Preparing through Autumn Adventures
As most of my close friends and family know by now, I am planning a large scale wilderness trip for next spring. Exact details are still in the air and I will share more in the near future. In preparation for this adventure of a lifetime, I have been spending my fall gaining every inch I can with regards to: how my system works, how Saku develops (since he will be along for the journey), configuring my route, understanding what I can handle physically and mentally, and developing my photography and filming skills. It has been an enjoyable and exciting planning process. Although it may be unhealthy or healthy (I’m unsure), I think I am slightly addicted to perfecting each component of the trip along with living the wilderness life. Every morning I wake up itching to learn something new and willing to get out every possible kink in my…
Photos from around the Avalon Peninsula
Photography is new to me and I am still learning. The goal right now is to take as many pictures as possible and hope that a few work out. I have tried some editing in Adobe Lightroom for these photos but I still need plenty of practice to figure it all out . Here are few snaps I have taken over the last week, I hope you enjoy them. Please leave comments for praise or constructive criticism, it is welcomed!
Hitting the Trails for the ECT Ultra Marathon
Last weekend (Saturday, October 29th) I took a break from the bushwhacking and unfortunately missed the first two games of my senior hockey season with the Gander Flyers. This was because I commited to run a 23.5 kilometres trail race. It’s called the East Coast Trail Ultra Marathon. The event is in its third year and gathered about 90 participants this time around. It begins in Pouch Cove and finishes at the Inn of Olde which is located in the Quidi Vidi Gut. To finish the race you actually have to run in through the door of the pub and show them your bib number. It is quite the overwhelming, yet unique entrance to the tiny but cozy establishment. Especially after punishing yourself on the trails for at least a couple of hours. I felt disoriented and despite crisp brews and hot chilli awaiting, needed to step outside and cool…
Details on “For the Love of the Rock” Expedition Spring 2017 coming soon..
Links related to the trip and last years Greatest Explorer contest: http://www.thewesternstar.com/Living/2016-05-14/article-4528829/Going-wild%3A-Justin-Barbour-loves-to-push-himself-to-the-outer-limits/1 http://www.thelabradorian.ca/living/2016/5/24/beating-the-bushes-for-adventure.html
Cape Shore Water Dogs, Bough Beds and Leaving No Trace
The Cape Shore Water Dog Last week was the first night in the bush for my new Cape Shore water dog Saku. I picked him up from Branch, NL last month and he is now a mere 11 weeks old. The little guy is a warrior and I can’t wait to watch him lay his roots. This breed of canine is genetically wired to spend long periods of time in the woods and the waters. Their iconic trait is a keen sense to retrieve freshwater ducks and sea ducks. I can notice his urge to do this already. They are also known to be very smart and versatile pups who show plenty of affection to others. In Saku’s case, interactions with people and other dogs have been going smoothly. Generally, he is just a big sook. The origin of the Cape Shore dog is an interesting, yet unclear story. For over…
Cheap Night in the Woods
Last week I took an overnight trip to a favourite spot of mine. It was a solo adventure with my sidekick Bear. I deliberately tried to take as little baggage as possible to show everyone that you can have a cheap and enjoyable night in the wild. These days backpacking gear is revolutionary, but can be quite expensive. From down sleeping bags that nearly require a financing plan to tents that cost more than a monthly rent payment. I am a firm believer of the old adage “you get what you pay for.” That being said, you don’t need all the bells and whistles to ease your way into a good adventure. There is plenty of camping gear inferior to these high cost, state of the art items, that will do the trick for the recreational woods dweller. If you are looking for a more serious load-out, you should…
Having some fun breaking in my new Canon Rebel T5i camera
Last month I purchased a EOS Canon Rebel T5i camera. It is the first quality piece of photography equipment I have ever owned. Before this rig I was accustomed to snapping on my iPhone/Android or GoPro Hero 3+ Silver. Both these devices do a bang-up job but they don’t hold a candle to the Rebel. I have no degrees in photography but I can tell you that this DSLR camera shoots some spectacular shots. Versus the GoPro, I am gaining the ability to zoom in and capture some fine looking wildlife photos. Something that was never possible on my trips with the Hero 3+ in hand. Don’t get me wrong though, the GoPro takes some magnificant wide angle photos. I find it is best used for panoramic type shots where you want to capture a large background. And of course its ability to take action videos is awesome. My…
Twelve Days of Bush Living On Your Back
Here is an outline of the outfit I used during my off-trail 12 day backpacking/packrafting tour through the remote Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve. In all I covered approximately 60 hard kilometres. People ask me what I take on these long trips. So here I let you delve into my pack’s contents as I share some advice on why I chose certain items, without too much use of the technical jargon. This is just an example of what your pack could consist of during a trip this long without a resupply. By no means do you need all of this gear for a one or two day outing. You can start small in the game of backpacking and spend very little to have an enjoyable experience. Most things are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip, while other items are personal luxuries. With these I am willing to sacrifice their…
WOODS™ CANADA’S GREATEST EXPLORER COMPETITION
Crossing through the Newfoundland and Labrador Bush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoEylfbHOtg Source: WOODS™ CANADA’S GREATEST EXPLORER (SORRY THE LINK TO THE CONTEST SITE NO LONGER EXISTS) – I ENDED UP FINISHING IN THE TOP 17 OUT OF THOUSANDS ACROSS CANADA. THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!! Please cast me a vote and share this! You can vote once a day everyday for the next two weeks. Thank you very much! If I make the top 12 I will get a chance to become ” Canada’s Greatest Explorer” as well win $25,000. #explorenl #woodsexplorer