A Word in the Woods

I occasionally wonder if I talk too much about the woods. I probably do, but that doesn’t deter me in the least. It warms my heart to see evidence of that sort of passion elsewhere, too, and makes me feel less like a deviant.

I’d like to share a recent example of just this type of thing.

I have two friends that have recently become backcountry hiking partners. They’ve both taken quite readily to the outdoors, and are as passionate as I am when it comes to hiking and canoeing and, if it can be believed, gear. One of them recently got married, and the other was a groomsman at his wedding.

I submit, for your pleasure and perusal, his wedding toast:

(more…)

Tags: algonquin, Gear, hiking, learning, Special Ops Mosquitos, Speech, wedding
Posted in editorial, Gear, Guest posts, Personal | No Comments »

Like most people, I have a variety of interests. Sometimes, the popular pastimes that appeal to my colleagues and friends don’t hold that same draw — I don’t play golf, or follow sports.

Some of my passions do fall closer to the mainstream — craft beer, pool, good food.

The interests that titled this post, however, are a bit rarer. Perhaps not for readers of this blog and other similar sites, but, given that I live in an urban population, and have a relatively city-centric life, I’m often the odd one out.

(more…)

Tags: art, blacksmithing, bushcraft, craft, hobbies, leatherwork, problem-solving
Posted in editorial, Personal | 5 Comments »

Ross Gilmore

Indulge me in a personal rant, and a rally cry of support for a moment. Ross Gilmore (aka “Wood Trekker”), a blogger I read from time to time, has posted something that’s gotten my blood boiling a bit. His posts usually deal with outdoor pursuits and bushcraft, axe-handling and history, and all sorts of good subjects that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. This is the first time I’ve been saddened by reading something he’s written, because this time, the post was a he felt the need to publish a disclaimer on his site.

(more…)

Tags: disclaimer, frivolous, kids these days, rant, Ross Gilmore, WoodTrekker
Posted in editorial, Personal | 5 Comments »

When was the last time your grocery store gave you a hug, a handshake, and inspired you for the week’s cooking? That’s exactly what your market can do for you — there are people whose skills, hard work, and pride in their craft put quality food on your table, and I enjoy being reminded of that every Sunday that I can make it down to my local market.

Extra love goes out to friends I’ve met, Zach from Highmark Farms, Christian from Monforte Dairy, and especially the lovely Janaki for putting together the wonderful Leslieville Farmer’s Market! Thank you for a great first season!

And although the market season is over, I’ll be sure to pick up my winter produce box (pictured above) from Le Papillion on the Park every Sunday.

Tags: farms, fresh food, leslie market, local, market, produce
Posted in Conservation, News, Personal | No Comments »

On January 15, 2011, I had the distinct pleasure of spending the day with Pinock Smith, a master builder, known for his traditional canoe-building methods.

I first heard of Pinock in the second season of Ray Mears’ Bushcraft, where he and Ray built an authentic birchbark canoe in a week. They worked on screen again in Northern Wilderness, to build a set of snowshoes. They are both great shows, but nothing can come close to meeting and talking with someone who has that knowledge, and being able to ask the questions that are important to you.

(more…)

Tags: algonquin, building, Canoe, first nations, native, pinock smith, ray mears, traditional
Posted in Canoe, HowTo, Personal, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »