Unsolicited thoughts: Not sure how old you are, I’m 64. I was an avid backpacker for years, but in my late 50’s, serious health issues my wife was having put the brakes on my backcountry trips. When I got a chance to get away for a day and a half after a couple years of caregiving, I threw my backpack in the truck along with a camp chair, some bacon eggs and steaks, and drinks in a cooler and headed to the NC mountains. Knowing I didn’t have time to backpack anywhere remote, I went to a Park Service campground in the tent area, but I was bummed on the trip up because it wasn’t “real” camping! My experience with their firewood was the polar opposite of yours, and was so old and dry that it burned up in minutes! On the return trip, I came to realize that I’d enjoyed myself, and came to grips with the fact that I no longer had to have thousands of feet of elevation change, trying to find water, and eat freeze dried meals! While I miss those younger years, and remember them fondly, the reality is that we can’t do this stuff forever, and that there’s no shame in, as George Washington Sears (Nessmuk) said, “Going to the woods to smooth it, not rough it!”!
I picked up a whittling knife about 10 years ago to help me put down the bottle. It’s been a wonderful distraction and you have helped me keep my life on course when I needed it. Thank you Doug. You never know who you might have a positive influence on.
I love my tiny camper, sometimes I plug into a campground and do small hikes or paddles, and sometimes I take it to BLM land or national Forest and use it as a Basecamp. But however, I use it, I have a warm dry, comfortable bed and that is necessary for me. I cook outside sit outside live outside, that’s why I go camping. I hope to see more Camping carving videos.
Very cool camper. An awning across the whole side of your camper would make cooking and sitting outside much more enjoyable if it rains. I'm in Manitoba and a few years ago the wife and I drove to Ontario, drove around Lake Superior, took a ferry down Lake Huron and ended up on Lake Erie and camped near Point Pelee. Beautiful country.
Great looking camper, a roof vent would be a huge addition - really helps regulate the heat inside and lets you even cook inside if needed on rainy days.
I have mobility issues that greatly limit my ability to do things. So thanks for taking me hopping across the stones in the lake and riding a bike through the woods. Had a wonderful time!!
Hey Doug, thanks for sharing your camping trip! I really enjoyed the flick. It's also nice to see how well Canada maintains their parks. Greetings from Oregon!
Good video Doug. Great little trailer. We love MacGregor Point. Camped there in May for a week and paddled the Saugeen River. Takes more planning or people since you'd need to get a shuttle back to your vehicle. Worth thinking about. Your carved man was terrific. You're very talented. We've watched you for years and we're happy to see you back.
Doug looks like a great little camper. Also was nice to see you back and carving. I’ve found in the past the first trip is always weird as you’re trying out different things and it’s all new. Cannot wait to see your next video.
Oh Doug, that trailer is perfect. Maybe an awning would be nice since water falls from the sky up there. I'd like to make one for myself. And yeah, your cedar man is gorgeous. Agreed about the color as well as his features.
I think you're right. When you take that trailer out to the edge and the snow blowing, it'll feel more like a jumping off point. Those family campgrounds are too tame for me no matter what setup i use. Even the bears are civilized and use the trashcans!
Maybe the wood spirit from your inaugural trip could be decor in your camper for a reminder of how this phase of your adventures started. The cedar being a symbol, difficult to carve but still something beautiful with sharp tools and patience.
Hey Doug.I I have said I have been a tent camper all my life.My other half does not like tent camping so we bought a camper.Something is missing.I enjoy it,but I did more camp things when it was the tent.But I'm adjusting to the camper and can still set up and do things around camp.Still like cooking over open fire gathering wood.I do fine the older I get do like the shelter in bad weather.Also to extend your outdoor room.A large tarp over your little camper or even your jeep with supports out gives more room to be out under it if it rains..So many options.Like the camper with the jeep.You'll get your feelers right on what's missing.Its a adventure everytime no matter what 😉 Take Care Pam.Still carving your Littles 1x1x 1or 4 Fun
Awesome to see you outdoors again. I think one of the things that disconnects me from nature when camping is having to buy and use the firewood they provide at the campground instead of gathering and cutting my own. It definitely doesn't help when the firewood is wet or poor quality. Looking forward to more videos.
Could make a compartment on the back door, something with a 45 degree lid to house some firewood. Maybe adorn the outside with some carvings. Maybe install some velcro tabs on curtains and put a piece on roof so you can just roll up curtains and attach
what a great relaxing video. As for cooking in the rain: you can buy those awnings that roll up against the roof, so it's not in the way while driving, and then when you are in the spot, you can pull out the awning whenever you need it (and it comes with the legs folded inside too)
I know what you mean. Sleeping on the ground, under a tarp, having eaten the fish caught a couple of hours ago feels right, like I've earned the sleep.
You need to have a small awning to protect you while cooking (and eating). Could be a simple detachable one of some kind. An excellent carving Doug. Even if traveling long distances if you eat simple then it is amazing how far you can go with the minimal of supplies. I recently completed a full loop of Oz 13,000km in just under 23 days, including visits to friends and family and doing volunteer work on a large cattle station for 5 days. The old KISS principle works well for me.
Hi Doug, another great video. I will be arriving in Toronto from Ireland on July 18th to visit my brother for a few weeks. I hope it's not raining. After reading a few of the comments, an awning would be a great idea.
Nice campground and beautiful beach....This is a different sort of camping for you from your adventures a few years ago, you differ from most campers in those places because you have the skills to revert to your old ways if you want to. Maybe a rolled up awning of sorts above your stove would keep your bacon etc from the torrential rains... Maybe...
Nice to see you back Doug! Agree with the other comments, a little awning and you’ll be golden. Ontario is so huge and you could take that trailer anywhere. Enjoy!
Fun to see you enjoying life Doug. I did get a chuckle though. After all these years watching your videos and knowing you likely have countless tarps, it begs the question why you didn't adapt the trailer to be able to attach a small tarp over cooking area....grins
seriously...i had one in the toolbox with poles and installed rings to attach to trailer and it never even crossed my mind to put it up lol i so wish i had as the comments are all about a canopy haha
That's a good little carving for Cedar. Sometimes civilization is a good thing if you're on the outskirts and it's peaceful as it seems to be there. Trailer really looks handy. Love the water in the Great lakes, endless kayaking possibilities. Blue skies. 😄
Really enjoyed every aspect of your trip. The bike ride, combing the beach, the carving,(great job!), even watching you cook. I guess I'm living vicariously through your adventures.
Great video Doug! Bery nice DIY camper setup. I want to do that someday too. This was a nice fun variety in one video. Would be great with your family also. I pray your doing well. Just keep being you and enjoy life.🙂
Doug, I find myself enjoying the outdoors the most when I vary the experience. Sometimes I'll take my trailer and amenities, other times I'll "rough it" with a tarp (or tent) and sleeping bag. I completely get how you feel something's missing when you spend time outdoors in a differing manner. I really like your trailer. Good to see you on YT again!😀
Very nice Cargo Trailer Conversion. I have a 6x12 V-nose with heat, AC, and a 21/2 gallon hot water heater. Love it!! You’ll have a lot of fun with your new setup!!!
Nice little rig Doug. The Jeep and trailer combo will be perfect when you get away from a regular campground and do a little boondocking. Sleeping warm and dry in a storm sounds like good planning but feels like a five star hotel.
Shitty weather but it was absolutely great to see a video of yours pop up in my feed. You have definitely been missed by me this past year hope you get out a lot more love watching your canoe and fishing videos.
Ah yes, sopping wet Provincial Park smokewood, a summer tradition. I once had 2 bags of that in a car trunk on a hot day for a half hour, every surface and object in the trunk was wet for days with the water that sweated out of it, awful stuff. Awesome trailer, this is how it's done!
Great video. That camper is going to give you the off grid living you like, without having to maintain another house. You really did seem relaxed and rested on this video even if your brain was saying something was off. Your brain is expecting long portages, carrying minimal gear so you can bring your camera gear, and exhaustion from the physical work and the mental stress of setting up shots for videos. Now you can sit by a fire, carve and watch the night sky. That's a holiday. The back country trips are to challenge yourself.
A fire, carving, a good coffee, great food and a beauty camper trailer. This video had it all. A pleasure to watch. Thanks Doug!
Think you could fit a small awning to make life a little more comfortable Doug.
I thought the same thing
Yes!
A nice 270 awning would work great along the side and around the back 👍
Came here to say this
And if not an awning, bring an easy up.
Unsolicited thoughts: Not sure how old you are, I’m 64. I was an avid backpacker for years, but in my late 50’s, serious health issues my wife was having put the brakes on my backcountry trips. When I got a chance to get away for a day and a half after a couple years of caregiving, I threw my backpack in the truck along with a camp chair, some bacon eggs and steaks, and drinks in a cooler and headed to the NC mountains. Knowing I didn’t have time to backpack anywhere remote, I went to a Park Service campground in the tent area, but I was bummed on the trip up because it wasn’t “real” camping! My experience with their firewood was the polar opposite of yours, and was so old and dry that it burned up in minutes! On the return trip, I came to realize that I’d enjoyed myself, and came to grips with the fact that I no longer had to have thousands of feet of elevation change, trying to find water, and eat freeze dried meals! While I miss those younger years, and remember them fondly, the reality is that we can’t do this stuff forever, and that there’s no shame in, as George Washington Sears (Nessmuk) said, “Going to the woods to smooth it, not rough it!”!
Fun watching’ ya, Doug. Great carving, great content. Thanks!
Good to see you outside again doing videos. Keep em coming.
YAY! Doug's back. Good to see you again Doug.
I picked up a whittling knife about 10 years ago to help me put down the bottle. It’s been a wonderful distraction and you have helped me keep my life on course when I needed it. Thank you Doug. You never know who you might have a positive influence on.
You and Steve Wallis, each in your own way, are Canadian National Icons. I always enjoy your work.
Happy to see you back filming some
camping stuff Doug. Thanks!
That is a really nice wood Sprite!
It happens to the best of us. Wasn't that long ago a hammock & a tarp was enough for me. Father time gets us all.
I love my tiny camper, sometimes I plug into a campground and do small hikes or paddles, and sometimes I take it to BLM land or national Forest and use it as a Basecamp. But however, I use it, I have a warm dry, comfortable bed and that is necessary for me. I cook outside sit outside live outside, that’s why I go camping. I hope to see more Camping carving videos.
Sometimes, not very often, there needs to be the option to like something more than once.
Very cool camper. An awning across the whole side of your camper would make cooking and sitting outside much more enjoyable if it rains. I'm in Manitoba and a few years ago the wife and I drove to Ontario, drove around Lake Superior, took a ferry down Lake Huron and ended up on Lake Erie and camped near Point Pelee. Beautiful country.
Really glad to see you back on the tube.
Great looking camper, a roof vent would be a huge addition - really helps regulate the heat inside and lets you even cook inside if needed on rainy days.
I have mobility issues that greatly limit my ability to do things. So thanks for taking me hopping across the stones in the lake and riding a bike through the woods. Had a wonderful time!!
What a great chill Doug. thanks for taking us with you mate. All the best.
I agree, life is for enjoying, no need to bushwack lol
Too bad it was raining, but enjoyed hanging with you again.
Great seeing your posts again.
Great stuff Doug. Glad you're back to doing what you enjoy!
Hey Doug, thanks for sharing your camping trip! I really enjoyed the flick. It's also nice to see how well Canada maintains their parks. Greetings from Oregon!
That's the advantage of having a wood shop. I usually bring a box of kiln dried hardwood off-cuts. no bark, so it's all ok.
Good video Doug. Great little trailer. We love MacGregor Point. Camped there in May for a week and paddled the Saugeen River. Takes more planning or people since you'd need to get a shuttle back to your vehicle. Worth thinking about. Your carved man was terrific. You're very talented. We've watched you for years and we're happy to see you back.
Doug looks like a great little camper. Also was nice to see you back and carving. I’ve found in the past the first trip is always weird as you’re trying out different things and it’s all new.
Cannot wait to see your next video.
Oh Doug, that trailer is perfect. Maybe an awning would be nice since water falls from the sky up there. I'd like to make one for myself. And yeah, your cedar man is gorgeous. Agreed about the color as well as his features.
I think you're right. When you take that trailer out to the edge and the snow blowing, it'll feel more like a jumping off point. Those family campgrounds are too tame for me no matter what setup i use. Even the bears are civilized and use the trashcans!
Maybe the wood spirit from your inaugural trip could be decor in your camper for a reminder of how this phase of your adventures started. The cedar being a symbol, difficult to carve but still something beautiful with sharp tools and patience.
thanks but i gave it to the family camping beside me for their own memory of the place
Yahoo!! Camper Doug is back!!👍👍👍
Cheers Doug from Northern VT.
Hey Doug.I I have said I have been a tent camper all my life.My other half does not like tent camping so we bought a camper.Something is missing.I enjoy it,but I did more camp things when it was the tent.But I'm adjusting to the camper and can still set up and do things around camp.Still like cooking over open fire gathering wood.I do fine the older I get do like the shelter in bad weather.Also to extend your outdoor room.A large tarp over your little camper or even your jeep with supports out gives more room to be out under it if it rains..So many options.Like the camper with the jeep.You'll get your feelers right on what's missing.Its a adventure everytime no matter what 😉 Take Care Pam.Still carving your Littles 1x1x 1or 4 Fun
Awesome to see you outdoors again. I think one of the things that disconnects me from nature when camping is having to buy and use the firewood they provide at the campground instead of gathering and cutting my own. It definitely doesn't help when the firewood is wet or poor quality. Looking forward to more videos.
That is one cool little camper!
Great video. I would recommend an awning for the side, you could cook in the rain! They make several styles.
The fan had me think it was windy when I saw the fire blowing sideways. I've been known to use a leaf blower for that around the house.
Hey Doug, glad to see you on here again.
Looks like bringing your own firewood is essential, hopefully that will be me in Ireland next year.
Birdy
great outside work Doug
Great trip, mate 🤠
great to see you out and about again! really enjoyed the video
Cool little trailer! Wish we lived closer, we could meet up for camping and carving by the fire. =D
your carving is beautiful.
Sweet camper! Was considering doing something similar to pull behind my Gladiator. Easy overlanding trips... love it.
Simple, interesting, great content.
Take care
Glad your back
A Pop-up canopy would serve you well, young man !
Could make a compartment on the back door, something with a 45 degree lid to house some firewood. Maybe adorn the outside with some carvings. Maybe install some velcro tabs on curtains and put a piece on roof so you can just roll up curtains and attach
Thanks Doug! Refreshing to see you out!
You need to get an awning ! Good to see you on and about.
Things don’t bring happiness. Feeling of accomplishment brings happiness. At least for me.
Nice carving and wonderful lakes!
You're at one of my wife and I favorite parks! Quiet private sites.
thanks for sharing your videos and adventures! I love a lot. Hope you find what is missing!!!
Love the camping videos more than anything. I hope to see more
what a great relaxing video. As for cooking in the rain: you can buy those awnings that roll up against the roof, so it's not in the way while driving, and then when you are in the spot, you can pull out the awning whenever you need it (and it comes with the legs folded inside too)
oh i will be getting one
And that little camper is very nice
I know what you mean. Sleeping on the ground, under a tarp, having eaten the fish caught a couple of hours ago feels right, like I've earned the sleep.
It’s a Linker Sleeper 👍🏻
Very nice Doug, many good little adventures ahead
By the way I could relate to your ramblings 😉
Well done.
Doug, maybe a cook fly would be in order? I really enjoy your adventures and the carving on found wood. Thanks for taking me along.
Great to see you up and at it again. Fantastic little Trailer.
looks like you might need a small Awning for the cook area. Cheers
Doug,,,, this kind of vid with a carving involved somewhere would be mint….👌
fixed the title and thumbnail for ya lol
You need to have a small awning to protect you while cooking (and eating). Could be a simple detachable one of some kind.
An excellent carving Doug.
Even if traveling long distances if you eat simple then it is amazing how far you can go with the minimal of supplies. I recently completed a full loop of Oz 13,000km in just under 23 days, including visits to friends and family and doing volunteer work on a large cattle station for 5 days. The old KISS principle works well for me.
I always appreciate you and your brother in these videos. No pretense, just being in the moment. Thanks.
Doug get yourself a rollout patio canopy and you won’t have that problem again. Love the set up though.
Hi Doug, another great video. I will be arriving in Toronto from Ireland on July 18th to visit my brother for a few weeks. I hope it's not raining. After reading a few of the comments, an awning would be a great idea.
Nice campground and beautiful beach....This is a different sort of camping for you from your adventures a few years ago, you differ from most campers in those places because you have the skills to revert to your old ways if you want to.
Maybe a rolled up awning of sorts above your stove would keep your bacon etc from the torrential rains... Maybe...
Awesome video. Thank you, sir.
You need an awning my dear. lol. Looks like a fun time.
Don’t give up on the little camper too soon Doug… I think it’s a great idea
Nice to see you back Doug! Agree with the other comments, a little awning and you’ll be golden. Ontario is so huge and you could take that trailer anywhere. Enjoy!
thats a great little trailer
thanks for sharing.....i have a 17ft trailer, best little investment.....I totally Enjoy your carvings....you got madd skills!!!
Nice video Doug 👍
Fun to see you enjoying life Doug. I did get a chuckle though. After all these years watching your videos and knowing you likely have countless tarps, it begs the question why you didn't adapt the trailer to be able to attach a small tarp over cooking area....grins
seriously...i had one in the toolbox with poles and installed rings to attach to trailer and it never even crossed my mind to put it up lol i so wish i had as the comments are all about a canopy haha
So good to see you! Love your adventures and carving! Thanks Doug!
Glad you're back. Nice carving. Give the camper a chance...
That's a good little carving for Cedar. Sometimes civilization is a good thing if you're on the outskirts and it's peaceful as it seems to be there. Trailer really looks handy. Love the water in the Great lakes, endless kayaking possibilities. Blue skies. 😄
cool carving
Really enjoyed every aspect of your trip. The bike ride, combing the beach, the carving,(great job!), even watching you cook. I guess I'm living vicariously through your adventures.
Great video Doug! Bery nice DIY camper setup. I want to do that someday too. This was a nice fun variety in one video. Would be great with your family also. I pray your doing well. Just keep being you and enjoy life.🙂
Doug, I find myself enjoying the outdoors the most when I vary the experience. Sometimes I'll take my trailer and amenities, other times I'll "rough it" with a tarp (or tent) and sleeping bag. I completely get how you feel something's missing when you spend time outdoors in a differing manner. I really like your trailer. Good to see you on YT again!😀
👍great video Doug ,Beautiful enviroment and a nice set up maby a outside raincover for cooking ,i loved the woodspirit greatings from the netherlands
time for an awning or canopy . 😅 camping is so relaxing.
Very nice Cargo Trailer Conversion. I have a 6x12 V-nose with heat, AC, and a 21/2 gallon hot water heater. Love it!! You’ll have a lot of fun with your new setup!!!
It's was great to spend time with you again Mr Linker 💚🇬🇧🌱 you'll find what feels right & makes you happy soon I'm sure. X
Nice little rig Doug. The Jeep and trailer combo will be perfect when you get away from a regular campground and do a little boondocking. Sleeping warm and dry in a storm sounds like good planning but feels like a five star hotel.
Shitty weather but it was absolutely great to see a video of yours pop up in my feed. You have definitely been missed by me this past year hope you get out a lot more love watching your canoe and fishing videos.
I’m throwing in the towel. You are just too good. You are a true artist!
Ah yes, sopping wet Provincial Park smokewood, a summer tradition. I once had 2 bags of that in a car trunk on a hot day for a half hour, every surface and object in the trunk was wet for days with the water that sweated out of it, awful stuff.
Awesome trailer, this is how it's done!
Well done Doug! I'll mention this video in this week's episode of Wood Carving Weekly.
Doug that was nice quiet time sometimes we need that, beautiful craving.
Rain and all I'm a little jelouse. Looked like a great time
You sure could use an awning on that trailer 👍
So so pleased to be able to watch a new dougie vid ide love to sit by a fire and learn to carve from your knowledge of the art
A little awning would be a life saver for you on this lil camper! I love your setup
Great video. That camper is going to give you the off grid living you like, without having to maintain another house. You really did seem relaxed and rested on this video even if your brain was saying something was off. Your brain is expecting long portages, carrying minimal gear so you can bring your camera gear, and exhaustion from the physical work and the mental stress of setting up shots for videos. Now you can sit by a fire, carve and watch the night sky. That's a holiday. The back country trips are to challenge yourself.
Great to see you again Doug!
Hi Doug, good to see you feeling straighter in your head again. Keep it up buddy.
Nice video. Thanks for sharing