Ahh! The simple life! After lunch I might go out-back & build me a canoe out of my rocklike gum trees!! What a difference climate makes! Top stuff mate - enthralled. Nothing too simple about your kind of living mate.
Peter, although less common, canoes were also buried in sand for the winter. Large rawbishaw canoes stored in canoe sheds for the winter had to have quite a few ribs knocked out to release the tension otherwise the seams would rip in very low temperatures and destroy the canoe. Yes in earlier days, most canoe bark was taken off trees without chopping them down. There is early film footage of this process using a single stick ladder using branches for climbing rungs and a branch fork for locking the top of the ladder into the tree. In a video, Earl Nyholm shows how to remove canoe bark using an extension ladder. The task that really takes skill and care is getting the bark to the ground without damaging it. The best canoe bark in North America comes from an area from Parry Sound, Haliburton, Algonquin Park north to Temagami and over to Grand Lac Victoria and somewhat east. The good canoe bark ( not the red stuff) is found amongst conifers. The bark is thick and strong with short, tight lenticels. There was a major bark trade from this area even before Europeans and the Hudson's Bay Company. For example, bark from the Algonquin Park area went out to Fort William on the Ottawa, up the Dumoine to Grand lac Victoria, on to Waswanapi then to Nemiscau to Waskagonish then as far north as Great Whale River. The "crooked" canoes up there to support the caribou hunt were made from Algonquin Park area bark. Those people lived well north of canoe bark and before canvas canoe covers, they were totally reliant on this canoe bark trade. Peter- you are a little too early on your bark removal as you are still pulling rind. Depending on how hot it gets over the next few days, I would give it at least another week. I have had bark peel right off on its own accord from the cut that I made with a chainsaw. This bark is now a panel in the large canoe hanging in the National Museum of History in Gatineau. Yes, if the bark is harvested at right time the tree often lives. There was a tree near Sand Lake south of Dorset, Ontario that survived for more than 60 years after the bark was removed for a canoe.
Appreciate your interest Doris and also taking the time to write such informative feedback. First of all, I did get excellent bark yesterday and the areas you mention are where I search it out. This bark almost popped off tree from the initial cut. It is almost perfect, 1/8 thick and like rubber. I’ve removed from a ladder, from arborist climbing gear and from downed trees but, the easiest is a tree on the ground. I attempt to hang them up on the stump so there is room to remove the bark from below. I’ve yet to see a tree survive from the process. I’m not saying it can’t happen but the bark is the trees only protection from air borne pathogens. Thanks for sharing the part of burying in sand, I had not heard that.
I am surely enjoying the building of this canoe, and I think you for it. The wee bit of history was quite the story, never would’ve thought that anything like sinking your canoe would have a positive outcome. I also found the beautiful rabbit to be pet like, they were so very cool.
Glad your liking our endevour, Richard. Our little actors at the beginning are snowshoe hares in their summer brown phase. They turn completely white in the winter.
Our pleasure Jeff. Given I’m building it anyway, we might as well film it. It certainly isn’t one of the favorites on the channel , so we appreciate your positive feedback.
Great to see a new video. And a wee bit of history. Very interesting the sinking of the canoes and how cold it would be to retrieve them. Thanks for another great video.
It's very interesting to watch how you build things and peel bark off the trees and make things I bet it's fun hanging out in the woods and forest or mountains enjoying nature out being productive making and building stuff hard work but it's worth it man you look like you have a blast doing it I have a blast watching you relaxed me thanks for explaining and being informative
Thanks buddy awesome we need more people spending their time out in the forest for hours and making things like you I wouldn't want you to change that buddy it's great
Hi Peter, Thanks for keeping history alive. I never really looked beyond a birch bark canoe other than what I have seen while doing another research. But I am really interested to watch you continue with your build . Also thanks for history bit regarding the canoe trade so to speak. See next time.
Thanks Gil. Sure appreciate your continued interest in our channel . I’m in time period so much that it it more like living in the present in an historical way!
Hi Peter. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together to form a complete canoe. Those indigenous chaps of long ago must have been made of Stern stuff! Diving into freezing water in the Autumn and Spring to preserve their boat……I’d have caught double pneumonia….if I hadn’t died of a heart attack from the shock of the cold water! 😊 Best wishes, Mark
Fascinated by this build. Enjoy watching the process and progress. Can’t wait to see it done. Thanks for sharing!! Kudos to Catherine as well on the camera work as always. Love this channel!!
This is my favourite kind of episode. I might suggest using a small leather journal book to hold to look at q cards or notes rather than look down. I nice branded leather pocket book would fit right in.
Actually I don’t use any Q cards at all. If I’m looking about it is simply to recall dates, times, places etc., that are relative to the story. If one were to put a microphone close to my head, you’d most likely hear the gears turning. I do thank you for the suggestion though. There may be some stories that are much more complicated and have such a leather journal would indeed help.
Hey Peter! That is an impressive pile of shavings that you are accumulating... but I suppose kindling is where you find it. Sorry that the birch bark didn't work out. It is better to make that decision now, rather than later, I'm sure. I am confident that you will find what you are looking for soon... so keep plugging away. I greatly enjoyed "the bit of History", as well. I had always suspected that as the Fur Trade grew and was refined, that "Canoe Factories" would be part of it... to keep up with the demand for numbers and carrying capacity. It was nice to have that suspicion confirmed!
If nothing else Martin, I do make good kindling. I’m heading north for a couple of days to begin the search again. I’ve sampled over 40 trees this spring.
Thank you but, sadly I’m off on yet another search. It will get used for other things. I’ve sampled over 40 trees this spring and thought I’d finally found it. Oh well, time spent in the forest is never a waste of time.
Peter, yes I agree that taking canoe bark off a felled tree is easier and far safer. Taking bark off a standing tree might be a hold over from small trade axes or even ones made from stone that made felling a large tree extremely labour some. Although not good for the tree, many birches do survive at least for some time. On the surviving tree that I referred to, the rind became thick and lumpy and turned jet black.
I’ve actually felled significant sized birch using a true felling axe, can’t imagine the effort with a stone one. I’ve revisited a few of the trees that I left standing and your spot on with them going black. From my arborist background, the reason you’ll still find them foliated one to three years after bark removal is the stored carbohydrates stored in the root collar. This area of the tree is not unlike a car battery and where the it gets it’s energy to flush the buds in the spring, fight diseases and add in compartmentalizing wounds. Once depleted the tree is done. Genetically, the tree you refer to must have been one very heathy specimen. Your very knowledgeable about this subject Craig and I do appreciate your comments.
Good morning Peter. Thanks for all the troubles you go through to share these videos. Fortunately we don't have black flies and it appeared they were unforgiving when harvesting the bark. I will send some hastag # suggestions for you. Not sure if it will help but we can only try. Appreciate you both and your troubles once again. Have a great weekend and God bless. Praying the bark will be worthy. Be safe and we'll see you down the road.....thanks
I am sitting beside window in the kitchen watching your video and looking also at 6 silver birch trees that I planted 25 yrs ago. While they are growing well it will be a long time before we have material suitable for a canoe. Your work is so interesting and l admire your dedication. I visited Smiths Falls in 2018 and did some canoeing on the Rideau lake and smaller lakes. All the best from Paddy in Ireland.
Hi yes anytime you can see my shop and the road I live on Portage Road wonders the same roads back in the olden days lots of local people talking about the fur trade that's cool thank you for the video talk soon
@@TheWoodlandEscape yes I would love to meet you too I live in kirkfield Ontario I make brooms almost everyday I go to the a lot of shows my company's name kawartha broom co I live on Portage Road in kirkfield not too far from the Trent Waterway well thank you for this knowledge for of your history talk soon
Thanks for another great video, your knowledge of different woods and their individual properties never ceases to amaze me , you are a true artisan and the things you create are beautiful and useful , it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be allowed to watch you at work sir!
Peter, I picked up a throwing tomahawk off Amazon this past week. It was pretty cheap. It is forged and comes with a beard. I browned the handle and burned some black rings on the handle. I have several coats of BLO on it and I hand fit the handle to the head. I am going to deepen the kerf in the handle a bit and put a wood wedge in it. The crude metal wedge that came with it did not impress me. I will find a mask for it because it is as sharp as a razor. It should throw pretty good, because it is heavy. Overall it weighs as much as my GBA Wildlife hatchet.
This is a great lesson in the usefulness of a very small knife, a light hatchet, and other small tools! As a boy, raised on 'Davy Crocket' and Jim Bowie, I thought I needed a BIG knife just to go camping! Of course, I mainly needed to slice onions, potatoes, and tomatoes and cube a piece of beef. We live and learn: today I use a No 08 Opinel to do those things and my heavy knives are 6-inch and LESS blades.
I too learned the hard way. I have a drawer full of long bladed knives. I do carry an historical accurate 18th century blade, I guess because they do. I rarely use it. My favorite one is my neck sheathed one with about a 4 “ blade.
Thanks Jan. I’m sure there a number of folks out there with that knowledge. Having said that, there are very few of us still making bark canoes. Approximately 600 hours of time well spent it the forest!
I know it's not 18th century, but those battery operated rackets (functioning on the principle of a discharging capacitor) work really well on the black flies matter and their buddies, deer fly and skeeter. Another great video!
Thank you. I’ve been on a few treks, 1700’s style where that would have been darn handy. Darn fools that we are, we don’t even take bug spray in an effort to actually live the time period.
@@TheWoodlandEscape years ago I got to spend two days in a bark canoe on Lake Champlain WOW !!! that was a BLAST... no plastic, no nylon, no phones, no T.P. LOL...
Heck Ashley , we live in a dead spot … don’t have to go anywhere else for poor reception. To make a phone call ( can’t get a land line) I have to sit on the 7 step of our loft, not the 7th, nor the 8th. Enjoy your event!
Hi Peter I like the new grain and stain of the new crooked knife handle and the awl handle. I assume these came from the same source as your hatchet. I noticed quite a few birch trees in that video but it seems not many met your needs. Hope what you harvested works out for you. I liked the short clip of those snowshoe hares! I always enjoy the added wildlife scenes. Thanks go out to you and Catherine for your excellent vids! Best Regards
I did use The same stain on those tools , you’ve very observant. As to the bark, I’ve decided not to use it in the build. I’ll make moose calls, arrow quiver, baskets etc. from it. The search resumes. I’ll pass on your compliment to Cathy.
This was quite informative Peter, and answered some of the questions I had, that you already answered, and It was interesting to hear how the Natives stored their canoes. Must be a bit discouraging to do all that work to find out your bark is not suitable.
@@TheWoodlandEscape In my research of the subject, it seems that imperfections are to be expected, and also embraced. Which is what makes them so unique right.
Love your videos ! So relaxing always clean and full of wisdom ! The rabbit at the introduction, what kind is it ? The feet are so big we’re not used to seeing ones like that here in Pa.(US) Thank you ! 👍😃
I'm looking forward to more canoe building videos. Is it necessary to drop a tree for bark? On a side note, I don't know whether I've ever seen snowshoe hares in their brown phase. I've seen a lot in their winter phase and also in between, half white half brown. Boy, do they stand out without snow on the ground.
Thanks David and yes you can peel bark with the tree standing but, the tree will be killed by the removal. They usually foliage the year after the barks removed but, not the second growing season. One also needs arborists climbing gear as it is impossible from a ladder. Those there hares do indeed stand out in the brown phase.
Since I am new can you give me your background. I see you live in Canada. Are your skills self taught or tradesman? Seeing the wood shavings takes me back to childhood seeing and smelling the wood shavings from my last fathers workshop. I know my father would have enjoyed following you.
You bet Linda. I grew up on a small dairy farm where one had to be a bit of everything … mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician, vet etc. I’m an arborist and spent 30 some years climbing trees, some kids never grow up. It was a fun career and I actually got paid for it, lol. I did study mechanical engineering for 3 years and quit because I simply couldn’t see me spending my live indoors. Thanks for your interest.
Am very interested in this build and the patience you have amazing. Curious to see where mortise and tenon joints come in play native Americans made some of these without metal tools right? Or were they just dugouts way back then? Thanks for another good one
The canoe I’m building is no a generic canoe, but rather a reproduction of an Algonquin canoe from the late 1700’s. They were able to make the joints us stone tools due to the softness of cedar. After European contact in the 1600’s, they quickly changed to steel tools. It is believed that the bark canoe that we know was being built approximately 3000 years ago. Dated archeological sites show a transition from dugout type tools to those that would have been used for crafting birch bark canoes. We appreciate your interest.
Hope you fine another birch tree for the bark that is more suitable . What do you do with the bark you got ? Is there other things you can do with it ? That tree you took down , do you have friends that will saw it up for future projects There is chain set ups that can saw it up planks right where the tree fell . Can't wait to see the finish canoe . I have Old Town Tripper and always wanted a birch tree canoe . again so happy to find your channel
The oOld Town Tripper is a fine canoe. I use the bark in numerous projects. I make and gift friends moose calls and build bowls, arrow quivers, baskets etc. We always cut the wood up for firewood or if it is really strait grained, I use some for thwarts and such.
Pete, curious as to the reason this bark won't work for a canoe, I understand that it has to be flexible as you demonstrated, but if you are unable to find somthing better will you end up working with it. As an arborist why do you think we are seeing the effects of over logging/striiping of birch bark from the 18th and 19th centuries, why such effects seem to be resonating here in the 21st century.
The bark has a lot of cat eyes in it that in the case of this material are weak.. Cat eyes are old branch Union from when the tree was young . Birch became and remains a very desirable wood for furniture and veneer. As a result, we have harvested the best of the best, leaving the very poor quality trees as the only gene pool for future poor trees. Many species are the same. Greed caused us to take the very best maple for bowling lanes and furniture and oak for bar tops and church pews. It is kinda sad.
Smoke bathing was a common method. They would throw green juniper bows on a bed of coals and wave their shirts, blankets hats etc. over the dense smoke. I does work somewhat and I’ve used that method while trekking in the spring.
Hi Peter, the University forestry departments should launch a "canoe bark" birch tree selection program!? sure with the modern techniques of genomics, they could accelerate the process and assure quality, not the growth speed though, but maybe a wee bit...
@@TheWoodlandEscape I've asked a friend M.Sc. engineer in forestry. We'll see what he answers. Would be a nice partnership project for native culture associations or "institutions" and school's of canoe building or the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Such 'PURPOSE' in the life of a pionner! U 'open the window' Peter and Catherine 'invites us in' by way of filming, I thank you kindly 4 this time/talent shared. The steps of a pioneer R always absorbed in 'purpose'...measured steps, awareness of nature and it's uses. A quiet presence, to travel with little notice and ready in case of surprise. Good surprise...a tasty meal caught or supply of stores found. U try in life 2 minimize the 'bad surprise' i.e. mama bear and cub(s) by a constant gauging of winds and sky and land. 2 me, like a finely crafted crooked knife, the more U learn the more U whittle away the useless and keep the essential. I watch U 'fine tune' yourself Peter, and it is a marvel 2 behold. I wonder with chem trails aplenty how it has affected the 'quality' of the tree U R seeking? In any case, I pray now U do not go 'barking up the wrong tree'! Health 2 U n' Catherine. God Bless! :)
If your not already a writer for some sitcom, you should consider it! Honestly, reading your comments is more fun than building a canoe. I try my best nut to go barking up the wrong tree but, frequently find myself well into the canopy of just that, lol. As to the bark quality, I attribute it to greed. Once the lumber industry found birch made an excellent veneer, all the best, straitest and clearest trees were harvested, thus destroying the genetic seed pool. The worst, crooked and knotty trees are what was left to regenerate the species. I can’t thank you enough Marie for your always though provoking comments.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Too kind! Find your take on 'birch decline' very interesting. Why do we always shoot ourselves in the foot? = Greed. Tough as it is getting 2 B 4 creating an original 'birch bark canoe'...sounds like a 'mighty market' item 4 an ebay auction. P.S. Did look up your Airbnb 'Woodland Escape' = WHAT a lovely getaway! WELL DONE Peter n' Catherine! God Bless! :)
@@TheWoodlandEscape WHAT a 'tempting' invite! Thank-you most kindly. Life with it's challenges, nothing is sure. I shall indeed contemplate an opportunity should an occasion arise. God bless your kindness and generosity.
Peter, have you given any consideration to writing a book of not only your historical knowledge but also the daily life you and Cathy live? Thanks, enjoyed this one as well. Please don't do away with the unwanted birch bark! There are artist out there who would love to paint on the bark! Thanks, Millie
No bark gets thrown out. I use it to make bowls, baskets, moose calls etc. As to the book, heck Millie, I have trouble spelling my name but, I’m sureCathy could do just that … food for thought.
If it is non moving, I always boil. If it is near agricultural, industrial or mines I always boil. If it is fast flowing in undeveloped land, I drink it right on the spot.
Thanks Jack. We can carry any modern rifle, shotgun or primitive musket any time but, handguns require a permit to transport and only to registered gun clubs.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Gotcha. Beautiful firearms. I just started a RUclips channel and have a jerky recipe on it you might like. Also a couple of short videos of the Turkeys in my front yard. A few of my muzzleloaders which I finished with tru oil before I found out that is taboo. I will now only use lensed oil ,boiled. I am working on a grade 3 curly maple full stock for my TC Hawken. I'm doing it the old way all by hand. You are an inspiration Sir and my newt purchase will be a flintlock rifle. Hopefully a Kibler.
Hey Denis, bark can be stored for many years if kept dry. One simply puts an older roll in the lake for a few days to rehydrate it. Peeling can be done in any moth without an “R” in it but, June and July is the best time to peel it.
Absolutely, the wood will be cut and used for firewood. The trees that are big enough in diameter are nearing their lifespan anyway. Birch is a short lived species and when left to fall down, will rot in a single year.
Been on me head so long Greg, I can’t recall. So Hatter down in the states that specializes in historical hats of the 18 & 19th century. I’m sure a Google search will guide to one. I believe there a few doing it.
Now please don't dogpile me for suggesting this. If you hold a draw knife at a slight angle while pulling it toward you, it tends to "shear" the wood and cut more cleanly and with less effort.
Heck no Dennis, I love getting feedback. I do often use it in the shear position, similar to how one sets a hand plane blade but, in making these wafer thin sheathing pieces, you need to keep it pretty strait or you rip right through them.
Birch is a beautiful wood for furniture, etc. As you are ending the life of this tree for its bark, will you also be harvesting the log for its lumber? It would be a shame to just let it go to waste.
We do harvest the wood. The reason finding good quality bark today is for the very reason you brought up. It makes beautiful furniture and veneer. Over the years we have harvested all the good genetic trees, leaving the seed pool of poor quality trees.
Peter, you look like a sinking ship in that ocean of wood scraps! Oops......I hope that image doesn't jinx your project. Good luck finding the right tree for bark.
Ahh! The simple life!
After lunch I might go out-back & build me a canoe out of my rocklike gum trees!!
What a difference climate makes!
Top stuff mate - enthralled.
Nothing too simple about your kind of living mate.
Thanks Stephen. If you ever get to Canada, we’ll go for a paddle!
Peter, although less common, canoes were also buried in sand for the winter. Large rawbishaw canoes stored in canoe sheds for the winter had to have quite a few ribs knocked out to release the tension otherwise the seams would rip in very low temperatures and destroy the canoe. Yes in earlier days, most canoe bark was taken off trees without chopping them down. There is early film footage of this process using a single stick ladder using branches for climbing rungs and a branch fork for locking the top of the ladder into the tree. In a video, Earl Nyholm shows how to remove canoe bark using an extension ladder. The task that really takes skill and care is getting the bark to the ground without damaging it. The best canoe bark in North America comes from an area from Parry Sound, Haliburton, Algonquin Park north to Temagami and over to Grand Lac Victoria and somewhat east. The good canoe bark ( not the red stuff) is found amongst conifers. The bark is thick and strong with short, tight lenticels. There was a major bark trade from this area even before Europeans and the Hudson's Bay Company. For example, bark from the Algonquin Park area went out to Fort William on the Ottawa, up the Dumoine to Grand lac Victoria, on to Waswanapi then to Nemiscau to Waskagonish then as far north as Great Whale River. The "crooked" canoes up there to support the caribou hunt were made from Algonquin Park area bark. Those people lived well north of canoe bark and before canvas canoe covers, they were totally reliant on this canoe bark trade. Peter- you are a little too early on your bark removal as you are still pulling rind. Depending on how hot it gets over the next few days, I would give it at least another week. I have had bark peel right off on its own accord from the cut that I made with a chainsaw. This bark is now a panel in the large canoe hanging in the National Museum of History in Gatineau. Yes, if the bark is harvested at right time the tree often lives. There was a tree near Sand Lake south of Dorset, Ontario that survived for more than 60 years after the bark was removed for a canoe.
Appreciate your interest Doris and also taking the time to write such informative feedback. First of all, I did get excellent bark yesterday and the areas you mention are where I search it out. This bark almost popped off tree from the initial cut. It is almost perfect, 1/8 thick and like rubber. I’ve removed from a ladder, from arborist climbing gear and from downed trees but, the easiest is a tree on the ground. I attempt to hang them up on the stump so there is room to remove the bark from below. I’ve yet to see a tree survive from the process. I’m not saying it can’t happen but the bark is the trees only protection from air borne pathogens.
Thanks for sharing the part of burying in sand, I had not heard that.
I am surely enjoying the building of this canoe, and I think you for it. The wee bit of history was quite the story, never would’ve thought that anything like sinking your canoe would have a positive outcome. I also found the beautiful rabbit to be pet like, they were so very cool.
Glad your liking our endevour, Richard. Our little actors at the beginning are snowshoe hares in their summer brown phase. They turn completely white in the winter.
Always a treat to see when you've posted a new video. Another excellent installment in the canoe build. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Glad to have you along for the ride, John. You always have a kind word to say.
Thanks for taking us along on the hunt for birch bark, i get more interested in the canoe build with each new episode!
Our pleasure Jeff. Given I’m building it anyway, we might as well film it. It certainly isn’t one of the favorites on the channel , so we appreciate your positive feedback.
Great to see a new video. And a wee bit of history. Very interesting the sinking of the canoes and how cold it would be to retrieve them. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks Beverly, you e been one loyal follower and we certainly appreciate it.
It's very interesting to watch how you build things and peel bark off the trees and make things I bet it's fun hanging out in the woods and forest or mountains enjoying nature out being productive making and building stuff hard work but it's worth it man you look like you have a blast doing it I have a blast watching you relaxed me thanks for explaining and being informative
Well there you go Chad, it is a win, win situation. I spend the bulk of my waking hours in the forest and wish to never change that.
Thanks buddy awesome we need more people spending their time out in the forest for hours and making things like you I wouldn't want you to change that buddy it's great
What a pleasure to watch your videos. Love your history background as well.
Glad you’re enjoying Peter.
Hi Peter, Thanks for keeping history alive. I never really looked beyond a birch bark canoe other than what I have seen while doing another research. But I am really interested to watch you continue with your build . Also thanks for history bit regarding the canoe trade so to speak. See next time.
Thanks Gil. Sure appreciate your continued interest in our channel . I’m in time period so much that it it more like living in the present in an historical way!
That was a wonderful story about life long ago among the First Nations, Thank you for relating that to us
Thanks Dave.
Hi Peter.
Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together to form a complete canoe. Those indigenous chaps of long ago must have been made of Stern stuff! Diving into freezing water in the Autumn and Spring to preserve their boat……I’d have caught double pneumonia….if I hadn’t died of a heart attack from the shock of the cold water! 😊
Best wishes,
Mark
You and I both!
Fascinated by this build. Enjoy watching the process and progress. Can’t wait to see it done. Thanks for sharing!! Kudos to Catherine as well on the camera work as always. Love this channel!!
We certainly appreciate your positive feedback, Steven.
This is my favourite kind of episode. I might suggest using a small leather journal book to hold to look at q cards or notes rather than look down. I nice branded leather pocket book would fit right in.
Actually I don’t use any Q cards at all. If I’m looking about it is simply to recall dates, times, places etc., that are relative to the story. If one were to put a microphone close to my head, you’d most likely hear the gears turning. I do thank you for the suggestion though. There may be some stories that are much more complicated and have such a leather journal would indeed help.
So very in teresting, love to watch and learn
Thanks again Tammy … always the loyal follower!
Hey Peter! That is an impressive pile of shavings that you are accumulating... but I suppose kindling is where you find it. Sorry that the birch bark didn't work out. It is better to make that decision now, rather than later, I'm sure. I am confident that you will find what you are looking for soon... so keep plugging away.
I greatly enjoyed "the bit of History", as well. I had always suspected that as the Fur Trade grew and was refined, that "Canoe Factories" would be part of it... to keep up with the demand for numbers and carrying capacity. It was nice to have that suspicion confirmed!
If nothing else Martin, I do make good kindling. I’m heading north for a couple of days to begin the search again. I’ve sampled over 40 trees this spring.
Thanks for the video Peter and Cathy. I hope that the bark is the right one you are looking for.
Thank you but, sadly I’m off on yet another search. It will get used for other things. I’ve sampled over 40 trees this spring and thought I’d finally found it. Oh well, time spent in the forest is never a waste of time.
Peter, yes I agree that taking canoe bark off a felled tree is easier and far safer. Taking bark off a standing tree might be a hold over from small trade axes or even ones made from stone that made felling a large tree extremely labour some. Although not good for the tree, many birches do survive at least for some time. On the surviving tree that I referred to, the rind became thick and lumpy and turned jet black.
I’ve actually felled significant sized birch using a true felling axe, can’t imagine the effort with a stone one. I’ve revisited a few of the trees that I left standing and your spot on with them going black. From my arborist background, the reason you’ll still find them foliated one to three years after bark removal is the stored carbohydrates stored in the root collar. This area of the tree is not unlike a car battery and where the it gets it’s energy to flush the buds in the spring, fight diseases and add in compartmentalizing wounds. Once depleted the tree is done. Genetically, the tree you refer to must have been one very heathy specimen. Your very knowledgeable about this subject Craig and I do appreciate your comments.
Great episode Peter and Cathy, sorry the birch bark was a bust.
With all the wood shavings under your bench you must have kindling for life!
Thanks Jay. Your right about the kindling and it also probably the best one could use.
Absolutely wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your fascinating knowledge.
You are most welcome, thanks for watching!
Good morning Peter. Thanks for all the troubles you go through to share these videos. Fortunately we don't have black flies and it appeared they were unforgiving when harvesting the bark. I will send some hastag # suggestions for you. Not sure if it will help but we can only try. Appreciate you both and your troubles once again. Have a great weekend and God bless. Praying the bark will be worthy. Be safe and we'll see you down the road.....thanks
Bark is marginal at best, so, I’m off yet again on the search. I’ve sampled over 40 trees this spring.
I am sitting beside window in the kitchen watching your video and looking also at 6 silver birch trees that I planted 25 yrs ago. While they are growing well it will be a long time before we have material suitable for a canoe. Your work is so interesting and l admire your dedication.
I visited Smiths Falls in 2018 and did some canoeing on the Rideau lake and smaller lakes.
All the best from
Paddy in Ireland.
Small world Paddy, my wife Cathy grew up in Smiths Falls. You’re one up on me, I’ve yet to visit your beautiful country.
Hi yes anytime you can see my shop and the road I live on Portage Road wonders the same roads back in the olden days lots of local people talking about the fur trade that's cool thank you for the video talk soon
Love to meet you Bobby. Where about is Portage Road?
@@TheWoodlandEscape yes I would love to meet you too I live in kirkfield Ontario I make brooms almost everyday I go to the a lot of shows my company's name kawartha broom co I live on Portage Road in kirkfield not too far from the Trent Waterway well thank you for this knowledge for of your history talk soon
Thanks for another great video, your knowledge of different woods and their individual properties never ceases to amaze me , you are a true artisan and the things you create are beautiful and useful , it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be allowed to watch you at work sir!
Thank you. We are so happy to have so much interest shown in our channel from people like you.
Time in the woods doing what you love is time we'll spent. Thanks
Like fishing, Mark, it is time not deducted from your lifespan.
Peter, I picked up a throwing tomahawk off Amazon this past week. It was pretty cheap. It is forged and comes with a beard. I browned the handle and burned some black rings on the handle. I have several coats of BLO on it and I hand fit the handle to the head. I am going to deepen the kerf in the handle a bit and put a wood wedge in it. The crude metal wedge that came with it did not impress me. I will find a mask for it because it is as sharp as a razor. It should throw pretty good, because it is heavy. Overall it weighs as much as my GBA Wildlife hatchet.
And a fine tool indeed.
Great fun once again, fun to see how skillfully handle the tools
Thanks Rodger.
Great work! My fingers are crossed for the final product!
Thanks Victor. I’m hoping I’ll not need luck to make it float, lol!
This is a great lesson in the usefulness of a very small knife, a light hatchet, and other small tools! As a boy, raised on 'Davy Crocket' and Jim Bowie, I thought I needed a BIG knife just to go camping! Of course, I mainly needed to slice onions, potatoes, and tomatoes and cube a piece of beef. We live and learn: today I use a No 08 Opinel to do those things and my heavy knives are 6-inch and LESS blades.
I too learned the hard way. I have a drawer full of long bladed knives. I do carry an historical accurate 18th century blade, I guess because they do. I rarely use it. My favorite one is my neck sheathed one with about a 4 “ blade.
Many thanks for another excellent video with a wee bit of history.
Thanks Gary.
So interesting, Peter! Those are the facts hardly anyone knows (but you)! Thanks again for all your skill and historic input!
Thanks Jan. I’m sure there a number of folks out there with that knowledge. Having said that, there are very few of us still making bark canoes. Approximately 600 hours of time well spent it the forest!
Love this, Peter
learning intently
Huy Chexwa💜🤲🛶🐬💦💫
Thanks Sandy.
I know it's not 18th century, but those battery operated rackets (functioning on the principle of a discharging capacitor) work really well on the black flies matter and their buddies, deer fly and skeeter. Another great video!
Thank you. I’ve been on a few treks, 1700’s style where that would have been darn handy. Darn fools that we are, we don’t even take bug spray in an effort to actually live the time period.
a lot of work there, you're doing it all fine, can't wait to see her take to water..
Ah, the maiden voyage, a ways off but, it is a memorable moment indeed.
@@TheWoodlandEscape years ago I got to spend two days in a bark canoe on Lake Champlain WOW !!! that was a BLAST... no plastic, no nylon, no phones, no T.P. LOL...
Wow, no TP, you might just be a historical trekker,Rob.
@@TheWoodlandEscape LOL, only since '76
Appreciate your efforts and dedication!! At an event and poor to no signal on the phone. Will have to watch later.
Heck Ashley , we live in a dead spot … don’t have to go anywhere else for poor reception. To make a phone call ( can’t get a land line) I have to sit on the 7 step of our loft, not the 7th, nor the 8th. Enjoy your event!
The rabbits that good friends 😊😊😊
They get pretty used to us as we’re always in the forest.
Hi from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your adventures and wilderness lore brother
Hey Earl, it is our pleasure. Appreciate your continued support.
Hi Peter
I like the new grain and stain of the new crooked knife handle and the awl handle. I assume these came from the same source as your hatchet. I noticed quite a few birch trees in that video but it seems not many met your needs. Hope what you harvested works out for you.
I liked the short clip of those snowshoe hares! I always enjoy the added wildlife scenes.
Thanks go out to you and Catherine for your excellent vids!
Best Regards
I did use The same stain on those tools , you’ve very observant. As to the bark, I’ve decided not to use it in the build. I’ll make moose calls, arrow quiver, baskets etc. from it. The search resumes. I’ll pass on your compliment to Cathy.
If I get my grease, flour, corn, and tobacco I have it all. Everything I need. Thank you.
A man of my own heart … keep it simple I say.
This was quite informative Peter, and answered some of the questions I had, that you already answered, and It was interesting to hear how the Natives stored their canoes. Must be a bit discouraging to do all that work to find out your bark is not suitable.
For the most part the bark was good, simply ran into a problem at one stem. Bottom line, the darn thing ladles like a dream.
@@TheWoodlandEscape In my research of the subject, it seems that imperfections are to be expected, and also embraced. Which is what makes them so unique right.
Love your videos ! So relaxing always clean and full of wisdom ! The rabbit at the introduction, what kind is it ? The feet are so big we’re not used to seeing ones like that here in Pa.(US) Thank you ! 👍😃
Well sir, it is not a rabbit at all. They are actually in the hare family, commonly known a snowshoe hares. They turn completely white in the winter.
my canoe is 6 years old and its stored outside under cover and still like the day i built it. use it all summer daily
The key there is under cover, my first build is 16 years old and like you, I’m still using the old girl.
As always another great video.
Thanks Walt.
That's a whole lot of kindling around that shave horse.
Yup, I won’t be running out this winter!
I'm looking forward to more canoe building videos. Is it necessary to drop a tree for bark? On a side note, I don't know whether I've ever seen snowshoe hares in their brown phase. I've seen a lot in their winter phase and also in between, half white half brown. Boy, do they stand out without snow on the ground.
Thanks David and yes you can peel bark with the tree standing but, the tree will be killed by the removal. They usually foliage the year after the barks removed but, not the second growing season. One also needs arborists climbing gear as it is impossible from a ladder. Those there hares do indeed stand out in the brown phase.
Since I am new can you give me your background. I see you live in Canada. Are your skills self taught or tradesman?
Seeing the wood shavings takes me back to childhood seeing and smelling the wood shavings from my last fathers workshop. I know my father would have enjoyed following you.
You bet Linda. I grew up on a small dairy farm where one had to be a bit of everything … mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician, vet etc. I’m an arborist and spent 30 some years climbing trees, some kids never grow up. It was a fun career and I actually got paid for it, lol. I did study mechanical engineering for 3 years and quit because I simply couldn’t see me spending my live indoors. Thanks for your interest.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Well rounded indeed. Thank you
Am very interested in this build and the patience you have amazing. Curious to see where mortise and tenon joints come in play native Americans made some of these without metal tools right? Or were they just dugouts way back then? Thanks for another good one
The canoe I’m building is no a generic canoe, but rather a reproduction of an Algonquin canoe from the late 1700’s. They were able to make the joints us stone tools due to the softness of cedar. After European contact in the 1600’s, they quickly changed to steel tools. It is believed that the bark canoe that we know was being built approximately 3000 years ago. Dated archeological sites show a transition from dugout type tools to those that would have been used for crafting birch bark canoes. We appreciate your interest.
Hope you fine another birch tree for the bark that is more suitable .
What do you do with the bark you got ? Is there other things you can do with it ?
That tree you took down , do you have friends that will saw it up for future projects
There is chain set ups that can saw it up planks right where the tree fell .
Can't wait to see the finish canoe . I have Old Town Tripper and always wanted a birch tree canoe .
again so happy to find your channel
The oOld Town Tripper is a fine canoe. I use the bark in numerous projects. I make and gift friends moose calls and build bowls, arrow quivers, baskets etc. We always cut the wood up for firewood or if it is really strait grained, I use some for thwarts and such.
Pete, curious as to the reason this bark won't work for a canoe, I understand that it has to be flexible as you demonstrated, but if you are unable to find somthing better will you end up working with it. As an arborist why do you think we are seeing the effects of over logging/striiping of birch bark from the 18th and 19th centuries, why such effects seem to be resonating here in the 21st century.
The bark has a lot of cat eyes in it that in the case of this material are weak.. Cat eyes are old branch Union from when the tree was young . Birch became and remains a very desirable wood for furniture and veneer. As a result, we have harvested the best of the best, leaving the very poor quality trees as the only gene pool for future poor trees. Many species are the same. Greed caused us to take the very best maple for bowling lanes and furniture and oak for bar tops and church pews. It is kinda sad.
A sad sad truth, my friend...
The bugs look ferocious-how did the people deal with them back then?
Smoke bathing was a common method. They would throw green juniper bows on a bed of coals and wave their shirts, blankets hats etc. over the dense smoke. I does work somewhat and I’ve used that method while trekking in the spring.
Hi Peter, the University forestry departments should launch a "canoe bark" birch tree selection program!? sure with the modern techniques of genomics, they could accelerate the process and assure quality, not the growth speed though, but maybe a wee bit...
Heck of an idea for we have depleted the gene pool so badly due to birch being a desirable tree for furniture and veneer.
@@TheWoodlandEscape I've asked a friend M.Sc. engineer in forestry. We'll see what he answers. Would be a nice partnership project for native culture associations or "institutions" and school's of canoe building or the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Great idea. Btw, I did get some excellent bark this morning!
Such 'PURPOSE' in the life of a pionner! U 'open the window' Peter and Catherine 'invites us in' by way of filming, I thank you kindly 4 this time/talent shared. The steps of a pioneer R always absorbed in 'purpose'...measured steps, awareness of nature and it's uses. A quiet presence, to travel with little notice and ready in case of surprise. Good surprise...a tasty meal caught or supply of stores found. U try in life 2 minimize the 'bad surprise' i.e. mama bear and cub(s) by a constant gauging of winds and sky and land. 2 me, like a finely crafted crooked knife, the more U learn the more U whittle away the useless and keep the essential. I watch U 'fine tune' yourself Peter, and it is a marvel 2 behold. I wonder with chem trails aplenty how it has affected the 'quality' of the tree U R seeking? In any case, I pray now U do not go 'barking up the wrong tree'! Health 2 U n' Catherine. God Bless! :)
If your not already a writer for some sitcom, you should consider it! Honestly, reading your comments is more fun than building a canoe. I try my best nut to go barking up the wrong tree but, frequently find myself well into the canopy of just that, lol. As to the bark quality, I attribute it to greed. Once the lumber industry found birch made an excellent veneer, all the best, straitest and clearest trees were harvested, thus destroying the genetic seed pool. The worst, crooked and knotty trees are what was left to regenerate the species. I can’t thank you enough Marie for your always though provoking comments.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Too kind! Find your take on 'birch decline' very interesting. Why do we always shoot ourselves in the foot? = Greed. Tough as it is getting 2 B 4 creating an original 'birch bark canoe'...sounds like a 'mighty market' item 4 an ebay auction. P.S. Did look up your Airbnb 'Woodland Escape' = WHAT a lovely getaway! WELL DONE Peter n' Catherine! God Bless! :)
Come for a stay, you get a free pass for a few days!
@@TheWoodlandEscape WHAT a 'tempting' invite! Thank-you most kindly. Life with it's challenges, nothing is sure. I shall indeed contemplate an opportunity should an occasion arise. God bless your kindness and generosity.
Peter, have you given any consideration to writing a book of not only your historical knowledge but also the daily life you and Cathy live? Thanks, enjoyed this one as well. Please don't do away with the unwanted birch bark! There are artist out there who would love to paint on the bark! Thanks, Millie
No bark gets thrown out. I use it to make bowls, baskets, moose calls etc. As to the book, heck Millie, I have trouble spelling my name but, I’m sureCathy could do just that … food for thought.
What could you share about drinkable water life without boil.
If it is non moving, I always boil. If it is near agricultural, industrial or mines I always boil. If it is fast flowing in undeveloped land, I drink it right on the spot.
great video! what date is that harvested?
The cedar was harvested about a month ago for the gunnels and last fall for the ribs. I finally found good bark and harvested it 2 days ago.
I can't wait to see the canoe. I have a question for you friend. Does Canada allow you to keep your flintlocks with you all the time?
Thanks Jack. We can carry any modern rifle, shotgun or primitive musket any time but, handguns require a permit to transport and only to registered gun clubs.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Gotcha. Beautiful firearms. I just started a RUclips channel and have a jerky recipe on it you might like. Also a couple of short videos of the Turkeys in my front yard. A few of my muzzleloaders which I finished with tru oil before I found out that is taboo. I will now only use lensed oil ,boiled. I am working on a grade 3 curly maple full stock for my TC Hawken. I'm doing it the old way all by hand. You are an inspiration Sir and my newt purchase will be a flintlock rifle. Hopefully a Kibler.
Email the littoral your Chanel oN The Woodland Escape email.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Ok this is all new to me, what is the littoral?
@@TheWoodlandEscape got it
Great information there eh! How long can u peel and store the birch bark and when is the best time to peel it? Thanks for sharing
Hey Denis, bark can be stored for many years if kept dry. One simply puts an older roll in the lake for a few days to rehydrate it. Peeling can be done in any moth without an “R” in it but, June and July is the best time to peel it.
@@TheWoodlandEscape thanks for letting me know
Hello Peter ..
Have you ever seen or herd of thwarts fitted into a gunwale mortice without having a carved shoulder ?
I have not but, would love to see a photo of such a joint.
@@TheWoodlandEscape I might be mistaking ... But it seems that in Cesar's Bark Canoe, his thwarts are just kind of beveled at the ends and pushed in ?
Interesting!
Will you use the birch wood also.
Absolutely, the wood will be cut and used for firewood. The trees that are big enough in diameter are nearing their lifespan anyway. Birch is a short lived species and when left to fall down, will rot in a single year.
Where do you get your hat?
Been on me head so long Greg, I can’t recall. So Hatter down in the states that specializes in historical hats of the 18 & 19th century. I’m sure a Google search will guide to one. I believe there a few doing it.
Greg, try www.hatsbygrizzmadewithjoy.com/, Hats by Griz on FB
I bet Peter had a little help from his friends.
I wish I did, lol.
Now please don't dogpile me for suggesting this. If you hold a draw knife at a slight angle while pulling it toward you, it tends to "shear" the wood and cut more cleanly and with less effort.
Heck no Dennis, I love getting feedback. I do often use it in the shear position, similar to how one sets a hand plane blade but, in making these wafer thin sheathing pieces, you need to keep it pretty strait or you rip right through them.
Birch is a beautiful wood for furniture, etc. As you are ending the life of this tree for its bark, will you also be harvesting the log for its lumber? It would be a shame to just let it go to waste.
We do harvest the wood. The reason finding good quality bark today is for the very reason you brought up. It makes beautiful furniture and veneer. Over the years we have harvested all the good genetic trees, leaving the seed pool of poor quality trees.
Peter, you look like a sinking ship in that ocean of wood scraps! Oops......I hope that image doesn't jinx your project. Good luck finding the right tree for bark.
Thanks Penny. We are heading north tomorrow for a few days to renew the search.
saw that before you cut it, not good bark
Actually about half is excellent bark … close to 1/8” thick and super flexible. Sadly, it thinned near the canopy.