Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category

“What if?” in Back of Beyond

Many of us who work and spend our leisure time in the great outdoors have asked the “what if?” question at least once. What if I have an incident? What if one of my family members hurt themselves? What if one of my participants has an accident? We are constantly balancing risk and reward. As an instructor in outdoor education Read More »

Ever tried to call 911 from the woods?

Well that’s easy, just call on the shoe phone! The cell phone has come on strong and allowed us that quick call luxury. But, even those that use cells regularly around town will question their reliability. Get them out of the urban core and they are even less so. Add in a fading battery or leaning over and accidentally dropping Read More »

The Old, the New, and the Practical

We have grown from a society that relied on natural instinct and adaptation in the bush for survival to a domestic creature reliant on modern tools and being able to return to the “comforts of home” with a 300 hp motor under you. It will get you way out there and hopefully get you back. A lot is made of Read More »

Paddling with Wisdom

“Oh Summer paddling, happens so fast. Oh Summer paddling, gives me a wet @$$ (rump)…” Just like the song from the classic movie “Grease” people suddenly find themselves getting the itch or back into dipping their blades. With paddling sports offering an excellent opportunity for you to explore the water, then woods; folks are flocking in increasing droves. The places Read More »

Card vs. Capable

Are you taking the course to get a card or to get capable? If you are taking it to get a card, that’s unfortunate, because likely you have set yourself up for a painful day of obligation. Even worse if the instructor teaching you has the same goal in mind (and worse – has told you that!). It will likely Read More »