sound just started to slowy ebb off iback in the opposite direction and it never showed itself to me. Other hunters all around me near and far were firing now, nothing close but still I hoped something would maybe flush my way, but nothing did.
I stayed up in that stand until after 10 a.m. waiting and was back in it by 3 that afternoon and 6 again Sunday morning. Still no luck.
I didn't get my deer this year but I am keeping up a long tradition of deer hunting and will pass it on to my own children if that is what they wish. I am proud and thankful to live in a state like Minnesota with such a rich outdoor sports heritage. I am also proud to carry that tradition and heritage on.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Apologies for the time span. I know I have some other promised entries and I do plan to get them out but I have something I am really excited to share.
For the 1st time ever I am going deer hunting this season. To understand the significance of this I need to explain a bit. First, I live in Minnesota, where outdoor sports are not only popular but real parts of who Minnesotans are. Growing up as a kid I always had friends that were fishing or hunting or snowmobiling all the time. I didn't get the chance much as I was a city kid with a single Mom. This isn't going to be a sob story just a statement of fact.
My Uncles liked to fish so we at least went on a few trips every summer but none of the males in my family growing up hunted. Now that I have a young son of my own, I want feel compelled to give him the chances I didn't have. That means taking him out into the outdoors as often as I can and sharing with him, and my daughters as well. So far all 3 love to fish for Sunnies off the dock at the lake and we are almost at the point they can hook their own bait and unhook their catches.
But on to hunting. My step Uncle lives in Akeley, MN. He has a spread of land that he hunts every year and according to my folks he gets a deer every time. I was planning to ask him to take me in 2011 but an unplanned for deployment to Kuwait stopped that. I contacted him early this year and the hunt is on! He has 2 stands for both of us and a couple of Remmington 700s I can choose from to use. I'm not the expert shot that I once was back in the day but I still do pretty well at my bi yearly rifle qualifications in the MN Army Guard so I think I can make a 100 yard shot with a scoped rifle that isn't quite zeroed to me.
Anyway I am really excited and so is my Uncle. He has called me several times to tell me how much he is looking forward to the hunt. I really hope this goes well and becomes a family tradition I can pass on to my kids if they choose.
And if nothing else I hope to put a little venison in the freezer for the winter.
For the 1st time ever I am going deer hunting this season. To understand the significance of this I need to explain a bit. First, I live in Minnesota, where outdoor sports are not only popular but real parts of who Minnesotans are. Growing up as a kid I always had friends that were fishing or hunting or snowmobiling all the time. I didn't get the chance much as I was a city kid with a single Mom. This isn't going to be a sob story just a statement of fact.
My Uncles liked to fish so we at least went on a few trips every summer but none of the males in my family growing up hunted. Now that I have a young son of my own, I want feel compelled to give him the chances I didn't have. That means taking him out into the outdoors as often as I can and sharing with him, and my daughters as well. So far all 3 love to fish for Sunnies off the dock at the lake and we are almost at the point they can hook their own bait and unhook their catches.
But on to hunting. My step Uncle lives in Akeley, MN. He has a spread of land that he hunts every year and according to my folks he gets a deer every time. I was planning to ask him to take me in 2011 but an unplanned for deployment to Kuwait stopped that. I contacted him early this year and the hunt is on! He has 2 stands for both of us and a couple of Remmington 700s I can choose from to use. I'm not the expert shot that I once was back in the day but I still do pretty well at my bi yearly rifle qualifications in the MN Army Guard so I think I can make a 100 yard shot with a scoped rifle that isn't quite zeroed to me.
Anyway I am really excited and so is my Uncle. He has called me several times to tell me how much he is looking forward to the hunt. I really hope this goes well and becomes a family tradition I can pass on to my kids if they choose.
And if nothing else I hope to put a little venison in the freezer for the winter.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
My Gear pt 2
The second post regarding my gear for getting out into the wilds. This will cover what I have found most useful in my Finn Gas Mask bag which I use for day trips.
This bag has quickly become a very popular day tripper bag but the Bushcraft community. It seems to be readily available, holds a good ammount of gear, and can be found very inexpensive. I bought mine for $3.99. It is made of cotton canvas and as it comes is not water resistant at all. I have done nothing to mine yet to ammend this but there are folks who domod them to make them more waterproof. I will, at some point do this and you can be sure that I will post the process and results here on the blog.
It has a strap system theat is pretty common to protective mask carriers. What I mean is, it has a waist strap and another ssmaller strap usually wrapped around your thigh to hold the bag closer and tighter to you so you can open it quickly when needed. Using it for a day bag I wear the waist strap asa shoulder strap across my body. I simply tighten up the unused leg strap and let it hang.between me and the bag.
On to the pictures!
Here is the Finn bag next to my packed ALICE medium rucksack for size reference.
Another shot of the loaded bag.
And now a pic of what I have in the bag in these pictures. Again these are the things I have found useful at this moment. More will be added or modified as I will explain. One problem I had was overpacking this bag. I used it a few times with a standard sized Nalgene and my Gransfor Bruks Wildlife hatchet packed inside. The was far too much and the snap closures couldn't handle the strain and constantly popped open. This led me to have to devise another method of carrying water and a hatchet if needed. Again this issue has been noticed by others and a quick internet search or a search of the forums in my side bar will give you more ideas of what to do if you need a solution. My solution was to carry a water bottle in my pocket and my hatchet on my belt if I really need it. I carry a fixed blade on my belt at all times out in the woods so if I need a hatchet I either add it to the belt or replace the knife.
Now for the contents
Really a pretty basic set up here. At the top of the photo are my work gloves and a roll of about 50' or so of military paracord (aka 550 cord). On the left side is a Kellam Puukko. This knife, or a Mora Classic 1 are always in this bag. Both knives are solid users and I know I can trust them if needed. Next to the knife are a survival blanket, a GI Lensatic compass (self luminous), a small altoids tin packed with Petroleum Jelly cotton balls, a box of stormproof matches which I need to get a watertight carrier for, and a ferro rod and coffinshaped striker. Next is a plastic spoon from an MRE. I got used to always having one on me in the military and now it has become a habit. A can of SPAM to eat if needed. The green altoids is a small personal survival kit, the red altoids is my fire kit. Next is a signal mirror, a fox 40 whistle and a piece of cloth cut from a military VS-17 signal panel. The panel piece is bright orange on one side and bright ink on the reverse. It is big and bright enough to use to signal a searching aricraft if neede and or a safe landing zone. Finally I have an OD/Black Shemagh, the uses for which are numerous. Earth, wind, and fire protection; arm sling, dew rag....you name it.
And that's it. As always it is a work in progress. SOmethings that go in or out as need are sunscreen and bug reppellant. I bought a bag for each of my kids and am starting them on their own "adventure" bags which they add gear to as they acquire it.
This bag has quickly become a very popular day tripper bag but the Bushcraft community. It seems to be readily available, holds a good ammount of gear, and can be found very inexpensive. I bought mine for $3.99. It is made of cotton canvas and as it comes is not water resistant at all. I have done nothing to mine yet to ammend this but there are folks who domod them to make them more waterproof. I will, at some point do this and you can be sure that I will post the process and results here on the blog.
It has a strap system theat is pretty common to protective mask carriers. What I mean is, it has a waist strap and another ssmaller strap usually wrapped around your thigh to hold the bag closer and tighter to you so you can open it quickly when needed. Using it for a day bag I wear the waist strap asa shoulder strap across my body. I simply tighten up the unused leg strap and let it hang.between me and the bag.
On to the pictures!
Here is the Finn bag next to my packed ALICE medium rucksack for size reference.
Another shot of the loaded bag.
And now a pic of what I have in the bag in these pictures. Again these are the things I have found useful at this moment. More will be added or modified as I will explain. One problem I had was overpacking this bag. I used it a few times with a standard sized Nalgene and my Gransfor Bruks Wildlife hatchet packed inside. The was far too much and the snap closures couldn't handle the strain and constantly popped open. This led me to have to devise another method of carrying water and a hatchet if needed. Again this issue has been noticed by others and a quick internet search or a search of the forums in my side bar will give you more ideas of what to do if you need a solution. My solution was to carry a water bottle in my pocket and my hatchet on my belt if I really need it. I carry a fixed blade on my belt at all times out in the woods so if I need a hatchet I either add it to the belt or replace the knife.
Now for the contents
Really a pretty basic set up here. At the top of the photo are my work gloves and a roll of about 50' or so of military paracord (aka 550 cord). On the left side is a Kellam Puukko. This knife, or a Mora Classic 1 are always in this bag. Both knives are solid users and I know I can trust them if needed. Next to the knife are a survival blanket, a GI Lensatic compass (self luminous), a small altoids tin packed with Petroleum Jelly cotton balls, a box of stormproof matches which I need to get a watertight carrier for, and a ferro rod and coffinshaped striker. Next is a plastic spoon from an MRE. I got used to always having one on me in the military and now it has become a habit. A can of SPAM to eat if needed. The green altoids is a small personal survival kit, the red altoids is my fire kit. Next is a signal mirror, a fox 40 whistle and a piece of cloth cut from a military VS-17 signal panel. The panel piece is bright orange on one side and bright ink on the reverse. It is big and bright enough to use to signal a searching aricraft if neede and or a safe landing zone. Finally I have an OD/Black Shemagh, the uses for which are numerous. Earth, wind, and fire protection; arm sling, dew rag....you name it.
And that's it. As always it is a work in progress. SOmethings that go in or out as need are sunscreen and bug reppellant. I bought a bag for each of my kids and am starting them on their own "adventure" bags which they add gear to as they acquire it.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Hatchet Project
This will be my first attempt at fixing up an axe or hatchet, or any tool for that matter. Wish me luck!
The hatchet is nothing special except for possibly sentimental reasons. It was the hatchet my Step Father used as his boy scout hatchet when he was a scout. I've looked all over the head and can not find any marks as to a brand or maker.
Anyway I found it in the shed, head falling off the handle just as you see it in the picture.I asked him for it and he didn't seem to mind giving it up. I thought I could re handle it and take the paint off the head with out too much trouble, maybe give it back to My step dad or hold on to it for my on kids.
So that is what the project will be, complete with some pics to tell the tale.
Looking at the head sitting on the new handle, does the head look too small for this particular handle? Maybe I should get a smaller handle at the hardware store?
Let me know what you think.
Pic 1 is the old hatchet, the leather sheath and the new handle.
The hatchet is nothing special except for possibly sentimental reasons. It was the hatchet my Step Father used as his boy scout hatchet when he was a scout. I've looked all over the head and can not find any marks as to a brand or maker.
Anyway I found it in the shed, head falling off the handle just as you see it in the picture.I asked him for it and he didn't seem to mind giving it up. I thought I could re handle it and take the paint off the head with out too much trouble, maybe give it back to My step dad or hold on to it for my on kids.
So that is what the project will be, complete with some pics to tell the tale.
Looking at the head sitting on the new handle, does the head look too small for this particular handle? Maybe I should get a smaller handle at the hardware store?
Let me know what you think.
Pic 1 is the old hatchet, the leather sheath and the new handle.
Pic 2 here is what the head and the new handle should look like when finished. Does the head look too small for this handle to you?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
My gear Pt.1
I may have mentioned that I am in the process of putting my bush craft gear together.
I have plenty of military issue gear but that stuff is really just on loan from Uncle Sam. Nearly all of it will be returned to him when I separate from my Military service. While deployed in Kuwait I took the opportunity t use some of my deployment money to start to build up my own gear for myself.
I'm still figuring things out so my equipment will be in flux for a bit until I get things finalized but I thought I would at least share what I now have. Maybe sharing what I have will help someone else pick out theirs or at least give them some ideas of what is out there and why I choose the things that I do. Choosing your load out is a very personal choice, one that could cost you quite a bit if you are not sure of what you are getting. Some folks choose modern ultra light weight stuff, some go Military surplus and some go old school traditional with items made from wool, canvas, leather etc... My style so far is military surplus for the most part simply because that is the gear I know. I have preference to go for Olive Drab (OD) rather than the more current ACU/ UCP pattern.
I will go in to some detail as to why I have what I do just to give you my thoughts and process for gear selection.
Well, for the most part, there it is all neatly packed up in a SPEC OPs brand medium Alice ruck with a Condor water bottle pouch attached to the right side as worn. I bought the ruck from another member on the BCUSA forums and he threw in an interesting frame that I had never seen before. Did some investigation and the frame is a Viet Nam War era Alice pack frame. I find this to be a pretty cool thing. Finally on the pack frame is a Molle waist belt. After purchasing these items I have learned they are now called a "hellcat" configuration. Whatever. I'm not much on labels and I tend to only use them so others know what I am talking about. I've worn the pack, loaded like this for a total of about 35-40 minutes and under a 2 mile rough terrain hike. So far it fits great and the weight wasn't bad. as is in this picture I would consider this pack fully loaded. One sad thing is this pack does not have any food in it. Something i will have to consider.
Anyway in the pick is the Ruck, as I mentioned. Directly under the ruck is a Hydrastorm 100 oz. hydration pack. Usually I strap something like this to the back of the ruck during a hike and then strap it on me when I drop the ruck and move about.
Sitting near the upper left of the ruck is my old Military 3 fold medic bag which I continue t use as a large first aid kit. I had this with us on out BWCA trip and gladly didn't need it. I am looking for a smaller pouch to make an individual first aid kit (IFAK) to mount on the ruck itself. I ill save the contents of the first aid bag for another post.
Sitting at the upper right is my Finn gas mask bag set up for a day trip, well mostly set up for one.
Obviously it holds my Nalgene in the main pouch. In the side pouch I added what will become my fire starting kit. Inside it right now is a Doans magnesium bar with striker and a bit of dryer lint and Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls. On my person I carry a fixed blade knife and a ferro rod an striker and I go to lengths to make sure they are always secured on me before I set off. I do plan to add some storm proof matches and a striker to this kit and probably a bic lighter to be sure. I haven't sanded off the paint because it's pretty bright as is and I can see it well on the ground. Last thing I need is to pack up and set off and forget my fire kit in the grass.
Not a ton of room inside, but enough. The trip that this was packed for was for 6 days. I packed like I would be sleeping outdoors even though we had a cabin. The blue compression bag at the top is my clothes: A lightweight long sleeve shirt, 3-4 tee shirts, sweat pants, a fleece jacket, BDU style pants, socks and underwear and an extra pair of cargo shorts. The black compression bag at the bottom is my Military Sleep System (MSS). I have the patrol bag and bivy inside. I left the cold weather bag at home. Upper left OD blob is an insect headnet, very handy in Northern Minnesota in the summer, Black Flies and Mosquitoes can be down right demoralizing. Rolled up in the middle is my woobie, aka Poncho liner. It is a synthetic quilted blanket and probably the most favored piece of field gear that any Soldier has. The axe is a Gransfor Brucks Wildlife Hatchet. Like I said before there isn't any food packed in this set up and that means I need to figure out how I'm bringing it before I try a solo or some weekend trips. Though with the reduced amount of clothes that room could be made up with food stuffs.
I have plenty of military issue gear but that stuff is really just on loan from Uncle Sam. Nearly all of it will be returned to him when I separate from my Military service. While deployed in Kuwait I took the opportunity t use some of my deployment money to start to build up my own gear for myself.
I'm still figuring things out so my equipment will be in flux for a bit until I get things finalized but I thought I would at least share what I now have. Maybe sharing what I have will help someone else pick out theirs or at least give them some ideas of what is out there and why I choose the things that I do. Choosing your load out is a very personal choice, one that could cost you quite a bit if you are not sure of what you are getting. Some folks choose modern ultra light weight stuff, some go Military surplus and some go old school traditional with items made from wool, canvas, leather etc... My style so far is military surplus for the most part simply because that is the gear I know. I have preference to go for Olive Drab (OD) rather than the more current ACU/ UCP pattern.
I will go in to some detail as to why I have what I do just to give you my thoughts and process for gear selection.
Anyway in the pick is the Ruck, as I mentioned. Directly under the ruck is a Hydrastorm 100 oz. hydration pack. Usually I strap something like this to the back of the ruck during a hike and then strap it on me when I drop the ruck and move about.
Sitting near the upper left of the ruck is my old Military 3 fold medic bag which I continue t use as a large first aid kit. I had this with us on out BWCA trip and gladly didn't need it. I am looking for a smaller pouch to make an individual first aid kit (IFAK) to mount on the ruck itself. I ill save the contents of the first aid bag for another post.
Sitting at the upper right is my Finn gas mask bag set up for a day trip, well mostly set up for one.
Military Tri-fold Medic bag
Finn Gas Mask Bag
So there are the bags themselves, now I will show you the contents starting with the outside pockets of the rucksack.
Right Pocket -
Contains my 10' x 10'tarp (and ridge line) in a stuff sack, 2 hanks of about 100' each of 550 cord, a flashlight and the Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls were just thrown in at the last minute. The plan here was to have my shelter stuff all in one place. The flashlight is there in case I am not wearing my head lamp I have a way to see at night to put up the shelter and the paracord is there just because that's where I put it.
Center Pocket -
This is what I have here: A Tree and wildflower guide, normally this is in my day pack but I put it here for some reason. Princeton Remix head lamp. I chose this mainly because I needed a headlamp on my deployment and this one was at the PX and didn't break the bank. It has a Bright white LED and 3 smaller red LEDs for tactical purposes. Also there are two light modes for each set of LEDs a high beam and allow beam setting. Total cost was less than $40. This also is normally on me in a pocket or in the day bag so I can get to it quickly if I need it. Next is the Eton Microlink FR160 Radio. A comfort item for the most part but it does have on important use and it's pretty light to carry. In addition to being an AM/FM radio that charges via hand crank or solar cell this little beauty has 7 weather band stations. It can also provide a charge for a cell phone via a USB port but I haven't tried this so I can not attest to how well it works in this capacity. Finally my platy pus gravity water filter. I bought this on the recommendations of the American Grouch, whose blog can be found in my side bar. He is a man that, although I only know him via email and forums has quickly become a trusted mentor to me. I respect his opinion on gear and other outdoorsman topics as he has "been there and done that". The filter works great, better than expected. When the Katydine filter in our BWCA cabin failed we used mine to filter our drinking water for the four of us. It filters 4L of water in about 3 minutes tops. It is as easy as filling the bag marked "Dirty", hanging it up, opening a valve and collecting water in the bag marked "Clean".
Left Pocket -
Ok, this is kind my stove pocket. In it I have a Crusader Cup and Cook set. This is the NATO version of the GI canteen and cup so familiar to many outdoorsman. It has a few more items added to the kit which, I feel, makes this set up far more functional than the GI model. It has the usual plastic canteen which holds about a quart of water (I don't know how many mL or L that is, 750 mL?) and it has a plastic cup that acts as a cover. Next it has a metal canteen cup with wire handles and gradations of .25L and .50L stamped in it. on the bottom of the set, the smaller metal cup with a sort of 2 tone bare metal and blackened metal color is the stove. It is designed to burn heat tabs or fuel jells. I've found that the cans of sterno that come in a 2 pack will fit inside it nicely. It has a wire that folds back across the stove where those 2 notches you see are, this is where the metal cup sits while cooking. The items on the side are a bail that slides under the lip of the cup so it can be hung over an open fire and a lid . It is a nice set up, however it's pretty heavy and bulky. There is a benefit in that I could hold water in the canteen and I can use it to collect water to be filtered if needed. Also everything nests together pretty well. It bangs around and makes quite a bit of noise so if that kind of thing gets to you (AG), then you're going to want to try something else. What I don't like is having to carry extra fuel for this, but I will need to with almost every kind of stove other than a wood gas. Speaking of which I would like to add an emberlit stove to this setup.
The last difficulty is getting a hold of one of these cooksets. They are out there but most of them come from Europe and they are not cheap, neither is shipping. I got mine from a fellow here in the states that was dumping gear for cheap, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered.
External Water Bottle pouch -
Obviously it holds my Nalgene in the main pouch. In the side pouch I added what will become my fire starting kit. Inside it right now is a Doans magnesium bar with striker and a bit of dryer lint and Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls. On my person I carry a fixed blade knife and a ferro rod an striker and I go to lengths to make sure they are always secured on me before I set off. I do plan to add some storm proof matches and a striker to this kit and probably a bic lighter to be sure. I haven't sanded off the paint because it's pretty bright as is and I can see it well on the ground. Last thing I need is to pack up and set off and forget my fire kit in the grass.
Inside the pack itself -
Not a ton of room inside, but enough. The trip that this was packed for was for 6 days. I packed like I would be sleeping outdoors even though we had a cabin. The blue compression bag at the top is my clothes: A lightweight long sleeve shirt, 3-4 tee shirts, sweat pants, a fleece jacket, BDU style pants, socks and underwear and an extra pair of cargo shorts. The black compression bag at the bottom is my Military Sleep System (MSS). I have the patrol bag and bivy inside. I left the cold weather bag at home. Upper left OD blob is an insect headnet, very handy in Northern Minnesota in the summer, Black Flies and Mosquitoes can be down right demoralizing. Rolled up in the middle is my woobie, aka Poncho liner. It is a synthetic quilted blanket and probably the most favored piece of field gear that any Soldier has. The axe is a Gransfor Brucks Wildlife Hatchet. Like I said before there isn't any food packed in this set up and that means I need to figure out how I'm bringing it before I try a solo or some weekend trips. Though with the reduced amount of clothes that room could be made up with food stuffs.
So that was my rucksack. This post has gone on long enough so I will save the Finn bag and First aid kit for another post. Thanks for checking it out and please leave a comment if you have any questions. I'll be glad to tell you more.
Monday, August 6, 2012
What's going on in the North Woods?
It has been some time since my last post. Sorry for that. I'd like to say I have been busy in the outdoors with the kids but that hasn't happened. I have been busy with real life.
I did get to take an awesome trip, one that I hope to take many more times. My Stepfather and some friends and me went up to the Boundary Water's Canoe Area. (BWCA) The four of us all got to have a trip we will remember for many years. I hope we started a tradition we can continue for years to come.
The trip was planned while I was still in Kuwait so it was something I was really looking forward too for a very long time. I spent a lot of time and deployment money buying some gear of my own to use on the trip. I have plenty of gear issued to me but I wanted to use gear that was mine and that I would have long after my time in the Army comes to an end. At 23+ years in I am not quite sure when that day will come but I know it's in the near future.
I went with the plan of showing off a lot of the skills I have learned in the areas of field craft an bush craft but I was limited in what I was able to do. My stepdad booked a cabin for us through Log cabin Hideaways. I know, sleeping in a cabin? It was actually really nice. It was vary rustic, had to haul and filter our own water and the lights and stove and frig were all run on propane. There was also a sauna which was heaven on the nights we used it. More on that later.
Part of the planning was meals and we all divided up some dinners and breakfasts and we were on our own for lunches. I got away easy and all they wanted me to bring was some instant oatmeal, some bratwursts and the fixins, a big box of Oreos and jelly ( I brought my home made Black Raspberry Jam). Lunch is where I was hoping to try out a lot of meal ideas I picked up from the various forums I visit, several of which can be found in the side bar on this blog. I also wanted to have snacks and something to put in what my step father called our "Oh Shit Bag" which was my Finn gas mask bag. The Finn bag, called a "murse" by some but not me, is a handy shoulder bag that can be picked up from surplus stores for very reasonable prices. It is very easy to over pack this bag and that can be a problem as the snaps that hold it close tend to open when it is. I will do a review of the bag with photos and demonstrate this in another post.
Anyway, we arrived and met the owner of Log Cabin Hideaways, Steve. He looked exactly like you would expect a person who spends most of his time in Northern Minnesota in and around the BWCA. He was in his 60's, big smile, deeply tanned skin wearing a button up Colombia shirt, khaki pants and rubber knee high boots. Since we were still technically in Superior National Forest his canoe was fitted with a small outboard which he used to ferry our gear to the landing of our cabin. We all had kayaks and paddled our way.
We started at the public landing on Ojibway Lake had a good 15 minute paddle to our first portage between Ojibway and Triangle Lakes.
Another 10-15 minute addle across Triangle brought us to out landing which was little more than a small clearing you would pass by if you didn't know what you were looking for. One of those bays marked by a specific stump and log on the bank. We grabbed our packs and made ready for the march in to the cabin. We packed heavy for the most part. Thanks to 20+ years in the Infantry I was comfortable with the weight of my gear but I could see the others weren't expecting to have to carry all the gear they brought. Steve told us we had about a 3/4 mile hike to the cabin and we set off on the "trail" the way was super rocky and very steep, about halfway there was a steep ravine that was almost like going down a ladder. After a battle with flies and skeeters and a 15 minute trek we found the cabin on Lark Lake.
It was a neat little set up. I mentioned the water and propane situation earlier. There was a screened in porch that I quickly claimed as my hooch. One main room with a futon and a hand made log table and 5 chairs (4 at the table, one near the book shelf). A stove, sink and Frig completed the decor. The books on the shelf were journals from past guests, a couple Sig Olsen books and several field and tracking guides. In addition there were a couple maps, one showing the hot fishing spots, all of which were not on our lakes (Triangle or Lark).
We unpacked and got the run down from Steve. He left and we took a small hike to the "Glacial Pond" nearby for a swim. the pond was awesome. It was the same size as Lark lake but wasn't swampy at all like Lark. we hiked around until we found a gentle slope to swim from. I wasn't expecting the area to be as rocky as it was. We enjoyed the swim but not the leeches that came with it. we hiked back to the cabin for dinner and a fire.
Dinner and a fire immediately following became a nightly tradition for us during our stay. As did the games of trivia, cribbage and black jack that ensued after the bugs became intolerable. As beautiful as the area was and the fun and challenges we had during our days, it was these times at night that I will carry with me. When 4 men became good friends over drinks, music and games.
Day 2 we were setting out to explore Triangle lake. I brought the OSB and my medic bag, packing both away in my stern hold on my Kayak. I set up my fishing pole and Garrett (15 years old) and i set out to fish and explore while my stepfather and Dave (both 50) searched for the portage we would use to enter the BWCA later in the week. We met for lunch on an island in Triangle and ate, napped and swam. It felt good to not even bother looking at my watch, just taking our time and enjoying our selves. I used my crusader cup and cook set to make up my favorite Shin Raymun spicy noodle soup. I picked up some cans of sterno to use in the set but they were too tall and the cup and the wind I suspect kept putting out the sterno. I need to try the shorter variety cans with this set up.
Day 3, Dave ran out of beer and we realized we forgot to get brats and hamburger. In other words we went back in to Ely. On the way we stopped at the International Wolf Center. Very cool and informative place. Worth the stop if you are ever in the area.
In town we visited Piragis Outfitters as well as every other tourist trap looking for souvenirs for the folks at home. We ate a great meal at the Boathouse Brewpub, restocked at Beaver Liquors and Holiday before we headed back out. On the way back we took a stop at a scenic overlook.
Day 4 - we took our Kayaks on a 190 rod portage to entry point 29 from Triangle Lake to the Kawishiwi River in the BWCA. The river was much wider than expected but the water here was just as black, I suspect from iron in the water? The portage in was awful. we tried to two man 2 kayaks at a time, but quickly decided to each drag our own. When we got fishing on the river was a shut out so we paddled around. We found some rapids a short way upstream from the portage and went to look at them. This is where I made a mistake that could have turned out horribly. I got close to the rapids goofing around and they water turned me sideways and flipped me before I knew what happened. I popped right out of the yak and surfaced, got the boat back over and used it to assist me getting to shore. As you saw in the other photo I was always wearing my PFD on the waters here. Got to shore and found that my camera was in the drink. The photos here were provided by my stepfather. I wish I had more to share, if I get some more from him I will.
As rocky and quick as the water was I feel pretty lucky to not have been injured in any way other than scrapes and bruised from the rocky shore. The rapids have now become know as "Jason's Falls". After drying off and another few hours on the Kawishiwi we made the portage back, it was still awful.
Beaten and bruised we made it back to the cabin and relaxed.
Day 5 - we used this as a throw away day. Nothing planned other than to relax and do what ever each of us wanted. Originally I was going to use this as my bushcraft day so that is what I did.I practiced my fire building using PJCB tinder. I tied some knots for practice, worked on a ridgeline for my tarp which I set up. As stated no pics as my camera was in the bottom of the river and the other cameras went out with the other guys as hey went to Triangle lake for another paddle and swim.
Day 6 was going to be a fishing day. We paddled and portaged over to Ojibway lake and started to cast. Immediately my trout lures were being chased...by Bass. I pulled in a few and then our plans changed slightly. Dave realized he was out of beer again. Since we were on the lake where we were parked we decided to make a quick town run for lunch and beer. We were in and out pretty quickly and got back fishing. Got a good hour in and the weather turned bad fast. Thunderstorms coming in fast and we were on the middle of a lake. We paddled like mad to get to the portage and hopefully across Triangle before they weather hit. We didn't make it and we weren't the only ones. At the portage we made way for a man and teenager busting tail to Ojibway to find his other two sons who were also fishing and to get them all to safety. We wished him well and were almost across when the storm hit. waves on the lake would have made it impossible to cross, not to mention the lightning. we stepped of the trail and tried to find cover under the trees and wait it out. I stayed where I could watch the lake and give warning as soon as the conditions were OK for us to go.the others went deeper in and were soon laughing and joking. I shook my head and smiled, wondering what was so funny and went back to my watch. soon enough we were getting our brake. I told everyone it was now or never and we had to paddle like hell to make it. we started moving and hit the lake. I advised we tried to island hop so if it got bad again we could get on and island at least. We took off. I describe us paddling across the lake like the closing scene of the old Hawaii 5-0 when they are paddling the dug outs.
We made it and the 3/4 mile walk in that night was awful, although the bugs were non exhistent for once. I joked that this time I wasn't the only one walking back soaking wet. We had a good dinner and fire, the weather was done with us after the short storm. That night the laughs and games were a lot louder and seemed to be more fun. We had definitely bonded during that day.
Day 7 was our packing up day.We slowly gathered out belongings and packed our bags. The trek out that day seemed even longer than before. I tried to take it slow and absorb as much of the place as I could.
The weather apart from the one storm was beautiful. Mid 80's and plenty of sun and blue skies. The water, apart from no fish was great. Even our sort trip into the BWCA was enough to make me want to come back and do a voyage with portages and camping, even if for just a few days or a long weekend. We spent our nights listening to WELY, the end of the road radio and enjoyed it. It was a great backdrop to the evenings on Lark Lake.
I left there a little sad but hopeful for a quick return.
I did get to take an awesome trip, one that I hope to take many more times. My Stepfather and some friends and me went up to the Boundary Water's Canoe Area. (BWCA) The four of us all got to have a trip we will remember for many years. I hope we started a tradition we can continue for years to come.
The trip was planned while I was still in Kuwait so it was something I was really looking forward too for a very long time. I spent a lot of time and deployment money buying some gear of my own to use on the trip. I have plenty of gear issued to me but I wanted to use gear that was mine and that I would have long after my time in the Army comes to an end. At 23+ years in I am not quite sure when that day will come but I know it's in the near future.
I went with the plan of showing off a lot of the skills I have learned in the areas of field craft an bush craft but I was limited in what I was able to do. My stepdad booked a cabin for us through Log cabin Hideaways. I know, sleeping in a cabin? It was actually really nice. It was vary rustic, had to haul and filter our own water and the lights and stove and frig were all run on propane. There was also a sauna which was heaven on the nights we used it. More on that later.
Part of the planning was meals and we all divided up some dinners and breakfasts and we were on our own for lunches. I got away easy and all they wanted me to bring was some instant oatmeal, some bratwursts and the fixins, a big box of Oreos and jelly ( I brought my home made Black Raspberry Jam). Lunch is where I was hoping to try out a lot of meal ideas I picked up from the various forums I visit, several of which can be found in the side bar on this blog. I also wanted to have snacks and something to put in what my step father called our "Oh Shit Bag" which was my Finn gas mask bag. The Finn bag, called a "murse" by some but not me, is a handy shoulder bag that can be picked up from surplus stores for very reasonable prices. It is very easy to over pack this bag and that can be a problem as the snaps that hold it close tend to open when it is. I will do a review of the bag with photos and demonstrate this in another post.
Anyway, we arrived and met the owner of Log Cabin Hideaways, Steve. He looked exactly like you would expect a person who spends most of his time in Northern Minnesota in and around the BWCA. He was in his 60's, big smile, deeply tanned skin wearing a button up Colombia shirt, khaki pants and rubber knee high boots. Since we were still technically in Superior National Forest his canoe was fitted with a small outboard which he used to ferry our gear to the landing of our cabin. We all had kayaks and paddled our way.
We started at the public landing on Ojibway Lake had a good 15 minute paddle to our first portage between Ojibway and Triangle Lakes.
Another 10-15 minute addle across Triangle brought us to out landing which was little more than a small clearing you would pass by if you didn't know what you were looking for. One of those bays marked by a specific stump and log on the bank. We grabbed our packs and made ready for the march in to the cabin. We packed heavy for the most part. Thanks to 20+ years in the Infantry I was comfortable with the weight of my gear but I could see the others weren't expecting to have to carry all the gear they brought. Steve told us we had about a 3/4 mile hike to the cabin and we set off on the "trail" the way was super rocky and very steep, about halfway there was a steep ravine that was almost like going down a ladder. After a battle with flies and skeeters and a 15 minute trek we found the cabin on Lark Lake.
It was a neat little set up. I mentioned the water and propane situation earlier. There was a screened in porch that I quickly claimed as my hooch. One main room with a futon and a hand made log table and 5 chairs (4 at the table, one near the book shelf). A stove, sink and Frig completed the decor. The books on the shelf were journals from past guests, a couple Sig Olsen books and several field and tracking guides. In addition there were a couple maps, one showing the hot fishing spots, all of which were not on our lakes (Triangle or Lark).
We unpacked and got the run down from Steve. He left and we took a small hike to the "Glacial Pond" nearby for a swim. the pond was awesome. It was the same size as Lark lake but wasn't swampy at all like Lark. we hiked around until we found a gentle slope to swim from. I wasn't expecting the area to be as rocky as it was. We enjoyed the swim but not the leeches that came with it. we hiked back to the cabin for dinner and a fire.
Dinner and a fire immediately following became a nightly tradition for us during our stay. As did the games of trivia, cribbage and black jack that ensued after the bugs became intolerable. As beautiful as the area was and the fun and challenges we had during our days, it was these times at night that I will carry with me. When 4 men became good friends over drinks, music and games.
Day 2 we were setting out to explore Triangle lake. I brought the OSB and my medic bag, packing both away in my stern hold on my Kayak. I set up my fishing pole and Garrett (15 years old) and i set out to fish and explore while my stepfather and Dave (both 50) searched for the portage we would use to enter the BWCA later in the week. We met for lunch on an island in Triangle and ate, napped and swam. It felt good to not even bother looking at my watch, just taking our time and enjoying our selves. I used my crusader cup and cook set to make up my favorite Shin Raymun spicy noodle soup. I picked up some cans of sterno to use in the set but they were too tall and the cup and the wind I suspect kept putting out the sterno. I need to try the shorter variety cans with this set up.
Day 3, Dave ran out of beer and we realized we forgot to get brats and hamburger. In other words we went back in to Ely. On the way we stopped at the International Wolf Center. Very cool and informative place. Worth the stop if you are ever in the area.
In town we visited Piragis Outfitters as well as every other tourist trap looking for souvenirs for the folks at home. We ate a great meal at the Boathouse Brewpub, restocked at Beaver Liquors and Holiday before we headed back out. On the way back we took a stop at a scenic overlook.
Day 4 - we took our Kayaks on a 190 rod portage to entry point 29 from Triangle Lake to the Kawishiwi River in the BWCA. The river was much wider than expected but the water here was just as black, I suspect from iron in the water? The portage in was awful. we tried to two man 2 kayaks at a time, but quickly decided to each drag our own. When we got fishing on the river was a shut out so we paddled around. We found some rapids a short way upstream from the portage and went to look at them. This is where I made a mistake that could have turned out horribly. I got close to the rapids goofing around and they water turned me sideways and flipped me before I knew what happened. I popped right out of the yak and surfaced, got the boat back over and used it to assist me getting to shore. As you saw in the other photo I was always wearing my PFD on the waters here. Got to shore and found that my camera was in the drink. The photos here were provided by my stepfather. I wish I had more to share, if I get some more from him I will.
As rocky and quick as the water was I feel pretty lucky to not have been injured in any way other than scrapes and bruised from the rocky shore. The rapids have now become know as "Jason's Falls". After drying off and another few hours on the Kawishiwi we made the portage back, it was still awful.
Beaten and bruised we made it back to the cabin and relaxed.
Day 5 - we used this as a throw away day. Nothing planned other than to relax and do what ever each of us wanted. Originally I was going to use this as my bushcraft day so that is what I did.I practiced my fire building using PJCB tinder. I tied some knots for practice, worked on a ridgeline for my tarp which I set up. As stated no pics as my camera was in the bottom of the river and the other cameras went out with the other guys as hey went to Triangle lake for another paddle and swim.
Day 6 was going to be a fishing day. We paddled and portaged over to Ojibway lake and started to cast. Immediately my trout lures were being chased...by Bass. I pulled in a few and then our plans changed slightly. Dave realized he was out of beer again. Since we were on the lake where we were parked we decided to make a quick town run for lunch and beer. We were in and out pretty quickly and got back fishing. Got a good hour in and the weather turned bad fast. Thunderstorms coming in fast and we were on the middle of a lake. We paddled like mad to get to the portage and hopefully across Triangle before they weather hit. We didn't make it and we weren't the only ones. At the portage we made way for a man and teenager busting tail to Ojibway to find his other two sons who were also fishing and to get them all to safety. We wished him well and were almost across when the storm hit. waves on the lake would have made it impossible to cross, not to mention the lightning. we stepped of the trail and tried to find cover under the trees and wait it out. I stayed where I could watch the lake and give warning as soon as the conditions were OK for us to go.the others went deeper in and were soon laughing and joking. I shook my head and smiled, wondering what was so funny and went back to my watch. soon enough we were getting our brake. I told everyone it was now or never and we had to paddle like hell to make it. we started moving and hit the lake. I advised we tried to island hop so if it got bad again we could get on and island at least. We took off. I describe us paddling across the lake like the closing scene of the old Hawaii 5-0 when they are paddling the dug outs.
We made it and the 3/4 mile walk in that night was awful, although the bugs were non exhistent for once. I joked that this time I wasn't the only one walking back soaking wet. We had a good dinner and fire, the weather was done with us after the short storm. That night the laughs and games were a lot louder and seemed to be more fun. We had definitely bonded during that day.
Day 7 was our packing up day.We slowly gathered out belongings and packed our bags. The trek out that day seemed even longer than before. I tried to take it slow and absorb as much of the place as I could.
The weather apart from the one storm was beautiful. Mid 80's and plenty of sun and blue skies. The water, apart from no fish was great. Even our sort trip into the BWCA was enough to make me want to come back and do a voyage with portages and camping, even if for just a few days or a long weekend. We spent our nights listening to WELY, the end of the road radio and enjoyed it. It was a great backdrop to the evenings on Lark Lake.
I left there a little sad but hopeful for a quick return.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Northwoodsman Chipotle Quinoa (recipie)
Hey all,
I have a good long post coming about my trip to the Superior National Forest and BWCA in early July. Just waiting on some photos from the others that went and I wilpost a good long write up.
One of the things I wanted to do on the trip was try a few easy to pack and cook reipies. My intent was to keep it to foods that just required boiled water to make, or not even that if possible. In the big write up to follow I will include my lunch menu for the 6 days we were there so you can see just what I brought. Now on to the topic.
We had a box of quinoa sitting here at the house that we haven't used yet. In fact we have never tried it before at all. Looking at the package directions it cooks up just like rice for the most part, using a quinoa to water ratio of 1:2. I figured on one meal, maybe 2 if I liked it so I brought 8 ounces of Quinoa in a ziplok baggie. A suggestionon the box was to cook it with some broth or boullion. I had just the thing, also something new to try, chipotle bouillion cubes from Knorr. they come in mini cubes so one cube makes a cup of broth, I believe. Finally to add some protein I intended to match this with a can of Chicken meat in water.
If you can boil water you can make this quick dish. I boiled up 1 cup (8 oz.) of water to which I added the chipotle cube to get that dissolved and intot he mix.I then added 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of Quinoa. Since I brought out a full cup of Quinoa I just eyeballed the measurement here. I also added the can of chicken mea in water. I just pened and dumped it all in, water and all. I figured more water wouldn't be an issue, and it wasn't. All that was left was to boil it down until the Quinoa absorbed most of the water (just like rice). I didn't time this but it was done in about 10-12 minutes.
Now for the eating! Quinoa to me has a bit more of a brown rice flavor, less refined and a bit more startchy perhaps? The chicken added good protein and taste, who doesn't like chicken? What really got my attention was the chipotle boullion. Wow! What a great smokey, slightly spicy flavor. It wasn't too hot, more of just a hint of heat but the smokiness really came out well in each bite. Definatly going to berepeated in some form or another.
So there it is,a quick meal that can be made on the trail in a canteen cup if needed. If you take the time to prep before hand it will be cooked and eaten in 15 minutes, 20 tops. And there are plenty of ways to customize this quick dish. Change out the chicken for what ever protein you choose, like tuna or salmon, whatever. I thought about next time adding in some dehydrated veggies or even some fresh ones I brought a small bag of baby carrots to eat on the side, thses could have been chopped and added. Anyway, experiment away with it.
Here is the list of ingredients, enough for one meal for one person
1/2 cup Quinoa
1 can (4 oz) Chicken in water
1 Chipotle mini bouillion cube
1 cup Water
* add in any veggies or other spices to taste
Add bouillion cube and water to your pot and boil. Once boiling adding remaining ingredients, turn down heat or move your pot a bit away from heat to finish.Cook until almost all the water has been absorbed, stirring as needed through out cooking. Remove from heat and enjoy.
I have a good long post coming about my trip to the Superior National Forest and BWCA in early July. Just waiting on some photos from the others that went and I wilpost a good long write up.
One of the things I wanted to do on the trip was try a few easy to pack and cook reipies. My intent was to keep it to foods that just required boiled water to make, or not even that if possible. In the big write up to follow I will include my lunch menu for the 6 days we were there so you can see just what I brought. Now on to the topic.
We had a box of quinoa sitting here at the house that we haven't used yet. In fact we have never tried it before at all. Looking at the package directions it cooks up just like rice for the most part, using a quinoa to water ratio of 1:2. I figured on one meal, maybe 2 if I liked it so I brought 8 ounces of Quinoa in a ziplok baggie. A suggestionon the box was to cook it with some broth or boullion. I had just the thing, also something new to try, chipotle bouillion cubes from Knorr. they come in mini cubes so one cube makes a cup of broth, I believe. Finally to add some protein I intended to match this with a can of Chicken meat in water.
If you can boil water you can make this quick dish. I boiled up 1 cup (8 oz.) of water to which I added the chipotle cube to get that dissolved and intot he mix.I then added 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of Quinoa. Since I brought out a full cup of Quinoa I just eyeballed the measurement here. I also added the can of chicken mea in water. I just pened and dumped it all in, water and all. I figured more water wouldn't be an issue, and it wasn't. All that was left was to boil it down until the Quinoa absorbed most of the water (just like rice). I didn't time this but it was done in about 10-12 minutes.
Now for the eating! Quinoa to me has a bit more of a brown rice flavor, less refined and a bit more startchy perhaps? The chicken added good protein and taste, who doesn't like chicken? What really got my attention was the chipotle boullion. Wow! What a great smokey, slightly spicy flavor. It wasn't too hot, more of just a hint of heat but the smokiness really came out well in each bite. Definatly going to berepeated in some form or another.
So there it is,a quick meal that can be made on the trail in a canteen cup if needed. If you take the time to prep before hand it will be cooked and eaten in 15 minutes, 20 tops. And there are plenty of ways to customize this quick dish. Change out the chicken for what ever protein you choose, like tuna or salmon, whatever. I thought about next time adding in some dehydrated veggies or even some fresh ones I brought a small bag of baby carrots to eat on the side, thses could have been chopped and added. Anyway, experiment away with it.
Here is the list of ingredients, enough for one meal for one person
1/2 cup Quinoa
1 can (4 oz) Chicken in water
1 Chipotle mini bouillion cube
1 cup Water
* add in any veggies or other spices to taste
Add bouillion cube and water to your pot and boil. Once boiling adding remaining ingredients, turn down heat or move your pot a bit away from heat to finish.Cook until almost all the water has been absorbed, stirring as needed through out cooking. Remove from heat and enjoy.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Taking a break
Hey all,
I won't be very active here for about a week as I will be headed up to the lake with the kids for some much needed R & R.
I'm taking some gear and the camera so maybe I will have something to show for my efforts other than a good sunburn.
See you soon and get out and have fun!
I won't be very active here for about a week as I will be headed up to the lake with the kids for some much needed R & R.
I'm taking some gear and the camera so maybe I will have something to show for my efforts other than a good sunburn.
See you soon and get out and have fun!
Friday, June 15, 2012
MN Wolf Hunt
This year marks the lifting of the ban on Wolf hunting in MN. According to my latest copy of Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine the MN DNR is asking for a lottery based wolf hunting/trapping season in late November. As it was a wolf could be killed if it posed a threat to livestock or people and that was about it.
We are extremely lucky in MN to have had the wolf population bounce back so quickly and even expanding out into Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan.
Minnesota has had a very different approach to wolf management than some of the Western states where ranchers have really been getting hit hard by wolves through the years. In MN there has been a great deal of research done to learn how to best manage the population and nurture it back to a high, sustainable, even growing level. According the DNR we have about 3000 living in the Northern 1/3 of the state and have held that number steady for several years now.
As part of the plan to de list the wolf off the endangered species list MN has to maintain a population of at least 1600 wolves, a contrast to states like Idaho which set maximum population limits.
Here is my take on wolf hunting and I would love to hear yours:
I'm an amateur hunter at best. My hunting intentions are to be able to put a little extra meat on the table and reduce the ammount of money spent on such things if I can. I am a realist and I don't expect to run out and get a deer every year, but that's why it's called "hunting" right?
I wont be rushing out anytime soon to go on a wolfhunt but I would love to do it...until I got a wolf. 1 wolf would be enough for me for my entire life. I deeply admire and respect wolves as a predator and a remarkable, beautiful animal. I would love to learn the skills needed to go out and hunt such an intelligent predator and even if I never get one I think the doing will be an adventure in and of itself.
We are extremely lucky in MN to have had the wolf population bounce back so quickly and even expanding out into Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan.
Minnesota has had a very different approach to wolf management than some of the Western states where ranchers have really been getting hit hard by wolves through the years. In MN there has been a great deal of research done to learn how to best manage the population and nurture it back to a high, sustainable, even growing level. According the DNR we have about 3000 living in the Northern 1/3 of the state and have held that number steady for several years now.
As part of the plan to de list the wolf off the endangered species list MN has to maintain a population of at least 1600 wolves, a contrast to states like Idaho which set maximum population limits.
Here is my take on wolf hunting and I would love to hear yours:
I'm an amateur hunter at best. My hunting intentions are to be able to put a little extra meat on the table and reduce the ammount of money spent on such things if I can. I am a realist and I don't expect to run out and get a deer every year, but that's why it's called "hunting" right?
I wont be rushing out anytime soon to go on a wolfhunt but I would love to do it...until I got a wolf. 1 wolf would be enough for me for my entire life. I deeply admire and respect wolves as a predator and a remarkable, beautiful animal. I would love to learn the skills needed to go out and hunt such an intelligent predator and even if I never get one I think the doing will be an adventure in and of itself.
Well met and all that.
This is my first blog, please bear with me and be patient.
I am a Veteran of the US Army and MN National Guard. While deployed I found a few bushcraft and outdoors type web forum and sites and avidly read and consumed the knowledge found there. I still do and you can find links to the sites I like.
Stuck in the desert and just reading about the woods really rekindled in me my love for the outdoors. I lost this love for a time while serving in the Army. Nothing takes the love out of camping and hiking like being forced to doit and do it a certain way.
But I am back now and raring to get out and live...and take my kids with me.
I am a city kid, always have been at heart. I live in the heart of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota in a metropolitan area with a huge population. I am lucky in that my family has had access and now own a cabin "up north" like so many of my fellow Minnesotans. My particular piece of heaven is just outside of Park Rapids in "Jack Pine Savage" country. It's on a decent lake and is close to the Paul Bunyan State Forest so there is plenty to get out and do.
That's it for the introduction, I will posting various projects, hikes, adventures and what not as time goes by. Please note that when I demonstrate anything on this blog it is simply my way of doing things. Simply put this just means this is how I do it, it doesn't meanthis is the best or only way to do something. Your way may be better and I am certain it will be different. I am ok with that and by no means feel like anyone has to do things my way at all. We all have a different path to take in life, I am not going to tell you how to.
Some things shown on this blog will have some inherent ammount of risk involved. I will be using edged tools, packing and carrying heavy loads, etc... If you choose to do these you then assume that same risk. Please dont hold me responsible if you damage yourself or your proerty trying to do something you see here. You chose to do it, that risk is all yours.
Now, get out and enjoy the outdoors!
This is my first blog, please bear with me and be patient.
I am a Veteran of the US Army and MN National Guard. While deployed I found a few bushcraft and outdoors type web forum and sites and avidly read and consumed the knowledge found there. I still do and you can find links to the sites I like.
Stuck in the desert and just reading about the woods really rekindled in me my love for the outdoors. I lost this love for a time while serving in the Army. Nothing takes the love out of camping and hiking like being forced to doit and do it a certain way.
But I am back now and raring to get out and live...and take my kids with me.
I am a city kid, always have been at heart. I live in the heart of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota in a metropolitan area with a huge population. I am lucky in that my family has had access and now own a cabin "up north" like so many of my fellow Minnesotans. My particular piece of heaven is just outside of Park Rapids in "Jack Pine Savage" country. It's on a decent lake and is close to the Paul Bunyan State Forest so there is plenty to get out and do.
That's it for the introduction, I will posting various projects, hikes, adventures and what not as time goes by. Please note that when I demonstrate anything on this blog it is simply my way of doing things. Simply put this just means this is how I do it, it doesn't meanthis is the best or only way to do something. Your way may be better and I am certain it will be different. I am ok with that and by no means feel like anyone has to do things my way at all. We all have a different path to take in life, I am not going to tell you how to.
Some things shown on this blog will have some inherent ammount of risk involved. I will be using edged tools, packing and carrying heavy loads, etc... If you choose to do these you then assume that same risk. Please dont hold me responsible if you damage yourself or your proerty trying to do something you see here. You chose to do it, that risk is all yours.
Now, get out and enjoy the outdoors!
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