Stealth Camping in Canada's Most Dangerous City

[@jimbunda46]

Greg, I have to say this was likely one of my favourite videos you put out. I enjoyed you reminiscing about your youth. I was homeless at a young age and spent time living on the Sydenham River near my childhood town using a bank line fishing for suckers and catfish to eat. I left that town and never went back due to not so fond memories, but I do have fond memories of being hungry and getting a sucker or catfish to eat while sitting at a bank side fire at night. Great video Greg. Made me reflect in a positive light. Thanks Greg!

[@celiasennon1494]

I am on my way home from work and listening. This is so relaxing. I think Greg was born to help people, in a different way. Your content is always relaxing. Thank you.

[@nancyl3843]

I would love to see the old videos. This video brought tears to my eyes. I'm 68, and I grew up in a woods with a large creek. It was the birthplace of my love of nature and my imagination. Sorry to say I never went back, but this video took me back to a glorious childhood and memories. Thank you.

[@dawnpelz8570]

I had a similar reaction.What a cool video from Greg. I would love to see the old recordings. I was born in '73 and grew up in Summit bordering south side Chicago. I played in the woods between the park, railroad tracks, Interstate 55 and the I&M canal. I had no idea what the neighborhood would become but we rode our bikes around town and were innocent. Luckily I spent a week or two in rural KY every year with my dad's family and I learned to fish and hunt with my cousin. I brought garter and fox snakes, painted turtles, red ear sliders, bullfrogs, and crayfish home as pets. Before I went to HS I had been on the deadly side of a drive by shooting by the Latin Kings and was involved in more fights than I care to remember. After trying to cope with the rat race I moved to central WI when I was 28. I think I need to keep going now that I'm 50. I can see the signs I was too young to notice back then.

[@gwildordipkin6504]

Yeah sounds super cool. Am sure there is tech now to get super 8 to digital.

[@kazbah1217]

Seems that's the only way to experience joy anymore is by reminiscing about the good days past. Nothing but bad days ahead for all of us from here on out. Glad I have fantastic Gen X memories ❤ peace to all.

[@billparker8954]

@@dawnpelz8570 We had a place called "Barry's Run". It was a gorgeous spot, with moss, willows and a cool, clean brook. We'd skip school and roast wienies on a camp fire. Sadly, it's been developed. If only I had pictures of how beautiful it was.

[@backpackertoo]

Greg’s the real deal folks! I’ve been an outdoorsman all my life and Greg is the real deal. I’m so proud of you Greg for stepping outside your comfort zone and making these videos. This is as real and true as it will ever get folks. How often will you find a man that actually prefers to sleep in the woods rather then his home? He does do this for content for videos but if he wasn’t making videos he’d be doing the same thing. He’s the most knowledgeable outdoorsman I’ve ever seen. I’d give my left arm to spend a week in the bush with him cause that one week would be a lifetime of knowledge.

[@bubblesk.9599]

Couldn't agree more! 💯👏 My wife told me just now that if she ever falls ill, she would love to ONLY meet Johnny Depp. She has no care in the world for celebrities but him. She added that Greg would be another, and that's it! 😂 🤣 I went from being an outdoorsman to a beer gut couch potato, looking like Homer Simpson. Lol. Maybe that's why I am the least favorite of hers right now. 🤦‍♂️🍻 Thanks, Greg, for all the videos she loves and enjoys them, especially this one...."Memory lane."

[@TheFaceofRebellion]

Greg, I'm nearly half your age, and one thing I've learned early is that nostalgia is a powerful notion, and a trip down memory lane can sometimes be an emotional, depressing one. I thank you for sharing this part of your life, and I'd LOVE to see your old films.

[@greasesicle]

That is trashed leftovers from logging.

[@avgrim7729]

Why depressing??

[@blainruyf1259]

​@@avgrim7729 because the city is like a disease it spreads and destroys.

[@falcon5751]

Yeah, memories are a weird thing. They can be beautiful but also very painful.

[@fallingfairies33]

Yes!!! I’d LOVE to see your old videos from your child!!! That would be amazing!!! ❤

[@BenjaminBess-s2j]

Ditto! I watch these with my girls, 10 and 11. They love this stuff and I've been meaning to do some off the grid with them just haven't found the time.

[@aepage3165]

A couple years ago I returned to my old back woods trail behind the house I used to live in. After 10 years away, it really brought a tear to my eye to see the area had aged about as well as I had. Life moves on.

[@2323msg]

Yes, Greg…watching your old 8mm early 70’s footage, would be a true blast from the past..hope we can see them sometime

[@michaeldusso6882]

When I was a kid, 13-14 years old (mid 1960s), I grew up in a part of Atlanta, GA known as Buckhead. Our house sat right on the edge of a HUGE block of woods that must have been at leaset 5 miles square. My friends and I spent our lives in those woods, it was a raw wooded area with several creeks and ponds. I went back to Atlanta about 5 years ago and went driving through the old neighborhood and to my amazement, ALL the woods were GONE, completely, not one tree left standing, and it was nothing but long stretches of houses, apts., fast food joints etc. You’re very lucky that some of your past is still standing and you were able to revisit it.

[@deanmadden123]

Wow that is really sad😢

[@davidwebster3738]

Same story with me. I grew up just on the outskirts of Sudbury, Ontario, not too far from Laurentian University with a childhood spent largely running around in the forest. Today, it is all gone - developed. We had black bears in our yard on numerous occasions, back then, and all the neighbors, mostly immigrants from various European countries, had enormous vegetable gardens. The powers that be have decreed that Canada must grow and grow, and grow some more, and more people requires more housing. Of course, some people have made a lot of money out of the deal as well. Canada as a country is richer than it was when I was young. That is true. However, it makes me sad to remember how it was, and all that has been lost never to return. I remind myself that change is an inevitable part of life.

[@sharonleah886]

Hi neighbor. Hope you are doing well. I agree, change is inevitable. However we must be the change we want to see. Living small and gardening in Dowling.

[@williambenner701]

Restoring video has changed over the years, and know there are many services you can find on line. This video has brought back a lot of memories of surviving in the wilderness in Northern California. We have had similar adventures.

[@adimitrov9006]

After growing up and living in New Westminster British Colombia for 17 years. This video reminds me of all the fun memories I had! I loved hanging out in the forests and camping next to the lakes and rivers was the best. I will definitely cherish and learn from the ups and downs I have had in the nature.

[@GREVIOUSANGEL2]

It's Surrey, BC. Grew up there as well during the time Greg was there.

[@vinnibackwoods5650]

It brought so much joy to see you get a chance to get back to where you grew up and thank you for sharing this. I sure hope your able to salvage your films, I know I would love to watch them if you get the opportunity!

[@pattibrown1809]

Oohh Greg I feel your pain! Born in 1966, and my city where I was born (close to Mexico/ Arizona border) has gotten so scary and ugly!! Hopefully I'll run into you in the bush someday!!❤✌🤙I don't know how to salvage your old videos, but I sure would love to see them!

[@bradleymcdaniel1895]

I never make a comment on videos but after watching you for years i just have to say this has to be my favorite videos! I always wondered about your past! Keep sharing your old memories!

[@johnanon3081]

This is my favorite video of yours so far! Thanks for taking us on a trip along your old stomping grounds. You should do the odd stealth camping vid as well. Seems that's quite the popular thing on KZbin right now. And yes! Those old video clips from the 70s would be awesome to see!!!!!!!!

[@danielsacco3103]

It’s clearly a sign that the woods YOU roamed while younger are still untouched and very similar to what it was !! Awesome to see

[@michaelbeck6138]

love the video reminiscing at the youthful days fleeting away. brings back memories.thanks Greg

[@mobeltass]

It's good to see that your place by the creek still is preserved! My home town (Gothenburg, Sweden) where I still live has a similar story; lots of new houses everywhere, shootings every week, rapid population growth... and of course a loss of green areas for recreation. Almost all of the places where I used to play as a kid are gone. Must be a good feeling to find your old camping spot after all those years!

[@Northwest3dDesign]

what a great video Greg. i cant wait to see the old footage that you have if its still okay!! Super epic channel man! i hope there is plenty more Greg Ovens and Finley videos in the future!!

[@randallhartley1959]

Pretty awesome to see some of your early days Greg. I grew up in the same town I'm in currently, and NOTHING is the same about my early life. Every school I attended, has been razed and new schools built with names changed. Back then, I had the run of my town at 10 years old. As long as I was back before street lights came on. Never locked the doors. Quiet nights with the windows open. Only a train horn now and then. Society keeps changing for the worse because of technology that advances the worst in people. Love to find a stream with a little woods, build a shelter, forget what it's like to depend on society and government hand outs and just get by on your wits and perserverence. I'd love to see those early videos of your life too. Can't count on the good old days coming back anytime soon though. Sad... Peace brother.

[@Drew4078]

You Sir, have inspired me to go back to my hometown and do a similar trip. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us! God bless you my brother!

[@GF-pc5bt]

This guy is my favourite bush crafter because he is simple and real… probably makes a nice living but still down to earth…than again he is all about the earth….you’re alright in my books. Greg….

[@goingferalfishingbushcraft6751]

Man I can’t imagine returning to my old stomping grounds as a kid in Florida. Running wild in the woods and fishing the creeks. Must be amazing man what a feeling it must be. Awesome video .

[@TheFishingMommy]

I was thinking that too

[@p_campbell]

I went back to mine there used to be open desert for miles and miles, now the whole area I used to play in is houses.

[@davearonow65]

I did return to my old stomping grounds in Florida wilderness. Bought 12 acres on the Withlacoochie river. 10 of those acres are untouched woods and I have 1000 feet of riverfront with property on both sides of the river. I'm 58 but feel like a 12 year old kid again.

[@igormironov7391]

It was great to see pictures of you Greg Ovens, at 2:32, in your younger years.

[@karennewbury6430]

Thank you Greg for sharing. Absolutely I would love to see 'old' footage of your earlier life, bush crafting and camping. 🐝 Bee well ...

[@traduni920]

Id love to watch those old videos. Another great video Greg, watching you has always been a pleasure.

[@jccoffey23]

Greg your awesome I love your channel brother i watch every single episode & this is one of my favorite for sure. Thank you for sharing the smile on your face and the twinkle in your eyes when you were at the creek was so genuine your story was heartfelt ♥️

[@42adventures79]

Danke!

[@MarkSmith-gt4kq]

I've lived here at my home in northern Wisconsin for 43 years. Very little has changed! The view out any window of my home is the same as it was when my wife and I bought this place, plus or minus a few trees. After watching your return home, I guess I can consider my wife and I blessed. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jamiejenkins5643]

This was pure gold!!!!

[@keithknight5973]

greg I would love to watch your videos from when you were starting bushcraft they would be amazing❤

[@jasongarling20]

I would love to see your old videos! Absolutely!

[@LVTHN69]

It is not being mauled by mountain lions or bears that I fear most in this life. What I fear most is being forced to be among the overpopulation of desperate humans. Who, because of their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual development, have become the most vicious animal of all.

[@jordanowen9079]

I'm gonna read this 5 more times sir your words are beautiful

[@rockreader4298]

Perfectly Well Said, LVTHN69 ! (*V*)

[@dasriechen1140]

These are words of wisdom, true words of wisdom

[@maggiemae444]

True. Thanks

[@kazbah1217]

True dat

[@juliejolie4909]

Hey Greg you are so amazing thank you for brightening my day. I was emotional watching this video as you brought up things about my past with my grandfather whom I cherished he used to live in an old shack he built his self after the war and when I see now the development that's now in the same position his house was just breaks my heart so reminiscing with you was actually truly heart felt, thank you for your videos I love them and I hope to see your old videos xoxo

[@charlesarmstrong5625]

Don’t ever stop what you’re doing I love your videos we’re pretty much the same kind of person I guess that’s always nice to learn something new

[@charlesarmstrong5625]

I have learned a lot I wish I knew more about herbs

[@charlesarmstrong5625]

I’m from Pennsylvania and I hunt fish around this area is there anything you could recommend for reading

[@grizzly1824]

I have no idea how to reclaim the old videos, but I sure would love to watch them. Keep up the good work, man. This brings me back to the old days of me doing the same thing.

[@rockreader4298]

That was fun going along with you and Finn to the location of your original survival training. I enjoyed your childhood stories and would very much like to see the original footage you took as a young survivalist. I gave a "Thumbs Up" to every comment, even mine, saying they (want to see your old videos). God Bless and Protect You.

[@debbiesimmer6527]

I was also born in 1963 and yes I would love to see your old videos from back in the day! 😃

[@plada456]

Would love to see your old videos Greg.

[@bradystalbaum2392]

Greg, that’s awesome that some of it remains the same. Many places I fished and hiked as a kid are long gone. There are still a few though I’ve taken my own kids places to fish and explore my dad did with me. It’s right on man to be able to share it with them. Watching this, Makes me want to go see if the falls are still intact by my parents house.

[@AnthonyRenzulli]

Definitely restore the old videos if you can! Would love to see them. New fan here. Great channel!

[@WestCoastShell]

I've lived here in Surrey my whole life, went to high school with Amanda :) hopefully start travelling Canada soon. Big fan of your channel, thanks for all you do & much love to you

[@joeyv9688]

I would love to see your old 8mm bushcraft videos!!

[@mollago]

I think you and Steve Wallis would make a great stealth camping collab. You're both in the same area too!

[@mobeltass]

I was thinking the same thing! An Oven/Wallis collaboration would be truly epic.

[@gilwilliams9266]

Steve is my favorite stealth camper. 🏕️

[@Joseph90958]

Don't forget crazy neighbor 😮

[@myxochi]

Hey Greg, just a “shot in the dark”, but is that John Matthews Creek/Ravine? We are about the same age, but as a young girl I used to do the same thing. You are so lucky to still have your spot. I went back to my “back acre” and there’s a huge house cavy where my “Fort” and treehouse used to be😢. I married a bushcrafter. We love the show “Alone” but we missed only the Patagonia series, so I just saw you for the first time yesterday when we found “Alone:Frozen”. We now live near Algonquin park in Ontario. We were off grid, but we’re building a house. We don’t have TV, so it’s taken me a while to find you. I’m glad you have this YT channel. Lots to learn and “re-learn” here. Thanks for posting. 🇨🇦😎

[@dizzy3270]

Omg I’d love this so much!

[@valebenoui7345]

I'd love to see those old videos !

[@kmm.]

Thanks for sharing this Greg, I’m sure it was mixed emotions. I can relate, born in 59 in Ohio. the area I grew up is very scary & sad now 😞 my Mom would just see us for lunch in the summer as we would be out exploring all day! You were very cute & still are ☺️ would love to see those videos if you can salvage them! God bless & take care

[@74stevedc]

Your a video veteran, that would be awesome to save those old videos. That's were it all started, you have come a long way.

[@jerylreilly315]

Hellow Mr.Ovens Thank you for the video of your home town you grew uo in till you were 19 .Ive wondered about that .your such a wonderful man to listen to as well as watch ,your wealth of knowledge is inspiring .For years Ive been teaching my granddaughters Alexis and Arabella as much as I can of the world beyond cellphone junk,live a little Im 65 now what knowledge ive learned over many years Im trying to pass on to them Alexis is 12 Bella is 8 .My dad and Fred Bear were good friends as a child Mr.Bear showed me many tricks learned for survival skill starting at my young age of three,Its a love of freedom with the great outdoors thats kept me going hopeing to pass real lifes beauity for nature and survival to our youth .Thanks again Your Friend Ms.Jeryl Reilly in Michigan

[@DominicNJ73]

Hey Greg, great video. Reminds me of when I returned to my hometown and went through my old stomping grounds in the woods behind our neighborhood. It had been a good 20-25 years since I went through those woods and nothing changed, a flood of memories came running back. As for your films, you have a couple of options. The easiest way is to look for a business that does film to digital transfer, they can transfer your videos to a digital movie format and burn a DVD of them. If the film is damaged then you can look into a film restoration company or if you have a large university near you then you can contact their film or visual arts dept and speak to one of the film professors, they can likely give you a referral or the university itself may have restoration facilities that will do it for you. The first step though is to examine the films yourself, if they are intact then look for a film transfer company and go from there.

[@lunipan]

One of the most inspirational People on KZbin... Thanks for just beeing yourself Greg.

[@dxradioman6351]

YES on the vids!! If nothing else, buy a used projector and show it on a sheet or screen if you have one. Use your cell phone to record the video off the sheet. Poor mans scan or A/D converter.

[@rockreader4298]

I love the way you think, Radioman. : )

[@garretpatterson5389]

Good one Greg, it was nice to see you on memory lane or in this occasion on memory creek. Good job.

[@bc5872]

Really fun to see your old spots, and see how excited you where to see the old creek. It would also be fun to see the old videos. Thanks again!

[@brianshort7921]

Absolutely love this video this is one of my favorite videos that Greg has done. This video has inspired me to go back to my old stomping grounds and do the same thing on the Little Creek that I grew up on. Thanks so much keep up the great work and yes I think everybody would love to see the old videos there's nothing better than vintage videos no matter the content

[@rakanishu531]

These memories of your own, are the most heartwarming scenes.

[@thewyk]

Greg has more issues surviving in the city than wilderness 🤣

[@frederickmoller]

True and I don't blame him!

[@IllustriousDickInerbuns]

The city sucks

[@susnorth40]

Better off in the wilderness hands down safer

[@fkins7296]

Most of this survival pros have a lot of issues.

[@IllustriousDickInerbuns]

@@fkins7296 most people are a hassle you gotta avoid

[@stephanie8327]

Would LOVE to see the old footage you have! Thanks for sharing your memories with us Greg!

[@longjohn77]

Really enjoyed this, and all your other videos so far. Brought back memories of some of my happiest times as a kid when I spent a couple years living on the water in sooke bc. Nostagia is a hell of a drug.

[@tryme4990]

Its so hard to watch the country side get turned into kmarts and concrete 😢

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

And the decent neighbors turned into heartless criminals.

[@jay_bro8113]

Kmart went bankrupt lol

[@d0gsb0ll0cks]

It was great seeing you back in your stomping ground even when so much has changed it was lovely to see the smile on your face with each memory that came flooding back to you.. certainly not the normal videos iv got used to watching of yours …

[@CallMeMicahT]

Seeing Greg anywhere but the wilderness is so foreign but this is incredible

[@Metalfacejoel]

I see the title but that thumbnail doesn't look like Winnipeg 🤔

[@jamesrobert782]

Greg lives in the west coast of Canada, he's no where near Winnipeg, it Calgary most likely

[@Metalfacejoel]

@@jamesrobert782 it's somewhere in BC obviously, I'm just saying Winnipeg is the worst for drugs violent crime per capita. There isn't a Capitol city in Canada that's more of shithole.

[@steveatlas3492]

That's what I was thinking 🤔

[@joeylandry4933]

Great video. I’d love to see the old home videos. I sent some old 8 mm or 16 mm film to Walmart years ago and they put it on a dvd for me. It was expensive though.

[@stevencunningham4680]

Greg I understand where you're coming from , a lot of places in the US and Canada as well as everywhere pretty much are becoming run down and are a bed for crime and poverty. It's a shame that it's happening. This was a great video and I really enjoyed it.

[@MsCasualviewer]

Putting those old films you made as a kid on here would be priceless...phenomenal!

[@travisstephenson9294]

There are good homeless people, too.

[@jayjayhooksch1]

I didn't get the vibe that he was saying homeless people as inherently bad. Unfortunately most suffer from mental illness and/or addictions.This doesn't inherently make them bad people, but it should make you a little more cautious about where you choose to sleep outside and alone, which is more the point I think was being made.

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Thanks for sharing Greg. Would love to see your old films.cheers

[@honeybadgerisme]

~6:00- it is cool to find a good spot-so seeing your old videos at the same spot...priceless!

[@honeybadgerisme]

you'll need to find a digital scanner-handling the film could be risky

[@Jaydoff]

I appreciate that you chose to share this

[@justifiedmalice]

What an awesome memory to create!!!! Thank you for this!

[@anthonyphillips111]

Id love to see the old footage you have and it's heart warming you came back to your forest sanctuary and it's still a sanctuary

[@MilesDissinger]

Wonderful video Greg! Thanks for sharing some of your childhood memories with us!

[@samueljlarson]

Something that I am learning as I get older is to slow down and appreciate moments for what they are and take time to do what Greg is doing. Progress for progress sake just doesn't make sense. Thanks for the unique upload Greg! I never get tired of watching your channel.

[@ttvdizturb3d]

11:18 can tell thats an old brother, cheers greg.. love the content

[@franksvenshek9199]

I am 2 years younger than you but I grew up in nearly the same area in south Surrey. I spent all my time in the bush as there was so much more back then to explore. I was along Bear Creek in Surrey which is a ways from where you were but very similar teritory. Good memories. Good times and good for you Greg. Love your videos from a home town guy. All the best.

[@TheBubagrunt]

Kinda Erie Greg. We’re about the same age and I returned to my ole stomping grounds in Kansas to find how economic growth had taken over my river campgrounds and bush after 40 years. I felt such loss and heartache. Brought to tears of fond times only now in memories. I can empathize and understand the feelings you must have had that you weren’t able to share and express in your video. Although it was enjoyable to once be back there I’m sure you were saddened as well. Thanks for sharing your experience. Reminded me of my own. Life happens to quickly.

[@traceymclennan8714]

I would love to see those old videos, thanks for being real with us. Cheers from Onterrible

[@kirstenhaldrup5219]

This was so awesome Greg! Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@kirstenhaldrup5219]

Mine dream is to return to Ocean Falls where I lived as a preschooler!

[@truckedupevs]

Storytelling. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@Harry-kw1fy]

..and they say there is no future in nostalgia.. But its amazing what one can remember when a location triggers the mind. Well done.

[@oslo4251]

What a nice video! Love it!

[@SlimChayT]

This was so cool!! Thank you for sharing a place from your childhood. Crazy to think of how much had changed!

[@afoxnamedmulder]

I would love to see your old childhood videos! Our family is loving your content!

[@Acmepropcompany]

great stuff as always . i miss seeing your new videos ..i have rewatched all your videos inbetween waiting on new ones. keep up the great work

[@mickeybartlett1274]

Reminds me of the 50s and 60s and creeks and springs that existed close to the west side of Chicago, IL.

[@lewt525]

As a reminiscing homeless youth living in patches of woods I grew up scamping around in as a tot with my dog, who just met his forst raccoon, for this new year thus far, this video, and your incentive to revive your old footage, means heaps towards keeping my spirits at all, as has your and Fowler's season of Alone in particular, and since your Patagonia days aired. Thank you for going into those woods as a tot, all your content and yourself n Fin's characters.

[@lisamitchell5064]

Your true fan from Kansas here again and want to say thank you for another awesome Video ! We would love to see those old videos, Hope you can restore them.

[@frankkuhnle7408]

Yes Greg , I would love to see the old videos 👍

[@jamesbolen4872]

Great video. I for one would like to see the old films. I’m a bit older than you Greg, born in 53, raised in the oil fields of West Texas. When I was very young my parents spent a lot of their recreational time at a place called Pandale Texas, a small “community “ on the Pecos river. The population sign used to read “population varies”. I had opportunity to go back there a couple of years ago, and discovered very little had changed. I was pleased to spend a couple of days fishing, and exploring the old stomping grounds. It brought great pleasure and joy to know that something’s don’t change. The sad part is, now it has become too dangerous due to the immigration situation to be there without staying on your guard constantly.

[@PaulieDetmurds]

This was a fun video to watch. I am 60 in July, and I know that feeling when I return to my home town. Thanks for this video!

[@anthonybarrett2342]

I really hope that you can restore and share your old footage.Mine got lost and I really regret it.Being able to go back to where you grew up and find at least a small section that you remember is unusual.Keep up the good work.

[@Xacerbated]

Thanks for sharing Mr Ovens!

[@graemewhalen40]

dude this was so good! Please dig out all the old footage you can I would love that stuff so much!

[@olenwalstead7900]

I really took this episode to heart. The place that I grew up “ every other weekend “ , and my primary place of up bring. Where both built over in the mid 90s. So many good memories from both areas. These places got me into the outdoors. Wish all kids had that. But it probably wouldn’t matter these days. Keep up the good work Greg. Love the stuff t you do

[@wahku1]

Thanks for sharing Oven's, good stuff man...

[@oslo4251]

Id love to see those videos restored!! Please!! Please!!!

[@badandy880]

Looking forward to seeing those old videos Greg.

[@xander142121]

Thanks for sharing your experience and memories.