The Simple Thrills of Nature

The simple thrills of nature caught me as I was sitting quietly in the early light of an August morning. I was on the bank of a lake deep in the wilds of Southeast Alaska. The musical chatter of Otters at play caught my interest. Otters are one of my favorite animals.

The Simple Thrills of Nature

As I sat quietly, deeply enthralled by the otter, out of the corner of my eyes, I happened to catch a quick movement along the shoreline. It was an Ermine — a small weasel. I froze! Scarcely breathing, I watched in wonder as the little animal slowly made its way closer to where I sat.

As the Ermine came nearer to where I sat, I had the distinct feeling that it was going to walk over me.

The ermine climbed right up my left arm, over my shoulder behind my neck, and down my other arm. The animal was unafraid as if I were not there.

Of nature and wolves.

One morning, as we carried a canoe between lakes in Southwest Alaska, we soon discovered large paw tracks along the trail. The impressive size of the dog-like tracks helped us to identify what the animal might be.

Later, as we sat down and rested from packing our canoe and gear, I reminisced about the howl of a wolf. I recalled it was a moonlit summer night at Horse Lake, British Columbia. To this day, I find the primeval song of the wolf on a full moon night a thrill I will never forget.

Of wild things and black sand beaches

The simple thrills of nature along the Lost Coast of California one early spring, I surprised Bobcat hunting.  I was able to watch this beautiful animal for a while before it spotted me.  The look on its face said, "Now how did this clumsy human get this close to me without making a lot of racket?"  With as much dignity as possible, the cat slipped quietly away into the grass.

The wilderness skills that we offer Lifesong Wilderness Adventures. Are a pathway for a more intimate relationship with the natural world.

Making do

It is empowering to know that I can make do in any environment that I find myself in. It may be what some call "hardship," but for me, it is living life fully. Nature has always called me to explore and play in her mountains and forests, but first I had to learn her language.

I had to learn to be still, moving with the wind, develop patience, and remove myself from the inner turmoil that haunts our modern psyche.

A connection to forever

Each skill shared is a window to the past and a connection to forever.  These skills of wilderness survival and nature awareness are the same skills our distant ancestors used to support their lives and their children to find purpose and connection.

Our philosophy has its foundation in the Native American Indigenous perspective of the natural world...consideration for each other and respect for all things.

The Simple Thrills of Nature

All things of this earth travel in the circle of life. The fascinating beings that we share life with are nations unto themselves: creatures great and small, forests, water, air, all things that make up the earth. With this understanding, we enter the circle of life...our Life Song.

In conclusion

It's never to late to begin your journey to a much deeper connection with nature.