I am a lucky fellow. My father in law returned yesterday from a business trip to Shanghai, and brought me a present - a Nikon Coolpix P80. It was perfect timing, as I was beginning to dream of a new camera. I have to read the instruction manual a few more times until I can make heads or tails of all the funky functionality.
So yesterday afternoon I went out for a hike into the valley to try out the camera. I have a lot more figuring out to do with it, but here are the pictures I managed to snap.
An old piece of iron laying in the woods. I'm guessing it is part of some old tractor or farm equipment. The area used to be an orchard.
The cold winter winds are beginning to blow. I stood quietly in the marshy meadows hoping to see deer - I saw no movement. I would need to wait until dusk I suspect.
The rivers are swollen with recent rains. Green ground cover is holding onto its colours.
Most plants have gone to seed, and I see tinder bundles all throughout the woods.
I was surprised to see these Oyster mushrooms looking so fresh and recent. They'll be frozen and wilted in a day or two.
The subtle rich colours of Turkey Tail brighten up a little patch of the woods.
Bright berries cling on to the stalks.
The macro feature seems to work easily.
Now the 'landscape' feature of the camera.
I try to use both the pre-set features (like 'landscape' and 'closeup') and also use the manual set up to achieve these shots.
More Turkey Tail.
The river valley.
A close-up of the rushing river.
The path leading down into the valley is slick with mud and wet leaves.
Dried mushrooms and fungus litter the tree stumps.
Choke cherries.
I came across the largest pair of Puffball mushrooms that I've ever seen. Now I actually haven't seen fresh Puffballs before, but as I looked into the woods I first saw the one above. I thought it was a piece of construction foam or something. I pushed through the underbrush to investigate and realized that the skin looked like that of a young Leopard Earthball, only this was the size of a large pumpkin. The dusty orange inside was entirely composed of spores which I knocked about, creating clouds in the air. Amazing. I put my Mora knife on top of it to show the scale of the fungus. When they are young and white inside, you can eat them - frying them up in butter.
There is nearly a foot of snow on its way late this afternoon. Or so the meteorologists tell us.
The puddles with freeze over, and snow will build up in the valley.
This pumpkin, which appears to have been rolled down the valley walls, will look like a white lump.
The seed heads will stay on the branches, ready for some mid-winter campfires I'll be having down there.
The last of the berries will succumb to the sparrows and other birds.
And I'll still be learning how to use my new camera.
Cheers,
Mungo
Wooden Spoon Carving
So last night as I sat watching a few wood carving tutorials on YouTube, I started making a mini-feather stick out of a piece of fat wood I had laying around.
A minute or two later I was finished, and I felt in a wood carving mood. Ever been in one of those? I began to rummange around the laundry room's unfinished ceiling rafters where the previous owners had stashed some 1 x 2 pieces of pine.
Fetching a two foot length of seasoned pine, I sat down again. I stared at it for a little to visualize the form of a long serving spoon. I sharpened my carbon steel Mora on a mini-diamond card for a while until I was satisfied that the blade was razor sharp.
Tonight I finished carving it, and all I have left to do is to sand the bowl and shaft of the spoon.
I'll post pictures shortly, but it goes to show that you can play in the woods at your own desk at home in front of the television if you are determined enough.
Here are a few spoon carving links to explore.
Cheers,
Mungo
A minute or two later I was finished, and I felt in a wood carving mood. Ever been in one of those? I began to rummange around the laundry room's unfinished ceiling rafters where the previous owners had stashed some 1 x 2 pieces of pine.
Fetching a two foot length of seasoned pine, I sat down again. I stared at it for a little to visualize the form of a long serving spoon. I sharpened my carbon steel Mora on a mini-diamond card for a while until I was satisfied that the blade was razor sharp.
Tonight I finished carving it, and all I have left to do is to sand the bowl and shaft of the spoon.
I'll post pictures shortly, but it goes to show that you can play in the woods at your own desk at home in front of the television if you are determined enough.
Here are a few spoon carving links to explore.
Cheers,
Mungo
Dersu Uzala - Bushcraft Lessons in the Boreal Forest and Taiga
I was just settling down this evening to watch one of my top 10 films of all time - Dersu Uzala, directed by Akira Kurosawa. I thought I would first do a little web search to learn more about the Russian language (and English subtitled) film, and discovered that someone had put the entire film onto YouTube. Granted it is chopped into little pieces, but this gives everyone the chance to see a fantastic film. It won the 1975 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Dersu Uzala wins the 2008 Mungo Says Bah! Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Taking place at the turn of the 20th century in Siberia, it features all kinds of bushcraft and primitive learnings. This is one of many reasons that I like the movie so much.
From Wikipedia:
The film is based on the 1923 memoir Dersu Uzala by Russian explorer Vladimir Arsenyev, about his exploration of the Sikhote-Alin region of Siberia over the course of multiple expeditions in the early 20th century.
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Hope you enjoyed it!
Mungo
Taking place at the turn of the 20th century in Siberia, it features all kinds of bushcraft and primitive learnings. This is one of many reasons that I like the movie so much.
From Wikipedia:
The film is based on the 1923 memoir Dersu Uzala by Russian explorer Vladimir Arsenyev, about his exploration of the Sikhote-Alin region of Siberia over the course of multiple expeditions in the early 20th century.
The film opens to a forest that is being cleared for development, and Arseniev searching for an unmarked grave. The film then flashes back to Arseniev's surveying expedition to the region in 1902, before the village was built. A topographic expedition troop, led by Captain Arseniev, encounters a nomadic, aboriginal (Goldi) tribesman named Dersu Uzala who agrees to guide them through the harsh frontier. Initially viewed as an uneducated, eccentric old man, Dersu earns the respect of the soldiers through his great intelligence, accurate instincts, keen powers of observation, and deep compassion.Get your popcorn, grab a blanket and settle in for a great movie:
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Hope you enjoyed it!
Mungo
Traditional / Ancient Woodworking Skills Videos
I came across a series of terrific videos showing off some old woodworking skills. Antoni Ross demonstrates and teaches workshops on these 'ancient skills'. He engages in traditional woodworking: making foot-powered lathe turning, bowl & plate turning, spoon carving, bowl carving, cleaving, trimming, and shaving. The music accompanying these videos is pretty cool - have a look and listen:
Carving A Wooden Ladle
Carving A Traditional Wooden Cup
Cherry Log To Country Chair
Charcoal Burn
Trug (Basket)
Friendship Bracelet
"Hobo Flower" Carving
Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did,
Mungo
Carving A Wooden Ladle
Carving A Traditional Wooden Cup
Cherry Log To Country Chair
Charcoal Burn
Trug (Basket)
Friendship Bracelet
"Hobo Flower" Carving
Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did,
Mungo
Survivorman Season 3 Arctic Tundra Sneak Preview
This Friday night at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel US (and hopefully Canada - because that's where I live), Season 3, Episode 1 of Les Stroud's Survivorman will be showing. It is entitled "Arctic Tundra".
If it is in fact showing in Canada, I'll be sitting and watching. Guaranteed.
Here's the summary:
Cheers,
Mungo
If it is in fact showing in Canada, I'll be sitting and watching. Guaranteed.
Here's the summary:
"Ever wonder how a lost whale researcher would survive? Just getting to base camp takes two days longer than planned due to unexpected weather and killer whale crossings. Les is left on the coast of Baffin Island with a folding canoe, CB radio, fishing tackle and whale blubber. He manages to make fire and fish, but what about the polar bears and arctic wolf?"And here's the Survivorman Season 3 Arctic Tundra Sneak Preview Trailer:
Cheers,
Mungo
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My Draft Bushcraft, Camping and Outdoors Christmas List
If I was to win several million dollars in the lottery, I would buy myself the following items for Christmas:
Sami Reindeer Hide
Cheers,
Mungo
Sami Reindeer Hide
Reindeer are found and herded around the whole northern Polar Circle, Mongolia and a small portion of China closest to the Mongolian border, in the North their territory is in risk due to foresting, mining and oil production. Reindeer herding is largely still an indigenous enterprise today. The Sami people are the indigenous people in the far North; their community stretches across the north of Norway, across Sweden and into Finland and Russia. Reindeer herding is essential to their survival, approximately 40% of the population relies on herding for their income. The Sami have always used as much of the reindeer as possible: milk, hides, meat, horn, bone and hooves are all used, very little of the animal is left for waste. The company we buy the rugs from was established in 1929 and is located in the far north of Sweden, above the Artic Circle in Sattajärvi located in the Swedish province of Norrbotten. The company continues to be a family business today; they produce everything by hand in their workshop.Blanket Shirt
Simple pullover shirt is warm on crisp days. Has single button and leather loop at neck. Loose cut to wear over other clothes.Franz Bittner Alpenhat
We are pleased to offer these excellent wool felt hats from Franz Bittner, Austria's most prestigious hatmaker. Bittner hats have been the choice of sportsmen and gentry in the Alps region since 1862. Constructed of a robust premium 100% wool (90 gram) felt with a subtle variegated texture, this is a rugged and water-repellent hat for serious outdoor and travel wear, far outlasting other wool felt hats. Precision streamlined tailoring, conservative dimensions, and understated styling make this a versatile hat well suited to both dress and casual wear. The hat is firm-bodied enough to hold its crisp lines, yet flexible enough that it can be repeatedly crushed without ill effects.The Overlander Hat
The Overlander from Akubra's Heritage Collection, has the style and flair of the Australian outback, with a pinched telescope crown and rolled brim with front and back down. The hand braided leather band is done in six strands, with end fringe and braided keepers. The fully lined crown is about 4 inches high, raw-edge brim 3-1/4 inches wide. The leather sweatband offers great comfort. Premium quality pure fur felt. Reeded roan leather sweatband. Made in Australia.Extra Long Double Mackinaw Cruiser
The extra long Double Mackinaw Cruiser is 1-1/2 inches longer in the sleeve and body lengths. The material is Mackinaw wool. A one-piece cape provides a second layer over shoulders and arms. The back, below the cape, is double thickness, providing extra warmth and forming a large pocket with entries on either side. There are four cargo pockets and a pencil pocket on the front, and handwarmer pockets behind the bottom cargo pockets.Mackinaw Field Pants
The Mackinaw Field Pants are made for protection against the worst weather. 24 oz. pure wool Mackinaw cloth, two flapped back pockets, two deep slash pockets, a watch pocket and an additional patch pocket with snapped flaps on the side of each thigh. Button waist, zipper fly, and suspender buttons. Belt loops accommodate 1-1/2 inch belts. Unfinished legs (37 inches), so that you may first check the fit and then have the legs hemmed or cuffed by your local tailor. (Our prices make allowance for your cost in finishing the legs.)Merino Wool Sock, Midweight
This midweight boot sock from Filson is designed to give the long-lasting comfort provided by the best of wool. The sock is reinforced with nylon against wear. The inside surface of the sock is knitted from a pure merino worsted wool yarn in a terry knit to provide a smooth durable finish which is kind to the skin. The top is welted to help the sock stay up.Mora Of Sweden Drawknife Carbon
This is the new Mora of Sweden drawknife with 4.5" Carbon Blade. This is a very handy sized drawknife for your carving needs. Made in Sweden.ZEBRA Stainless Loop Handle Pot 14CM
Zebra Looop Handle Pot 14 Centimeters. High Quality Marine Grade Stainless Steel. Notch in handle to hang the pot over your fire. Includes insert pan.Etowah Outfitters 12' x 10' Tarp 1.9oz Blue
This lightweight compact shelter can be ptiched in many ways to meet your shelter needs.Gossamer Gear Bug Canopy
The Gossamer Gear Bug Canopy was designed to provide effective protection from flying bugs and to a lesser degree crawling bugs with a minimum weight penalty. At 3 oz, the Bug Canopy can be easily added to your Spinnshelter™ and will form a small enclosure from the middle of your sleeping bag up over your head and out towards the front door. The design is simple but effective; you will attach the Bug Canopy to five attachment points already sewn into your Spinnshelter™ which will create a canopy over your head and will keep pesky bugs at bay so you can eat, read or sleep in peace.MSS GORE-TEX® Bivy
Fabric: Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX®. Uses a unique snap closure systemNuwick 120 Hour Candle
A Nuwick Candle, or any other long burning survival candle, because of its versatility, should be a basic item in any survival kit. The Nuwick 120 hour candle is a perfect source of long term heat for personal warmth or cooking. The completely nontoxic Nuwick 120 Hour Candle contains no lead and gets its long endurance and heating capacity from its patented movable Nuwick wick system. With the Nuwick 120 long burning survival candle, you can boil an egg in 14 minutes and fry an egg in 5. Light only the wicks on the Nuwick Candle needed to accomplish the job.THE GRAND SHELTERS ICEBOX®
Nuwick candles have become the measuring stick for survival candles and can be found providing life saving warmth world wide.
The ICEBOX® igloo construction tool is used for igloo building by creating sequential blocks in place. You set the clamps on the form then fill it while packing. after you have filled it you unclamp it and slide it to the next position. A pole with 8 adjustments, 1 for each layer is used to build igloos with the correct catenary shape and to help support the weight of the snow and form while packing the snow. After finishing 6 rows of the igloo you remove the outside of the form as the wall is now leaning in far enough so the snow can be packed from the outside. The snow only needs to hold its form well enough to stay in place until you start the next block. 8 total rows are built including the final cap.Gill Net
The Gill Net is the perfect complement to the Emergency Fishing Kit. This large (12' x 4') survival fishing net is ideal for stretching across a creek or stream. Simply improvise weights for the bottom and floats or tie-offs on top to use.Hilleberg Akto tent
A spacious, ultralight, solo tent with true all season function.That would be a start.
Cheers,
Mungo
A Walk at Rowangarth Farm
This past Sunday I made the 2 hour drive out to Decado's new digs.
He and his family have moved to Rowangarth Farm out near Marmora, Ontario.
I arrived in the morning and met the family and saw the house - an old country house that has been built upon and expanded over the years.
It's my type of house - warm, wooden and full of character.
Decado then took me for a guided walk around the 70 acre plot, through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, open pastures and ponds.
Pines and Balsam and Cedar and Ironwood and Maple and groves of Sumac and I am sure many more trees that I didn't get a chance to get acquainted with.
The Canadian Shield is close to the surface there.
Igneous rocks tumble from outcrops and emerge at one point from an old mine, which has since been abandoned.
Evidence of caves is all about - a porcupine den occupies one hill side, and I imagine the porcupine wandering an elaborate maze of tunnels, full of gold and silver from the old mine.
I met Leeroy and Cinderella the donkeys.
Leeroy has an afro.
I fed them carrots.
I want 2 donkeys now.
I met 10 chickens.
They are - in order - named Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, and Ella.
I met Jack and Ella, the kiddos (Ella named the chickens).
They are terrific kids, and after the guided tour, the four of us went and put a fire together my Mora knife and a piece of Quartz that Decado handed me... and a piece of charcloth.
As I was leaving, Decado and his family gave me a dozen farm fresh eggs.
When I got home, I cooked an omelette for Spring and myself.
Thems was goooood egggggggs.I look forward to many more visits to the land there - I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Bushcraft heaven.
Cheers,
Mungo
He and his family have moved to Rowangarth Farm out near Marmora, Ontario.
I arrived in the morning and met the family and saw the house - an old country house that has been built upon and expanded over the years.
It's my type of house - warm, wooden and full of character.
Decado then took me for a guided walk around the 70 acre plot, through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, open pastures and ponds.
Pines and Balsam and Cedar and Ironwood and Maple and groves of Sumac and I am sure many more trees that I didn't get a chance to get acquainted with.
The Canadian Shield is close to the surface there.
Igneous rocks tumble from outcrops and emerge at one point from an old mine, which has since been abandoned.
Evidence of caves is all about - a porcupine den occupies one hill side, and I imagine the porcupine wandering an elaborate maze of tunnels, full of gold and silver from the old mine.
I met Leeroy and Cinderella the donkeys.
Leeroy has an afro.
I fed them carrots.
I want 2 donkeys now.
I met 10 chickens.
They are - in order - named Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, Ella, and Ella.
I met Jack and Ella, the kiddos (Ella named the chickens).
They are terrific kids, and after the guided tour, the four of us went and put a fire together my Mora knife and a piece of Quartz that Decado handed me... and a piece of charcloth.
As I was leaving, Decado and his family gave me a dozen farm fresh eggs.
When I got home, I cooked an omelette for Spring and myself.
Thems was goooood egggggggs.I look forward to many more visits to the land there - I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Bushcraft heaven.
Cheers,
Mungo
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