“Of all the logistics and planning that go into an expedition, a groups’ emergency kits can sometimes be the difference between a complete or incomplete expedition” On the river, in addition to first-aid kits, repair kits, Personal Locators and so forth, every expedition should bring a pin-kit that is in good working order. READ MORE
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Section one: Before Departure
I learned through most of my life that the ability to survive with in the wild, at the mercy of Mother Nature, is what truly defined a person. ·Character is developed when the individual places themselves within the elements, where he then becomes inter-connected with history and nature all at once.·An appreciation for history and those who blazed its early trails manifests, as one finds himself sleeping where courier de bois[1],voyageurs, explorers, infantry, naval, York boat men, Native American Warriors, guides and trappers alike would have during the days of European colonization in North America .
Times can be difficult and uncomfortable out in the wild to say the least. Therefore, in order to fully appreciate all that can be learned during these lengthy expeditions, an individual begins to realize the importance of patience.One of the hardest elements during canoe trips is the wind-bound days that seem to have no signs of ending. Needless to say, it becomes discouraging when minutes turn to hours, and hours to days. Patience, coupled with optimism and experience, has taught me to stay focused because at one point it must come to an end. Although no one is there to help you, you must still ensure your continued health, both mental and physical.·To this day the outdoors has continued to provide me with a personal rite of passage. A passage I first learned when I was 16 and made an Homme du Nord.[2]
The outdoors has taught me fundamental skills for survival, and helped me build stronger character. Canoeing was simply a vessel for me to continue to experience all that – almost like a modern-day voyageur. So when people ask me why I do it, I encourage them to come join me to see for themselves. Read the journals, look at the pictures, watch the videos; and I bet you everyone is going to take away something different. So let me ask my readers, what would you like to learn about yourself?
(Photo caption:·the 'White Moose Expedition' 1999. Homme Du Nord ceremony Churchill System Northern Saskatchewan. In Photo: Christopher C. Petrie, Tyler Williamson, James Gilliese, Adam Goodwin and Roddie Hunter)
The 'White Moose Expedition' 1999. Homme Du Nord ceremony Churchill System Northern Saskatchewan. In Photo: Chris Petrie, Tyler Williamson, James Gilliese, Adam Goodwin and Roddie Hunter
[1]Courier de Bois (Runners of the woods)· were unlicensed voyageurs
[2]This ceremony took place typically where the waters would divide.·An Homme Du Nord was able to push further into the wild and live off the land.· The ‘Pork Eater’ would go no further and instead turn around to go back home as he did not have the true ways of the voyageur within himself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John's_School_of_Alberta
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