I came across a great collection of bushwalking and climbing pictures from the 60s and 70s, these shots are part of Ted Cais' collection. Ted and his peers we're pioneers of Queensland climbing, opening countless new routes and exploring the Australian bush. These shots have captured a really special and historic time.
A big thank you to Ted for giving me permission to share these great pictures. you can see the entire early collection here and all Ted's galleries are here.
Bradford Angier - Home In Your Pack, 1965
Although not a self confessed tea lover Bradford Angier did sing its praises highly and took enjoyment in the ritual. In "Home in your pack," published 1965, he descibes his tea needs simply.
“Tea is something I’ve long preferred to carry in the usual form, if only for the pleasant rite of tossing a handful of palm-measured leaves into the bubbling kettle.”
Angier also goes into some detail about the place tea holds for many a northern woodsman.
“The northern woodsman, particularly the Canadian, must sip his steaming cup of tea at noon, even if he has nothing to eat. This is almost a religion up under the Aurora Borealis, it’s called “b’iling the kittle.” Only a temporary fire is needed, a mere handful of dry wood that will flare briefly and as quick fall to ashes, a few specks of which invariably seem to swirl up to float unheeded in the dark brew. Get the water bubbling. Drop in a roughly measured tea spoon of tea for every cup of water and set immediately from the heat in a safe place. Five minutes steeping is sufficient.”
I think that Angier paints a vivid picture of the ritual and while today a fire might not always be appropriate and tea bags may be favoured the tradition lives on. Angier was a great and prolific writer, all of his books are worth a look if you can find them.
Treeless Maple Syrup from Taming the Wilds
After pack weight, trail food would have to be one of the most talked about hiking subjects. I am fascinated by the creative recipes written in older hiking books. The most interesting come from a time before commercial hiking food, when hikers managed with some fresh produce and dry staples, adding to their larder by hunting and gathering. Most recipes are fairly predictable rabbit stew, fish, beans and breads.
There is one recipe, however, that stuck in my head more than any other. Treeless Maple Syrup from Bradford Angier's 1967 publication "Taming the Wilds."
Finished Syrup
This recipe is for those living outside the North East who do not have access to maple trees.
“6 medium potatoes 2 cups water 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar
Peel the potatoes. Boil uncovered with 2 cups of water until one cup of fluid remains. Remove the potatoes and use any way you want. Stirring the liquid until the boiling point has been once again reached, slowly add the sugar. Once this has entirely dissolved set the pan off the heat to cool slowly.”
It can then be bottled.
Being a newcomer to New England, and not having had the chance to make my own maple syrup yet, I thought I would give it a try. I'd love to report it was incredible but as per Angier's instructions I am leaving it to mature. An initial tasting was accurate to Angier's prediction, realising my "worst fears" flavour wise. He advised placing it in a dark place for several days the results of which he promises will be surprising. I shall report back once ready.
UPDATE: Results are in.
Clyde Ormond's Gear List from The Complete Book of Outdoor Lore
A fascinating gear list from Clyde Ormond's 1964 publication, the "Complete Book of Outdoor Lore." This list is for a single hiker, travelling in mild weather.
“The basic items will be:
Packboard, 3 pounds or less. Ax, 2½ pounds. Sleeping Bag, 4 pounds. Cooking and eating utensils, 2 pounds. Down vest, ½ pound. Raincoat, ½ pound. Underwear, shirts, socks, 2 pounds. Camera and film, 2½ pounds. Tarp, 2 pounds. Emergency Kit , ½ pound. Whetstone, matches, toothbrush, first-aid kit, etc, ½ pound. Miscellaneous, 2 pounds.
In addition, the hiker may want to carry a fishing rod, rifle, handgun, or binoculars.
The ax should have a single-bit, 1½ pound head, and a leather sheath. It won’t exceed 2 ½ pounds.”
This is an exquisite book, and I will be sharing more of it's gems. If you come across a copy it is well worth picking up.
