HOBO fishing at the "Y"

YMCA
wilderness skills class.....and stuff

Another day spent with the kids.

Today's lesson was Hobo fishing, an idea that did not automatically instill much confidence in the kids or the counselors. After a bit of practise and a change in location (thanks Dan) we found fish and connected!

For Those not "in the know" Hobo fishing utilizes mono filament line wrapped around a can (which is the reel) and a simple lure, in this case a marabou jig which is cast by hand and retrieved with a re-wrapping motion around the can. By varying the speed of the retrieval, depth can be varied and fish located. "Playing" the fish is a technique that just can't be described, it must be experienced.

Camp Counselor "Dani" had just learned this technique earlier this morning, by lunch time she was an expert! Now it will be her job to spread the knowledge and pass on the skill / fun.

There is nothing sporting about catching fish this way, it truly is a sustenance exorcise. However it can be great fun. Blue Gill were the order of the day, but this fine pan sized Perch would have made a great lunch.

Most days I'm just a fat guy in a funny hat, today I was a teacher and maybe a mentor. I like that. I doubt these kids will ever look at an aluminium can the same way again. Thank you very much.

After four classes of can fishing, I was glad I had a bit of time to meet with some of the kids to talk about "survival kits" and even had some time to discuss snare design with some of the counselors. It was a full day for me, and I'm sure thought provoking for the kids.

A great day of fishing

Safe Travels

RJ

Why not the Y?

The "Y" or the YMCA or the Young Men's Christians Association or my summer vacation

Albert Pine said:

What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.

While touring on my motorcycle the other day, I passed by the tri-camp compound of the Port Jervis YMCA. It had been many years since I did any "formal" teaching of wilderness skills. I missed it and in a flash recalled my time with the teens from Thera Trex. A peculiar thought over took me and before I knew it I was dropping the kick stand in front of their main offices.

With a bit of time on my hands I thought it might be fun to spread a bit of wilderness wonder with the camp kids. Before I could reach the office door I was intercepted by the camp Director, an amiable and friendly sort of fellow with a welcoming smile and enthusiastic attitude. I explained my intentions and after a few days of background checks and reference calls, I was welcomed to come out to the camp and spend some time with the kids.

I know from experience the first exposure to these types of skill sets had better be both attainable and entertaining or new comers will often lose interest quickly. For that reason, I chose Fire making as our first session and Flint and Steel as the technique due to it's ease and visually friendly almost theatrical nature. Once again it proved to be the best decision.

I began with splitting wood with a Parang. I find the baton and Parang technique easy for young hands to master and when working "in the round" it is often safest as well. No sharp tool is swinging in the air or impacting anything in a way that it might glance off causing injury.

With the kids eagerly helping with the fire wood, I moved on to the Flint/Steel lesson.

The plan was for us to make bread. I mixed up a batch of my favorite wheat/white recipe the night before and readied the dutch ovens.

The ovens provide both the feast and the entertainment.


It's a great feeling when a young person with doubt in their abilities to accomplish new things manages to prove it to themselves that anything is possible. I watch for the look in their eyes when the task is complete, relief, joy and pride are always better then reticule, embarrassment and regret. I'm happy to be part of that.
I find wilderness skills to be a powerful leveler, particularity with kids from an urban environment. We can play ball and participate in games almost everywhere but you can only have a wilderness experience in the wilderness. I hope these Boys and Girls get that opportunity. Character is very often made when we are out of our "comfort zone". These simple tasks, trials and tests can provide a fun way for a young mind to think outside the box.

They tell me the bread was delicious and a big success, I couldn't tell you. I couldn't get near the table. I guess they liked it.

As a surprise, I made up a small batch of scrambled eggs on the lid of the oven while it was still hot. The axe served as an expedient spatula.


As surprises go the biggest was mine, Jack Lund the President and CEO of the Y was touring the camp and stopped to share our meal. Jack claimed he liked the bread but I could tell he really enjoyed the company of the kids even more.


Well to spite the 90+ degree day and the heat of the cast iron I enjoyed my time with the kids and look forward to more time with them. There is nothing left to do but clean the pots and stir up the ashes.

A cool drink before clean up.

Safe
Travels
RJ

LOOKING BACK

At times when my mind is quiet and I can think more clearly with no distractions, I like to recall the days that shaped me into the outdoors man I am today.
When I started with Thera Trex wilderness experience challenges, I was young, lean and full of myself. I believed I could walk on water and no mountain was too high for me to climb. Man do I miss those days. Ignorance is indeed bliss. I guess its like you learn in boot camp, you think you can-then you think you can't-then you learn you might-then you prove you will. It's a learning thing.
Charles Cataldo (Professor Cataldo) was my friend and mentor. His strange ways of teaching were so subtle yet powerful. Like most great teachers, he let you discover the truth for yourself, whatever that truth was to you at least.

The young men and women we guided into the thick wilderness of Northern New York would be taught the values of independence and the rewards of team work. Many that started out scared and doubtful would end thankful and reassured that life was there for them to make of it what they wished.
These days of self testing, teaching, blazing trails and living off the land shaped my perceptions of what the wilderness was for and how I fit into it.
Teachers like Tony Straka who led rappelling routes into deep dark mine shafts or JJ Jackson from Ghana African who could prepare a common onion about three dozen ways and make them all delicious.
Cross training exorcises like compass course, animal snares, first aide, edible plants and shelter making were all part of the early eighties for me. The Adirondacks and High peaks region of the Catskills were as common as a cross town trip to me. Days turned into weeks and my travels with and without the group became a semi regular event. Spring, summer, fall and winter, It was all the same to me. Mt. Marcy was evil in the cold weather but it made me strong and taught me to make the trip about the trip and not just getting to the top.
The staff was a well rounded group of "contributors" that were never just along for the ride. They were expected to be part of the action in whatever way they were best suited. I recall making a chocolate souffle in a Dakota hole along the Hudson river on a cool fall night. It was terrible and wonderful all at the same time.

Camping in storms or the heat of the forest in August was a character builder. Even now at times when I am faced with a new challenge that makes me feel as if I am not up to it, I think about four days with little in my stomach except what I might have collected along the stream bank or found under a rock and I think sure I can do this why not?

One never knows where we will be touched by a life shaping event. It could even be while alone in the middle of the great wilderness. Hungry, dirty and tired but aware and alive. Thera Trex and subsequent like adventures made me the man I am today.
I am grateful to all that walked with me on those trips, students and teachers alike.
I still remember you.

RJ

Teach a man to Fish and he eats for a life time.

April first is just around the corner and that has me thinking about fishing.

But of course, survival fishing is something very different. There is no sport involved in survival fishing, its all about filling the stomach.
Pack or pocket survival fishing kits can be purchased almost anywhere fishing tackle is sold, but like first aid kits, I prefer to assemble my own. I know what species of fish I am likely to encounter or target and I know what lures will serve me best.
It is important to consider seasonal travel when putting together a survival fishing kit. As an example, top water lures (those types that float on the surface) are very effective in fall, spinners and spoons are more affective in warmer weather.

CLICK PLAY

Most of the time you will be using mother natures tackle box. Bait is the number one technique for collecting fish. I am a sport fisherman and a fly fisher at that, meaning I never use bait! As a purist it goes against the code of conduct but as a wilderness traveler, I will use bait whenever possible to attract and collect fish.
Lures are attractants you carry with you and with that in mind, you need to carry the lure that works in the fullest spectrum of conditions. For me the Jig is that lure. The Jig can be fished in so many ways and in so many different bodies of water that it is right at the top (for me at least) of the lure list. Depending how you use it, it can represent insects, small bait fish, crayfish, leaches almost anything that crawls or swims. To be as thorough as possible, I carry light-dark and "curiosity" colors.

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The Frog spear (Gig or Gaff) is another technique that will save your bacon. Although illegal in most states here in the US, it is recognized as a affective gathering tool. If conditions are in your favor (low-slow water) the spear is a powerful tool. Not only does the "hunting" of aquatics fill the belly, it fills the time. Having something to focus on and actively pursue, gives a survivor or wilderness traveler a feeling of self worth and accomplishment.This is a very valuable confidence builder.

CLICK PLAY

A small selection of hooks and sinkers as well as a bobber (plastic or cork float) should round out your kit. The time tested technique of wrapping line around a can works very well as a casting "reel", hold the can in your weak hand with the bottom facing the direction you are throwing and cast out the lure with your dominant hand allowing line to pay out off the end of the can. Re-wrap the line back onto the can to reel in line. vary your pace to give "action" to your lure. If bait casting, place your can (cans) on sticks firmly planted in the ground and allow the can to spin as the fish nibbles your offering. Just like placing animal snares, the more lines in the water the better your chances, Just be sure to grab that can before old scaly sides pulls it into the water.
The tension in which you hold the can acts as your drag giving play to the fish and tiring him out so you might bring him to hand.
Using a strong but flexible stick as your fishing rod allows you to dab your lure into calm dark water from a hidden bank side spot and can be very affective.
Look under logs and rocks for worms, grubs and the prised Hellgrammite. These larval stage Dobsonflies are irresistible to almost everything that swims.
The few items you might carry in something as small as your pocket could make the difference between watching fish and tasting them. Fishing like Huck Finn is more then nostalgic, its practical and just plain fun. The next time you have an afternoon with time to kill, take your kit out and find a lake or stream and practise with it. Find its strong points and discover where it needs improvement. Items that need scaling back or adding to are often quickly discovered when you actually try to catch fish. The time to learn is now not in a survival situation when everything is against you. Own the knowledge before your welfare depends on it.

Lastly, use smaller lures then you might think necessary. There are several reasons to downsize, thinner hooks my be able to be pulled free if stuck in a submerged stump (their wire hooks bend and come out) smaller lures mean you can carry more and vary your selection. Also consider that fish of any size can take a small lure, but only big fish can swallow a big lure. You may be missing out on usable "eating" size fish. Small size lures seem to be more readily snatched up by fish, they just don't suspect the treachery as they might with some larger splashy scary thing. Fish sometimes just react to a smaller splash like an insect might make. Remember this is not trophy fishing, we want to eat not tell fish stories.
The armchair fisherman catches many fish......in his mind.

Only with practice can you become proficient and with that skill comes confidence and comfort.

Safe Travels

RJ

SHELTER

Shelter can be had in many forms without it costing much
This Blog was made to explain to the beginner how outdoor skills can be acquired by anybody willing to spend a bit of time exploring ideas as well as the wilderness.
Click Play For Video

Tents are considered the standard for wilderness shelter, these tents are lite, inexpensive enough for the common backwoods traveler and comfy.

Tarps are lite, cheap and versatile shelter, used on the ground or in conjunction with a hammock they are hard to beat for convenience.

Click Play For Video

The SPACE blanket is shelter you carry in your pocket. No wilderness traveler should enter the forest without at least one of these small wonders available.

LEAF TO type lean to shelters........fast to construct and better then the open air.

Shelter can be carried or made without much effort and with practice, can be put up quickly. In some cases shelter can be no more then what you are waring. keep that in mind next time you head out into the wilderness.

Safe Travels

RJ

THE POCKET COOKER is a Lite Wood Burning Stove that folds

I've Got Wood!
and I'm gonna burn it in my new camp stove, I have seen vids and read several things about the "POCKET COOKER" = P C
I just had to try one, so I dropped a twenty pound hint on the family toes.....Dad needs a new toy. When Christmas arrived so did my stove.
The Pocket Cooker is just a hobo stove but with a twist. It has a few things going for it that cans do not.
Firstly and most notably, it folds! yup comes in a nylon pouch all folded up about the size of two slices of bread. It looks like a puzzle or an origami project gone terribly wrong.
Secondly, its a "Volcano" design. It concentrates its flame / heat directly under your cup/pot.
Thirdly it's vented more then a Deer Crossing sign on a Pennsylvania back road (trigger happy boys in Pennsylvania)
Click play for video


Some might be tempted to look on the Pocket Cooker as some $12 gimmick, not so. The thing really has a use and a place in my pack.
As always, the wood burner is a dirty stove even when its behaving its self. The PC is no exception however if burning non resinous wood, the mess is reduced to ash only. The pine cones made a slight mess.

Sooty but economical and easy to feed.

The big surprise was how easy it was to use, I had more trouble unfolding the thing then anything else. It fired up fast and self stoked so all I had to do was post some fuel into the gap under my cup. I did not like the tipsy top design of the stove, its only four folded feet that you must balance your cup/pot on. I overcame the small design fault.

A stupid little devise or a pretty cool idea?

Pine cones and tea bags

Now all I need is a folding crumpet maker

Thumbs up for the Pocket Cooker.

Safe travels.

RJ

SO MUCH FOR THE RULE OF THREE'S

Man, Don't you just love it when someone proves the science WRONG!

I do.

The earthquake that rocked Haiti over a week ago changed many lives. Although many were lost (estimates near one hundred thousand) some that may have been and probably should have been added to that number survived!

Seven days after the quake I recall news of a child being pulled from the rubble, dehydrated but other wise well. I was amazed. What happened to the Three Days Without Water rule?? Didn't this kid know he was supposed to be dead? Evidently not and BRAVO for him!

The will to live can give us the strength to brake all the rules. Then not to be undone, several other people started popping out of the ground like turnips, an Israel rescue team pulled a man out from under a building after more then a week...alive! dehydrated to be sure but with no expiration date!

I marvel at the tenacity of man (and of course his more superior "woman") to pull through adversity when it seems even the Gods were betting against it.

It was just announced this morning that yet another man was freed from under the remains of his home after twelve (12!) days. AMEN!

Now I hear the Haitian government has announced that rescue effort have been suspended in the most severely effected areas, and a "recovery" mission has begun.

Well, All I can say is after seeing these "dead people" talking-drinking and in some cases walking around after being unearthed is.........DON'T SELL EM SHORT!

The strength shown by these people is both admirable and worthy of our best efforts. If you are able to contribute anything as relief for the Haitian people, please contact the http://www.unicefusa.org/ or http://www.paybyweb.com/ and ask how you might help.

To talk about survival is interesting, entertaining and fun. To help others survive in times of crisis is necessary, noble and a privilege! Some problems CAN be overcome by throwing money at it.

We are our brothers keeper.

And to the many rescue teams, searchers-diggers-riggers-handlers-operators-medical and support staff of all nations but particularly the volunteers from the good old USA that RUSHED to help the people of Haiti, I must say,

I just could not be more proud of you! That's who we are!

Thanks

May our Gods, whoever/whatever you call him/her be merciful

Safe Travels

RJ

Photos by US NAVY

Specialist first class Joshua Lee Kelsey and Specialist second class Justin Stumberg

PINE PITCH FIRE

The wounded bark of a coniferous tree will yield a useful "sap" that in time becomes a thick sticky syrup able to hold a flame very well indeed.
I know of a few trees along paths in my regular hunting area that have been or are under constant attack by hungry Woodpeckers.

The holes bored by these relentless ravenous birds leak sugary drops of semi liquid crystals. These trees provide me with a fairly regular supply of Fat wood - Light wood -Splint wood - Candle wood or Pitch wood whatever you want to call it.....
It's fire on a stick!

A small handful of pine pitch or fat wood should find it's way into your fire kit. When it's wet outside and you need to start that camp fire, nothing aids you as well as this natural resin for your fire. With perhaps some Birch bark to set it off, a handful of resin will burn hot and long enough to give an even damp fire set a good chance at life.
Safe Travels

RJ

Cattail Tinder

Cattails are one of the most easily recognized natural tinders in the wilderness. Their location is predictable and harvesting is simple. Cattail heads can be carried in bulk and stored for future use.
The long fiber of the stalk can be used for cordage when green and pliable (save this for another Blog section) and it's roots are a rich source of starch and carbohydrates.
By far the most common use for the Cattail is tinder.

Safe Travels

RJ

Natural Tinder For Flint And Steel

My route to work each day takes me by a field of weeds,grasses and wild flowers. It is a small overgrown patch of ground most noted for it's abilities to gather blown litter, Realtors signs and the god awful photos of hopeful would be politicians.
One summer day in May, I noticed the bulbous shapes of milkweed pods gleamed in the morning sun as I sped by on my motorcycle and they caught my eye. I made a mental note to return in the fall to harvest the natural tinder within them and add it to my primitive fire making kit.

(FALL Arrived) The rain was on and off (mostly on) this morning really cramping my style (as if I had any) but not so much that I could stay stuck indoors. I remembered the milkweed and got my rain jacket. It was the Fall after all and I promised myself I would pick a bunch.......so off I went.

Natural tinder fibers can be harvested from many sources. Cattail, Mullein, Birch bark, Horses hoof "amadou" but one of my favorite types is the fiber and particularly the ovum of the milkweed pod. The milkweed is a scary looking thing when time and weather has had it's way with it. The pod turns from a firm green almost pickle looking affair to a dark dried and wrinkled almost burned looking explosion of the pod it once was.
The pods at this time of year stick out against the dark browns and tans of the field like a roach on a wedding cake. Their white flags waving in the breeze slowly dispersing and disappearing.
A close look at the pod in fall is something one almost has to force yourself to do. They are a damaged, ripped, train wreck of a thing and if it were not for the beauty of their usefulness, I'm sorry to say I might not give the milkweed a second glance.



The seeds are connected to the silk like fiber which are their means of conveyance, from mother pod to the ground. The silk springs forth from the folds of the weeds ovum.

Here the ovum is seen just under the white strands of fiber.
The prize can be easily separated from the rest of the plant by just gently breaking it away from the stalk and lifting or pealing out the silk. The silk may be collected for various projects as well but today just the ovum was on my shopping list.

The delicate milkweed ovum is almost the color of an acorn squash and lite as a feather. They must be protected while transported or they will easily be torn, once dried they will be even more delicate and paper like. They will readily take the well aimed spark of a carbon steel and glow in a punk like manner. These will be strung on a length of thread and hung in the shed to dry thoroughly, placed in my possibles bag for use later in the year.
Useful stuff the UGLY milkweed pod.

Safe Travels
RJ

WHAT KIND OF CRAP IS THIS? or POOPIN 101

Do you smell that?

Well you shouldn't. If you spend much time in the woods sooner or later you will need to relieve yourself.

As awkward as it might be to discuss such matters, running into a fellow trekker's "leavings" on the trail the other day proved to me at least that some forest walkers still don't know how to deal with their droppings. Sorry Fellas (and Gals!) but stepping off the trail to make stinky is just not good enough. I know for sure that such incidents are committed by second class hikers, no self respecting (or nature respecting) hiker would leave such a mess. So lets take a quick look at what all first class hikers already know.

First and foremost all trekkers should carry sanitation gear. That's really just three items that can be toted in any small pocket of the day pack. A Trowel to excavate a small "cat" hole. These depressions in the earth need not be large, just big enough to receive the contents and be properly covered. The hole should be about ten inches deep and six inches wide (unless you're a really good shot). Any shallower will invite animals to dig up the contents and any deeper will place the contents below the magic layer. The magic layer is those few inches of top soil that contain the highest concentrations of microbial and bacterial life that will brake down the fecal matter.

Secondly, you will need Toilet paper and the type sold in outdoor equipment stores is best. This thin yet sturdy paper is intentionally designed and formulated to brake down with exposure to water and soil. If you choose not to buy this type of paper the standard paper can be used however, try not to use paper with perfumes or dyes. Some scents may attract critters and some dyes work against the natural biodegradable properties of the paper. Cheap paper is best!

Thirdly a few packs of Hand sanitizer or a small squirt bottle of any alcohol based anti bacterial hand cleanser should be carried. The high alcohol content of these towelettes enable you to drop them into the hole and Carefully set them on fire with a match, this will also set the soiled paper on fire burning most everything into ashes. Thus nothing is left to make the wilderness untidy. Ensure the items are out and no subterranean twigs, roots are burning. Cover the contents with the dirt you removed from the hole and camouflage the site with leaf litter and duff from the forest floor.

Now as the Realtor said, the three most important things are Location, Location and Location.

Always conduct such business in a private area where you will not spoil the view should someone come striding up the trail just as you are taking the dive. Stay well away from all water sources as well as camp or cooking areas.

If you have done your job the casual hiker should be able to pass by the deposit without detecting it.

Now as to technique, do what ever you must to get the job done but at risk of revealing my most private moments, I'll tell you how I do it. Generally, I try to find an appropriate spot near a tree. The tree will provide privacy and back support and the Tannic acid or "Tannin" that most trees lose from it's bark as it rains helps brake down the deposit. Dig your hole about one foot from the base of the tree. Don't relocate the soil any further then necessary from the hole. Remove any bulky clothes such as coats and jackets. Stand facing away from the tree with your feet just ahead and on either side of the hole. Lower your pants to the knee and no further. By spreading your knees you will hold up your pants and make a little shelf for your toilet paper to rest on. Now bend and lean back as if sitting on an imaginary chair with just your back against the tree to support you. Here comes the easy part. Empty your bowls into the hole. if you've done everything right, ground zero should be just under you. Clean up as necessary and drop paper into the hole below you. When you are done stand (without dropping your pants) and sanitize the site as above.

I don't know about you but the wilderness is the place we retreat to to escape daily stress and the crap we have to deal with in the "civilized" world.

Lets not deal with other peoples crap out here too.

Safe Travels

RJ