When we think of human progress on the landscape, images of housing developments, shopping centers and skyscrapers come to mind. Disappearance of human occupation on the land altogether? That wouldn’t seem a likely scenario, but it’s exactly what happened along Alaska’s upper Yukon River. Progress came in the way of the Federal Government’s designation of the … [Read more...] about Life and Times of a Big River
81 Days Below Zero
If you were dropped in the middle of the wilderness, alone, could you survive? What if you had no tools, no food, and improper equipment? And what if that wilderness was the Alaska bush, and the setting was midwinter? Survival stories in harsh environments are fascinating, particularly when the odds are stacked against a positive outcome. The story of Leon Crane was truly … [Read more...] about 81 Days Below Zero
Dick Folsom: Bush Pilot
Few men have seen more adventure than the early bush pilots of northern Maine. When roads were few and far between and the north woods was more wilderness than not, bush planes were often the only feasible means of transportation. Small planes and the pilots who flew them became a critical lifeline to many sporting camp operations and backwoods trappers. With floats in summer … [Read more...] about Dick Folsom: Bush Pilot
Storied Waters
Fly fishing, writing and art seem to go together quite well, don’t they? There’s something about fly fishing that appeals to an artistic mind, or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, the fly fishing world is crazy with art and literature inspired by the practice. I enjoy reading about fishing almost as much as actually fishing - almost. The great story tellers can … [Read more...] about Storied Waters
The Old Man and the Boy (Robert Ruark)
It can be hard being a boy, balancing growth, understanding, emotions and desires, without a guide to help you along. It’s even more challenging being a boy who loves the outdoors that surround him and lacks a mentor and a friend to enjoy it with. Legendary outdoorsman and writer Robert Ruark was that boy once, and his grandfather his friend, mentor and guide. In “The Old … [Read more...] about The Old Man and the Boy (Robert Ruark)