Perito Moreno glacier is a natural wonder and one of Argentine Patagonia’s largest tourist draws. But is it too popular? Too touristy? I visit the glacier and take an ice trek to find out more. Along the way I receive some pleasant surprises…
Answers to questions about power in the wilderness, water purification, chaga, what I’ve got in my pockets, what you do when you get the silent treatment and reasons why I left Woodlore. There’s also a question for YOU to answer…
Reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, known as Caribou in North America, are a widespread northern hemisphere species of deer, which are found in the boreal forest, mountains and tundra. The sub-species most familiar in Scandinavia and Northern Europe (and which have been reintroduced into Scotland) are specifically Eurasian Tundra Reindeer, Rangifer tarandus tarandus. Most modern Western societies associate reindeer with Christmas and the most famous of them is, of course Rudolph, with its fabled red nose…
The hike up to Laguna de los Tres is one of the classics of Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia. Starting from the village of El Chaltén, the out-and-back trip do the lagoon can be hiked in a day. Indeed, many people do. The hiking guidebook I purchased locally states…
White water safety and rescue skills are essential if you spend any time on or around rivers. These are real world survival skills. If you examine the statistics of what kills people outdoors, water is right up towards the top of the list. Moving water, whatever temperature, poses specific hazards…
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions on various considerations with respect to shelter and sleeping arrangements, bivvybag condensation, wool blankets (again), Tyvek as a material for beds and tents, setting up tarp ridge lines and the important question of whether or not there should be such a thing as a wilderness licence?
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions on the breathability of eVent fabric, the utility of military surplus gear for bushcraft, fire management for first timers, gaining consistency with bow drill, and provide some thoughts on realistic year-round carbs foraging as well as getting a little philosophical towards the end.
We arrived at the bus station in El Calafate just before 07:45. It was bustling with backpackers and foreign travellers, squeezing past each other, making their way to ticket offices, buses or a rendez-vous with friends or a group. After the quiet backstreets of this little town on the shores of Lago Argentino, it…
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, Q’s to your A’s about bushcraft in South Africa vs Scotland, bivvy bag issues, firebowls, squeaky bow-drills, mix & match NCFE courses, snakes & bugs under tarps, canoe vs kayak…
Labrador tea is the name given to three closely related Rhododendron species. These plants were traditionally used for many medicines as well as Labrador tea, most commonly made from