The Story of Grey Owl - Saving the Beaver From Extinction | CANADIAN HISTORY | INDIGENOUS CULTURE |

Peter tells the story of Archie Belaney and how he became Grey Owl, the man who changed the face of conservation in Canada and saved the beaver from extinction.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
Contact Us: [e-mail]
The Woodland Escape
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#canadianhistory #wildlife #canadianwilderness #conservation

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Peter loving and living my dream as a frontiersman.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Appreciate you continuing support and interest, Michael.

[@johnlea8519]

Grey Owl was probably an inspiration for many who found themselves stuck in industrial cities back in the 1900s and your retelling of his story may be an inspiration to folks today. Good to see you back in the 18th century Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Feels good and feels normal. Thanks for your continued interest, John.

[@joeswff]

Peter always the BEST I could listen to you for hours.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wish you’d speak to my children, lol. I’m flattered, Joe.

[@sid7088]

We native people are very accepting of anyone who, like yourself, appreciate our way of life. Grey Owl did so much with his writing to save the beaver and to give readers a better understanding of our ways. Absolutely no hard feelings toward the man, he lived his dream.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I appreciate your kind words!

[@tropifiori]

A great story We stand on the shoulders of giants

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@hayward434]

Good Day Peter. It's good to see you back, in what we have come to assume to be normal attire for you.The"Gray Owl" story was one of the few things that grabbed my interest in grade school.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yu sound a lot like me in grade school … rather gaze out windows than do all that book learning. Hope you’ve escaped all that flooding out there.

[@Vikingwerk]

The trapping out of the Beaver literally changed the landscape of my part of the world(eastern Montana); most of the beaver had been trapped out by the 1880’s, accompanied by strenuous over grazing by cattle and sheep. Then, in 1887, was the blizzard. During that winter, the cattle ate the last of the grass, then ate the sage brush, then they went into the towns and ate the tar paper off the houses, then they died. Then, during the melt off that spring, with no grass and brush to slow the water, and no beaver dams left in the creeks, the thaw literally changed the landscape, cutting the creeks into deep channels, and creating a great deal of erosion issues that persist to this day.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve travelled Montana numerous times on route to western Canada and am always amazed at how arid it is.

[@Vikingwerk]

@@TheWoodlandEscape We’re in the shadow of the Rockies, all the storms that water the midwest form up over our heads then rain farther east!

[@marieleopold1625]

It all began 4 Grey Owl with a broken home. THIS explains 'much' in his life. The two 'strong aunts' weren't enough 2 curb his youthful exploits of speaking with a 'forked tongue'. Yes, definitely a multi-talented and driven man, whom many have profited by his experiences and sharings...however, his soul was not at peace = heavy drinking to escape his 'realities'. Though we can take admiration of the positives...how many broken hearts and families have 'unspoken' stories of suffering and pain. We learn. Either the 'hard way' or the 'easier way'. We make choices. I thank U both; Emperor and Empress Kelly for yet another most interesting tale. The vacation is officially over and the labors resume their rhythm. "He who conquers himself, is the Mightiest Warrior." (Confucius). Health and God Bless dear ones! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed, many effected people as the result of his wondering nature. Sadly he never had a role model and simply followed in his fathers footsteps. I’m certainly not justifying it as it is a sad part of the man as was his addiction to alcohol. The holiday is most definitely over, Marie and you know me well enough by now to know that the list of new endeavors is quite long. Thanks for the fine quote!

[@jackcook8613]

Another fine story, Peter. Love the history. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, Jack.

[@bobmiller4383]

I was just rereading and enjoying " The Men of the Last Frontier" by Grey Owl. Published in 1931. This book was an absolute treasure for me, first picked up in Grade 9 , it had a profound influence on my life. Thanks for the wee bit of history, and the wonderful memories, Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Funny you bring up reading Grey Owl, I’m half way through Pilgrim’s of the Wild. Next time we see each other I’d like to gift it to you.

[@charlesleblanc6638]

I can understand the man for wanting to live the Native way. I've read some of his books and watched his movie. Oddly enough my inspiration to build a BB Canoe was from watching Cesar's Bark Canoe many years ago, then finding your channel Peter, which pushed me over the edge !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sorry, Charles, didn’t mean to push so hard. That was a fascinating documentary

[@kingrafa3938]

Thanks Peter and Cathy for the video. I've watched a lot of videos trapping beavers all over Canada.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure!

[@normasouthwood3182]

I have loved Grey Owl since I was 10years old. (I am now 73.) I have 3 of his books...I'd love to find more.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The Men of the Last Frontier is my favorite. We have both liked the man for about the same number of years.

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

Glad you folks had a good safe trip but it must feel great to be back home, Awesome history lesson Peter thanks for sharing it with us

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it, Elwood and home does feel pretty darn good.

[@cabininthewoods7326]

Peter you are a fantastic story teller. The first im hearing of this Grey owl.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m flattered, thank you.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Another great piece of Canadian history. Thank you. Like you I love canoes and built a wooden strip canoe.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Strip canoes are a work of art. Thanks for watching.

[@stephankramb204]

One more great Story yove told. Cheers, thanks to you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for listening

[@kena2224]

Really enjoyed this story. The part about being a teenager and saving for a canoe resonated with me. At 15 I bought a used homemade fiberglass kayak. Kayaks were very rare 50 years ago in my area. I put it on every creek and lake close enough to get to with my dad's truck until I got my driver's license and an old car. I still have the thing though its badly deteriorated. The wife says just break it up and put it out for the trash, but I can't. I'm so fat now I couldn't squeeze in, but if I did, I would no longer need a spray skirt as it would be naturally sealed. :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Funny story indeed. I would never be putting such a treasure out for the trash regardless of the condition.

[@mandrake181071]

Awesome telling of the story of an oft misunderstood legend. I first learned about Grey Owl when working in Provincial Parks in Chapleau Ontario, and thoroughly enjoy the lore of the older days of the north country.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You worked in a beautiful area with a colourful history. Thanks for your interest.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Thank you for sharing a fine story about a complex man. 'Down Here' we would say 'John Muir.' Of course, there is no more iconic symbol of Canada than the Beaver and the Maple Leaf. It is wonderful to see you 'at home' again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve read every word John Muir ever wrote … an amazing man! Thanks so much for your interest.

[@smoothvern165]

Awesome story! You really have a gift for telling about history. Totally captivating.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@juub]

One of the most interesting channels on KZbin. 👍 Although I knew the story of Grey Owl, you told it really well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, thank you, appreciate you’re interest.

[@JanTrewhitt]

Well, Peter, that is quite the story! Besides marrying and leaving wives, I guess he did a lot for conservation in Canada, hence your admiration of the man! Glad you and Cathy are back safe and sound from your long trip! Blessings

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Jan and it good to be back home for a spell.

[@calebfoster552]

I can’t get enough of your content!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m honestly flattered, Caleb, thank you.

[@carlmiller2752]

Peter, that was a very interesting story about Grey Owl and loved the way you told it. God bless you my friend!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alanpinn2266]

Fascinating Peter - what a great story! And you're such a great story teller! I could listen to this stuff for hours. Well done sir! Cheers from Nova Scotia!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Many thanks, my friend.

[@beverlymichael5830]

Welcome back to the 18th century! What a great story. Amazing how one teacher can make such an impression and shape the future in a positive way. Appreciate that your father served in the military. What a trip you had for two months.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Beverly, it was a fantastic journey. As to teachers, it is a pity that those that take on that so important a role don’t have the passion the my history teacher did, back in the early 70’s

[@beverlymichael5830]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I agree. My teacher was business classes and what a motivator to inspire me to strive for strait A’s for three years. Leading to a career in business. I did have a history teacher who was passionate about the world wars and the nazi camps and taught us so much as to the history at that time. Back then teachers cared. Mine was in the 60’s. Lol

[@Prindad]

Such an important story, and a man so worthy of respect! David

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I Agee totally.

[@jhosk]

Always a joy to watch your videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

I love it when I learn something new from you, thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I'm so glad, Ryan.

[@irbfenian2594]

A good tale. A man who was better to his society than his families. I think I prefer men who are good to their families.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I certainly can’t argue with those thoughts.

[@rickcooper6817]

Fantastic story, Mr. Peter. Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for listening, Rick.

[@halliwilljon]

A wee bit of history, 2 cups of coffee and a flock of turkeys in the yard. Good way to start the day, thank you peter!!!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed and you are so very welcome.

[@SpaceCadete101]

So glad we have beaver thanks to Anahero Thanks for the info.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure!

[@garyrichardt1496]

Another good one about a very interesting man thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gary.

[@briandepoppe7209]

Wonderful story

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you! 🙂

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Great video Peter and Cathy you and your history lessons they are great, welcome home! IIByrds

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it Larry and to answer your previous inquiry, we are still without wifi and for the most part phone … I kinda like it, lol

[@alpetterson9452]

You MUST go back to the cabin. We demand to see it. Please. please. please.

[@alpetterson9452]

I meant 'DEMAND' in the nicest possible way

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Next trip west it will be on our agenda.

[@Blackpowder54]

one word, excellent. thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Many thanks!

[@moorshound3243]

Wow what a fantastic story. He lived a awesome life that's for sure.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I think so too! Thanks for your interest.

[@kennethkarlsson6796]

Thanks. Love youre movies 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like them, Kenneth.

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

Great story! Besides being an interesting character who had some flaws, he also had a lot of good in him. I think people often harshly judge others by looking only at one side of a person. To me, not one on earth is just one thing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well said … I totally agree, Kurt.

[@bpindermoss]

As a woodsman, I also saw Grey Owl as a heroic figure. For 14 years I was a forester and geologist and I walked through the woods in Canada, and by the end of it, all I was seeing was ore bodies and cubic meters per hectare of merchantable wood. I had lost the wonder of it all. Purely by chance, I had read a few books by a guy called Tom Brown Jr. from down in the states. So, I took a course with him. He renewed my sense of wonder. And Peter, you are doing the same. To be able to build a birchbark canoe, from a forest, is a wonder. As for Grey Owl, I get it. The bush gets into your blood and never goes away. But you have to be close to it. Canvas and leather, not goretex and graphite fiber, and he knew this. Wherever he could, he adopted the native ways because they fit his sense of wonder. Bill Mason, Calvin Rutstrum, Ernest Thompson Seton etc. were all guys I read, and my own father was a superb woodsman and Boy Scout leader in Ottawa. The influences are many and as I wind on down into old age, my body won't hoist a canoe, joints are worn from 69 years of hard Canadian living, I wouldn't change a thing. Snowshoes and mukluks, canoe paddles and a good Iltis axe, yeah, I have a Woods Nessmuck pack I am about to sew up and repair that is older than my children by a lot, but it's made of canvas and leather, natural materials, so it fits me. I have often wondered if the measure of a man is the bush gear he has. Not the quantity of it, but how well he has maintained it, how old it is, how much of it he made himself. Grey Owl lived a good life, went through too many women perhaps, but he left a legacy we should envy. And I agree with you, he was no fraud, he was the real deal. In all of the novels I have written, Archie Bellamey has left his moccasin tracks.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So we’ll worded, I thank you for sharing both your thoughts and experiences. Calvin Rutstrum was my I my all time favorite writers. Like Grey Owl, he literally transported you into the moment.

[@Eyepealer]

Peter I love to hear all of the “Wee bits of history” that you share with us! Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And I thank you for your interest.

[@rogerclyde2720]

How interesting. I was thinking of Gray Owl just the other day. Thank you for filling in the blanks that the Movie “ Gray Owl “ with Pierce Brosnan didn’t have time to cover. The Movie only shows him having one wife who you mentioned her Native Name “ Pony “ for the Movie. Great seeing the Canoe again and happy your both home safe.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pony was indeed a Nick name he gave to her. Like many historical movies, I’m afraid the director took a lot of free license with the production of that movie.

[@rogerclyde2720]

Watched the movie again tonight. Truly a great man. One should not think it strange that he became what he loved the most.

[@derick4774]

You beat me to it. I was going to mention the 1999 movie.

[@rogerclyde2720]

@@derick4774 The World needs a Revival of such forward thinkers as Gray Owl!

[@philipmontarsi5786]

Great story!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you!

[@paulb7455]

Great Episode.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@lancehenderson7249]

I made it to Prince Albert Park, but never got the chance to see his cabin. Collected some of his books and watched the movie with Pierce Brosnan.Great video Kathy and Peter. Absolutely love the history lesson Peter, thanks to you both. Keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

After driving through the prairies it’s hard to believe it when you drive into such beauty as northern Saskatchewan.

[@eddybear771]

170 & counting Peter. I'm catching up fast.

[@robertvertel9301]

As I am splitting and stacking wood for yet another winter here in northern Michigan (survived 71 so far) I'm enjoying your narrative on a man that I also have studied. Well done!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I should be at wood as well… not enough hours in the day. He was an interesting character to say the least!

[@robertvertel9301]

​@@TheWoodlandEscapehere is a thought, you and I were born from the same time period, and you being Canadian might remember this. The Canadian band Rush did a LP in the 70's. Its title is Fly by Night, the cover art work is an owl that looks grey( not an actual grey owl) but an artist's vision of one. Think they to knew the story and did a tribute to it? Could be Aye?

[@seratbushcraft6979]

I finished the collected works not long ago. Once I started I couldnt put it down. Cant find a copy of Tales from an empty cabin for under $100 bt found a free download thx for putting me onto it

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

In my opinion, his best work! Glad your getting to read it.

[@daveslaughter8290]

You are a wonderful teacher. I also saved up as a kid for my first canoe, a Michicraft aluminum tank which took me on lots of adventures. Then I built a cedar stripper with my dad (my most prized possession) and parted with the Michicraft. I've built a few more canoes and kayaks and am very impressed with your birchbark creation - and looking at the shallow arch and rocker of the craft I'm equally impressed with what your canoeing skill level must be. I'm sure it's an agile craft but requires a good brace now and again. I really am enjoying your videos.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m sure as a young fellow you loved that Michicraft as much as I loved my tank, lol. Perhaps that canoe is the reason I’m a reasonable canoeist… tippiest designed canoe EVER! We really appreciate your interest and support, Dave.

[@HallnoutMhall]

Happy to hear you both have arrived home safely. Appreciate your stories and the lessons that follow. Praying your garden is abundant this year and the fires stay at bay. God bless my friend. Take care, be safe and thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks so much

[@robdixon7732]

We love you in your proper clothing Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Me too, lol. So much more comfortable than modern garb!

[@karennewbury6430]

This was an awesome story, Peter. Great history lesson.I'm Canadian, and never heard about Grey Owl. I always enjoy your videos. Blessings to you and Cathy.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it, Karen.

[@offgridal]

Peter I love your stories, they keep me coming back for more. Thank You

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed.

[@eschneider8799]

Great story telling Peter. Glad to see you two time travelers have arrived home safely from your adventures. Looking forward to the building of Fort Kelly;)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Us too! Thank you.

[@RandyDavis2500]

Awesome historical story Peter! I first heard about Grey Owl from Hap Wilson as I was planning a trip to Temagami, and have been captivated and inspired by him. Thank you so much for sharing! Great job!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much!

[@1951shelby]

Just watched on KZbin, Canadian Cameo, Grey Owl's Little Brother (1932) , really enjoyable.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@markaugustus621]

Again a wonderful wee bit of history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@IdahoHillbilly]

GREAT STORY!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timberdrifter8225]

The fact that he went right up and shook the kings hand had me rolling with laughter. Just trying to picture the reactions to such a breach of conduct. What an interesting character. Id heard of him but didn't know anything about him. Thanks for the heads up. Ill be looking for his writings.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Thanks for your interest.

[@ianandresen2326]

Great video! I'm going out to find those books! I haven't read them! Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Drop in for a visit Ian and I’ll send you home with them.

[@philipjean1086]

Never realized it but maybe grey owl had a great influence on my life grey owls films were probably the first films I every watched in school. We never had tv in my childhood in the sixties in southern bc mostly due to religious reasons. We moved to northern Alberta in my early teens and I fell in love with the wilderness. This turned to trapping and I’m going in to my 49 year with my own line. Like a farmer loves his cows I love the animals and beavers on my trapline. Treat them with respect and harvest only when their prime. Love your videos very calm and relaxing

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, 49 years, my hat is off to you, Phillip.

[@DonWarfield]

Good story. I may have the sistership to your Sears canoe. Bought it on the side of US40 in Mt Lena Md in 1974. Truly a heavy boat -and even heavier for the patching i have done to it. Now my grandkids use it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I suspect they are carbon copies and mine too required numerous patches. I gave mine to my younger sister and I happy to say it is still in use to, as a flower planter on her front lawn. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@graceveenema4762]

Good thing you’re telling these stories! I just searched the Ottawa Public Library using both of his names and a few book titles and came up empty-handed. I recall the filming of a movie about Grey Owl using the shores of the Gatineau River as a location. Pierce Brosnan played Grey Owl…how did I forget that!? 1999.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Like many libraries, it has become too dated to take up shelf space. There is an unabridged book containing 3 of his books, I believe available at Chapters.

[@1951shelby]

Awesome story well told usual thanks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jeffwilcher3333]

Another great one my friend .. perhaps the crowning ! I understand that’s heavy words because I love all of your “Wee Bits” .. I share a kinship with you in that, as a very young child in the Virginia Allegheny Mtns I would tell my family of poor mountain people that I would some day marry an American Native and live in Oklahoma.. that I would own a farm and have them to come live with me .. all that I did and even had the precious privilege of having my father live in a cabin on my place here in Oklahoma for 17 years .. my mother died rather young .. as always.. I enjoyed it and place my vote for more (WeeBits) of our Natives .. all my family except me are card holders with the Cherokee Nation.. I’m just an Scotch Irish mtn man ..lol .. God bless .. Onward and Upward is Still the Watchword ..

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks,Jeff … I’d like to meet you some day.

[@richardliles4415]

That was quite a bit of history. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for watching.

[@1951shelby]

Watched The Path Of Grey Owl on KZbin , interesting

[@bernadetteevans2]

Very good story, thank you so very much Peter, I learn so very much from your extensive knowledge of these historical facts… I much enjoy every video you put up… and I look forward to them each week!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Many thanks, Bernadette.

[@jameshall5784]

As always so informative!!! Thank you for the history!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure, James.

[@jeffgrier8488]

That was a great story, thanks so much for sharing it!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure, Jeff.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! I too love the canoe. Curious how your cabin is holding up. Have you had to do any maintenance to it yet? Settling, shifting, cracked mortar? Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not yet, it seems pretty much the way I built it … windows and doors open and close properly and the chinking is intact. My pleasure my friend and you be watching that top knot of yours.

[@uriah-s97]

What an incredible story! Really cool to hear about one of your childhood inspirations peter. Just finished all your trip videos, what a wild history canada has!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it and agree with you about our history and sadly so much of it unrecorded.

[@steveorion6185]

Perhaps Grey Owl was an native person in a previous lifetime !? 🧿

[@samaholderfield1518]

Love this story thank you for telling it

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You are so welcome

[@rivaest38]

Hello from across the pond! I have just found your KZbin film about Grey Owl and I can not put into words how much I enjoyed it and listening to you narrating Archie’s story! Your passion for the man is obvious. Your description of him is also very fair. Now, if I may, I would like to tell you a story. I do not know when I first heard about Grey Owl. It was certainly a long time ago and long before the Richard Attenborough film came out. When I was growing up I would rush home from school on a certain afternoon (can’t recall which day of the week it was) to watch a children’s TV show called HOW! The concept of this show was to pass on knowledge to children in a fun way. There were four presenters, one of whom was a gentleman by the name of Jack Hargreaves. Jack was Assistant Director of Southern Television that produced the show but he was also the force behind it as well as the presenter of a long running show called Out of Town. Jack presented this show from a studio mock-up of his shed. Jack would engage his viewers with short films showing how country folk in Britain lived when he was a child before the First World War, a way of life that had changed very little and very slowly for centuries as well as coming up to date with films of his fishing trips on his local ponds and rivers in the south of England. Fast forward to the late 1990’s. I was sat in our garden reading an article by Jack (he had passed away in the 1980’s) where he mentioned being taken to Southampton Docks by the ‘Old Man’ (father) to witness seeing Grey Owl disembark from a large passenger ship (can’t remember which one it was but could have been the Queen Mary) at the start of one of his lecture tours to Britain. Jack remembered seeing Grey Owl standing at the top of the gangway wearing his Buck Skins and with a large Red Indian style feathered headdress of the sort a Chief might have worn, framing his face. Jack went on to briefly tell Archie’s story and how, despite not being what he claimed, he had become the father of modern conservation of the wilderness. Fast forward to 2000. My Parents-in-Law had recently retired and having been on a summer holiday in Canada a few years prior and had travelled across from Toronto to Vancouver on the Trans Canadian. They wanted to do a return visit during the winter months and wanted my wife and I to go with them. After a couple of days in Toronto we flew to Calgary where we were collected by coach and taken to Banff to start our winter Rocky Mountain adventure taking in such places as Maligne Canyon, the Athabasca Glacier and Lake Louise among other attractions before arriving in Jasper for a couple of days where we eventually took the overnight train to Vancouver. The first day we were in Banff we set out for a walk through the town. The pavements had been cleared following the previous evenings snow fall, not something we would experience in the UK! Anyway, after a short walk we came across a wonderful bookshop. From the very start of our trip I had hoped to find out something more about Grey Owl in the country that had become his adopted home. So far, his name had not come up and no real opportunity to raise the issue but I walked into the bookshop and in front of me opposite the door was a circular counter with glass panels behind which was a series of shelves displaying book and directly in my line of vision was a First Edition of ‘The Wilderness Man The strange story of Grey Owl’ by Lovat Dickinson, Grey Owl’s original publisher, published in 1973. I could not believe it! I went straight up to the counter and said to the nice lady serving behind, ‘I want that book!’ She was quite surprised and told me the book had drawn quite a bit of interest but she had no idea who Grey Owl was! I didn’t bother to explain but paid for the book before anyone else grabbed it! In hindsight that was probably not very likely as the shop was not very busy and as the book had obviously been there for sometime, the interest was not so strong that people were fighting over it. I spend every free minute of the rest of that holiday reading the book and just like you, my admiration for the man just grew. So what he was really an Englishman. He went to Canada and became the person he really wanted to be, warts and all and became the founding father of the conservation movement. It is such a shame that he died as young as he did. Lovat Dickinson stated in his Biography of Grey Owl that an X-Ray was taken immediately after his death and it showed there was nothing that could have killed him. He had slight congestion of the lungs but his powers of resistance had gone. ‘The cause of death was exhaustion, but it was exhaustion of hope and purpose which were born in the imagination and signal to the heart when to stop.’ I think that coupled with the realisation that the Toronto Daily Star were on to him and would soon publish the truth and the stress that put on him caused his death. Had the truth come out before he died it would have prejudiced his message and conservation work and he couldn’t allow that. As it happens, the truth has only grown his status and reinforced his message. He had his faults and frailties but his desire to protect the wilderness and the creatures that rely upon it is beyond doubt. Forward to today. Today I have just received a copy of Jane Billinghurst’s book, ‘The Many Faces of Archie Belaney Grey Owl’ which I have only just discovered but was first published in 1999. I look forward to reading it and finding out if Jane had been able to add anything new to Archie Grey Owl’s story.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, I can’t thank you enough for your eloquently worded comments. Heck, and I thought I was a wee bit of a story teller. Should you find yourself on this side of the big pond I’d love to host you and share a fire or two.

[@rivaest38]

@@TheWoodlandEscape That’s very kind of you. As a Post Script, I have a copy of ‘Pilgrims of the Wild’ which was a fabulous read as well as a signed copy of ‘Sajo and Her Beaver People’, a prized possession. Take care. Best Wishes, Mark

[@lindaSee89]

Looks like it’s getting cooler there in Canada.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Starting to cool down a wee bit but, a lot of Forest are still burning out of control.

[@Bill_tyler]

I really enjoy watching your content! Perhaps someday I’ll be able to settle in this lifestyle and enjoy it myself.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I certainly wouldn’t change mine!

[@kevinharding2099]

I’ve read some of Gray Owl’s work and read about him. I wonder about the man’s character, but do not deny his contribution.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He certainly had his faults but, then, who of don’t. Thanks for watching.

[@temokety5305]

Peter and Cathy, have you seen the 1999 movie, “Grey Owl” starring Pierce Brosnan as Archibald Belaney/Grey Owl? If so, what did you think of the film? Another excellent video. Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Like many historical movies the director of this production took way too many liberties. Having said that, it was an entertaining film indeed.

[@lancehenderson7249]

Holy moley Peter and Kathy, what a chore. Hopefully you both get enough for winter. Take care and keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍, it’s actually looking like a fairly productive garden.

[@8626John]

Interesting video about someone I admit I had never heard of. I will try to find some of his writing. I'm glad you and Cathy are back home in the 18th century. Still holding out hope for a tarp video sometime.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good point. Oil cloth is still on the list.

[@8626John]

​​​@@TheWoodlandEscapeThanks Peter. I edited my original comment because it was too judgmental. All of us are flawed in some ways, and I really have little knowledge of Grey Owl or what he went through. He must have been quite a writer and orator to have inspired so much good in the world. And if you endorse him, that's more than good enough for me.

[@crewbanger45]

great story and always good information as an American trapper i love your content sir!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WhiteShadowZO]

If it weren't for the fact that I know he's dead, I'd swear this is David Carridine from Kill Bill recounting another great tale of a great warrior by the campfire.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Too funny… I do get that lot!

[@jasonhammond4640]

I have the volume printed by Firefly press that has three of his books printed in it. Beautiful writing style. Have watched a few of the old B/W films of him, too, as well as the movie. 👍👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I have the same book in my library and yes it is indeed excellent reading.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Earl

[@earlshaner4441]

You are welcome my friend

[@wadeschwartz6281]

Now we need a “wee” bit history of a man great in skill and character ,,uumm who could we find ? William Bradford ? William Clark ? Jean-Baptiste ?? Conrad Weiser ? The list goes on

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll add them to my long list, lol. Appreciate your support.

[@robertwiggins4921]

Gee, what about Peter Kelly!!!

[@gretawilliams4045]

Love your videos Sir!! Do you have some book recommendations for bushcraft?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not really Greta, I pretty much learn by the old trial and error method. Been at it for decades so I know what works for me and what doesn’t.

[@gretawilliams4045]

Thanks anyway! That definitely would be a sure way to learn a lot quick!@@TheWoodlandEscape

[@8626John]

David Canterbury has a couple of good books on bushcraft. Mors Kochanski is another well known name in the field. There's also tons of bushcraft content on KZbin, although it varies widely in quality.

[@adampotraffke2134]

Hey lo e what you're going 😊

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Didn't they make a movie about him, I seen the movie and it sounds just like him.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They did but, not a very historically correct one.

[@custodialmark]

me too.

[@pinetree9343]

I was born in America. That makes me a native American

[@everettmaness5462]

Always great to go out on an adventure to other places, but there is no place like home.. Loved the story of Grey Owl, quite a man! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emHclmOBjdp5ZpI

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much for the link, I haven’t seen that documentary in 30 plus years.

[@joelink7665]

I saw the movie

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Not very accurate but, entertaining.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Thanks Peter! Learned more about a man that I have heard about before. 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻🛶

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He was a fascinating character in Canadian history.