How do you explain a spectacular view to family and friends?
Have you ever tried to explain buschraft to your friends? Your girlfriend or boyfriend? Your spouse or family?
What do you say to them? Do you get the “furrowed brow” in reply?
It’s often hard for me to explain to friends and family about the time I spend in nature. How do I articulate the thrill of watching deer graze just feet from where I’m concealed? How do I describe the excitement of watching an osprey swoop on its prey?
Sometimes, acquaintances nod knowingly. “You’re a ‘survivalist’ like that Bear Grylls guy on TV! Have you drunk your own pee?”
I try to give voice to the beauty I find in nature. I explain that Bushcraft is the practical knowledge of our natural world. Bushcraft skills provide shelter, water, fire and food from materials found in our natural environment.
More importantly, these skills create insight and appreciation for the world around us. Ancient peoples viewed themselves as a part of nature, not apart from it. In our hectic modern lives we often feel isolated from the larger universe. Relating to nature allows us to share a connectedness that is absent from our modern lives.
I try to explain all these things, but most of the time I mumble incoherently. I feel embarrassed at having to explain my passion. Would I need to do this if I were a stamp collector?
My haphazard answers to the question, “What is bushcraft?” waste a golden opportunity. It’s a chance to educate others about the joy of wild places, connecting with nature, and stewardship of our natural environment. Often I leave these encounters red faced from embarrassment. I feel frustrated and defensive for no discernable reason.
More fun than video games!
Let’s Hear from ‘Uncle Ray’ (Ray Mears)
Ray Mears is an authority on the subject of Bushcraft. He teaches outdoor skills in England, but has gained wider fame through his many television series. His easy manner on camera and relaxed style contrast with the horde of scatterbrained “man vs. wilderness” reality TV shows.
More importantly, Ray’s programs take viewers on wonderful journeys and teach them usable bushcraft skills. No cliff jumping or urine drinking for Ray. His shows demonstrate how to use bushcraft knowledge to enjoy your time in nature. Harmony trumps discord and “smoothing it” beats roughing it.
In 2015, Ray made a short film while canoeing in Wabakimi Provincial Park in Northern Ontario, Canada. In it he reflects on bushcraft and nature. The pacing of the video is slow – even for Ray. But I think you’ll enjoy hearing from someone who devotes his life to bushcraft and has thought deeply about it.
The video is cinematic and I suggest you watch full-screen. Hopefully, it will help you the next time a friend asks, “So what is this bushcraft thing anyway?”
What did you think of the video? Let me know in the comments below.
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Man, what a great video! Ray Mears does such a nice job on the media he releases.
He really does, Corey. His videos always have great production values. They are well structured and hang-together to tell a story. I really like that!
Wonderful! I remember doing some of that with my grandpa (he was a guide in Maine) when I was young. I lost it as I grew and seeing this reminded me. Thank you.
Arthur, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I inherited my love of nature from my grandfather and father. Your comment reminded me how much I enjoyed walking in the woods with them.
Ray Mears’ thoughts and Goh Irimoto’s imagery are compelling and complimentary. A beautiful felling lingers.
I agree, Karl. The video creates both a tranquil and invigorating feeling. It makes me want to jump in a canoe. 🙂
What a great, inspiring, peaceful combination of wise words, stunning photography and soothing sound track. Thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video, Lisa. Ray makes us feel like we’re on the trip along with him.
Well I’m biased being a Brit. Followed Ray now for over 30 years. He is a great guy! He has presented awards to my scouts and backs other uniformed organisations as he said he would in his book. Not just scouts at many of his presentations… As you point out his quiet steady approach has won more people to bushcraft, in the UK, than anyone. else..I would not denigrate anyone else who has added to the mix. Looking forward to his lecture in Cardiff next week and his new TV series. Even my wife likes him.
Gwyn, thank you for sharing your experience with Ray. It is really wonderful to see successful people share their craft with others. I also enjoyed hearing that you give your own time to work with youth.
Have fun at the upcoming lecture! You are fortunate to have him in the UK. You have a unique opportunity to meet and learn from him in person. I’m jealous! 🙂
Excellent video! I will watch and listen again and again!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video, Tommy!
I’m preparing for my trip to the arctic in the winter, and it was great to re-watch this video to get into the right frame of mind.