The BRUTAL Reality that RUINED our Camping Trip 😢

[@davebarney3369]

What I saw in this video was a father and son having an amazing adventure! He showed incredible resilience for a young boy. Kids I teach moan if they walk a mile! I went canoeing with my daughter today, she’s 28, and we hit a submerged log and went in! We will remember that forever and you’ll remember your trip too; the good and the disappointing.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Well said, totally agree!!Oh nooo re the submerged log... been there done that lol - excellent memories, those really will be the best! Thanks for the positive outlook!

[@Frozty]

The reality is that all of those trees were planted nicely in a row, specifically for the purpose of harvesting later. It wasnt a natural, undisturbed forest. That's what sustainable logging looks like, its actually a good thing in my eyes. Much better to plant and harvest than to log elsewhere.

[@EzeAdventurer]

I agree with you. The brutality for me was more about seeing a 1 year old satellite image, driving 8 hours, hiking 5 hours and seeing the forest gone. For my son, understandably that was too much to take. I understand sustainable logging must take place, but we also need to let some beautiful areas breathe, and set them aside for rewilding.. no?

[@Carrera-gp9od]

It’s not a natural forest , these conifer plantations are wildlife deserts . The forestry commission are replacing a lot it these plantations with deciduous trees . More like the forest that should be thee , oak , birch rowan etc , This will encourage wildlife to come back , so the sooner they get rid of the conifers the better in my opinion . .

[@gordon1545]

As a Scottish person very familiar both personally and professionally with land use and forestry, I think it's important to give you and your viewers context. I think the problem is that you call it wilderness throughout the video, but you were never in a wilderness. Almost every tree you pointed the camera is is a sitka spruce, a species from the Pacific North West that was planted decades ago as a commercial crop. You were basically walking through a giant wood farm. The trees in that woodland have reached maturity. If they're not cut down they'll eventually fall down in a storm. This is *not* a natural environment and it needs to be managed. I really don't mean to be cheeky or offensive, but where do you think wood comes from? Wood is a wonderful, long-lasting, renewable, sustainable material and it's better than plastic or cement or almost any alternative. The UK is the fourth biggest importer of wood in the world, because we don't grow as much as we need. What you show in this video is actually good forest management. When this forest was planted they took a lot less care than they do now. That's why it's single species in straight lines, tightly packed with almost no leaf beneath it. That area won't be left to regenerate - we call that deforestation - it will be replanted. Only this time about a quarter of the area will be planted with native trees including many broadleaf, and these will be prioritised around the lochside and the roads and paths, so people can enjoy the forest more. It would be great if in your next video you had an interview with someone who can explain all this - I'd suggested contacting CONFOR, the industry body: www.confor.org.uk/contact-us/

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hi Gordon Thanks for your informative message, which resonates well with me. You’re absolutely right that this is a forestry and the whole purpose of its operations is to create wood. The fact that we are net importers of wood here i the UK doesn’t help either. We are too many on this planet with limited resources. I know this is not true wilderness but in relative terms in the UK, this is what falls into “wilderness” for me.. as there simply isn’t enough land or sufficient alternatives to go camping etc. We have virtually no wilderness left… and despite sustainable practices, I feel we need to consider setting aside more land for rewilding… Easier said than done for sure. And I don’t have the solutions either… Tricky world we live in for sure.

[@Mark-Creed1962]

@@EzeAdventurer Totally agree it's all we have so to us it is "our wilderness”

[@duneideann9241]

There is tree planting going on all over Scotland and not for commercial use There is also rewinding projects going on Great video again 👍

[@NEjack.]

This made me cry for a good minute, to see how vibrant and lively the forest once was as it was filled with homes of little critters, beauty and endless possibility to make life lasting memories. Kids like Itai deserve to experience the only pure form of art we have left on this earth which is nature and its love for us as humans, your description of it being a graveyard was perfect and I hope Itai gets to experience all of natures beauty another day ♥

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much for sharing that buddy, means a lot and honestly feel exactly the same way.... We will be back onto another adventure in no time! Thanks for watching and sending you positive vibes!

[@guidoburdman4790]

Your son’s a hero! We want more Itai on the channel!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Or better we rename the channel Itai Adventurer and have him take it over!

[@guidoburdman4790]

😂

[@Adric7Ai]

@@EzeAdventurer should be!!

[@maripurdiie6666]

Our beloved Scotland. How heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing. Now I know. Amazing boy.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Scotland is still beautiful buddy! It is a forestry and that behaviour is expected.. just a bit brutal when you see it right in front of you.. and a shame we can't seem to find a way to set aside more land for wilderness and nature

[@patandandrea]

I love to see it. Start them young. Your son got a perfect attitude to be in the nature. He’s always stay positive and keep the good spirits. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thank you, I will!! And will pass msg on to my son!

[@robinnormannjespersen1602]

You guys are such an inspiration! "Vamos" you just dont hear that enough in Scotland 🤣🤣❤️

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hahaha VAMOS! Thanks so much for the positive vibes 👊

[@joanhuggett5164]

I agree with @Frozty here. It seems like responsible management to me. Much better than touching old or ancient forests. If it hadn't been bucketing down the whole time, you may not have been so disappointed. Itai seemed to take it in his stride to me, lovely little fellow that he is. Your whole family is appealing, Eze, your son, daughter, 'wifey', dad, cousin. You have a natural way of filming that is very enjoyable. Subscribed a while back when I viewed one of Matt's videos.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much buddy Yeah I agree with everyone basically. It’s both sides. We need sustainable forestry, we need the wood, we have little land left, virtually no wilderness for camping Ad enjoying nature.. it is what it is. The shock of expecting a forest to be there to shelter us and provide a camp for us after 2 days of travelling was what really got us. Appreciate the support mate much love back

[@ElizabethWood-g6p]

The thing is it’s not wilderness. It’s managed landscape that people work on. The streams can be very polluted as can the grubs. It needs to be treated with respect.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Agree

[@davidnorman7715]

I know it looks bad,but it's about the only income out there,it will be cleared and replanted.totally normal and sustainable. Its their office,their place of work .

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know it is buddy, we even met a lovely ranger. There's no hard feelings with what they are doing, they are working. I just wish we could set aside some land for pure wilderness and let some areas breathe you know?

[@maxineredfern3380]

O poor little man not being able to camp out he looked so disappointed. Hopefully his next adventure will be his best. Sad to see the trees being felled but that’s why they where planted unfortunately. Maxxx

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know poor little man, he was a trooper. Yes 100% that’s the purpose of the plantation and that’s the way the world works Thanks for the support as always 👊🙏

[@WhenNaturePauls]

Such a shame, but Galloway forest is essentially just a big plantation any remnants of wilderness was gone a long time ago. Heard the osprey at 7 mins then spotted its nest behind you, the reason I guess that one tree wasn't cut down, wonder what it thinks of its new landscape. Great effort by Itai!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey buddy I know it is, and it's expected... but just makes me wish we could leave areas like these aside for nature to take hold again... rewild a little. Aaah need to check the osprey that's awesome! Itai was an abolsute hero

[@WhenNaturePauls]

​@@EzeAdventurerI know you know and I could not agree more, would love to see masses of rewilding all over the uk. Love watching your family adventures and was a great edit as always.

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@WhenNaturePauls I know you know that I know ❤❤❤ Thanks buddy!

[@Mark-Creed1962]

@@EzeAdventurer Now i know that you know that i know it.

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@Mark-Creed1962 🤣

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Fabulous film, very well done to the young man 🙂 Take care and thank you.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thank you appreciate it, will pass on the message to the star of the show!

[@craigrobertson4994]

So sad what’s happening to our countryside 😢

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks , it is.. we have so little wilderness left … if any. Sad 😢

[@ric3y359]

Eze, so sorry the trip didn’t go to plan. Sometimes these things happen and sometimes for a reason. True test of character, awesome job staying positive and hope Itai enjoyed the sweets 👊

[@EzeAdventurer]

100% couldn't agree more! Itai took full advantage of his unlimited sweets pass !!!

[@WiskeyAdventures]

Been watching nothing but your channel the past ew days. I gotta say you got me hooked. Love your content and your editing is top notch. One of my new favorite out doors channels.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Awesome! Thank you! Appreciate it my friend!

[@canoecycle7005]

Just watched this. I am so sorry you're trip didn't go well. But it was still an adventure. You have a really good boy there as I'm sure you know. That area is my home turf. I've had many hours canoeing lochdoon and cycling through the forest. I've watched a few of your videos today and just subscribed

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks for the kind words I appreciate them!!

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! So sorry that things didn't go as planned. Still good to see you and your boy get out and hike. Cheers!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Definitely buddy always good to get out and this one will be especially valuable as a character building one in the long term

[@thesnipergecko]

Oh mate, the little man's face said it all. Absolute devastation 😢. What a trooper though hiking all that way in the rain and staying positive and upbeat. Much love mate ❤

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much buddy yeah Itai's face man... heartbreaking. But we built character on this trip! Much love back. Hope you wife is doing good mate

[@jacqueline7118]

To see that devastation breaks my heart. We have it in areas of Canada as well and I never get used to it. :( Before seeing the clear cut I so enjoyed seeing your son marvel at nature and enjoy being in it, he is just like Dad! Too bad your trip was ruined but like you said the hike in and out created endurance. I can't believe how far the little guy hiked, he amazes! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a better trip next time. :)

[@gordon1545]

Really really important to say this is nothing like forestry in Canada. He wasn't in a natural landscape, he was in a forest planted with an invasive species about 30 years ago for wood production. Before then it was bare grassland. They will replant the felled area but much better, with about a quarter of the area being native species, especially broadleaf. It will be much more natural and beautiful.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Out of curiosity, What happens after that second cycle, when they plant a quarter native species? Are they all still felled again and again? Thanks for the info!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey Jacqueline thanks for the support!! Itai was absolutely amazing and the trip was indeed going so well until unfortunately we were hit with a brutal reality. But the truth is, we barely have any wilderness left in the UK, and this was indeed in a tree plantation 😢 Next trip will be better for sure thank you!!

[@sallyohalloran6650]

We live in Mid Wales, Cambrian mountains. Forestry here is the same. Plantations of trees. Plant, grow, chop. Such a awful sight when it happens. Totally changes the local landscape. Ever changing. They have replanted here in places here. But also some areas were cleared because of deseased trees which were still ok to harvest. So ugly when it happens

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know exactly! Even if sustainable, it doesn't take away from the shock of seeing a beautifully treed area turn into a desolate place... We need to set some areas for redialing... and let the land breathe...

[@patwilbourne]

Bless you both 🙃 I'm sure it will be twice as good next time as I look forward to seeing 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much appreciate the positive vibes!

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Growing up in the timber country of Vermont (Green Mountains) and northern New York (Adirondack Mountains), I repeatedly experienced the same anger and sadness as a 7 year old myself. Unfortunately, as long as there are politicians who will take a payoff and money to be made by devastating or natural resources, this will continue to happen worldwide.

[@EzeAdventurer]

That's it mate, hit the nail on the head. I know the trees were planted, I know they will replant. But the point is not having any wild land left... If we can't leave these areas be, what areas are we going to let be instead?

[@gordon1545]

That isn't remotely like what happened here. That wasn't a natural forest, it was planted for wood production decades ago. The trees aren't even native, they're sitka spruce from the Pacific North West. The area felled here will soon be more natural than it's been in centuries, because it will be replanted with at least a quarter native species, especially broadleaf, and they'll be located around the lochside, roads and paths so people can enjoy them most. The idea that any politicians in Scotland are somehow getting paid off for forestry is hilarious. This forest is OWNED by the government and doesn't generate any profit. Scotland has more tree cover now than it's had at any point in the past 1,000 years and more is planted all the time.

[@RobbC.]

Heart-breaking mate... such destruction. One thing that makes me happy is that nature will continue to recover long after humans have gone. It's a beautiful Earth we are just visiting, and should treat it better. But she will win eventually. Keep up the inspiring travels my friend.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yeah well said mate. We are just visiting and like you say, the urgency couldn't be higher... that's why I want to experience it as much and as quickly as possible!!

[@gordon1545]

Really really important to say that nothing bad was done to nature here. He wasn't in a natural landscape, he was in a forest planted with an invasive species about 30 years ago for wood production. Before then it was bare grassland. They will replant the felled area but much better, with about a quarter of the area being native species, especially broadleaf. It will be much more natural and beautiful.

[@vermeerofdelftscotlandwalk3294]

I'm from Scotland, and I'm curious about the exact location shown in the video. Your camping trip may have been a disappointment but I think that the video was worth putting up. The boy seems to have enjoyed the adventure. Your next camping trip will be better and less boggy than this one. 😁 Great video👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

This was Loch Macaterick in Galloway. Yeah he did enjoy it, we'll be back for more :-) Thanks for the support!

[@AstroBioMan]

Ah man, I had a camp ruined by logging recently too, arrived to find the whole forest declared off limits due to the cutting still being ongoing. Will just make the next trip all the more satisfying.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Aaah man sorry to hear that, you know the feeling too well. 100% - we'll be back for more action!

[@SocksWithSandals]

There is a hidden teacher within every "negative" experience. Wood doesn't just grow on trees.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Well said!! Like that thanks for sharing

[@Woodsman_wildcamper]

Aw mate, I know exactly where you were. I've camped there a few times, on that peninsula. I was planning on camping there next weekend. Guess not now. Sorry for you and your son. Take care mate 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks buddy! Saved you 14km walking lol!!!

[@garryreiddoonvalleytroutfi218]

Sorry your trip didn't turn out yer son looked gutted when he sees the trees, great to get the young ones out into the wildernes eze ,hope yer next trip to the area is a better experience, there is a bothy not far from where you were called the tunskeen ,always handy to if you need shelter and to dry the boots

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much brother appreciate it!! Tight lines 🎣

[@peteraitken6494]

That’s a shame they always have to ruin it for others like ourselves your kid was so looking forward to it as well,hopefully you can find somewhere else to go and enjoy stay safe and take care buddy all the best 👍👌❤️

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much buddy, we will definitely replan a trip and get back on the horse! Appreciate it take mate!

[@gordon1545]

Really really important to say that nothing bad was done to nature here. He wasn't in a natural landscape, he was in a forest planted with an invasive species about 30 years ago for wood production. Before then it was bare grassland. They will replant the felled area but much better, with about a quarter of the area being native species, especially broadleaf. It will be much more natural and beautiful.

[@lindahartley2940]

I know it looks bad when this happens but this is not a wilderness it is Forestry Land and the trees are their crop. Planted by them and harvested by them.

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know linda, you're right. I know it's a forestry and sustainable etc - just wish we could set aside some land to be wild, and let a little piece of the UK breathe you know?

[@gordon1545]

@@EzeAdventurer Ah c'mon, that land stopped being wild centuries ago. You can't look for wilderness where it doesn't exist - there's plenty of Scotland that's wild.

[@p1gMC]

​@@EzeAdventurerthere are large national parks and wilderness conversation areas for example the cairn gorms national park, that are more wild and have lots of natural woodland

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@RuskiSlay Agree!!

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@gordon1545 I agree, but when we think about rewilding.. what lands are we supposed to consider / target?? These lands too were wild once, weren't they?

[@sallyohalloran6650]

What a trooper!! Good job mini man! 👏 ❤

[@EzeAdventurer]

He really is a hero!!

[@sallyohalloran6650]

@@EzeAdventurer love that he has his own camera. You tell him I want a little video...following in daddy's steps 🚶‍♀️

[@aspireroaming]

There was no need to apologize Eze . I watch your videos to follow your adventures whether they are big trips or at times a bust . Like you said ,every trip awards you with something, whether that's amazing views or resilience and determination. But the boy looked very cool in his new outfit mate and to have his own gopro too. Something says to me your doing it right mate coz from looks of it ,he looks up to his adventurous dad. 🙂. Enjoy the memories Eze and have a wicked time in Canada.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much for the super kind words my man - appreciate it! Itai is a wonderful kid and to see him in pure happiness when we're out there is just the most gratifying thing ever! He did look SO cool with all his outfit lol. Thanks so much and yeah bud catch up when I'm back!

[@suemoore1965]

❤️❤️🧡🧡💛💛💚💚💙💙 THANKS FOR SHARING ❤️❤️🧡🧡💛💛💚💚💙💙

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@allbushnocraft3031]

Mate just did a loch doon trip and on a fire wood walk the devastation was ridiculous, not the cutting of trees which you expect in a plantation but the whole place just ripped apart

[@EzeAdventurer]

Aaah I feel for you brother!!!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

I feel your pain what a nightmare for the little man he walked a lot of miles to find the place looking like that it just go's to show you never know what you are going to find at the location you pick Google maps need to update more often atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks buddy!! Yeah you never know what you’re gonna find !! Still a great experience for character and resilience building

[@johnemmett1097]

Did a trip to the same place with my son at the start of the year. We ended up camping not far from the bridge you had lunch under. Shame but I guess that's why they're planted in the 1st place. 😢

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know totally agree.. it is what it is! Hope you get onto another adventure with your son!

[@foresteroutdoors]

Ahh man! Gutting when trips go a bit Pete tong 😢 Little fella still looked to be enjoying being out with his old man, despite the shock of the deforestation. He smashed that hike though! I was hoping you had a local back up plan there and didn’t have to drive all the way back without getting to camp out together.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much buddy! He really did smash it! We considered camping somewhere else but honestly we were just so drained physically and emotionally that decided to cut our losses and regroup for another adventure in a couple months time!

[@foresteroutdoors]

@@EzeAdventurer yeh I know that feeling, you made the right decision there 😃

[@stubloggs6358]

Thats a shame Eze...........however as you summed up....''its a learning curve''... ''everyday's a school day'' as we say up north.....Sill enjoyed the video my friend.......ATB......Stu...😊😊

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Stu! Totally agree buddy and glad you enjoyed the video still! 👊

[@dougieranger]

Hey man, it doesn’t work out every time. I think the Forestry Commission are trying to rewild with indigenous trees instead of Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir. They say leaving the trunks to rot is good for the insect population. Stay strong bro.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks buddy! We are all good thanks and more resilient for the next adventure! All good with the forestry too, I know they have a job to do, and trust everyone is trying their best

[@dougieranger]

@@EzeAdventurer Glad you’re all well Eze. I don’t trust the FC either, they have a lot to prove.

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Loved it

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thank you!

[@ShoyShoy1980]

Chin up buddy, there's always a next time!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Always!!! Thanks buddy!!

[@ccranston01]

the larch. there was a disease within the larch 😬😬😬

[@EzeAdventurer]

😢😢😢😢

[@doncox1330]

I still enjoyed the video.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Don really appreciate that, makes me happy to hear it

[@cookscatapults]

Hahahahaha Winning.....Hanging outside with your son hahaha Now That's what it's all about...Thanks for Sharing

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yeah was still worth it , thanks!

[@rialobran]

It's a shame, but as you say the 'wilderness' that is left in the UK is still exploited for gain. Not in our lifetime, but maybe in the lifetime of your son the whole planet will fall foul of the greed of humans. Now the serious point, what do you charge to carry packs? I could do with a sherpa on my trips.

[@EzeAdventurer]

I know buddy, outlook doesn't look to good ey? Hahaha I had a neck ache after that for about 3 days loolll!!

[@outdoorsforachange]

Plan trips to real forests will solve the problem.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yeah could do

[@dallashoover2014]

'promo sm' 😓

[@EzeAdventurer]

.