charging out of the bush beside the female. Clearly, he was not amused.
I ran for all I was worth through the thick boreal forest. Several hun
dred yards later I spotted a partially fallen tree and scrambled up, out of
reach of the bull. He stayed below the tree grunting, snorting, and stomp
ing, all the while trampling down the small trees in the area.
I suddenly remembered (and this is the point of the story) that nobody
knew where I was, and nobody was expecting me anytime soon. If I didn’t
do something quickly in the failing fall sunlight, I would be there for the
night . . . or longer. I realized I had to move.
After several minutes, I climbed down and hit the ground running,
and with the bull moose still giving chase, eventually wound my way back
to the lakeshore, where I slipped quietly into the water (fully clothed) and
swam as stealthily as possible back to my canoe. To this day, that experi
ence remains the most frightening and dangerous situation I have ever
faced in the wilderness.
Planning and Preparing for Survival Travel
SURVIVAL TRAVEL IS VERY, VERY DIFFERENT from any other kind of wilderness
travel. For that reason, it is imperative that you take the time to prepare
for the journey that lies before you. Leave only when you’re completely
ready to do so.
Before you head out, set up some kind of sign that tells anyone who’s
looking for you or comes upon your camp that a) you were there, b) how long
ago you left, and c) which direction you went. You can leave a note, leave a
marker pointing in your direction of travel, or conspicuously mark your trail.
Orange surveyor’s tape is the best for marking, if you have it. If you’re writ
ing a note, the more details you can include, the better, such as the status of
your supplies and your health.
If possible, before you go, build up a stock of food and water, and
pack any protective clothing you think you’ll need. Make at least a couple
of tinderballs to take with you and store them in a dry, protected place for
the journey. If possible, also bring signaling gear.
(^218) | Survive!