Patience.
If stormbound, wait it out.
Stamina.
Whether canoeing, hiking or portaging, one paddle stroke or one step at a time gets the job done. Stick with it.
Caution.
When canoeing rapids, scout them first. Walk down the length of the rapids if necessary. Portage, wade or line if not sure.
Gratitude.
Be thankful for what you have, where you are, how you got there, why you are there, who has helped prepare for the journey.
Boldness.
Take a chance. The route may get you where you want to go.
Learning never ends.
I am always thinking of better ways to do things, seeing new things or seeing things in a new light.
Exploring and discovery.
Enjoy it. What is around the next bend or over the next hill?
Make mistakes
… but learn from them.
Things not to do … ever. (See separate list.)
Use the correct tools.
The best tools have multiple uses.
Cleanliness.
Just because I am in the bush does not mean I can be a slob.
Maintenance.
Maintained gear works better and lasts longer.
Appreciation
… of the important things – family and friends, good water and food, clean dry clothes and bedding, shelter (from bugs, sun, rain, snow, wind, cold, heat), useful tools, health, beautiful natural surroundings.
Neatness and organization.
Everything in its place, every time. (There is no store around the corner.)
Innovation.
Figure out a way to fix something or to do something.
Persistence.
Do not give up. Keep looking for that portage or the best spot to create a new trail.
Tolerance
for … bugs, getting wet, dirty and cold, portages, missing a meal, frustration, scratches, bumps, bruises and other owies. Suck it up. C’est la vie.
Problem solving.
There is always a way to solve a problem, but make sure there really is a problem. Remember that solving a problem may create another.
Finish important chores.
Make sure important chores get done before bedtime. (By tomorrow rain can make it more difficult or unpleasant to find dry tinder and kindling or to erect tarp shelter).
Prioritization.
Figure out priorities before starting tasks. Be willing to change priorities if required. (Do important items first even if the most difficult.)
Preparedness.
Above all, be prepared – planning, updated checklists and menus, adequate gear, researched knowledge, notifying contacts. Think about what ifs so you are ready if they occur – getting lost, losing gear, tipping canoe, bear or moose encounter.
“Pay attention to where you are. Take care of yourself. Slow. Down.”
From Meredith Vuchnich, torontolife.com, September 23, 2015
But ... do not overplan.
"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes conditions perfect."
From Alan Cohen (1950 - )
If stormbound, wait it out.
Stamina.
Whether canoeing, hiking or portaging, one paddle stroke or one step at a time gets the job done. Stick with it.
Caution.
When canoeing rapids, scout them first. Walk down the length of the rapids if necessary. Portage, wade or line if not sure.
Gratitude.
Be thankful for what you have, where you are, how you got there, why you are there, who has helped prepare for the journey.
Boldness.
Take a chance. The route may get you where you want to go.
Learning never ends.
I am always thinking of better ways to do things, seeing new things or seeing things in a new light.
Exploring and discovery.
Enjoy it. What is around the next bend or over the next hill?
Make mistakes
… but learn from them.
Things not to do … ever. (See separate list.)
Use the correct tools.
The best tools have multiple uses.
Cleanliness.
Just because I am in the bush does not mean I can be a slob.
Maintenance.
Maintained gear works better and lasts longer.
Appreciation
… of the important things – family and friends, good water and food, clean dry clothes and bedding, shelter (from bugs, sun, rain, snow, wind, cold, heat), useful tools, health, beautiful natural surroundings.
Neatness and organization.
Everything in its place, every time. (There is no store around the corner.)
Innovation.
Figure out a way to fix something or to do something.
Persistence.
Do not give up. Keep looking for that portage or the best spot to create a new trail.
Tolerance
for … bugs, getting wet, dirty and cold, portages, missing a meal, frustration, scratches, bumps, bruises and other owies. Suck it up. C’est la vie.
Problem solving.
There is always a way to solve a problem, but make sure there really is a problem. Remember that solving a problem may create another.
Finish important chores.
Make sure important chores get done before bedtime. (By tomorrow rain can make it more difficult or unpleasant to find dry tinder and kindling or to erect tarp shelter).
Prioritization.
Figure out priorities before starting tasks. Be willing to change priorities if required. (Do important items first even if the most difficult.)
Preparedness.
Above all, be prepared – planning, updated checklists and menus, adequate gear, researched knowledge, notifying contacts. Think about what ifs so you are ready if they occur – getting lost, losing gear, tipping canoe, bear or moose encounter.
“Pay attention to where you are. Take care of yourself. Slow. Down.”
From Meredith Vuchnich, torontolife.com, September 23, 2015
But ... do not overplan.
"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes conditions perfect."
From Alan Cohen (1950 - )