...Memory Lane...

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
Fair point... I don't think I've ever been able to eat raw anything without suffering the consequences. 🤔
Just couldn't say for sure if it's a guaranteed affliction vector, or just so probable as to be virtually guaranteed. 

[Leeanda]

11 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
Fair point... I don't think I've ever been able to eat raw anything without suffering the consequences. 🤔
Just couldn't say for sure if it's a guaranteed affliction vector, or just so probable as to be virtually guaranteed. 

Oh it's definitely guaranteed.  Thanks to my oversensitive controller I've eaten at least two of all the raw foods and suffered for it!😁

[ManicManiac]

I still wasn't feeling well this morning... though the sickness had passed, I didn't feel like I was in very good condition.
I went out early that morning to go check on the snare.  I had indeed snared a rabbit overnight.  I was quickly reminded that I would have to take it easy today...  As I was talking back across the tracks back to the Camp Office with my rabbit in tow, I was already starting to freeze to death.  I realized I was most likely going to have to keep myself occupied indoors until at least mid-day, before going to venture out.

I took my time and stripped the rabbit carcass by hand.  Also harvested some more excess clothing to help productively pass the time.  I peeked out right around noon.  It was a bit snowy... but far from a storm and warm enough that I knew I'd be able to stay out an extended period of time.  Since half my daylight hours were already gone, I knew I'd want to keep an easy route with relatively close access to shelter from all points (in case the weather took a drastic turn).

I decided on a purely nostalgic route.  Specifically, I mean that I didn't really expect to find anything really useful, but a hike I still really just enjoy making.

I remember way back when I first getting to know Mystery Lake (and kind of testing both myself and the region), I found this neat little starting point.
(yes, I know it's no secret... but when I was first starting to explore discovering these neat little "goating" paths was always really satisfying to me)

I remember when how fascinated I was to explore well off the beaten path when I first realized that I'd found a way to get on top of Dave's Quiet Clearing... 

Only to later discover that over on the far side, I might be able to get myself above the Railroad Tunnel (though I never did attempt to try and cross over).

Nor was I going to try that today... 🤭  but it's a nice spot to revisit.

The Crows let me know that someone was home...


Nothing in their pockets... I did find something the backpack they'd left behind.

I'll have to head back to the Forestry Lookout tomorrow and make use of the Scenic Vista.

Wandering through this sort of back trail is always nice and peaceful... but what came next is why I love this little out of the way spot.

Ropes are always nice... but in many cases, I find them unnecessary. 🤭

Back when I'd first come across this little goatable area, I was impressed with how traversable the terrain really was (especially considering I can't jump or vault over obstacles with all the thick layers I have on and a pack full of gear 😉🤭).

Back then, I found that if I could very carefully push my luck and test my metal (so to speak)... I could "climb" around seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach many neat little nooks and crannies.

 

I took another slow lap around the lake, but by then it was getting well into the evening.
I kept myself (mostly) hydrated but didn't have much to eat today... so I ended up feeling pretty weak by the day's end.
Even though, I mostly took it easy... I was still pressing my luck perhaps more than a bit (all things considered).
I should feel much better by tomorrow.

 

 

Edited January 1, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

This was supposed to be a kind of quick and easy route around the region...
The idea was to head back to take a closer look at the Railroad Tunnel, then follow the ridgeline, visit the Lookout behind Clear Cut, visit the Forestry Lookout (for the vista), and then on to the Carter Dam to search the lockers I had skip pasted on the first pass.

Mystery Lake had other plans.  🤭

The day started out smoothly enough...

Ah... good to know another bear in Mystery Lake.  This one might be denning in the rock formation behind the shed.  I'll have to come back to take a closer look another day.

Last time I was here in Lonely Meadow... I had to give the moose a wide berth, this time I was able look around a little more closely.  Found this...

I've always had a hard time remembering which path lead up to the Lookout spot... I spent a few hours searching up both slopes and didn't find it.  The snowfall was getting heavier, so I decided I would come back around another day.

I don't recall ever seeing a downed deer on this path... but then again, I've never really spent too much time here when I wasn't mapping.

Also... I wonder how long this has been here.  The snow shelter is in fairly good condition...   However, for the poor soul laying near it, it wasn't enough.  I decided I would break it down (extra sticks and cloth is never a bad thing).

As I was tearing down the snow shelter... the heavy snowfall turned hateful.  I wasn't finished tearing down the shelter, but that wasn't going to be enough.
I had to make a break for it... had to try and feel my way to the Logging Camp before I froze to death.

Looks like I found the Clearcut Bear's den... thankfully I didn't stumble into the bear, otherwise my trip back to Greate Bear Island would have ended right here.

It took longer than I was hoping for, but I finally found my way to shelter.

[Leeanda]

The best laid plans never quite seem to come to fruition !  At least you lived to fight another day.

[ManicManiac]

The odd thing was, after tearing down that snow shelter three times... there was still always another one there.  It appears to be a bug... seems cheaty to have a functionally infinite and easy source of cloth, so I took a debug screenshot and opened a ticket.  🤭

Edited January 2, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

That's an odd little bug.  Handy  if you're inclined to make use of it.. there seems to be quite a few of these kinds of bugs around..

[ManicManiac]

It took me a couple of days (thanks to the weather), but I finished the route I'd started on.

The storm cleared, and I'd managed to recover pretty well with a good 12-hour rest.  I didn't feel too good about not being able to find the "Clearcut Lookout"... so I decided to go back.   I'm not sure how I missed it before, but after a couple of hours of searching around the slopes behind Clearcut I eventually found the right spot.

 

After that, I decided to return to that snow shelter and test my theory.  Sure enough, I was able to deconstruct that thing three more times, and after each time there was another snow shelter there of seemingly random condition.  I'm glad I opened a ticket to report that bug...

From there I hiked back towards the Logging Camp but instead worked my way up the steep slope, and up to the trail leading up to the Forestry Lookout.

But of course, but the time I'd finally made it... a very dense fog was going to make sure I wouldn't be able to survey from the Vista view.

I decided I would just stay there for the night and hope that the fog lifted by morning.

I know I have been chronicling just one day at a time, but the weather made things slow and more-or-less uneventful... so I'm journaling for two days this time. 🤭

Early the following morning, I woke to unlimited visibility and sketched out as far as the eye could see.

Such a nice view... I could see the whole run of the train tracks through Mystery Lake (from Carter Dam to Railroad Tunnel leading off to Forlorn Muskeg).

I waited until about midmorning, and then I set out for the Carter Dam.  I needed to make a second pass, now that I had a prybar in hand.

On the way out, I'd found myself caught between a wolf by the trailers and a wolf on the far side of the railroad bridge.  I had to quickly duck into the Railroad Service Truck (when I'd found myself being stalked by both... and about to get pinched 🤭).

I had to wait them out a while... but ultimately decided it would be a better use of my effort to sneak back behind the trailers and take the long way around to the river.  This way I could visit the last few locations left for me to revisit in Mystery Lake.

I had to be careful... there was at least one wolf prowling back here.

Alan's Cave... back when I was first exploring Great Bear Island, this was the spot when I learned that it wasn't enough to just be out of the wind... that careful fire tending, and very light napping was going to be the key to survival when it I found I had to try and survive the night "out in the elements."  One of my first nights spent in this shallow cave, my fire burned out and nearly froze to death because I allowed myself to sleep too deeply.   I learned quickly in the begging... little mistakes can be fatal out here, and we seldom get a chance to make more than one.

Kind of a long stretch... but I've managed to visit all the wonderful sights of Mystery Lake.
I do want to have a look through the cave near Jeremiah's Cabin (Trapper's Homestead) before I leave for Raven Falls Ravine and onward to Coastal Highway.

Edited January 2, 2023 by ManicManiac

[xanna]

@ManicManiac The pictures of the big hall in Carter Dam are really gorgeous

[ManicManiac]

@xanna
Thank you,
I always try to consider composition for all my shots...
I don't know that it always succeeds, but I do try to find good shots to include with my chronicles. 

Edited January 3, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

I spent the first early morning hours looking over my journal, and I realized that I'd forgotten about visiting the Deal Fall and Max's Last Stand....  This was something I was determined to rectify today.  The only thing I wasn't sure of was if the three wolves I'd potted the other day were still going to be milling around by Max's Last Stand, or if I'd be able to make it a quick stop on the way back from walking through the cave near Trapper's Homestead.

It was about mid-morning when I got started on the route.

The hike started on a lovely day... I was planning on making it a relatively short trip, visit those last few places on Mystery Lake before getting ready to leave for Coastal Highway tomorrow.  I could only hope that the weather would cooperate. 🤭

Dead Fall... I remember the first time I stumbled across this wrecked cabin.  It was the middle of a blizzard; I was freezing to death when I saw it emerge from the whiteout that surrounded me on all sides.  I was lost, a little panicked, and still brand new to Great Bear Island... I was failing miserably with my fire (I think I wasted about six matches).  I managed to get the fire going and huddled there next to the stove to wait out the storm.  I ended up stay there all night, not daring to go to sleep.  Well after midnight the storm subsided, and I went to see if I could find anything familiar nearby (and choosing the absolute wrong direction than I'd intended)...  Instead of finding any familiar landmark, I was savagely mauled by a wolf.  I ended up limping and bleeding back the way I came, which is when I'd stumbled across the railroad tracks... and I was able to take shelter at the Camp Office again.  ...looking back, I've had a lot of those kind of clumsy self-inflicted calamities of the years. 

Today's visit to Dead Fall was a peaceful one (I didn't find anything stashed away there, but I didn't really expect to).  It's so nice to be able to come back to spots like these after having had so many harrowing experiences over the years... and reflect on how far we've come, and how much we've learned about what it takes to survive and thrive on this island.  

I didn't bother to take a look at Max's Last Stand... I was already getting pretty cold, and I figured it might be better to explore the cave near Jeremiah's old place.
Besides if the wolves were skulking about, then I thought it better to wander through the cave to warm up first (if nothing else).

Someone's encampment... found a candy bar and some coal, but not much else.

 
Ah... well found the one who made the encampment.  (He had on a pretty nice pair of shoes)

It didn't take long come to the end of the cave.  I quickly made my way back, and carefully crept back to check on what was going on at Max's Last Stand.

While there were no wolves prowling... instead I found a bear.  With just a pocket full of stones, there wasn't much I was going to be able to do if the bear caught wind of me.  If this is how Max met his end, I certainly couldn't fault them for it.  However, I won't be making the same mistake.  

I waited a patiently there out in the cold bitter gusty winds, eventually the bear had disappeared over the hill, and I quickly crept in to check the area.
Max looked like he's been there a while (and was apparently caught thoroughly unprepared... wasn't even anything in his pockets).  The the last spot checked off the list... I hurried back to the Camp Office.  I as I approached, a dense fog was already starting to roll in.

It wasn't long before the fog would take over the entire region.  Thankfully I already had everything I needed, and I spent the rest of the day (and evening) getting things ready to leave for Coastal Highway tomorrow.

Of course, I'll pare down my pack to just the bare essentials.  I'm definitely leaving all the weapons and tools behind.  I'm almost certain I'll find more in Coastal Highway.  I might take one day's food and water with me, fire starting gear, and my handful of sets of fishing tackle... but probably not much more than the clothes on my back.  I've always preferred to travel as lightly as possible and even though this is more a self-paced walkabout, I like to keep on my toes (so to speak).

Seems a shame to leave behind such an extensive library... but they'll be here when I return one day.

Edited January 8, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Nice to see some blue skies and that your bear fan club is still going strong🙂

[ManicManiac]

I was hoping for an early start, but I was prepared to while away time reorganizing in the very likely chance it was going to be just too cold (given my current clothing) to make any meaningful distance on the route to Coastal Highway.

Fortunately, it was rather foggy... not so foggy as to limit visibility too badly, but foggy enough that it was relative warm for being so early in the morning.

A nice turn of good luck.  I'd be able to Raven Falls Ravine in relatively short order.
I decided to take a more direct path (rather than trekking through the woods just past the Lake Overlook).  This time I'd keep to the high ground on the other side of the tracks.

I'd spotted a few wolves along the way... the caution was certainly warranted.
It's too bad I'm on my way out of Mystery Lake, or I'd have been tempted to try and snatch the kill away from that wolf. 🤭
But I suppose that's just as well; they'd earned their meal.

I had to be careful... last time I was out this way, there was a wolf prowling on both sides of this bridge.  As I approached, I saw the way was clear on the near end... but from over by the trailers, I heard a foreboding howl.  I decided to get low and try to sneak past.

Thankfully, the stone was just being held out of an abundance of caution.  I'd managed to slip by unnoticed and proceeded on my way to Raven Falls Ravine.

I remember when I first discovered the Ravine all those years ago... though the hike used to seem a lot shorter. 🤔
When I'd found that were no wolves skulking around the area, initially I was relieved.  However, during those first few nights that I camped out in the nearby cave... I found this place oddly disquieting.  I remember walking along the edge of the ravine, wondering what could be found down there... but a way down wasn't immediately apparent to me.  Instead, I remember spending a few days trying to catch rabbits and exploring every little nook I could find.

Today, however, I'd just be taking a quick look around... I knew it was likely that I'd need to try to find a rope. 🤭

I crossed over the first small bridge and along a short side trail (following the rabbits to see what they might be hiding).

This was an interesting (if also tragic) find.  Having left all my tools and extra supplies behind, I really didn't expect to find much at Raven Falls Ravine.
Yet here, tucked away just around the first bend... there's already a decent start at a pretty nice tool set.

Next, I opted to backtrack a little bit and visit the first waterfall that I'd passed on the way in.

Didn't really find anything (I've opted not to pick any of the foliage during this run) but I've always loved spending a little time sitting near all the waterfalls on Great Bear Island.

Further along the tracks ahead, another derailment.  I'm hoping to find some rope...

While I did find a little bit of food and some scrap metal... no rope.

I followed along the shore (on the other side of the creek) and opted to take a look to see if maybe there was a rope left behind by another survivor.

There was not.
Also... the fog was getting denser.  I'd have to watch my step if it gets much worse.

I made my way across the fallen tree bridge.

...in all these years, I've never found a ravaged deer carcass here...
I quickly got low.  Have the wolves started making an incursion into Raven Falls?
I knew that wasn't likely, but I wasn't about take that chance.  I proceeded ahead cautiously.

I kept close the ridgeline (wanting to keep the ravine edge an open option in case wolves really had started encroaching on this territory).
I goated up some of the smaller rock formations, to get to the cave near the railroad switchback that was just ahead.

Found a little more food... which was of course a welcomed sight.  It also meant that I could leave the rabbits in peace tonight. 🤭

Looking deeper inside, I found another pleasant surprise.

Knowing that I had a way to get to the bottom of the Ravine... I decided I would just spend the night down there.
It didn't take me long to make my way back, deploy the rope, and head over the other nearby cave to drop off the few non-essentials that I'd managed to find in Raven Falls so far.

As I was crossing the fallen tree bridge again... I decided to look over the edge to see how bad the fog really was.
I thought it was maybe starting to clear up.  I could almost see the bottom. 🤭

After I'd taken a few minutes to stow the non-essentials, I sat a little a little while.  I was both waiting to see if the fog was going to clear or get worse... but also a little more reminiscing this was place I'd set up my encampment in Raven Falls and spent those first few nights while exploring the Ravine for the first time (and a significant blizzard) all those years ago.  Ever since then, I've always tended to favor that stop along the left side wall.  Laying my bedroll down right about where that cedar wood is now... and a nice warm campfire nestled into those rocks right nearby.  I've weathered many blizzards right in that very spot in this cave.

I decided I didn't want to waste anymore daylight.  My pack was still pretty light, but I as already getting kind of tired.  If I was going to head down the bottom of the Ravine, this was the time do it.

I guess the fog wasn't lightening up after all... seemed like it was just as dense the last time I'd checked it.

Somehow the decent is rather unnerving when I can't see the bottom.

I remember it being a couple of years before I'd finally found a way to get down here for the first time.

I quickly searched the wrecked railroad car
Hmmm, didn't there used to be a flare gun here?  ...interesting...

***Note***
The rest of this post has experienced an odd formatting error... I tried to fix it, but the last stretch is locked in a hidden object. 🤭😒  And I couldn't even highlight to try and cut/copy it out... so it's just inside here 
VVVVV

 

 

I decided it was high time for me get an encampment setup and finish scouting the rest of the Ravine Basin.

As I made my way inside... I was surprised by something unexpected.
I found a rabbit just sort of relaxing there in the back of the cave.  At first I got low... I didn't want to frighten if I could avoid it.  I kind of liked the idea of Bugs here keeping me company for the night.     I kept crouched, and just sat there a while to see how long he'd keep me company.

Much to my surprise, he just continued sitting there; contentedly looking around.

After a while, I decided I just needed to get start getting myself settled in for the night.  I figured he'd scurry off as soon as I got over by the pine bough bed, and get a campfire going...

Nope!  
He just continued to sit there luxuriating. 🤭
I got curious, so I ventured to get closer.  Bugs really didn't seem to mind my company at all.

I spent the next little while continuing to scout ahead to see what else I might be able to find.  Mostly just a few sticks...

I decided to head back to the cave... I decided it was probably best to get the birch bark brewed (and adding a little more water for tomorrow wouldn't be a bad idea either).

Bugs was still there enjoying the warmth of the fire...  This is the first time I've had someone new to talk to here on Great Bear Island.   

This turned out to be a day full of surprises.
Something new and wonderful to find every time I look around... that's why I always come back to Great Bear Island.
 

 

I know this is a bug, and I already opened a ticket for it... but I also kind of love it.
I might have to check on the ticket, and ask if they'll just let him stay here.

 

You know what?   ...upon further consideration...   I think I'll name him, Buster.

Edited January 11, 2023 by ManicManiac
Horrible Formatting Error...

[Leeanda]

No flare at the ravine??     

Otherwise a nice little haul.

Nice pics. .😊. 

And yes please @Admin. Don't get rid of bunny👍🙂

[ManicManiac]

I slept in I didn't have quite enough fuel to keep the fire going through the whole night, but that wasn't a huge worry.  These caves stay pretty warm (relatively speaking) and I was still able to get my ideal ten hours solid rest before napping the last two hours in order to "sleep in" and get really well rested.

A quick update on Buster!
He seems to be feeling better this morning. 🤭

He seems to want to stick close to the cave though.  I don't blame him; it is much warmer inside.

It was a beautiful morning... clear skies, and not too cold.

It was time for me finish this trek across Raven Falls Ravine.

I briefly stopped back at the cave to stow a few more non-essentials I'd picked up down in the basin.  With my pack lightened a little more, it was time I set out for Coastal Highway in earnest.

I remember one year, the night seemed like it was stretching on for days and days... I'd eaten a bad candy bar that I'd picked up from a plate that had been left out in front of a house in Coastal Highway (and or course got food poisoning).  This tunnel saved my life that night.

There it was... Raven Falls, and it's iconic trestle bridge.  So many times crossing this rickety terror.  
Had a horrible dream once that all the animals seemed to be just gone... and I was truly just out here alone.  After about 50 days, I just kind of walked off from the center of the trestle bridge and woke panicked in a cold sweat at Desolation Point.

On to Coastal Highway...

There wasn't very much left of the day, so I decided I didn't really stray too far from the Train Unloading area.  I checked around and under the bridge, but didn't find anything of interest.  In the collapsed tunnel I did find one unfortunate soul, but he had nothing but his bones... so I left him to rest in peace.

I whiled away little time that evening, though I didn't have much to sort (I did find a hatchet in the trailer, so that's nice).

I did what I could to make myself comfortable... even ate a can of peaches I'd picked up at the last derailment in Raven Falls.
🤭 And it didn't even give me food poisoning.  

All-in-all, a good day.

Edited January 13, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Glad the bunnies moving around a bit..  

That trestle seems worse than a charging bear.. lovely views though😊

[ManicManiac]

I know the chronicles have been screenshot heavy lately... but I don't have a lot of time to write these days. 
 

Edited January 13, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

I for one have no problem looking at beautiful scenery 🙂.  Your threads are always enjoyable regardless..

[ManicManiac]

I woke up early the next morning to find that the weather was fairly amiable.  I wasn't entirely sure what route I wanted as I began exploring Coastal Highway in earnest.

I went back inside to sit a while and think about how I wanted to make my way down the shore.

Eventually, I decided on a more-or-less direct path down to the Fishing Camp (while still trying to visit as many spots as I can to search along the way).
I decided I'd start at the switchback.  Even though it looked clear, I decided I'd rather start at the lonely cabin away above the roadway... then circle back on the way down the hill.

From this vantage I could check the lay of the land... I was tempted to make my way back to Bear Creek Campground, but there was another lonely cabin to visit on first.

It wasn't long before I'd decided I would not be going to visit Bear Creek Campground today... when I'd step back out of the cabin, I heard the telltale sound of a wolf running in panic-stricken terror.  I decided to wait a while there in the doorway to confirm, sure enough I have a bear denned nearby.  This one will skulk Bear Creek Campground and the Fishing Camp.  I'm going to have to keep a sharp eye out for this one.

I turned away and continued on to the Fishing Camp.  I've been setting up my main encampment here for the region for such a long time.  Treks across the ice mean that it's a relative short trip to both nearby islands (Jackrabbit Island and Misanthrope's Homestead), as well as reasonably quick routes to the Coastal Town Site and Waterfront Cottages.  Between bears and wolves, I've had many harrowing adventures out here on the ice.  It's funny... for all the decent spots to make an encampment, they tend to all be dangerous in their own ways, but the Fishing Camp is the place I find it's easiest to mitigate those dangers.

It didn't take me long to my non-essentials stowed away and start scouting the area.  There was still a decent amount of daylight, so I wanted to push onward a little more.  However rather than follow the road to try and make it to the Coastal Town Site or the Rockfall in opposite direction, I decided I'd rather visit the nearby fishing huts and the rest of the surrounding area out on the ice.  I'd taken a quick look while searching the cabins, fortunately there were no wolves in the area today... best to take advantage while I can.  It's been years since I've had a visit where the docks were "wolf-free."  So, I don't dare hope the way would still be clear tomorrow.  🤭

As the sun began slip down behind the mountains... the fog/snow had finally cleared.

I decided to warm up for a little while and spend a little bit more time getting my supplies sorted.
After getting some clothing items scrapped for cloth and some work gloves for leather, I was going out to put some more non-essentials in the cabin nearest the road for long term storage...

Nope... just going to be staying in for the evening... I think that's enough for today.

Edited January 14, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

 that's what's wrong with the fishing camp area😊.    

Your fans certainly are persistent 😁    I do love those two remote cabins up there though.  .

[ManicManiac]

I decided this morning that I needed to carefully make my way up Bear Creek.  I wanted to give the Rabbit Grove and Bear Creek Campground a proper once over.  Since I'd be heading that way, I could also give the area around Rockfall good look as well.

Mostly it was an uneventful trip, though by the time I'd gotten about halfway up Bear Creek (careful to avoid the wolves and the bear), I was already freezing to death.  The weather had also started to take a nasty turn...

I ended up spending the rest of the day here...  there wasn't much for me to sort through in my pack (as I hadn't really found to much along the way), so I ended up passing some of that time in the cozy bed inside.

The storm broke sometime late that night... generally I don't do it (especially when I know there are wolves in the area), but I eventually decided to venture a night hike.
'
I was getting strong Evil Dead vibes from this cabin, but I opted to spend the night here anyway...  I figured I'd be alright as long as I didn't "read the Latin"

 

The next morning, I decided to retrace my steps a little bit before heading back to the Fishing Camp.

It seems the wolves have started skulking around the Fishing Camp... oh well.  To me it's still easier place to safely come and go, so it's still going to serve as my main encampment.

 

I spent the rest of the day harvesting clothing for cloth and leather, get what food I had sorted and stored... I think tomorrow I'll spend the day out on the ice, I'd like to see what I can find in the other Fishing Huts (and if weather/time permits... maybe the two small islands as well).

[ManicManiac]

As soon as I got up, I quickly got to work... I wanted to search each of the remaining Fishing Huts and the two nearby island houses today.

Managed to make the route in good time.  I did have to initially stop at Jackrabbit Island to warm in before moving on to the rest of the Fishing Huts.  The ice was lousy with wolves today, 🤭 but that was fine... I kept low and managed to into and out of each hut, undetected.  As I was approaching the last Fishing Hut... I noticed I was keeping pace with Misanthrope's current resident skulking along on a parallel path.  After searching the Hut, and on the way to use Misanthrope's Homestead to hunker down for the evening, I did venture a peak into the bear's den... I don't know that I've ever found a backpack here before.  

All things considered, a rather peaceful day.

I did find enough food and water to sustain me for a few more days easily.  I did find a couple of clothing items worth mentioning (the rest I harvested before going to bed).  I'd found a second thick wool sweater, a second pair of work pants, and a pair of wool socks.  Beyond that, I didn't find much to speak of... mostly non-essential things: axe, hunting knife, simple toolbox, a few books/boxes of matches, more sticks, and a few extra pieces of cedar/fir.   As a result, I'm already running heavy... I have a feeling tomorrow's walk back to the Fishing Camp, is going to be a slow trudge.   

Even though it's not really a priority... I was sort of hoping to find a revolver, bow, or maybe even a rifle.  However, no such luck today.  I suppose there's still the Coastal Townsite, or maybe perhaps even the Abandoned Lookout (though I think it's been literal years since I've found a rifle in a rifle rack 🤭).

Edited January 20, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Risky place to stick a backpack!🤔☺️.    

Matches - non essential?   On stalker?..

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda

I tend to think the backpack belonged to the last poor soul who trespassed on Misanthrope's Homestead. 🤭

Generally speaking, I'll only carry 10 carboard matches with me as I roam and explore.  I also will have a fire striker (which I really only carry because having two different ignition sources will prompt a selection screen when going to light a torch), as well as a mag-lens.  I don't worry about restocking the matches I carry until I get down to just one.  As long as I have 1-10 matches on hand, I don't really consider more matches that I find as being essential.  All the rest get stowed at whatever encampment I've gotten situated.  

Edited January 20, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

11 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda

I tend to think the backpack belonged to the last poor soul who trespassed on Misanthrope's Homestead. 🤭

Generally speaking, I'll only carry 10 carboard matches with me as I roam and explore.  I also will have a fire striker (which I really only carry because having two different ignition sources will prompt a selection screen when going to light a torch), as well as a mag-lens.  I don't worry about restocking the matches I carry until I get down to just one.  As long as I have 1-10 matches on hand, I don't really consider more matches that I find as being essential.  All the rest get stowed at whatever encampment I've gotten situated.  

As long as the next soul isn't your poor Astrid's.   I know how much your fan club likes you. 

I see. I suppose with the strikers and mag lens too there's not much call for matches .