I Ran Away from Home to Live in the Woods at 13 | Fireside Chat with Greg Ep. 4

In this fireside chat, Greg talks about his FIRST survival challenge, running away from home when he was 13 to live in the wilderness.
Greg is a self-taught survivalist from Canal Flats, British Colombia, who, since he was a boy, has read nearly every book on the topic. When he is not out in the wilderness, he is a professional dry-waller. He started his first bow drill fire when he was thirteen and spent the next forty years learning bushcraft and studying plants and edibles. He has even developed some of his own survival techniques and is a skilled hunter with both a bow and a slingshot.
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[@dalewarner4216]

I did the same thing in 1972 at the age of 16. Read and studied the same books. I grew up in the desert but had mountains nearby. My father dropped me of at the foothills and I was on my own for the summer. Fortunately my father had taught me a lot. Best summer of my life. Nowadays I live in my woods off grid in a tiny cabin. Life is good.

[@Dav3]

Yet you apparently have internet and comment on social media...LOL

[@HeavyDanger]

so does greg, whats the point here?@@Dav3

[@ladeene06]

Im jealous😂

[@Stupid_Words]

Living the dream

[@pederpedersson8951]

i love reading comments from simple minded mouthbreathers@@Dav3 please dont have kids.

[@seedy-waney-bonnie4906]

When I was 21 I went into the deep wilderness lived off the land without any electric power for 20 years. Saw very few people. Now I an 67 and because of what's going on in the world I am going back in a year or two to live out the rest of my life.

[@RustyShakleford1]

Beautiful

[@RustyShakleford1]

Freedom happiness love

[@paul5403]

I had the same inspiration from Jeremiah Johnson . I'm 58 and live in my van while I travel around the forested parts of the UK. I'm in the Cairngorms in Scotland at the moment in amongst the Douglas firs and Scots pines . Me and my dog just soaking up the beautiful woods and lochs . The spirit of Jeremiah Johnson still inspires . As a kid I was always building shelters and lighting fires , I think it's just in us and always will be . I always enjoy watching your videos and love the fire side chats . Cheers Greg

[@Alan.88]

Super estory ☺️🤔

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

Hello from greenock 😂

[@tokiburoak7457]

Come to Canada.

[@paul5403]

@@tokiburoak7457 in the early 90s I hitch hiked from Vancouver up to Dawson then across to Haines and then down to Calgary and back to Vancouver . I absolutely loved it . I read some of jack London's stuff and had to go and see it . I spent 10 years travelling all over the world but Canada and Yukon territory was without a doubt the most special.

[@kennoseworthy6473]

I can picture it now,,, Beautiful, serene and peaceful. Not unlike where I live off-grid. Newfoundland, Canada! Cheers!!

[@kellyrobison917]

Although I am a woman, from the time I was 12 in 72, I had the fantasy of running away and living off the land. I did not do that but have enjoyed the outdoors ever since. I continue to this day, go as far into the wild as my toyota pickup will take me. Keep on with your stories! Really enjoy your films.

[@kennoseworthy6473]

I do a thing called Primitive camping. I just go as far as I can or afford and find a small opening for a tiny tent. Many times I do it in April with -5c at night. Only 1 or 3 nights then back to the grind again. But I find it rejuvenating. (im your age)

[@sheilam4964]

It's about time we get another Fireside Chat with Greg. 😊 Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jerrytalley802]

From what I recall, Dick only intended to stay a year, but stayed until he couldn’t stay he was too old. My Dad loved and introduced me to Dicks story, and I loved it too. When my Dad went into palliative care in the last 3 months of life, I sat with him and we watched some of the story on Dick. He passed away March 23 2018, and getting teared up thinking about it. Thanks for another great chat Greg.

[@michaelbiggs7129]

Dude's a natural story teller & a lovable character to boot 👍👍

[@davidsmith8997]

Good on your Dad for finding you and bringing you back! You weren't ready and he was there to bail you out before things got too serious.

[@moniquemannaert3468]

Then he still had to face Mum..

[@debbieherrera1605]

Between the movie Jeremiah Johnson and the books where the red fern grows. And my side of the mountain, it was a dream of so many kids that were born in the 60’s and 70’s. Most of us (unlike you) never did though. The closest we got was camping with are family’s. Happy that you made your dream come true.

[@grantb6727]

Greg's locked in

[@user-zv1es3tj4y]

Frfr

[@zeldanrj3]

Love watching you Greg.. thank you for this story. You know, I too ran away at 13. It was 1983, my father had just passed, my mom was in her own world, and I split! I slept on the beach, in a tent, for a week. My 2 friends and I. We caught class, and ate them, had some canned goods. Would go swimming if it was hot, and enjoy the quiet evenings at night. It was the perfect peace of mind for me.

[@oldgrizz8720]

I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh. There were wonderful woods and creeks behind our house. Weekends, after school, and especially in the summer, we lived in the woods. It was a great place to grow up. Close enough to home that our parents felt we were safe, and let us sleep in the woods for a week at a time. We built "forts", dammed the creek, learned to make traps and snares, and to pilfer from the neighbors' gardens at night. Wouldn't trade those days for anything.

[@marijuonko7092]

I'm from the johnstown area. We did the same things as kids in the 90s. Awsome times

[@erikkibler3466]

I’m from the York area and we did the same in the 90’s.i miss how the world was then…

[@N2freedom]

I had the same plan when I was 14. I was inspired by the book, “My side of the mountain”. I had some skills back then in the sixties. Needless to say my parents also put a stop to my plans. When I was older I built a rock cabin in the woods and spent my time there and in the adjacent national forest being a “ mountain man”. I am too old now, but I enjoy your stories and videos, thanks for sharing.

[@Alsatiagent-zu1rx]

I was just thinking about that book. Thing is, a hollowed out tree makes for a crappy shelter.

[@debbieherrera1605]

Yah I loved that book but was never brave enough to follow through with it. Kinda wonder how many people would have been better off today if they had.

[@Tonyzipporah]

I also loved that book and would dream about living in a hollowed out tree with falcon to catch food- a great story.

[@johncochran7787]

Waiting patiently! You're content is honestly some of the most important out there. Our lives could depend on it!

[@lilvalentine545]

I absolutely loved your fireside story Greg. I'm impressed how well you did on your first day out with a catch and cook straight up. Most kids have barely mastered mac n cheese in a microwave by that age. I'm super amazed your dad tracked you so fast , he must have known you better than you realised. 😊

[@a.azazagoth5413]

You are a man that truly answers the call of the wild. That’s a life of no regrets brother!

[@user-wn1gk2kg1w]

Well put, not many can say they have no regrets!

[@karennewbury6430]

Another great fireside chat Greg. I always enjoy your videos. I'm looking forward to the book and watching your cabin build videos. Stay safe. Blessings.

[@Vhalior666]

So few people ever realize their dreams in life. You truly are a Mountain Man and fulfilled your lifelong dream. You are an inspiration to us all, Greg. May you always be blessed, brother.

[@OvensRockyMountainBushcraft]

Thanks for your support buddy

[@bad_berry]

I love the way you said this; "it was unrealistic, but it was quite the dream of mine. And now here i am im pretty much living my dream that i had when i was 13, in a way" our dreams may not look exactly how we imagined them as children, but if you keep on with something long enough you will eventually find a way to make that dream a reality. Thanks for that thought Greg; Lots of love from the South Island

[@rickyshappenings]

Mr. You make a lot of sense to me. I just saw you for the 1st time today on KZbin. I am a 54 year old grandmother raising 3 grandchildren. I always wanted to 'live off the land'. I learned to cook with sourdough, knit, and split wood . My husband and i used to put up 13 cords of wood every fall for winter. I used to garden, growing our vegetables and flowers. Long story short, i now live in a town with 3 grandchildren. I cant even have a garden here. Keep pursuing your dreams. God Bless. Im a new subscriber.

[@barbaralockett2956]

No wonder you know so much about the wilderness, you started young, I so enjoy your stories and adventures ❤

[@attilatech]

This story is your origin story. It is so important to tell everyone how you started and what inspired you to continue that adventure. I love your fireside chat! Stay awesome!

[@sapphire962]

I find your videos very relaxing to watch. Always a pleasure to hear your stories and watch you at work. Thanks for sharing

[@ievmotron]

You are a true role model!!! Your living out your childhood dreams and are very informative about surviving out in the wilderness! Love your channel brother!

[@user-hy2sx3jt6m]

Love your fireside chats. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Every video you do is so interesting and the backgrounds of nature beautiful. Again, thank you very much. Best wishes for a great New Year.

[@breathedreams7344]

That thumbnail is nightmare fuel

[@hickshickory3482]

Greg your such a kind and humble soul brother. I’m a marine corps veteran who lost purpose for awhile but love the bush and survival lifestyle! My goals definitely consist of doing what you are doing but for now I’m so grateful to feel the experience that you share with us all so we can learn and live it through you! I would love to do a thirty day challenge with you brother it would be a dream come true! Stay safe out there bubba we’re all watching! God bless! I’d like to send Finley a goodie package if possible?

[@giovanni_soto]

Greg, i see it that the Lord was gracious to you, letting your dad find you and giving you time to grow and mature. Youth can get us into some dangerous situations just because we are stupid! I have plenty of my own experiences. I'm glad you can share your dreams, stories, and your skills with all of us. Since ALONE I've been following you and appreciate all that you have to share and teach. Thank you!

[@riverratranger1427]

I'm 73 now. Every year I put my rowboat in a river in Iowa or Missouri, early in May and float down to the Big River. I camp on the shore.. live the dream.

[@Roarmeister2]

Your story reminds me a lot about "My Side of the Mountain" - a book set in New York and Catskills (and later movie set in Toronto/mountains in Quebec) about a 12 year boy.

[@jonfisher9214]

Me and my friends never ran away. But we would go fishing for days on end in the Summer. When we had to go back to school at the end of the summer we would still fish Friday nights through to Sunday afternoon. Coming home covered in mud and smelling of fish and woodsmoke was a sign of a good trip!

[@wendyshick6689]

I really enjoyed your story Greg thank you for bringing us along and excited to read your story 😊 I love everything that has to do with the outdoors and being outside 👍🐕🐺🐶🔥👍

[@OvensRockyMountainBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nighthiker8872]

I lift Michigan, grew up in a dysfunctional home, they had no plans to change! So, I went south. Any farther south I be in Mexico.

[@PhamVans]

Great story sir, much respect to you for surviving out there. I think many of us want to live out there in the wild but don't have the guts to actually do it.

[@Mark-pp7jy]

Mad respect Greg. I think most young people dream about striking out on their own, for various reasons. Some good, and some not so good. When I was in my early teens, my dad bought five acres outside of town next to the river, and had a house built. Despite everything Mom and Dad provided for us, I still thought about running away, because I thought they were too strict. I'm glad I didn't, and to this day I appreciate more and more how much they did for my brothers and sisters and me. Thank you for sharing your life with us, because perspective can be a magnificent gift. ✌️♥️ Mark 🇺🇲

[@julieharris1872]

What a remarkably familiar story Greg. I think at one stage in every child's life the "lure" of nature beckons. I am so glad you took it that one step further and gave people like myself that intimate view of your lifestyle. Well done Sir. Julie, down under❤️

[@louisecharette-bertrand9577]

I will buy your survival book once it is published. You have really good dreams.

[@patrickharmon9459]

Cool story Greg. According to the dates I have 1 year on you. I never ran away from home, but my dad had 15 acres in Indiana witch was connected to about 40 acres to additional woods with a creek flowing through it. And I spent alot of time in the woods. Plus dad encouraged it, as long I did my chores. I spent alot days in the woods with just visqueen for my tent and I ate alot of catfish throughout the night. Your story brought back alot of old memories and I thank you. Keep up the good work Greg and God bless you and your family. PS. My kids like to camp too, with their children

[@chrisgalvin6703]

Your blessed that you’ve stayed focused on your dream. Dreams come true. Just follow through. Looking forward to following your progress.

[@DestinyLabMusic]

Haha! What an awesome story Greg! Now you’re inspiring the next generation to go on similar adventures to do the same! We need great men like yourself to inspire the next generation who are lacking strong male role models! God bless you brother!

[@dekacoombe4595]

I did something like that when I was about 11 ish 1979 , bought My side of the Mountain and How to survive from the school book club , I would spend hours down the fields building camps and trying to catch rabbits, loved it , I still love getting in the hills , The Cheviots Northumberland UK , but it was definitely those books that did it for me , I still have them too , love your story Greg and your channel, thanks for sharing 👍🏻atvb Deka 👍🏻

[@jalice444]

Oh yes, I would loooove to read your book. I'll keep my eyes and ears open ❤

[@MrFrost123ify]

Sweet another Greg video!!

[@fullmoonmaiden777]

Man, Greg, i love your teen adventure time story! Reminds me of my first time i tried bushwacking/ surviving on my own (lasted half a day 😅). I was 10 or 11, started out early in the morning, around 8 or 9am, nice sunny summer day. I had a tiny paper sack (for candies) filled it full of fish sticks, grabbed my walking stick (a branch broken off our old tree behind our house) and set off down the hill looking for adventure. No water, nothing to eat but my greasy fishsticks so after trying hard to ration them out, i managed to last til noon. From then on i foraged for wild strawberries, buffalo flowers (wild yellow peas), saskatoon berries, chokecherries, anything i could find to fill my growling tummy. By mid afternoon i was so thirsty i thought well, i could drink from the hose out front of the house, that wouldn't really be cheating. So i went back up the hill, drank as much water as i could, very tasty drinking hot water from an old plastic-tasting garden hose 😅 on a hot smmer day. As i turned to leave i could smell my gramma's home cooking: nothing in this world beats the smell of fried flank, fry bread and fried potatoes in butter. Man i was so starved i ran inside and sat down to a delicious home-cooked meal w/ my grampa watching me, laughing as i gobbled up my food, washing it down with glasses of milk. Forgot all about bushwacking that day, i tell you what 😆.

[@kayelmaddux2023]

I grew up in the woods as a kid in a log cabin built in the 70's and always admired that way of life, it brings so much peace of mind and can't wait to build my own some day in the far but near future

[@danielsacco3103]

Excited for the videos to come and the book! LFG👍🏼

[@andrewaarons5058]

I often spent time in the Rocky Mountains when I was a younger man and I dreaded going back to civilization back to work the next day ,so peaceful out there ,best times I spent were out in nature I think ,it feels wholesome it feels right like a reset

[@slapjohnson2808]

We appreciate you Greg!

[@bradbisio]

Jeremiah and Dick.❤ Rock on and thank you for being brave and telling your story, Mr. Greg!🤟

[@sirsmokealot96]

My fiancé and I left town and moved off the grid in our own little cabin when I was 24 and she was 22. Still here.

[@isabellam1936]

More fireside chats! This was legendary and fun and cozy and warm. My whole family loves you.

[@scheltschmelts3785]

Love this content Greg! Thank you for sharing your stories with us! I Can't wait for more!

[@kevinlittle9483]

Awesome!! Can't wait for the book!

[@heathhaas5163]

Awesome fire side chat, and story. Thank you for sharing Greg, and many blessings on the continued adventure.

[@janetholley1004]

We all need to learn survival skills, our life depends on them. Teach them to your children & grandchildren. Thank you Greg

[@OlyCerrito-si3yy]

Life is good when a Greg video is on

[@groovr22]

I love these Fireside Chat stories...! That was a great story. Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad that you decided to make these Fireside videos.

[@Gunge-vq2ik]

GREAT STUFF GREG!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@williamwert9684]

Another great fireside chat thanks Greg!

[@brianohren2672]

Thanks for sharing the story.

[@kiravaldez2911]

Love your fireside stories! Can't wait to get your book!! Stay safe

[@kimberleyg2094]

Love the story can't wait to hear more

[@jedgerrard1386]

Love the story. Can't wait for the book.

[@minnil7927]

cant wait for the book thanks

[@roostermbakb6727]

Already waiting. Love the direction you’re taking this channel man.

[@tlee178]

Thanks I have really enjoyed your videos over the years.May God bless and protect you and yours all of the days.

[@preachta]

Absolutely loved listening to your fireside chat-really great

[@martwilman]

I really enjoy your Fireside Chats, Greg. Thanks so much for sharing with us and keep living the dream! 👍

[@equalizer1553]

Best fireside yet, Greg you just found your groove on these firesides. Congrats on the book!

[@RiverBankViking]

Thank you for sharing your story Greg. Inspires me to think about everything I have in life and being thankful for this. Best regards from Germany

[@nathankrueger3586]

Enjoying your stories Ovens hope to hear more

[@werejusdoinit6657]

Ty for your honesty Greg❤

[@CRCov]

Greg, your life and stories are so inspiring. Thank you!

[@agenttex7831]

Great story… thanks for sharing Greg!

[@dustywoolverton7463]

I can't wait for the book, you're the best teacher I've ever had, I'm 19 and bushcraft is my main interest, I just love the wilderness. Thank you for sharing the wisdom of years-old knowledge that you've gathered, we appreciate you doing this for us

[@terrypatterson1481]

Brilliant Greg. I can't wait to read your book.

[@heathcoat67]

what a great story. and kudos to your dad's love for his boy

[@sirpainter1]

God Speed with you cabin, Thanks for sharing!

[@jccoffey23]

We love you Greg Ovens. Keep up the good work brother 🙏 Godbless

[@ryasnipes6068]

Love it! We used to get in trouble for staying out too late playing in our Cave Forts!

[@swim2kill]

Looking forward to the book! 😊

[@joannaolier3005]

Respect. You got to your Dream. The cabin will come. You'll do it. You are a follow through kind of man. Thank you for sharing.

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Glad you're using cast iron as opposed to those coated pans on the fire. Great story. Thanks for sharing your history with us,Greg. Love to read your book and watch you build your log cabin!

[@seanadams2391]

Yes! Greg you must build that cabin and complete the circle! Keep dreaming and living your dreams!

[@edwardsnelling9536]

Love your story was always in the woods in my teens . Always loved outdoors hunting and fishing. GOD BLESS

[@jasonburns9320]

Love the fireside chats!

[@micahestep7679]

Thanks for sharing that with us Greg...😊

[@TexRider]

a great fire side chat. I enjoyed it very much.

[@Vorachan1111]

By accident I just found your channel and listened to this story, Greg. I enjoyed it and subscribed. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Keep your dream of building a cabin. I’m of the mind that we can manifest that which is for our highest good. There is nothing more rewarding than appreciating nature and all its goodness.

[@lisaboshell8296]

This was a very touching video, Greg. Thank you for sharing! I really enjoy your content and hope you get that log cabin soon!

[@bobtucker8875]

Great 👍 story 👏. Thanks for sharing, can't wait for the book 📚. Keep the content coming 😊. Very interesting 🤔.

[@LindaSimic-qt3mh]

Look at you and how far you have come living your dreams true inspiration we love all you do and are take care God bless❤

[@karenemery6045]

Can't wait for the book!! I'll buy 2!! 👊👍👍

[@finch101872]

Keep these videos coming sir! I enjoy them.

[@richermorin]

so cool to see you living your dream, keep it up, you're an inspiration

[@michellestoppa6162]

Love this!

[@AllenKeithKochovski]

Love your fireside chat marvelous story my friend.

[@jckelsey]

Thanks Greg!

[@2323msg]

Greg, I’m new to your channel but I must say, your story telling, the build up, the cadence of your voice, is as good as when you do just your survival videos. You’re an amazing man with an amazing story and are a true inspiration my friend

[@herbst1398]

Thank you for sharing

[@DirtyDickson82]

I loved the story Greg! Can’t wait for your book!!