I live in Houghton county near the Keweenaw. Be careful and always carry a gun while you're in the woods here in the U.P. we have wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, and black bear. The bears can be up and roaming around during the winter they don't hibernate the whole winter. Wolves and coyotes will usually leave you alone same with the bears if you catch them in the summer time. But if you have food and they smell it in the winter they can be more aggressive than usual. Be safe! Great video btw 😊
My thoughts exactly, I too am just a stone throw away from the UP & I’ve seen the mountain lions several times…. When cutting wood or camping out in the back I always carry a gun. Friends would kind of tease me sometimes until they ran into the mountain lion while out, they don’t tease me anymore…. Cheers PS came 2’ away from my face to nose of a bear at night while I was tent camping, I was in the tent and had a gun under the pillow, my son said “ Dad I never saw you move so fast”, lol well long story short after a tense night & some ranger involvement… the bear and my family survived the encounter…
@jaynorthwoods safety is always important even when some friends may give ya a hard time. Also glad to know you made it out of that okay as well as your son. I was walking to a local store a few minutes from my house late summer of 2024 and came close to a male black bear. I'm guessing by the size of him he was about 10 to 12 years old. A big boy for sure. For some reason I had no fear and he got within about 13 feet of me. He ran away after seeming just curious of me. But if he wanted to he could have easily killed me. He was a stinker. Smelled like wet dog food.
When you have extremely hardwood to split, the best day to do so with a hatchet is once you have the hatchet started in the wood and it holds in the wood is pick up your hatchet with wood firm on it is turn the hatchet blade up and let the weight of wood force it over the blade and split. Just hit the but of hatchet into the ground or downed log forcing the weight of the log over the blade , it works just make sure the log is firmly seated on the hatchet, and let the weight work in your favor.😊
Thank you Tom! I watch a ton of them myself and as much as I have learned through watching…nothing beats getting out there and learning from your own mistakes
@@micheletremonti2434Thank you! So basically the hatchet blade is facing me and the back of the hatchet is hitting the ground? I didn’t try that. I appreciate the advice! I was wondering if I just needed to get a new axe after just having got that one!
When I was maybe 12 years old, I came upon the most beautiful things I'd ever experienced in my life while exploring through the deep woods during a snowfall. It wasn't the last; I've seen frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, hot springs, animal tracks (so interesting to see their behavior imprinted in the fleeting snow), animals walking right past me, silence, introspection, and clarity; it was always the clarity these experiences gave me that made me feel exactly in rhythm, though dumbfounded. To this day it is a place I can return to even if I can't physically be there; my memories bring all my senses back. What a lovely journey you're on. And everyone. I wish you all everything, and I love you all.
Recently found your channel and have enjoyed watching your videos. I am a solo woman hiker, 75 years old and I love winter hiking. I completely understand why you like to solo camp as I also prefer to solo hike. I enjoy the quiet and see much more wildlife when alone than when I'm with other people (too much talking.) 😄 Your videos are so down to earth and you're not afraid to show your struggles and missteps. That's what makes these adventures fun, isn't it? I'm catching up on your older videos and enjoying them immensely. See you out there! Take care, young lady, and thanks for sharing your trips with us. ❤
Thank you Rose ☺️☺️☺️ this really means so much. I dream to be able to get out and enjoy nature like this when I’m 75. Being in nature alone is so grounding…it’s crazy it is still somewhat of a taboo. I appreciate you!! And you take care and stay safe too ❤️❤️
Witaj moja przyjaciółko z pięknych rejonów USA jestem pod wielkim wrażeniem twoich przygód w tak pięknym rejonie. Taka fajna zima i ten śnieg u nas w Polsce to tylko w górach jest tak ładnie. Zauważyłem te ślady na śniegu czy to były ślady Rosomaka, nie wiem czy u ciebie występuje ten gatunek. Sorry za moją pisownię nie wiem jak Google przetlumaczy ci moją wiadomość. Ale cóż życzę Ci wszystkiego dobrego w tym nowym roku by obfitował w piękne i bezpieczne przygody ❤ 👍👍👍
Also just found your channel, good stuff, please keep it up. A lot of the bushcraft outdoor channels I have followed for years seem to have quit or hardly ever post anymore.
As a life long yooper I enjoy watching your videos and greatly admire your determination. The smartest thing you can do up here is to know when to hold em and when to fold em as Kenny Roger’s said. I’ve seen things get out of hand real quick and when ambition and bravery exceeds experience and preparation and you do a really good job learning and preparing. Utmost respect to you and keep on keeping on living the true dream in gods country! 🫡🙏😎
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words 🙏 folding can be a tough decision for sure but when it’s the right one, it’s the right one. I think it becomes easier to identify that point when “ambition and bravery” exceed preparation/experience as you gain experience. Making the mistake of thinking I’m prepared to handle more than I actually can is quickly humbling. Learning moments for sure! Thank you again!!
John 3:16 King James Version 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Excellent video, again. Your honesty on past fails is genuine. All of us that have winter camped have learned some hard lessons. Thank you for another great video.
Thank you!! Nature keeps you humble for sure. Winter camping is no joke but so rewarding when it goes well. Thank you for taking the time to watch ☺️☺️
It's not about doing it perfectly, it's about getting out there and doing it. It doesn't always go as we palnned and that's part of the adventure. Appreciate your humility and gumption to get back at it! Keep doing what you do, and getting outdoors!
John 3:16 King James Version 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I appreciate you saying that because I agree ☺️ Nature is so unpredictable. Most trips don’t seem to go as planned but the unpredictability and figuring out the challenges as they come is part of the reason for getting into the outdoors. Thank you for the encouragement!
First off, I am always excited to see an outdoor woman! Instant follow! Then hearing you admit your mistakes and talk about winter safety and the challenges you face camping in the snow. I am a fan. See you on your next trip!
Dam girl! I’m a retired USMC with over 30 years of operational experience, I just have to say, that you are very impressive. Keep pushing your limits, experiences and keep the motivation high.
Wow. Amazing! :) I winter camped for my first time in February of 1993. I was a Sophomore at Central Michigan University after serving in the United States Military. That one week camping with a friend in the Woods changed my life. I dropped out of College at the end of that semester, and moved to the Woods. I didn't know anyone or anything. I just knew in my heart I wanted to live in the Woods like Henry David Thoreau---whom I learned about in College. My aim was to spend 6 months living and camping alone in the woods of Northern Michigan. I never left. Been my home ever since. :) Good on you for being courageous (or crazy!) enough to follow your dreams and let your heart be your guide in life. You reminded me of my younger self. Thank you! :)
I like your video and how you planned your trip. I live in the UP and work for the DNR. I cannot stress more how you should make sure you have some protection with you from predators in the woods up here. One time a local man was walking with his dog on a logging trail and he came across a guy in a skid stear who came out to greet him. The guy in the skid stear asked if the man had a hand gun, the guy said no so the skid stear man gave him his and told him “do you see what is following you?” Guy with the dog looks back and little more than 50 yards behind him was a grey wolf tracking him. Wolves are here and they are not after humans but the presence of the dog may have caught the wolf’s interest, wolves tend to stay away from humans but are not afraid and can be a problem at times. The other thing is wolves are pack animals and where there is one seen, others are sure to be around. Great idea using the sled to carry your items, I see your sleeping gear and it looks light, but being a former Infantry soldier I often still use my cocoon sleeping bag which has 3 layers and will keep you warm down -30 and the outer layer is a shell that will protect you from the elements like rain and snow. It is heavier than your sleeping gear but with the use of the sled you shouldn’t notice a difference. Have fun and stay safe. One last thing is when you are going out, tell a friend exactly where you are going and when you will contact them. This is always a good idea as if something happens and you don’t or can’t contact that friend they can then call the DNR for a wellness check to make sure you are okay. Everyone living in Michigan and especially the Upper Peninsula knows the weather changes often but it makes living here more enjoyable and exciting.
@@offgridvince Serving a purpose is not always a requirement. That being said, it looks to me like she's having fun outdoors and inspiring others to do the same. Deal with it.
Good call on cutting the trip short. Survival situations are very often the result of compounding errors/mishaps. It is best to learn to recognize the escalating risk and to cut it off before it becomes critical.
McCormick area is a nice place. I was born and raised in the U.P. and went to Northern. We often went to McCormick on weekends while at Northern. I came from the Grand Marais area. There are lots of good places to be in the woods around the GM area. I don’t live in the U.P. Now but go back several times a year to recharge my batteries. I spend most my time in the woods where I grew up. It’s good to see young people who appreciate spending time outside. I’m afraid to many young people are attached to their phones and lost touch with nature. Keep up the good work making videos!!!
Thank you Woodsy for sharing your love for the outdoors and camping. I'm also grateful you find our beloved Upper Peninsula an ideal place to test your boundaries. I also applaud you for venturing out in winter, even if it's not with much snow. What scares me though, girl, is sleeping in a nylon tent with a WOOD STOVE! Lordy. You are courageous. That singed liner is a valuable lesson . Yikes. So glad you are SAFE! On your next trip north, I'd be happy to meet up and share some of my winter camping tips. BTW, contrary to some of the other replies, I've NEVER slept with a stove, a gun, or been winter camping without wearing a hat. I prefer to ski, but then I'm out with deeper snow. I have been out for as long as 27 days in -30º (that's when I skied to the geographic North Pole) In Antarctica, I slept in a quinzee. Building one could make a good video for your viewers. It takes some time and energy, but it's much warmer than your 3 season tent. Perhaps you would want to come camp in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in mid-February during the UP 200 Sled Dog Race. Lots of folks camp out on H-58, and they a good group to learn from. They will also help you stretch out your winter camping nights and learn more sustainable techniques to handle whatever weather comes your way. Your gourmet meals look fabulous. I'm sure our camping buddies would be delighted to learn your recipes! More bag nights ahead!
One of the things I’ve learned is, especially since you have a sled to carry things, get a heavier duty axe The size of the head makes a huge difference in cutting and splitting wood. But I’m more into bushcraft so for building, a large axe head is important. Idk if you’ve ever looked into bushcraft videos but there’s lots of great tips. I definitely subscribed because it’s so nice to see another woman who is also into camping especially winter camping! ❤
I always tell my kids one day all the lights may go out for good , no one would even know how to start a fire . ❤ thank you teacher for showing city folk a taste, instant subcribe
My Wife and I have hiked McCormick for 20 years and I am very impressed - that can be a very unforgiving area (hikers were just SAR'd last October as a matter of fact). Michigan is a BEAUTIFUL state and we are blessed to live here!!!
Wow! Just ran across this vid and I gotta hand it to you, not only trekking out to woods by yourself and camping in the winter, but then driving back to Detroit in just a few days?!? Way to go! Being from the A2 area and rough camping in the UP (Seney area) in the summer for a week was challenging enough for us.
Haha thank you ☺️☺️☺️ this experience was waay better than the last two. But I also think the last two prepared me and made me more appreciative of this trip. I’m just grateful for all of the experiences and for anyone who takes time to watch!
Hello Woodsy. I am so glad to have found your channel. I have woods-crafted all my life and it is so wonderful to watch your journey. Thank you *so much* for sharing your adventures. TBH I would suggest little things, but at times we must learn-as-we-go - and you are doing just that; It is wonderful to watch you doing so. The school of hard knocks can be the best teacher at times..., I am vicariously there with you in spirit,...if I may say so. Due to personal and professional stresses I find solace in my commune with nature, esp. snowshoeing under a full moon with a fire, a tea, and a pipe at the end of the trail. It brings me closer to my late wife and clears the head of the daily stresses. Please do continue your journey and share it with us...Do what you love, love what you do, and love the way you do it!!!!
So so so glad you're okay despite the unexpected setbacks of your last trip. When you fell into the creek I genuinely gasped but you pushed through. You're an absolute badass for getting back out there and giving it another go 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 I've been watching so many camping videos with hope sit having the guts to go this summer. Yours is def an inspo for me :)
Winter camping is heaven to me. Watching from Plymouth, Michigan. The beautiful scenery is only surpassed by our lovely host. Young lady where is your cap !!!!!🥶
Omg girl sounds like you've had a rough week ❤. Your so smart that's why I love you. You definitely come prepared for about anything and know when you're in over your head. I see you had a much better trip this time and came prepared with the compressed log and you had the glass for the stove and birch bark and kindling bundle. I love your videos so much and your absolutely the best cooking camper, hands down. Having so much knowledge on recipes and cooking skills is awesome and makes you one of a kind in my opinion. You battoned that log exactly right and there's not a wrong way to do it. We just had beef stew today, brown chuck roast with garlic and onions add beef broth and half red potatoes and lit simmer for about 30 minutes. Then I add celery, carrots 1 tomato and a pack of brown gravy and a half of onion diced real small. It's one of my favorite recipes and we also have leftovers as it's just me and my mother. We turn stew off when potatoes are soft and it so good. I really want your hot chocolate recipe bad you made us both want some. Your absolutely amazing 👏 and I'm so grateful for your video today after 12 hour day. You are definitely one of a kind and we both love you ❤️. Thank you so much girl. I wish I knew your name so I didn't have to call you girl. I'm sure it's not woodsy, seems disrespectful to call you girl and I apologize if iv offended you. Your seriously the best, I mean that. Have an absolutely blessed night 🌙 and thanks again.
Haha thank you, I was in over my head the first time that’s for sure. I actually used a completely different stove this time. I used one I already had since the other one was missing the glass. The only reason I got the one that was missing the glass is because it was bigger so I thought it would be warmer but I should have tested it first. I’m happy to hear you think I battened the log correctly because that wood was dense! I assumed I had to be doing something wrong haha. Thank you!! Your recipe sounds pretty similar to mine but a fresh tomato would have been really good. Good idea, I’ll add that in next time. I’m so bad at recipes because I never measure anything when I cook! But I used Dutch processed cocoa powder, heavy cream powder and brown sugar. I also typically add a little vanilla bean powder too and just the smallest pinch of salt. You work some crazy long hours! Hope you get some time off to rest and enjoy yourself. I always appreciate both you and your mom. Thank you for the prayers that I’m sure contributed to this being a better trip this time! You guys are the best ☺️☺️❤️ my name is Kaylee. Haha I never minded you calling me girl. I didn’t think it was disrespectful at all. Thank you for always being such a positive energy and for all of the encouragement. Have a good night!
@Apeaceofthewoods Hey Kaylee ☺️ I hope you don't mind me being nosey and cutting into you ladies's conversation..? 😬🤷🏻♂️☺️ I was planning to leave you a comment and I was reading thru some of the others and I noticed that you guys were talking about some of the things that I was curious about..? 🤷🏻♂️😁 Im really glad youtube recommended your video to me tonight... I've had a chance to watch a couple of them tonight ☺️❤ I really enjoyed your content and Bravery so far... 😁 I think it's amazing. So I noticed a comment in a conversation you had with the lady that was 75 and still camping... ☺️👍🏼🛐❤️ That was a huge blessin to me... still having the drive and ambition, as well as physical ability to still get out like that is just awesome to me ♥️ So ? ☺️ Do you just prefer going out alone? Or is there a someone else or ? 🤔☺️🤷🏻♂️ Just curious? 🙂 Randy ❤
Thank you!! I just started the channel in June so this is my first winter season making videos. Appreciate you stopping by and you stay safe as well! ❤️❤️❤️
Watching this right before bed. The snow covered grounds look so peaceful. Love the authentic way you present your love of nature for us viewers. Be well!
Just came across your channel. Your woods look a lot like Northern NY in the Adirondack Mountains. Lots of winter hiking and camping experience over my life of living here. Glad to watch someone who filmed all this content to bring eyes to the life of wilderness excursions. Keep on keeping on. One thing I started doing was making dinner at home and freezing my stew or some food that can be frozen and put it into a Tupperware. Stays frozen of course because it’s winter. Then you don’t need to rely on stove fuel for a long time and cuts down on food smell where you sleep. Best of travels✌🏼🏔❤️
I live pretty close to where you were at, glad that you are enjoying our beautiful area and are courageous enough to venture out during winter. Juice is worth the squeeze. Love your little wood stove and straight up chefin it up in the wilderness! Looked tasty. Also, good of you to listen to your instincts on the first trip.
Bravo! Never feel bad about ending a trip early, better safe than sorry! It all comes down to time and experience, the more time you spend in the woods, the more experienced you become, no one knows it all straight out the gate. Most important is that you come home safe and live to have a new experience. Well done, have fun in your future adventures.
Helpful hint: Replace the lines on your pulk with metal conduit, and cross them before attaching to your belt. It will track better, and resist sliding downhill when side hilling, plus it will never hit your ankles on the downhill.
Impressive! I've driven 8 hrs to camp. That's a very dedicated and committed endeavor. Well done. Your ability to asses your situation and make a solid safe decision will serve you well. Always remember... you do this for enjoyment. Don't ever lose sight of that. - Mike from Canada
Winter camping is hard work, but lots of fun once you learn how to do it and invest in the right gear. I admire your tenacity. As part of a group (normally 7-10 guys) who winter camped in northern Michigan for over 40 years beginning in 1977, it would be wonderful to pass along many tips, hacks, gear choices, simplified food prep ideas, ways to stay warm, MI destinations, etc., that we learned by trial and error over four decades. I am proud of you and would love to chat to help you realize your passion in a safe and comfortable manner.
Outstanding insight and planning. I didn’t realize that you plan for cold camping. I’m learning so much from you, plus I’m inspired by your determination. It’s such a beautiful place. Thanks!
Thank you!! Haha yes, I’ve seen quite a few others talk about the challenges of hot tent camping on YT and thankfully because of that I knew not to rely on a working stove and warm fire. I really really appreciate the kind words ☺️ have a great day!
wow, gorgeous location. I grew up in Michigan and now live in Quebec. There's nothing like the northern woods. I have never been brave enough to camp on my own but I definitely enjoy lots of solo hikes in the summer. even though I don't go out overnight, I enjoy learning so much from those like you who do & share your adventures on RUclips!
You asked if it would make your life easier, you would welcome some advice. If the wood will fit in the stove without splitting it, then don’t split it. A full log that is not split will burn longer. When you go to sleep if you can fit two full log in your stove and turn down the damper to a quarter or a third of the way open it will burn most of the night. In the morning it still might have some hot coals left so you can add in some wood and not have to start your fire from scratch. Only spit wood if it is too big to fit in the stove. Good luck on your adventures.
Another cool video! I love your winter adventures videos! 👍I've done quite a bit of snowshoeing hikes in the last few years, I do have a couple of tips for you. 1. Put a leash / string on everything, tools, packs, etc, and clip them via a carabiner on your main pack, and to your sled. Everything should be tethered in order not to loose anything ever. 2. I have a similar sled, you can get a sled cover for these. The cover has a sewn-in bungee cord around the perimeter. It helps a lot keeping stuff from falling out of the sled, and keeping the snow out of the sled too. 3. You can convert your sled into a ski pulk with a couple kit components. Instead of a string, you pull it with fiberglass poles via a hip belt, works much better. You can also install "fins" underneath the sled so it stays on track even with a slight left-right incline. Search Ski Pulk, Pole Set, Hip Belt Harness, Removable Fin Kit, and you'll find what I'm talking about. I did not use mine quite a lot over the year, but it's a very nice upgrade to your sled without spending crazy money. 4. You should consider using snowshoes even if the snow is not deep, I hike in similar condition all the time. They would have prevented you from punching holes in the snow bridges down into the creeks. It helps with grip, and also provide a pivot point for your ankle while hiking. My current favorites are the MSR Revo Ascent. They are not great for deep powder, but very good for semi-compacted trails, on ice, and also for ascending small mountains because they have a heel elevator function. Hey, I hope any of this helps!
... Good tips on the pulk sled design improvements ,, definitely makes it more manageable on the downhills and turns ...... and a larger footprint over what looked like timber bridges or beaver dams , leaving ankle busting holes all along ... and with trails and subsurface being a layer of ice ,, snowshoes with the metal cleats work best ....
Thank you for taking the time to give me all of these tips!! Super helpful. 1. That’s a great idea and a must. One of my bags fell out of the sled without me realizing on the previous trip and I had to drive 3 hours and hike back up the trail. Luckily I found it! 2. I didn’t realize they made an actual sled cover. I tried a tarp on my first outing and it was cumbersome. I’ll look into it! 3. I seen this in Lost Lakes early winter videos…thank you for the detailed info! 4. I had snow shoes but I felt like they were awkward to walk in and I wasn’t able to get a lot of traction with them. Actually made pulling the sled more challenging. This is the first pair I’ve ever tried so maybe the MSR ones would be better? Not sure if it’s me or the snow shoes haha This was very helpful and I appreciate that you explained the ski pulk setup. Thank you thank you!!!!
@@Apeaceofthewoods My pleasure, I'm super impressed with what you've achieved already, I figured I could help by sharing a bit of my experience. 1. For leashes, make a loop with about a foot of paracord (I remove the inner strands), joining the ends with a Fisherman's Bend. I usually don't thread the loop in a item hang hole directly. I tie the leash to the item after making the loop using a Lark's Head Knot. That way, I can remove the leash without cutting anything and reuse it. 2. Search for: Pelican sled travel cover. 3. I'll look them up, Thanks. 4. Most snowshoes with a tubular frame and plastic membrane are crap and slippery. The MSR ones look plasticky and don't offer sublime floatation, but they do grip a lot. You can climb steep hills on ice with no problems. They are expensive but worth it. Hike an hour with snowshoes, and an hour without, compare, you'll see the difference. Aside from RUclips videos, do you do and publish photography as well somewhere? Until your next video!
Really enjoyed this video. I am a native U.P. resident and love the outdoors 2-3 seasons, but there's no way I'll be doing this winter camping thing, ha! Much respect.
Your passion for winter camping is truly inspiring! How you embrace the challenges and find beauty in the snowy wilderness is a testament to your adventurous spirit. Keep sharing your incredible journeys with us, and know that your courage and love for nature bring joy and inspiration to many. Stay warm and keep exploring! ❄❤🏕
Thank you dear! That was very enjoyable I spent a lot of time as a teenager up in the northern peninsula. I know I live in Arizona. I'm starting my bushcrafting channel I am 65 years old. I used to ride snowmobiles up there. I'm glad that you are safe. I just now found your channel. Fight on dear❤
Hi Woodsy, thank you for taking us along on yet another amazing adventure. I tip my hat to you for your brutally honest self analysis on what caused the major issues you had on your previous visit there. So glad you were able to go back and have success while being there. It never ceases to amaze me how people underestimate the perils of back country camping in the winter and you certainly have had some major learning moments. Thank you for sharing your insights and it is amazing how much your outdoor skills have grown in the short time you have been sharing your adventures with us. Looking forward to your next adventure! By the way, if you are planning to do more sled/pulk adventures, it helps to get a waist harness with stabilizing poles. It makes ALL the difference, especially in fresh snow. I did three weeks on the PCT with one and my back and legs thanked me every morning when putting on the harness. lol Food for thought and something to budget for.
Hi I recently came across your channel and im a Eagle Scout from Pennsylvania and ive hiked the entire Appalachian trail i just wanted to make sure you take care make sure you check yourself for ticks i was unlucky enough to contract lymes disease and it is a very serious illness just be very careful with the woods starting to warm up
I enjoy your channel. I'm an original Michigander. I've been places downsouth, and I can say no matter what. As soon as I get back home in Michigan, I can enjoy the four seasons again. there's a sense of deep breath here, and it's pureee 😊
I can't believe I'm just finding your channel! I see you do a lot of stuff around MI. I'll have to check some of these places out! I'm always looking for new spots for hiking/camping, and I live right here. Well...northern lower. But you get it. This is so rad. Keep it up!
Very nice video! Kudos to you for sharing your previous attempts and setting an example of changing plans when things are not going well. Always better safe than sorry! The beef stew looked delicious! See you next time!
@@chrislonsberry1974 Thank you!! Better safe than sorry for sure. Looking back, I’m soo happy I didn’t attempt to push through that first trip. Appreciate you!! ☺️☺️
I love that you're doing this on your own and learning from your experiences, good or bad. That is what camping outdoors is all about. Conditions, gear, wildlife, weather, your mood, etc, all play a role in your experience out in the woods. I like that you take what the wilderness gives you and adapt to it. No one telling you how to do this or do that, leave the Mansplaining behind! (says the man often guilty of mansplaining)
Nice winter camping video, Woodsy. You're doing a great job. Glad you made another attempt. I just posted my video today, and then I was notified that both you and Jon had released yours. All kinds of winter videos to watch. Thanks for posting.
@Apeaceofthewoods I get a bit jealous of the hot tents. They are great. But I wanted to show that even without one you can enjoy it out there. I hope you enjoy watching it.
New Subscriber! Just stumbled upon this tonight. Grew up 20 miles from McCormick Tract and spent plenty of time on the surrounding lakes and in the woods hunting and fishing. Great to see you out exploring the UP and sharing your experiences on RUclips. Be Safe out there!
Outstanding videos! I would suggest you get a longer rope for your sled as it will make it a bit easier to pull. The longer it is the more you're pulling the sled forward instead of pulling and slightly lifitng it up with a shorter rope.
Thank you!!! Good call! I didn’t think about doing that. I was thinking about getting a couple pipes and making it into a Pulk. Definitely some things to consider!
@@Apeaceofthewoods Erik Normark has a video , " About the Pulk and Hauling the Winter Gear " . It looks like it is relatively simple to make. It may have prevented your fall in the water when u were hit by your sled.
Glad you used wisdom on your previous trip; safety in winter camping is always the top priority. Sometimes it's better to take the L, in order to get a big WIN later on. Glad you got that win and this trip was successful and enjoyable. Love your videos and the U.P.!
Do you have any type of outdoor space where you can do a weekly camp cooking show? I imagine it’s difficult to make time for extended camping trips. I am amazed by the food that you have made in some of your videos. I would watch you cook out weekly in between camping trips.
That’s not a bad idea! Nothing too close to me but I’ll think through how I might be able to do something like that in the future. Thank you so much, this kind of feedback is so helpful. Its nice to know what you would want to see in the future and saves me guessing haha
@@Apeaceofthewoods There are some stellar spots within an hour of Metro Detroit---as you may know. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is super cool with some very remote areas for Oakland County out by Waterford. Stony Creek Metropark over by Rochester. Proud Lake. Indian Springs. I have camped with friends and we have hosted Drum Circles out at Pontiac Lake. It can be noisy, but it is natural and secluded. Mostly. :) You probably already know all of this already. Just tossing out the possibilities and options. Howell Nature Center is really cool. They even have some awesome events like Sweat Lodges and Herb Walks where you can learn about Medicinal Native Plants. Keep up the great work. You are killin' it. Nearly 30,000 Subscribers in less than a year. Amazing! :))
Wow, I am also impressed. Nice video, nice trip to do too. Glad you opted for retreat when you were unsure. Try practing new skills at home before you go. Wood splitting could be done so many ways. Fire starting, too. You might consider attaching some thrift store ski's to your handy litter sled, tho they will help in some ways but could also hinder as well. Make yourself a packing list just like a vacation one. And include some pine pitch tinder bundles in ziplock bags. Good luck on the next trip. Stay safe and have fun. Your neighbor in Warren...rck.
I’ve been doing wilderness hiking, hunting, & camping for 57 years, and my advice to you, if you’re going to camp alone in remote areas, is to acquire & take a handgun, &/or a large breed dog. I’ve raised Rottweilers for years & they’re excellent in the woods, especially in cold weather. If they’re trained well, Rotties are fearless, don’t bark, and are calm & obedient in dangerous situations.
@@makalipo I’ve considered getting a dog for sure. There is also a lot of responsibility that comes with dog ownership so I’ll probably go for it when the time is right. But I would love to get a dog I can bring along with me in my canoe trips.
@@darkeagle1162 @makalipo Fair enough. It goes without saying that you are free to believe what you want to as I’m just a random person on the internet. But that being said, I am Not lying about camping alone and there isnt anyone else on these trips or behind the camera.
The sound of the tent zipper just gave me the biggest dopamine boost LOL. New subscriber here! I also love UP tent camping and hope to get out there this winter!! Thanks for sharing your trip. Looking forward to seeing more of your content!! 😊✨🏕️
@@TheNDDawson Thank you!! YT won’t let me send an Amazon links via comments but it’s the Bestargot titanium pot (French press) ☺️ you should be able to search it on Amazon that way!
I believe learning from and not repeating previous mistakes is a great indicator of outdoor skills growth and this trip appears to be a reflection of your continuing to build outdoor skills. Pretty amazing to watch, especially for folks who don’t have to deal with extreme cold while hiking/camping. Look forward to your next adventure.
My boyfriend and I just found your channel tonight…. We watched the newest video and were both like “that is way too much work”! But we are watching your video where you give some background and now it makes much more sense. We are Michiganders too and love traveling MI…. Keep doin what ya do! You got 2 more subscribers
Sounds like you learned some valuable lessons from your treks. You sure are one determined individual and a diehard spirit. The scenery was awesome and vast. You must get sheer enjoyment from your quests. All I can say is please careful and don't take chances. I didn't realize you drive so far to do your camping which is amazing. Stay well and be safe.
You are courageous to embark on these camping trips by yourself. The videos are interesting and informative. Stay safe and good luck in your future travels.
Absolutely love the beauty of the Upper Peninsula! The Two Hearted River is stunning would be a dream to trout fish there someday. Amazing video, thanks for sharing!
You freaking ROCK!!!! Having done many winter trips in Michigan and northern Indiana, I appreciate your REAL food!!!! Even though you have your wood stove, it wouldn't hurt to carry a backpack stove. Also, when sawing logs hang the end you want 'fall' past the support to help keep the saw binding. Thanks for the videos. I'm 65 & about to go on a winter canoe trip. GREAT to see youngins out there!
RUclips algorithm brought me here LoL I am so glad I found this channel, so real and genuine! Look up to you as it’s a wish of mine to do something similar every so often to learn to become self sufficient and just know what to expect when you’re on your own LoL here in Indiana, hope to run into you in the woods one day haha looking forward to seeing more content and checking out previous videos
I'm taking my first hiking / camping trip to Michigan in May. Gonna spend some time at Isle Royale. The state looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience. I love redemption videos, Glad I found your channel
Good evening. Sometimes camps do not work out. Knowing when to leave gives you the chance to try again. I am glad you went back. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe and have fun.
Another awesome video! So glad you had a good outing this time. Just a tip for ya if you wanna try it, I always bring a rope that I normally use for a ridge line that’s about 20ft long, whenever I need to cross a creek or a natural bridge I’ll tie the rope to my sled, carry the other end with me while I cross over, and then pull my sled across, makes crossing more easy, just have to pull slow so you don’t lose control of the sled. But like always, can’t wait to see your next outing!👍
Really liked your video, way to stick with it, it is much easier to give up when the trip gets tough and things are not going as planned , but you stuck with it , you are a true inspiration,just be safe out there 👍
Hello, and welcome to the great UP. I live "up" here in Iron County. Great to be along your adventure here. I just wanted to say, Baraga, is pronounced BEAR A GA. Bishop Baraga, the Snow Shoe Priest. Be well and keep the adventures going !!
Nicely done, Woodsy. Looks like a great trip. And yeah, keep at it. Things will continue to gel, and get even better, as you latch onto what works well and incorporate it into your routine. I’ve been winter camping for 10 years, hot tenting for five, and last year was when I really started to feel like I had it dialed in. Things that feel natural and obvious now took me a while to figure out, perfect and embrace. You’ve got this! And thanks so much for sharing. The next best thing to winter camping myself is to enjoy it vicariously through someone else.
Thank you!!! It definitely ended up being a really good trip. It is very reassuring to hear your story and know that I’m not the only one that didn’t figure all of this out over night. Haha also my second favorite thing to do. About lookup winter camping videos on YT right now as I get ready to head to bed! Appreciate the comment ☺️☺️
"I don't think there's any more water crossings" instantly right to the next water crossing took me out!! 😅 Another fun, tasty, and scenic adventure!!! 😎💪🏾🫶🏾
Hey Woodsy, Thanks for another awesome video and also for showing a lot of Michiganders that there is so much to do in our state all year long. as I get older I have slowed down in my outdoor activities but you have inspired me to get out more and enjoy what we have so thank you for that and keep the Vid's coming. Be safe !
Congratulations on surpassing 1 million total views on your channel! Been here from the beginning and so proud to see you grow and your channel grow! Time to THRIVE in 2025!
Your channel just showed up in recommendations to watch and I am so happy I did. First off let me say how refreshing it is to hear and see someone following their gut instincts. They are always your best safety net. Good on you for knowing when you need to say no and head for safety. I am wondering if you have heard of a "pulk" pulling system. The ropes on your sled would be a bit longer and there is some form of rigid piping like material through which the ropes are placed (ie narrow pvc piping). This type of system gives you more leverage and control over your sled. You don't need to spend a ton of money to DIY a very serviceable setup. If you search "Pulk" pulling you'll find tons of info and lots of videos on how to rig your own. The system isn't for every situation but you may find it of value to look into it. Very well done video. Nothing like home cooked food in the wilderness.
I have recently gotten into watching videos of back woods camping and came across your channel. I just wanted to say I loved this video, you and others have inspired me to get back into camping!
What a refreshing video of just what can go wrong on a camp and something always goes wrong. Gear gets left at home or equipment gets misplaced. These are things people learn from each other. So, thanks for filming and not editing out the goofs.
I live in Houghton county near the Keweenaw. Be careful and always carry a gun while you're in the woods here in the U.P. we have wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, and black bear. The bears can be up and roaming around during the winter they don't hibernate the whole winter. Wolves and coyotes will usually leave you alone same with the bears if you catch them in the summer time. But if you have food and they smell it in the winter they can be more aggressive than usual. Be safe! Great video btw 😊
Or if you don't like guns, maybe invest in some bear pepper spray.
My thoughts exactly, I too am just a stone throw away from the UP & I’ve seen the mountain lions several times…. When cutting wood or camping out in the back I always carry a gun. Friends would kind of tease me sometimes until they ran into the mountain lion while out, they don’t tease me anymore….
Cheers
PS came 2’ away from my face to nose of a bear at night while I was tent camping, I was in the tent and had a gun under the pillow, my son said “ Dad I never saw you move so fast”, lol well long story short after a tense night & some ranger involvement… the bear and my family survived the encounter…
and bad people just like everyplace in the world Michigan too has bad people
Pepper spray! Best too gun too carry 12 ga. Slugs , big hand gun any where in mich deep woods!
@jaynorthwoods safety is always important even when some friends may give ya a hard time. Also glad to know you made it out of that okay as well as your son. I was walking to a local store a few minutes from my house late summer of 2024 and came close to a male black bear. I'm guessing by the size of him he was about 10 to 12 years old. A big boy for sure. For some reason I had no fear and he got within about 13 feet of me. He ran away after seeming just curious of me. But if he wanted to he could have easily killed me. He was a stinker. Smelled like wet dog food.
I watch my fair share of Winter Camping bush crafting/winter camping. Never seen this channel before. Respect to anyone doing this in winter elements.
When you have extremely hardwood to split, the best day to do so with a hatchet is once you have the hatchet started in the wood and it holds in the wood is pick up your hatchet with wood firm on it is turn the hatchet blade up and let the weight of wood force it over the blade and split. Just hit the but of hatchet into the ground or downed log forcing the weight of the log over the blade , it works just make sure the log is firmly seated on the hatchet, and let the weight work in your favor.😊
Thank you Tom! I watch a ton of them myself and as much as I have learned through watching…nothing beats getting out there and learning from your own mistakes
@@micheletremonti2434Thank you! So basically the hatchet blade is facing me and the back of the hatchet is hitting the ground? I didn’t try that. I appreciate the advice! I was wondering if I just needed to get a new axe after just having got that one!
Michigans upper peninsula is a true gem, keep the videos coming and show the world what breathtaking views Michigan has to offer.
Yes it is! I don’t know if my filming can ever do it justice but I will absolutely continue making videos! Thank you so much for the comment ☺️
When I was maybe 12 years old, I came upon the most beautiful things I'd ever experienced in my life while exploring through the deep woods during a snowfall. It wasn't the last; I've seen frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, hot springs, animal tracks (so interesting to see their behavior imprinted in the fleeting snow), animals walking right past me, silence, introspection, and clarity; it was always the clarity these experiences gave me that made me feel exactly in rhythm, though dumbfounded. To this day it is a place I can return to even if I can't physically be there; my memories bring all my senses back. What a lovely journey you're on. And everyone. I wish you all everything, and I love you all.
Recently found your channel and have enjoyed watching your videos. I am a solo woman hiker, 75 years old and I love winter hiking. I completely understand why you like to solo camp as I also prefer to solo hike. I enjoy the quiet and see much more wildlife when alone than when I'm with other people (too much talking.) 😄 Your videos are so down to earth and you're not afraid to show your struggles and missteps. That's what makes these adventures fun, isn't it? I'm catching up on your older videos and enjoying them immensely. See you out there! Take care, young lady, and thanks for sharing your trips with us. ❤
Thank you Rose ☺️☺️☺️ this really means so much. I dream to be able to get out and enjoy nature like this when I’m 75. Being in nature alone is so grounding…it’s crazy it is still somewhat of a taboo. I appreciate you!! And you take care and stay safe too ❤️❤️
What a beautiful message 👌🏾
Witaj moja przyjaciółko z pięknych rejonów USA jestem pod wielkim wrażeniem twoich przygód w tak pięknym rejonie. Taka fajna zima i ten śnieg u nas w Polsce to tylko w górach jest tak ładnie. Zauważyłem te ślady na śniegu czy to były ślady Rosomaka, nie wiem czy u ciebie występuje ten gatunek. Sorry za moją pisownię nie wiem jak Google przetlumaczy ci moją wiadomość. Ale cóż życzę Ci wszystkiego dobrego w tym nowym roku by obfitował w piękne i bezpieczne przygody ❤ 👍👍👍
@@marek.warrior4406 Yes Michigan is the wolverine state and they live in the upper peninsula
Also just found your channel, good stuff, please keep it up. A lot of the bushcraft outdoor channels I have followed for years seem to have quit or hardly ever post anymore.
As a life long yooper I enjoy watching your videos and greatly admire your determination. The smartest thing you can do up here is to know when to hold em and when to fold em as Kenny Roger’s said. I’ve seen things get out of hand real quick and when ambition and bravery exceeds experience and preparation and you do a really good job learning and preparing. Utmost respect to you and keep on keeping on living the true dream in gods country! 🫡🙏😎
You’re much kinder than I am. Smh
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words 🙏 folding can be a tough decision for sure but when it’s the right one, it’s the right one. I think it becomes easier to identify that point when “ambition and bravery” exceed preparation/experience as you gain experience. Making the mistake of thinking I’m prepared to handle more than I actually can is quickly humbling. Learning moments for sure! Thank you again!!
@@room2growrose623 what do you mean?
I want to winter camp up there soon and Craig Lake. A lot of great remote spots up here to enjoy!
Glad to see someone showcasing Michigan. I'm so fortunate to be from this great state. Thank you.
I completely agree. I’m fortunate to be here too! People outside of Michigan have no idea!
John 3:16
King James Version
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
@@brysonbutler8942amen.
❤ the UP! I’m from California and ice climb in the UP (Munising) 👍
@@Apeaceofthewoods Shhh....let's keep it that way.😉
Gurl you are the bomb! You really went back! I'm so proud & so inspired!!
@@judyp9141 Aww thank you ☺️☺️☺️ this place was so beautiful I had to go back!
Excellent video, again. Your honesty on past fails is genuine. All of us that have winter camped have learned some hard lessons. Thank you for another great video.
Thank you!! Nature keeps you humble for sure. Winter camping is no joke but so rewarding when it goes well. Thank you for taking the time to watch ☺️☺️
Thanks for sharing your adventures. You seem to not let some little mishaps keep you from having a good time.
It's not about doing it perfectly, it's about getting out there and doing it. It doesn't always go as we palnned and that's part of the adventure. Appreciate your humility and gumption to get back at it! Keep doing what you do, and getting outdoors!
John 3:16
King James Version
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I appreciate you saying that because I agree ☺️ Nature is so unpredictable. Most trips don’t seem to go as planned but the unpredictability and figuring out the challenges as they come is part of the reason for getting into the outdoors. Thank you for the encouragement!
Cool! Another Woodsy video on a cold Sunday night! Proud of you. Keep doing what you do!
THANK YOU 🙏 that means a lot
First off, I am always excited to see an outdoor woman! Instant follow! Then hearing you admit your mistakes and talk about winter safety and the challenges you face camping in the snow. I am a fan. See you on your next trip!
Dam girl! I’m a retired USMC with over 30 years of operational experience, I just have to say, that you are very impressive. Keep pushing your limits, experiences and keep the motivation high.
Wow. Amazing! :)
I winter camped for my first time in February of 1993. I was a Sophomore at Central Michigan University after serving in the United States Military. That one week camping with a friend in the Woods changed my life. I dropped out of College at the end of that semester, and moved to the Woods. I didn't know anyone or anything. I just knew in my heart I wanted to live in the Woods like Henry David Thoreau---whom I learned about in College. My aim was to spend 6 months living and camping alone in the woods of Northern Michigan. I never left. Been my home ever since. :)
Good on you for being courageous (or crazy!) enough to follow your dreams and let your heart be your guide in life. You reminded me of my younger self. Thank you! :)
I like your video and how you planned your trip. I live in the UP and work for the DNR. I cannot stress more how you should make sure you have some protection with you from predators in the woods up here. One time a local man was walking with his dog on a logging trail and he came across a guy in a skid stear who came out to greet him. The guy in the skid stear asked if the man had a hand gun, the guy said no so the skid stear man gave him his and told him “do you see what is following you?” Guy with the dog looks back and little more than 50 yards behind him was a grey wolf tracking him. Wolves are here and they are not after humans but the presence of the dog may have caught the wolf’s interest, wolves tend to stay away from humans but are not afraid and can be a problem at times. The other thing is wolves are pack animals and where there is one seen, others are sure to be around. Great idea using the sled to carry your items, I see your sleeping gear and it looks light, but being a former Infantry soldier I often still use my cocoon sleeping bag which has 3 layers and will keep you warm down -30 and the outer layer is a shell that will protect you from the elements like rain and snow. It is heavier than your sleeping gear but with the use of the sled you shouldn’t notice a difference. Have fun and stay safe. One last thing is when you are going out, tell a friend exactly where you are going and when you will contact them. This is always a good idea as if something happens and you don’t or can’t contact that friend they can then call the DNR for a wellness check to make sure you are okay. Everyone living in Michigan and especially the Upper Peninsula knows the weather changes often but it makes living here more enjoyable and exciting.
Oof that's an unnerving story..
GREAT ADVICE!! I WORRY FOR ALL THESE SOLO WOMEN HIKING, AND IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL BUT LOOKS ARE DECEIVING!!!!
Dnr hands you a gun to shoot a wolf?
She's so gorgeous and spontaneous in the outdoors. There needs to be more like her! She is so awesome!
More... why... elaborate plz. what purpose does this serve...
@@offgridvince Serving a purpose is not always a requirement. That being said, it looks to me like she's having fun outdoors and inspiring others to do the same. Deal with it.
Good call on cutting the trip short. Survival situations are very often the result of compounding errors/mishaps. It is best to learn to recognize the escalating risk and to cut it off before it becomes critical.
Yes, it's that second thing that goes wrong that can really create a problem. It is smart to know when to cut a trip short.
McCormick area is a nice place. I was born and raised in the U.P. and went to Northern. We often went to McCormick on weekends while at Northern. I came from the Grand Marais area. There are lots of good places to be in the woods around the GM area. I don’t live in the U.P. Now but go back several times a year to recharge my batteries. I spend most my time in the woods where I grew up. It’s good to see young people who appreciate spending time outside. I’m afraid to many young people are attached to their phones and lost touch with nature. Keep up the good work making videos!!!
You did the smart thing on your last trip and learned some lessons. Gained confidence and came back and crushed it. Good for you!
@@bradh9081 Leaving early was disappointing but definitely the right thing to do at the time. The trip back was so worth it. Thank you so much!!☺️☺️
Thank you Woodsy for sharing your love for the outdoors and camping. I'm also grateful you find our beloved Upper Peninsula an ideal place to test your boundaries. I also applaud you for venturing out in winter, even if it's not with much snow. What scares me though, girl, is sleeping in a nylon tent with a WOOD STOVE! Lordy. You are courageous. That singed liner is a valuable lesson . Yikes. So glad you are SAFE! On your next trip north, I'd be happy to meet up and share some of my winter camping tips. BTW, contrary to some of the other replies, I've NEVER slept with a stove, a gun, or been winter camping without wearing a hat. I prefer to ski, but then I'm out with deeper snow. I have been out for as long as 27 days in -30º (that's when I skied to the geographic North Pole) In Antarctica, I slept in a quinzee. Building one could make a good video for your viewers. It takes some time and energy, but it's much warmer than your 3 season tent. Perhaps you would want to come camp in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in mid-February during the UP 200 Sled Dog Race. Lots of folks camp out on H-58, and they a good group to learn from. They will also help you stretch out your winter camping nights and learn more sustainable techniques to handle whatever weather comes your way. Your gourmet meals look fabulous. I'm sure our camping buddies would be delighted to learn your recipes! More bag nights ahead!
One of the things I’ve learned is, especially since you have a sled to carry things, get a heavier duty axe
The size of the head makes a huge difference in cutting and splitting wood.
But I’m more into bushcraft so for building, a large axe head is important.
Idk if you’ve ever looked into bushcraft videos but there’s lots of great tips.
I definitely subscribed because it’s so nice to see another woman who is also into camping especially winter camping! ❤
I always tell my kids one day all the lights may go out for good , no one would even know how to start a fire . ❤ thank you teacher for showing city folk a taste, instant subcribe
My Wife and I have hiked McCormick for 20 years and I am very impressed - that can be a very unforgiving area (hikers were just SAR'd last October as a matter of fact). Michigan is a BEAUTIFUL state and we are blessed to live here!!!
what does SAR'd mean
@@madiisonno Search and Rescued (in the October case the SAR Team was led by Marquette County Sheriff’s Office with K9 and National Park Services)
Wow! Just ran across this vid and I gotta hand it to you, not only trekking out to woods by yourself and camping in the winter, but then driving back to Detroit in just a few days?!? Way to go! Being from the A2 area and rough camping in the UP (Seney area) in the summer for a week was challenging enough for us.
Bravo! This time around you were really at the top of your game! This time you showed all your fans how winter camping should be done. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Haha thank you ☺️☺️☺️ this experience was waay better than the last two. But I also think the last two prepared me and made me more appreciative of this trip. I’m just grateful for all of the experiences and for anyone who takes time to watch!
@@Apeaceofthewoods I definitely would have forgotten some of the things you took along, and packed remarkably well! Looking forward to your next.
Enjoyed the video, Great Job
@@benterwellen Thank you ☺️
Hello Woodsy. I am so glad to have found your channel. I have woods-crafted all my life and it is so wonderful to watch your journey. Thank you *so much* for sharing your adventures. TBH I would suggest little things, but at times we must learn-as-we-go - and you are doing just that; It is wonderful to watch you doing so. The school of hard knocks can be the best teacher at times..., I am vicariously there with you in spirit,...if I may say so.
Due to personal and professional stresses I find solace in my commune with nature, esp. snowshoeing under a full moon with a fire, a tea, and a pipe at the end of the trail. It brings me closer to my late wife and clears the head of the daily stresses. Please do continue your journey and share it with us...Do what you love, love what you do, and love the way you do it!!!!
Gosh you're beautiful Woodsy. I love how happy and free you are while camping in remote places. Keep up the great work!
Aww thank you ☺️☺️☺️ it’s a feeling I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to experience. Appreciate it
So so so glad you're okay despite the unexpected setbacks of your last trip. When you fell into the creek I genuinely gasped but you pushed through. You're an absolute badass for getting back out there and giving it another go 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 I've been watching so many camping videos with hope sit having the guts to go this summer. Yours is def an inspo for me :)
Winter camping is heaven to me. Watching from Plymouth, Michigan.
The beautiful scenery is only surpassed by our lovely host. Young lady where is your cap !!!!!🥶
Omg girl sounds like you've had a rough week ❤. Your so smart that's why I love you. You definitely come prepared for about anything and know when you're in over your head. I see you had a much better trip this time and came prepared with the compressed log and you had the glass for the stove and birch bark and kindling bundle. I love your videos so much and your absolutely the best cooking camper, hands down. Having so much knowledge on recipes and cooking skills is awesome and makes you one of a kind in my opinion. You battoned that log exactly right and there's not a wrong way to do it. We just had beef stew today, brown chuck roast with garlic and onions add beef broth and half red potatoes and lit simmer for about 30 minutes. Then I add celery, carrots 1 tomato and a pack of brown gravy and a half of onion diced real small. It's one of my favorite recipes and we also have leftovers as it's just me and my mother. We turn stew off when potatoes are soft and it so good. I really want your hot chocolate recipe bad you made us both want some. Your absolutely amazing 👏 and I'm so grateful for your video today after 12 hour day. You are definitely one of a kind and we both love you ❤️. Thank you so much girl. I wish I knew your name so I didn't have to call you girl. I'm sure it's not woodsy, seems disrespectful to call you girl and I apologize if iv offended you. Your seriously the best, I mean that. Have an absolutely blessed night 🌙 and thanks again.
Haha thank you, I was in over my head the first time that’s for sure. I actually used a completely different stove this time. I used one I already had since the other one was missing the glass. The only reason I got the one that was missing the glass is because it was bigger so I thought it would be warmer but I should have tested it first. I’m happy to hear you think I battened the log correctly because that wood was dense! I assumed I had to be doing something wrong haha. Thank you!! Your recipe sounds pretty similar to mine but a fresh tomato would have been really good. Good idea, I’ll add that in next time. I’m so bad at recipes because I never measure anything when I cook! But I used Dutch processed cocoa powder, heavy cream powder and brown sugar. I also typically add a little vanilla bean powder too and just the smallest pinch of salt. You work some crazy long hours! Hope you get some time off to rest and enjoy yourself. I always appreciate both you and your mom. Thank you for the prayers that I’m sure contributed to this being a better trip this time! You guys are the best ☺️☺️❤️ my name is Kaylee. Haha I never minded you calling me girl. I didn’t think it was disrespectful at all. Thank you for always being such a positive energy and for all of the encouragement. Have a good night!
@Apeaceofthewoods Hey Kaylee ☺️ I hope you don't mind me being nosey and cutting into you ladies's conversation..? 😬🤷🏻♂️☺️ I was planning to leave you a comment and I was reading thru some of the others and I noticed that you guys were talking about some of the things that I was curious about..? 🤷🏻♂️😁
Im really glad youtube recommended your video to me tonight... I've had a chance to watch a couple of them tonight ☺️❤ I really enjoyed your content and Bravery so far... 😁 I think it's amazing. So I noticed a comment in a conversation you had with the lady that was 75 and still camping... ☺️👍🏼🛐❤️ That was a huge blessin to me... still having the drive and ambition, as well as physical ability to still get out like that is just awesome to me ♥️ So ? ☺️ Do you just prefer going out alone? Or is there a someone else or ? 🤔☺️🤷🏻♂️ Just curious? 🙂
Randy ❤
She is the best by far, we love her content
You cook better in the remote wilderness than I do in my kitchen! Awesome videos Woodsy
Haha aww well thank you. Appreciate that!
Fellow Michigander! Can’t wait to get back to some camping in the Upper Peninsula. It’s beautiful up there! Be safe 🫶🏻
I watch a lot of bush/ winter camping videos and I have never seen your channel before. I enjoyed it, stay safe Hun❤❤👍👍
Thank you!! I just started the channel in June so this is my first winter season making videos. Appreciate you stopping by and you stay safe as well! ❤️❤️❤️
I've never watched any of your videos before I'm a first time watcher but I'm definitely enjoying it very much. ❤❤❤❤
Watching this right before bed. The snow covered grounds look so peaceful. Love the authentic way you present your love of nature for us viewers. Be well!
Thank you so much!! The peace and quiet of winter camping…especially in a place like this is such a unique experience. I appreciate it ☺️ take care
Just came across your channel. Your woods look a lot like Northern NY in the Adirondack Mountains. Lots of winter hiking and camping experience over my life of living here. Glad to watch someone who filmed all this content to bring eyes to the life of wilderness excursions. Keep on keeping on. One thing I started doing was making dinner at home and freezing my stew or some food that can be frozen and put it into a Tupperware. Stays frozen of course because it’s winter. Then you don’t need to rely on stove fuel for a long time and cuts down on food smell where you sleep. Best of travels✌🏼🏔❤️
Wow....the beauty in the video! Thanks so much for taking the time to cover it all. Blessings, C
Thank you! This area was so beautiful, I don’t think I was able to capture it all on video. Blessings to you as well!
I live pretty close to where you were at, glad that you are enjoying our beautiful area and are courageous enough to venture out during winter. Juice is worth the squeeze. Love your little wood stove and straight up chefin it up in the wilderness! Looked tasty. Also, good of you to listen to your instincts on the first trip.
Thanks for sharing this awesome video. wintery scene in the video looks amazing. ❄️☃️
Omg I would keep going back there. It was soo beautiful! Thank you!
Bravo! Never feel bad about ending a trip early, better safe than sorry! It all comes down to time and experience, the more time you spend in the woods, the more experienced you become, no one knows it all straight out the gate. Most important is that you come home safe and live to have a new experience. Well done, have fun in your future adventures.
Helpful hint: Replace the lines on your pulk with metal conduit, and cross them before attaching to your belt. It will track better, and resist sliding downhill when side hilling, plus it will never hit your ankles on the downhill.
Impressive! I've driven 8 hrs to camp. That's a very dedicated and committed endeavor.
Well done.
Your ability to asses your situation and make a solid safe decision will serve you well. Always remember... you do this for enjoyment. Don't ever lose sight of that. - Mike from Canada
Wooow!!! You are amazing!!! Your channel just popped up in my feed!!! Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
@@gracecallowayable Thank you!!!! Appreciate you!! ☺️☺️☺️
Winter camping is hard work, but lots of fun once you learn how to do it and invest in the right gear. I admire your tenacity. As part of a group (normally 7-10 guys) who winter camped in northern Michigan for over 40 years beginning in 1977, it would be wonderful to pass along many tips, hacks, gear choices, simplified food prep ideas, ways to stay warm, MI destinations, etc., that we learned by trial and error over four decades. I am proud of you and would love to chat to help you realize your passion in a safe and comfortable manner.
Outstanding insight and planning. I didn’t realize that you plan for cold camping. I’m learning so much from you, plus I’m inspired by your determination. It’s such a beautiful place. Thanks!
Thank you!! Haha yes, I’ve seen quite a few others talk about the challenges of hot tent camping on YT and thankfully because of that I knew not to rely on a working stove and warm fire. I really really appreciate the kind words ☺️ have a great day!
wow, gorgeous location. I grew up in Michigan and now live in Quebec. There's nothing like the northern woods. I have never been brave enough to camp on my own but I definitely enjoy lots of solo hikes in the summer. even though I don't go out overnight, I enjoy learning so much from those like you who do & share your adventures on RUclips!
You asked if it would make your life easier, you would welcome some advice. If the wood will fit in the stove without splitting it, then don’t split it. A full log that is not split will burn longer. When you go to sleep if you can fit two full log in your stove and turn down the damper to a quarter or a third of the way open it will burn most of the night. In the morning it still might have some hot coals left so you can add in some wood and not have to start your fire from scratch. Only spit wood if it is too big to fit in the stove. Good luck on your adventures.
It will burn longer, but heat output will also be less. Its a tradeoff based on temperature vs sleep.
Great video, Woodsy! I have not had the opportunity to camp in that area but we used to love riding snowmobiles through there. Keep em coming!
You brought the Princess to the Winter Wonderland 😉
Haha princess…so funny
Another cool video! I love your winter adventures videos! 👍I've done quite a bit of snowshoeing hikes in the last few years, I do have a couple of tips for you.
1. Put a leash / string on everything, tools, packs, etc, and clip them via a carabiner on your main pack, and to your sled. Everything should be tethered in order not to loose anything ever.
2. I have a similar sled, you can get a sled cover for these. The cover has a sewn-in bungee cord around the perimeter. It helps a lot keeping stuff from falling out of the sled, and keeping the snow out of the sled too.
3. You can convert your sled into a ski pulk with a couple kit components. Instead of a string, you pull it with fiberglass poles via a hip belt, works much better. You can also install "fins" underneath the sled so it stays on track even with a slight left-right incline. Search Ski Pulk, Pole Set, Hip Belt Harness, Removable Fin Kit, and you'll find what I'm talking about. I did not use mine quite a lot over the year, but it's a very nice upgrade to your sled without spending crazy money.
4. You should consider using snowshoes even if the snow is not deep, I hike in similar condition all the time. They would have prevented you from punching holes in the snow bridges down into the creeks. It helps with grip, and also provide a pivot point for your ankle while hiking. My current favorites are the MSR Revo Ascent. They are not great for deep powder, but very good for semi-compacted trails, on ice, and also for ascending small mountains because they have a heel elevator function.
Hey, I hope any of this helps!
... Good tips on the pulk sled design improvements ,, definitely makes it more manageable on the downhills and turns ...... and a larger footprint over what looked like timber bridges or beaver dams , leaving ankle busting holes all along ... and with trails and subsurface being a layer of ice ,, snowshoes with the metal cleats work best ....
Thank you for taking the time to give me all of these tips!! Super helpful.
1. That’s a great idea and a must. One of my bags fell out of the sled without me realizing on the previous trip and I had to drive 3 hours and hike back up the trail. Luckily I found it!
2. I didn’t realize they made an actual sled cover. I tried a tarp on my first outing and it was cumbersome. I’ll look into it!
3. I seen this in Lost Lakes early winter videos…thank you for the detailed info!
4. I had snow shoes but I felt like they were awkward to walk in and I wasn’t able to get a lot of traction with them. Actually made pulling the sled more challenging. This is the first pair I’ve ever tried so maybe the MSR ones would be better? Not sure if it’s me or the snow shoes haha
This was very helpful and I appreciate that you explained the ski pulk setup. Thank you thank you!!!!
@@Apeaceofthewoods My pleasure, I'm super impressed with what you've achieved already, I figured I could help by sharing a bit of my experience.
1. For leashes, make a loop with about a foot of paracord (I remove the inner strands), joining the ends with a Fisherman's Bend. I usually don't thread the loop in a item hang hole directly. I tie the leash to the item after making the loop using a Lark's Head Knot. That way, I can remove the leash without cutting anything and reuse it.
2. Search for: Pelican sled travel cover.
3. I'll look them up, Thanks.
4. Most snowshoes with a tubular frame and plastic membrane are crap and slippery. The MSR ones look plasticky and don't offer sublime floatation, but they do grip a lot. You can climb steep hills on ice with no problems. They are expensive but worth it. Hike an hour with snowshoes, and an hour without, compare, you'll see the difference.
Aside from RUclips videos, do you do and publish photography as well somewhere? Until your next video!
Michigander here. Winter is tough here, that successful expedition was impressive. The regroup on 1st, that intelligence! Stay safe Woodsy.
You are amazing and a inspiration to "get out of the house". Wish you all the best there is. Ron/Sweden
Aww thank you Ron!! I wish you the best also! Appreciate you
Winter camping is definitely harder, you did a great job! Keep up the great video's, thanks for sharing. I enjoy them.
Really enjoyed this video. I am a native U.P. resident and love the outdoors 2-3 seasons, but there's no way I'll be doing this winter camping thing, ha! Much respect.
Thank you!! Haha I assumed everyone up there loved the snow. I’d love to live up there myself one day. Appreciate you!
Your passion for winter camping is truly inspiring! How you embrace the challenges and find beauty in the snowy wilderness is a testament to your adventurous spirit. Keep sharing your incredible journeys with us, and know that your courage and love for nature bring joy and inspiration to many. Stay warm and keep exploring! ❄❤🏕
A winter wonder land, thank you for sharing Woodsy.🤍
It was so beautiful! Thank you for watching ☺️
Thank you dear! That was very enjoyable I spent a lot of time as a teenager up in the northern peninsula. I know I live in Arizona. I'm starting my bushcrafting channel I am 65 years old. I used to ride snowmobiles up there. I'm glad that you are safe. I just now found your channel. Fight on dear❤
A successful trip! Loved watching.
Hi Woodsy, thank you for taking us along on yet another amazing adventure. I tip my hat to you for your brutally honest self analysis on what caused the major issues you had on your previous visit there. So glad you were able to go back and have success while being there. It never ceases to amaze me how people underestimate the perils of back country camping in the winter and you certainly have had some major learning moments. Thank you for sharing your insights and it is amazing how much your outdoor skills have grown in the short time you have been sharing your adventures with us. Looking forward to your next adventure!
By the way, if you are planning to do more sled/pulk adventures, it helps to get a waist harness with stabilizing poles. It makes ALL the difference, especially in fresh snow. I did three weeks on the PCT with one and my back and legs thanked me every morning when putting on the harness. lol Food for thought and something to budget for.
Hi I recently came across your channel and im a Eagle Scout from Pennsylvania and ive hiked the entire Appalachian trail i just wanted to make sure you take care make sure you check yourself for ticks i was unlucky enough to contract lymes disease and it is a very serious illness just be very careful with the woods starting to warm up
I enjoy your channel. I'm an original Michigander. I've been places downsouth, and I can say no matter what. As soon as I get back home in Michigan, I can enjoy the four seasons again. there's a sense of deep breath here, and it's pureee 😊
Swooning so hard right now 😅 she's beautiful. She's setting up cameras like this. I feel like she's getting ready to try out to be on Alone.
I can't believe I'm just finding your channel!
I see you do a lot of stuff around MI. I'll have to check some of these places out! I'm always looking for new spots for hiking/camping, and I live right here. Well...northern lower. But you get it.
This is so rad. Keep it up!
We love your videos please don’t stop posting ❤❤
Aww thank you!! Haha I don’t plan to ☺️
What season is the most difficult to do solo camping videos?
What’s your favorite camping gear?
And what has camping taught you ?
Love your videos
😊
Very nice video! Kudos to you for sharing your previous attempts and setting an example of changing plans when things are not going well. Always better safe than sorry! The beef stew looked delicious! See you next time!
@@chrislonsberry1974 Thank you!! Better safe than sorry for sure. Looking back, I’m soo happy I didn’t attempt to push through that first trip. Appreciate you!! ☺️☺️
I love that you're doing this on your own and learning from your experiences, good or bad. That is what camping outdoors is all about. Conditions, gear, wildlife, weather, your mood, etc, all play a role in your experience out in the woods. I like that you take what the wilderness gives you and adapt to it. No one telling you how to do this or do that, leave the Mansplaining behind! (says the man often guilty of mansplaining)
It appears to me that you're a good cook and you know a lot about winter camping/survival. Thanks for sharing. 😊👍
Nice winter camping video, Woodsy. You're doing a great job. Glad you made another attempt. I just posted my video today, and then I was notified that both you and Jon had released yours. All kinds of winter videos to watch. Thanks for posting.
So funny I saw that you and Jon posted videos today and planned to watch after I got this up! I saw that you did a hammock camp at -7 😳Cannot wait!
@Apeaceofthewoods I get a bit jealous of the hot tents. They are great. But I wanted to show that even without one you can enjoy it out there. I hope you enjoy watching it.
New Subscriber! Just stumbled upon this tonight. Grew up 20 miles from McCormick Tract and spent plenty of time on the surrounding lakes and in the woods hunting and fishing. Great to see you out exploring the UP and sharing your experiences on RUclips. Be Safe out there!
Outstanding videos! I would suggest you get a longer rope for your sled as it will make it a bit easier to pull. The longer it is the more you're pulling the sled forward instead of pulling and slightly lifitng it up with a shorter rope.
Thank you!!! Good call! I didn’t think about doing that. I was thinking about getting a couple pipes and making it into a Pulk. Definitely some things to consider!
You could also add a pair of old skies to the bottom. You would have to design and build it yourself.@Apeaceofthewoods
@@Apeaceofthewoods Erik Normark has a video , " About the Pulk and Hauling the Winter Gear " . It looks like it is relatively simple to make. It may have prevented your fall in the water when u were hit by your sled.
Glad you used wisdom on your previous trip; safety in winter camping is always the top priority. Sometimes it's better to take the L, in order to get a big WIN later on. Glad you got that win and this trip was successful and enjoyable. Love your videos and the U.P.!
Do you have any type of outdoor space where you can do a weekly camp cooking show? I imagine it’s difficult to make time for extended camping trips. I am amazed by the food that you have made in some of your videos. I would watch you cook out weekly in between camping trips.
That’s not a bad idea! Nothing too close to me but I’ll think through how I might be able to do something like that in the future. Thank you so much, this kind of feedback is so helpful. Its nice to know what you would want to see in the future and saves me guessing haha
@@Apeaceofthewoods There are some stellar spots within an hour of Metro Detroit---as you may know. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is super cool with some very remote areas for Oakland County out by Waterford. Stony Creek Metropark over by Rochester. Proud Lake. Indian Springs. I have camped with friends and we have hosted Drum Circles out at Pontiac Lake. It can be noisy, but it is natural and secluded. Mostly. :)
You probably already know all of this already. Just tossing out the possibilities and options. Howell Nature Center is really cool. They even have some awesome events like Sweat Lodges and Herb Walks where you can learn about Medicinal Native Plants.
Keep up the great work. You are killin' it. Nearly 30,000 Subscribers in less than a year. Amazing! :))
Wow, I am also impressed. Nice video, nice trip to do too. Glad you opted for retreat when you were unsure. Try practing new skills at home before you go. Wood splitting could be done so many ways. Fire starting, too. You might consider attaching some thrift store ski's to your handy litter sled, tho they will help in some ways but could also hinder as well. Make yourself a packing list just like a vacation one. And include some pine pitch tinder bundles in ziplock bags. Good luck on the next trip. Stay safe and have fun.
Your neighbor in Warren...rck.
I’ve been doing wilderness hiking, hunting, & camping for 57 years, and my advice to you, if you’re going to camp alone in remote areas, is to acquire & take a handgun, &/or a large breed dog. I’ve raised Rottweilers for years & they’re excellent in the woods, especially in cold weather. If they’re trained well, Rotties are fearless, don’t bark, and are calm & obedient in dangerous situations.
I don’t think she is by herself I am sorry it’s just so easy to have someone on the other side of the camera.
@ Very true. A lot of people “cheat” because there’s a huge difference between doing wildness stuff alone, or with someone else accompanying you.
@@makalipo I’ve considered getting a dog for sure. There is also a lot of responsibility that comes with dog ownership so I’ll probably go for it when the time is right. But I would love to get a dog I can bring along with me in my canoe trips.
@@darkeagle1162 @makalipo Fair enough. It goes without saying that you are free to believe what you want to as I’m just a random person on the internet. But that being said, I am
Not lying about camping alone and there isnt anyone else on these trips or behind the camera.
Why would someone camp in the wilderness if your not forced to. Am I missing something
The sound of the tent zipper just gave me the biggest dopamine boost LOL. New subscriber here! I also love UP tent camping and hope to get out there this winter!! Thanks for sharing your trip. Looking forward to seeing more of your content!! 😊✨🏕️
You are just an incredible young woman; wish for you much continued success.
You are an inspiration🙂
Aww thank you so so much ☺️☺️ so nice of you to say that
You definitely get an A for effort. Well done! Always a pleasure to watch. 👍👍🙏
One thing you can count on is staying warm cutting firewood. 🤣
Awesome vid. Another Michigander here. What coffee press is that? I like!
@@TheNDDawson Thank you!! YT won’t let me send an Amazon links via comments but it’s the Bestargot titanium pot (French press) ☺️ you should be able to search it on Amazon that way!
@@Apeaceofthewoods Thankyou!
I believe learning from and not repeating previous mistakes is a great indicator of outdoor skills growth and this trip appears to be a reflection of your continuing to build outdoor skills. Pretty amazing to watch, especially for folks who don’t have to deal with extreme cold while hiking/camping. Look forward to your next adventure.
My boyfriend and I just found your channel tonight…. We watched the newest video and were both like “that is way too much work”! But we are watching your video where you give some background and now it makes much more sense. We are Michiganders too and love traveling MI…. Keep doin what ya do! You got 2 more subscribers
Sounds like you learned some valuable lessons from your treks. You sure are one determined individual and a diehard spirit. The scenery was awesome and vast. You must get sheer enjoyment from your quests. All I can say is please careful and don't take chances. I didn't realize you drive so far to do your camping which is amazing. Stay well and be safe.
You are courageous to embark on these camping trips by yourself. The videos are interesting and informative. Stay safe and good luck in your future travels.
Absolutely love the beauty of the Upper Peninsula! The Two Hearted River is stunning would be a dream to trout fish there someday. Amazing video, thanks for sharing!
You freaking ROCK!!!! Having done many winter trips in Michigan and northern Indiana, I appreciate your REAL food!!!! Even though you have your wood stove, it wouldn't hurt to carry a backpack stove. Also, when sawing logs hang the end you want 'fall' past the support to help keep the saw binding. Thanks for the videos. I'm 65 & about to go on a winter canoe trip. GREAT to see youngins out there!
RUclips algorithm brought me here LoL I am so glad I found this channel, so real and genuine! Look up to you as it’s a wish of mine to do something similar every so often to learn to become self sufficient and just know what to expect when you’re on your own LoL here in Indiana, hope to run into you in the woods one day haha looking forward to seeing more content and checking out previous videos
Love the video. Careful out there! Lots of animals are pretty hungry that time of year. It is incredibly rare, but be careful. Great video!
I'm taking my first hiking / camping trip to Michigan in May. Gonna spend some time at Isle Royale. The state looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience. I love redemption videos, Glad I found your channel
Just found your channel and found it both relaxing and impressed with your determination
Good evening. Sometimes camps do not work out. Knowing when to leave gives you the chance to try again. I am glad you went back. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe and have fun.
Another awesome video! So glad you had a good outing this time. Just a tip for ya if you wanna try it, I always bring a rope that I normally use for a ridge line that’s about 20ft long, whenever I need to cross a creek or a natural bridge I’ll tie the rope to my sled, carry the other end with me while I cross over, and then pull my sled across, makes crossing more easy, just have to pull slow so you don’t lose control of the sled. But like always, can’t wait to see your next outing!👍
Really liked your video, way to stick with it, it is much easier to give up when the trip gets tough and things are not going as planned , but you stuck with it , you are a true inspiration,just be safe out there 👍
Thank you, im really happy to hear that. I plan on sticking with it. I really appreciate the encouragement more than you know 🙏☺️
Hello, and welcome to the great UP. I live "up" here in Iron County. Great to be along your adventure here. I just wanted to say, Baraga, is pronounced BEAR A GA. Bishop Baraga, the Snow Shoe Priest. Be well and keep the adventures going !!
Nicely done, Woodsy. Looks like a great trip. And yeah, keep at it. Things will continue to gel, and get even better, as you latch onto what works well and incorporate it into your routine. I’ve been winter camping for 10 years, hot tenting for five, and last year was when I really started to feel like I had it dialed in. Things that feel natural and obvious now took me a while to figure out, perfect and embrace. You’ve got this! And thanks so much for sharing. The next best thing to winter camping myself is to enjoy it vicariously through someone else.
Thank you!!! It definitely ended up being a really good trip. It is very reassuring to hear your story and know that I’m not the only one that didn’t figure all of this out over night. Haha also my second favorite thing to do. About lookup winter camping videos on YT right now as I get ready to head to bed! Appreciate the comment ☺️☺️
"I don't think there's any more water crossings" instantly right to the next water crossing took me out!! 😅 Another fun, tasty, and scenic adventure!!! 😎💪🏾🫶🏾
Hey Woodsy, Thanks for another awesome video and also for showing a lot of Michiganders that there is so much to do in our state all year long. as I get older I have slowed down in my outdoor activities but you have inspired me to get out more and enjoy what we have so thank you for that and keep the Vid's coming. Be safe !
Congratulations on surpassing 1 million total views on your channel! Been here from the beginning and so proud to see you grow and your channel grow! Time to THRIVE in 2025!
Your channel just showed up in recommendations to watch and I am so happy I did. First off let me say how refreshing it is to hear and see someone following their gut instincts. They are always your best safety net. Good on you for knowing when you need to say no and head for safety. I am wondering if you have heard of a "pulk" pulling system. The ropes on your sled would be a bit longer and there is some form of rigid piping like material through which the ropes are placed (ie narrow pvc piping). This type of system gives you more leverage and control over your sled. You don't need to spend a ton of money to DIY a very serviceable setup. If you search "Pulk" pulling you'll find tons of info and lots of videos on how to rig your own. The system isn't for every situation but you may find it of value to look into it. Very well done video. Nothing like home cooked food in the wilderness.
I’m no much of a camper but with you I’d take a crack at it! Stay Healthy and Safe! Have a wonderful Happy New Year” xoxo
I have recently gotten into watching videos of back woods camping and came across your channel. I just wanted to say I loved this video, you and others have inspired me to get back into camping!
What a refreshing video of just what can go wrong on a camp and something always goes wrong.
Gear gets left at home or equipment gets misplaced. These are things people learn from each other.
So, thanks for filming and not editing out the goofs.