Bark Covered Primitive Shelter with Inside Fire | BUSHCRAFT | SURVIVAL | CANADIAN WINTER |

Peter constructs a traditional indigenous, small scale, winter shelter using a tepee-like frame and birch bark skin covering. He makes a small fire pit inside the enclosure.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
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MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#selfsufficiency #pioneer #1800s #frontier #history #survival #bushcraft #canadianwinter

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

I think shelters like this would have been made around the world for thousands of years.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I suspect you’re right … fast and simple with readily available materials.

[@pandoralechat780]

Now that's some master bushcraft, Peter ! 😁😁

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Love staying in these homes. Simple yet practical. Black Robe is an excellent film. Showing the mingling of culture for the first time. It's brutality of everyday life at the time. People often romanticize the past. I think a lot of times we just want to escape our current set of circumstances and trade for an idealized moment of the past. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

“Idealized moments of the past” how very true, Ashley. As brutal as it was prior to European contact, I suspect it got a lot worse following it. Watch yer top knot my friend.

[@rtoguidver3651]

The Old Ways will never grow old.

[@rogerclyde2720]

You feel the history in this one ! Images of native people as they go about they everyday way of doing thing. Really gives a feeling of being there. Very well done.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is spot on Roger.

[@thomasdenoyelles1784]

Thank you for another outstanding historical accounting video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jackcook8613]

Looks like a cozy one, Peter. Should be pretty substantial, too.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was pretty darn cozy, Jack and I suspect it would stand strong for a good long spell.

[@milliebanks7209]

I like this one as well as all your others. Tell Karl that if he thinks this mindfulness then he must not have much of a mind! I find that it's a challenge to explore the creative work of our ancestors.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Actually, my friend Karl is anything mindless… simply a wee bit humour.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Back for another visit! I continue to find this to be a very agreeable shelter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And we thank you. That particular shelter was very comfortable and quite easy to keep warm on a cold night.

[@현-야생서바이벌캠핑Bu]

Your bushcraft skills are amazing, You make it all look so easy, I've learned so much from you,

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much!

[@stevenbp101]

Hi Peter, that shelter looks like it would keep you warm and safe. I guess you could plug up the entrance door with some bark in case of a blizzard. I like the cedar limbs for bedding. It really looks warm. Thanks God bless. (Old guy from Arkansas )🇺🇸

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do keep two pieces of bark that I slide into place that completely seals the lower 3/4 of the shelter from wind. Kinda hard to film with them in place, lol.

[@stevenbp101]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I got cha, it’s good to know these different shelter types, I do have a bug out bag with a tent and all sorts of supplies my wife and I. We keep them handy and now that I’ve got the cabin done I’m always thinking about things for it. I told Sharon the other day and she helped me with it too, I said I can’t believe how God has blessed us , I had wanted to be a mountain man as a child growing up and now he has given us a place in the woods. Take care Peter.

[@moorshound3243]

This is wonderful, of all the years I have been out camping and bushcrafting I have never really made and stayed in a tipi. Think I might have a go. Many thanks for posting.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lennygaudette4358]

Love watching your videos. It’s like going back in time. I’ve learned a lot thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like them, Lenny.

[@SweetClara99]

So comfy a space to hang out in the woods.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed.

[@jasonhammond4640]

I love Black Robe. A good depiction of early traveling by bark canoe. Not sure about him taking a dump over the side of the canoe without flipping the canoe.😄😄

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Too funny, I thought about that scene as well, Jason.

[@bernadetteevans2]

I love the detail of your teepee and your descriptions of primitive peoples and their shelters… just amazing! I love you both… and I look forward to each episode you post!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much, Bernadette.

[@ColdStartGarage]

Brave soul building fires In birch bark! Good thing you are what some would say… A professional! As always great video! 🤘🏻🏁🇺🇸

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. Perhaps not so much a professional as simply lucky, lol. It is actually quite safe once you’ve gotta good bed of coals. You have to watch it when you initially light fire.

[@ColdStartGarage]

@@TheWoodlandEscape that teepee would be my grave. I’m bit of a pyro. And deff not a professional! Thanks for the new moving picture!

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Peter! I have never seen a more clear example of the saying, "An Indian lives in his chimney."! WOW! Your experience at building such structures showed with every movement. Since such experience is usually gained in, "The School Of Hard Knocks", I can only wonder just how many cold and uncomfortable nights were spent in achieving your level of expertise!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Heck Matin, I’m still cold and uncomfortable, lol. Actually, the best mindset one can have in venturing off trekking in a historically authentic method is to realize the the goal should be, what is the least uncomfortable I can make this rather than how comfortable am I going to be. Having said that, I have spent some pretty darn tolerable nights out in some very intolerable inclement conditions.

[@guyinacoffeeshop2239]

Brother its amazing you can still do thjs at 69. Are you still in your prime? Such determination! Your kentucky friend

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Heck yeah, 70 is the new 17. My father gave me this advice as a child … “ never let the old man in”!

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Love the wikiup style! Great job Peter. 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Scott. It is a simple and quick structure to build. Sturdy too.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

@@TheWoodlandEscape yes sir. I've built several of them over the years.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your live history videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good day to you as well, Earl. Thanks for watching.

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for sharing your adventures in history plus wood lore

[@kathymoll7010]

This reminds me of being a kid building our camps to play in until school started back. Of course your shelters are much nicer and appealing. Very cozy looking. No such thing as bad weather only bad clothing . Thank you for doing this.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s a great quote, Kathy. People miss a whole lot of living for what they perceive as inclement weather.

[@tarbert363]

Reminds me of the origins of the phrase, "barking up the wrong tree" dating back to the 1800s in America... Great ingenuity and improvisation Peter. Great job.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve barked up a few of those trees in my life, lol. Glad you enjoyed.

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Peter l like the last one the best the stones will reflect the heat and you can cook on it and it's all inside looks cozy to me thank you my friend always Freddie 😄😎😄👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was pretty darn cozy Freddie.

[@terrynoraturner1848]

Best one yet. Have a buddy with a big teepee, we set it up at the school when my kids were in elementary school. It was for there classes and ended up giving lectures to the whole school, 2 classes at a time. I learned a lot from his lectures. We could have lifted a 1000 pound animal with it. TeePees are amazing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Now that’s what I call a great learning environment!

[@mlauntube]

Now this shelter is going to be very nice! Excellent wind break even in the day with the door open.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Lots of light as well as a wind break with the door open and warms very quickly with it closed.

[@jamesf4405]

Outstanding! Just a great channel! Really good stuff!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@karlrobson3120]

You’re the man Peter! Watching you is my moment of mindfulness in the week. Can’t wait to come up again 🙂

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Oh my Karl, if I’m your movement of mindfulness, you’re in for a whole lot of hurt, lol. That bag I’ve finished for you is taking up space … come and get it anytime and stay for a spell.

[@kurtbaier6122]

You make great videos. Loved this. Thanks.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like them, Kurt.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for sharing another great shelter with us, that one looks like it would be fairly cozy with that fire inside!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is, Jeff, warms up quickly with a very small fire.

[@joeswff]

Peter, you work so hard at your chosen life style, and take us along, I appreciate it so much, when I’m down just watching your video relaxes me so much. Thanks, Joe

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It isn’t that much work and we have fun.

[@8626John]

Another fine installment. Black Robe is an excellent movie!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you and I too love that movie.

[@freedom7009]

This must be the first video i watch in ages where I dont wanna skip forward but I just wanna watch it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you, a very flattering compliment indeed! Appreciate your interest.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

👋👋👋 Hello neighbor hello from Detroit Michigan USA thank you for taking us on your travels through time

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure, neighbour.

[@beverlymichael5830]

What an amazing job. Looks very comfortable and I can smell the coffee. Thank you for bringing a story with your videos.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

If you’re ever in our neck of the woods Beverly you’ll have to try a cup … tastes better than it smells, lol.

[@lowellanderson6532]

Thanks, Peter, for another informative, instructional and pleasant video. I found The Black Robe a challenge to process after watching it as it was difficult to imagine the rigor and often cruelity of every day life in that area in that time period. Your mention of it gave me no desire to see it again. ; )

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Understandable Lowell. As bad as it was, I somehow suspect the cruelty aspect got worse following European contact. As far as the rigor, it is easy to think that in our modern times but, these Stone Age people not only survived but, actually thrived.

[@lowellanderson6532]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Unfortunately 'European contact' rarely came without severe consequences for the aboriginals. Always enjoy and appreciate your videos!

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Good looking camo

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Camp lol

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Camp is definitely camo, lol. Not so sure about the red hunting shirt.

[@markbehr88]

I love that. Well done. Looks amazing

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much 😀

[@guyinacoffeeshop2239]

Peter, the Sioux would be proud.

[@Naughtz]

Hey Peter! Absolutely loving these shelter builds and bushcraft series. You have a real knack for it. Please keep the videos coming I never miss an episode. Thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, you are a loyal follower, Scott. That is a whole lot of viewing. We certainly appreciate your interest and support.

[@marieleopold1625]

You can find 'beauty' in anything crafted, if it is done with purpose and respect to the environs! It blows me away how a 'makeshift' dwelling can be appealing. Luv the 'wee bits' of history Peter! Again the First Nations peoples were soOOoo observant and respectful of nature. Thank you Catherine 4 your fine and steady hands. Nothing like traditional snow shoes...they 'multi-task' well! You enjoy these outings and challenges no doubt, but truly when back at the cabin, you must have a sense of; 'There's no place like home.' Here's some 'hopeful' wisdom from; Chief Crazy Horse. "I C a time of 7 Generations, when all the colors of mankind, will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life, and the whole Earth will become one circle again." Health and God Bless! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

All the comforts of home does indeed take on a whole new meaning after returning from a traditional trek. Kinda makes ones humble cabin seem very castle like. I do hope Crazy Horse is right. There is a lot of beliefs surrounding the seven generations also know as the seven fires. Let’s hope it is soon my friend for I believe the last fire is burning low. As always, thanks Marie.

[@ridecaptain1]

Those are some mighty fine accommodations You have there.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I kinda like bark shelters as well.

[@simonseddon5270]

Thankyou Peter for making such interesting videos. What a great life you lead. Simon 🇬🇧😀

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I am indeed fortunate, Simon. Glad you’re enjoying our endeavors.

[@SurvivalRussia]

Question. I have built my fair share of shelters, including a birch bark shelter. How did you/will you prevent the bark from curling up? Especially the upper parts will curl when exposed to heat. It's also visible that some of the fresh harvested bark, upper pieces, are already curling. I know the natives here used to build bark shelters, but they treated the bark by boiling, adding fish oil and what not. An almost forgotten art.

[@shadowcastre]

Lars... That's a really good question! I've wondered this myself.

[@SurvivalRussia]

@@shadowcastre The shelter I built out of untreated birch bark curled up badly, and I used steel wire for fixing it to the frame.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I use boiling water to flatten the singles. The same method as I employ for my canoe building. They will curl still but, much less so. When reusing I’ll pour boiling water over the entire stack and weigh them down with stones until dry. Flattened they are much easier to bundle up for transporting using a tumpline/ burden strap.

[@SurvivalRussia]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thank you very much for your reply!

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Peter, Great job now if you had a few sled dogs that could stay in there with you wouldn't have to build a fire LOL. You two stay safe! IIByrds

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve actually slept with dogs before and your spot on … they give off a tremendous amount of heat.

[@jamesmetzler2031]

Another interesting and informative video, thank you Sir! I always enjoy the historical aspect that you include. The shelter is amazing as was seeing how they were built. I couldn't help but think , though, that it resembled a giant bonfire waiting to be lit. And it made me wonder , when you lit the fire inside it, how many families burned alive in these things during the winter, back in the day.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The larger structure are not as prone as the smaller ones. It certainly is something to be mindful of . Getting the fire started is the riskiest time. Once you’ve a good bed of coals it is certainly much safer.

[@styxmac]

It is always great to watch your videos. Here are some suggestions for your zahawgun. For just a one or two person shelter, position the apex of the structure so it is closer to the entrance to create a more vertical door. In the old days, this was common practice. Also, offset the fireplace a couple of feet to the left and closer to the door as you enter. By making your shelter a bit larger and elevating the apex another 4 feet, it is easier to stay under the smoke while seated. Use thin split sticks to sandwich the ends of birchbark sheets to keep them from splitting. Punch a line of holes with a triangular awl so you can whip lash your sticks in place with split spruce root. Let your split sticks project a couple inches beyond the bark margins as these are what you tie to the poles ( not the birch bark). Short lengths of birchbark should be spliced together using the split stick method as they hold together better on the structure and transport better in rolls. When carrying the rolls on sleds, run a stick through the rolls and only lash the projecting ends of the stick to the sled. The inside of the bark faces the poles. Bolts of canvas can also be used in place of birchbark by also using the split stick method but precautions must be taken as the material is more prone to spark damage and catching on fire. First, soak new canvas in water to mat the linters or even better, use canvas treated with flame retardant. Surprisingly, birchbark is fairly resistant to sparks because of its high ignition point, but proper fire management and using the right wood is always important. One can also use balsam boughs to cover the shelter to create a shingobigun. This takes a lot of boughs which have to be added to periodically. A late friend of mine in the early 1920's spent from late September to May living in in a shingobigun trapping and hunting with Basil Minis near Larder River. They never shoveled the snow off their shingobigun all winter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I can’t thank you enough for sharing this wealth of information, every piece a sound approach to building shelters. We have built full sized wigwams and as you point out, helps significantly with interior smoke. I used to sleep in our wigwam with my grandchildren, a very memorable time.

[@shorttimer874]

This is worth pinning.

[@markaugustus621]

A real joy to watch. Thanks

[@justiceleague1146]

I love your history lessons and your channel! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like them!

[@bpindermoss]

Now that is a sweet piece of work. I've never seen it done before and truly, this is history being reenacted. A few tools of steel but mostly knowledge in the head. I am deeply impressed.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much!

[@kevinwhite4101]

Makes me want to run home grab my gear and set out on a voyage

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sounds like you’ve got the itch, Kevin.

[@mikesherman4565]

A great video I really wish I could do what you do thanks you lift my spirits

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You are so welcome, Mike.

[@Orphanboyefforts-Chuong]

So good ❤❤

[@kingrafa3938]

Well done on that Peter. This is the first time i saw someone using bark as roof and cover on their teepee. Usually, i watch others using tarp or other materials that protect them from rain and snow when they build this kind of shelter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. Bark is a great material both for water proofing and wind protection.

[@smoothvern165]

Beautiful shelter build! Great video!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you liked it!

[@jacknobrex]

Love it, makes want to go out winter camping. Inspirational.😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Go for it, Jack.. Time spent camping isn’t deducted from ones lifespan!

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Thank you! Very good to have the recources from the land to be able to build a shelter like that.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are lucky indeed to have both the space and the material.

[@nathanduckeorth806]

Very nice!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks!

[@fredflintstone6163]

Thanks i use s candle in shelter snd build fire outside then no smoke on face 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Great 👍

[@jonmcintire9067]

The trick with the teepee is creating a windless environment😀😀😀😯😉😈😈😈😈😈

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It does make a great shelter from wind as opposed to open faced shelters.

[@phillipparker8947]

Hello there my friend. I just can't get over how beautiful your country is and the snow just adds to the wonder of it. I also think your shelter is pretty awesome and it's kinda cozy. Keep safe and can't wait for the next one.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are pretty lucky to live where we live! Bark shelter turned out very nice.l

[@Dan_TheMedievalGuild]

You are a really smart fellow. I've been watching your videos for a while now and can see why Justine and Ron from Early American and Frontier Patriot admire you so much. You have a ton of knowledge in that noggin of yours. lol

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They are great people and although only through this formate do we communicate, they feel like real friends. I have filed a wee bit of stuff in my Mellon, the problem is retrieving the files, lol. Appreciate your interest in our channel.

[@MNATURAL-w6z]

Nice, well done

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much.

[@frederickhanss3317]

This one actually looks more comfortable than the first two!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Actually the first one was the most comfortable, having a fireplace and a raised bed really helps.

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

what a cozy spot to duct into out of the rain and spend the the night

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed, Elwood.

[@robustiano9036]

Un placer verle. No hay nada mas reconfortante que el abrazo de una madre. !! , dormir en la montaña , es parecido , pero sin la calidez de la madre. De ahí que encendamos la hoguera. La ropa una maravilla. Que la salud le conserve por muchos años.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much for your interest and support.

[@StoneHedgeAcres]

Thank you for this video I was looking forward to see what it would be. I think it is may favourite but not sure because I really like the fireplace in the first video. I will wait to decide after the outcome of your sleeps:) The cinematography was so special in this one with the white snow and sunshine , great talent in that also Catherine.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You are so welcome, Cheryl … always a kind word, thank you.

[@lancehenderson7249]

Your vast knowledge of building a shelter out of anything is unbelievable. Great work, really like this one. Keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Lance. Watch yer top knot!

[@lobopropredatorcontrol]

Love your content, splendid behavior

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much.

[@richardliles4415]

Love the design of the shelter, kind of makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Would love to spend a few nights in that one. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Any time, Richard.

[@jayowy12o]

Great video, I love the history lesson and story as well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joseph.

[@2gpowell]

Hi Peter, excellent addition to the series. Some great primitive shelter education for us woodsman. Looks it will hold for a time. Thanks, take care see ya next time.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Gil. I suspect this one would be good for the entire winter.

[@2gpowell]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Yes sir!

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

Thank you, just love that we bit of history!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad your enjoying our step back in time endeavors, Ryan.

[@sandydaviswhytelewis5387]

At the end it says Thanks for Waching You drink Coffee ☕ 😆 Not Tea "T"♡

[@garyrichardt1496]

Another great video, I think this shelter is my favorite one so far many thanks for sharing it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Mine too!

[@MrOj53]

'm a pipe smoker and have used matches to light up A couple of years ago I got a lit steel and flint but can't get sparks, could it be the hardening and if so how should it be hardened?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is either poorly harden or of a low carbon content, Ola. If you know a blacksmith, it can be made to work in minutes,assuming it is high carbon. The smiths will be able to tell you.

[@jeffreymcintire8273]

Fantastic work!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks a lot, Jeffrey.

[@deniscaron1306]

Nice shelter Pierre! Here I go watch "Robe Noire" on the screen again. If ever you forget something or someone, be really cautious if you come back to pick up...

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I love that movie! Probably watch it once a year. Sound advice my friend!

[@jeffrdnck7973]

Some say they know stuff, you prove it. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Flattered, Jeff, thank you.

[@JanTrewhitt]

A very nice shelter! L am surprised the smoke went out the top and not into the tepee! Must have had the correct ventilation!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Once you have a bed coals and close up the door opening it draws amazingly well.

[@MrDerJohann]

What a dream... Greettings from Germany

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And a sincere thank thank you, Jan, from Canada.

[@mountainwoodsman8116]

Very cool, thanks for demonstrating this skill. I have a 16 foot canvas tipi in my back woods that I love to spend time in. Still fine tuning it for Alaska, but the journey is as important as the destination, right? You're mighty efficient with that snowshoe shovel.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. I find the geometry of the tipi, particularly on the inside absolutely beautiful.

[@terrancemolitor7226]

It's great to see someone using a real axe.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I simply love the tool … practical and an aggressive way to remove wood.

[@hayward434]

Hello, from one of your supporters from Nova Scotia. I like how comfortable you appear to be after the work is done and a fire is blazing. Another wonderful video. Thanks.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much, Hayward. Cathy is heading to your neck of the woods next week, however, I’m unable to go and sadly she won’t have a car to visit you. Next trip, hopefully this spring our paths will cross.

[@NetTopsey]

Thanks so much. I really like these shelter builds. I think it would be interesting if you could do some deeper dive videos on considerations for building and placing the seasonal shelters.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is food for thought James, thank you.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

A Lovely Home! And I suppose birch bark would have been used for a sweat lodge? I know hides were used as well and different methods by different nations. Thank You Peter and Kathy! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was indeed.

[@bgurtek]

Great video! And awesome snow shoes!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like our channel. Those snowshoes are likely 100 years old.

[@ianandresen2326]

What a beautiful day to be out in the woods! Another great video! I love these simple structures! Next time we see each other, I am going to get you to teach me how to snare!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sounds great, Ian. Snaring is a very simple means of procuring food. It’ll be about a 5 minute lesson.

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Life must of been very very hard for native Americans.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I believe it got hard after European contact. Prior to that I believe they not only survived but in fact thrived .

[@nhmountains5683]

Hi Peter. Do you have to scrape off any of the outer bark for fire prevention?? I’ve made hundreds of fires in my lifetime using birch bark. It seems to catch very easily and burns hot.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A non issue in a larger shelter but, this solo one the fire must be kept small. It doesn’t take much of a fire to warm it up.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Pete, just found your great channel as I reenact this type of living and enjoy still to this day as a Civil War re-enactor, frontiersman, French voyager and Mountain Man. My many times great French Grandfather was a French voyager from Montreal (Jean Lalonde). Thanks so much for your time effort and creativeness for producing such fine content. I'm a new subscriber. From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve nothing but respect for our military veterans, thank you. Glad you’ve found us and flattered that you like the content.

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU

[@HallnoutMhall]

Fine shelter indeed Peter. I'm curious to whether they packed a shovel or did they just use snowshoe shovel lol? Have you ever made snowshoes and Is there a video? I don't recall watching one. Thanks again for sharing, be safe and we'll see you down the road my friend.....

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I never have made snowshoes but, it is on my to be learned list. Perhaps an episode on a newbies effort? Cheers, Michael.

[@jamesvatter5729]

That looks like great shelter, Peter. Kind of wondered if that was some birch bark you chose not to use for the canoe project.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do keep all harvested bark and yes, a lot of this simply wasn’t suitable for a canoe.

[@patriciavanlouwe6636]

Peter ... you are amazing!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Your such a dear sister , even if a wee bit biased!

[@bushcraftowyszlak1819]

Super człowiek Super film 😊

[@manuelwebe]

Beautiful teepee Peter. Curious about the sustainability of harvesting birch bark. How sustainable is it these days? I remember reading a scientific paper a few years ago about the most endangered temperate tree species in the world. Birch (several species) were some of them (mostly because of anthropogenic reasons such as overharvesting, diseases, pests & climate change). How are the Birch trees doing in your part of Canada? I am an ecologist (animal & disease ecologist) by the way. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They are doing reasonably well in the Precambrian area of Ontario, which is good given all the conditions you’ve listed. This was the heart of canoe building during the fur trade era which lasted 300 years. Good bark was becoming a problem for the HBC near the end due to harvesting the very best, leaving genetically inferior trees to propagate. Cathy and I follow the storms. Last year we had to horrific storms go through Northern Ontario. We hit the road in search of suitable bark for our canoe builds. We appreciate your interest, Manuel.

[@manuelwebe]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Excellent. Glad to know Birch trees are doing well in Ontario, Canada. Remember reading that this is not the case in many parts of Europe, Russia & Asia. Brilliant that you use birch from storm-fallen trees. Thanks for answering. Cheers!

[@bobmiller4383]

Another awesome video, Peter. Interestingly, I've been planning a similar build for a while now. Black Robe is an often under appreciated movie IMO I've probably watched it a dozen times now :- ]

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed a great movie.. I probably watch it once a year. There are a few minor errors but from a historically accurate perspective, it’s pretty darn good.

[@aarondavenport3143]

Is there a reason why you're putting the smoother side of the bark facing the outside? I'm just curious because I want to try this but feel like it would be better to have the smoother side of the bark facing in. I feel like there's a greater risk for the flaking outer bark to catch, plus I feel like it would be a cleaner feel on the inside. But am wondering if there's a reason for not doing it that way (does the smoother side repel moisture better for example ha)?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It could go either way. Habit I think, as I’ve built numerous birch bark canoes and the white side always goes on the inside of the canoe. There is a natural oil on the inside of birch bark that is a very effective water proofing.

[@victortuten4399]

Amazing how people adapted local items for their use. Down here the Muscogee, (or Creek after the Europeans), used thatch roofs over plaster type houses. However, they were not as mobile as northern folks were. Milder winters and being a farm based people just led to different housing. I don't know how I almost missed this post from you...must have been busy cutting wood for the upcoming winter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Always wise to keep,a good solid year ahead on the wood.