How to Fashion Traditional Snowshoe Bindings, Plus a Wee Bit of the History of the F&I War

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Peter! This is a good reminder that just because something is "Primitive" doesn't mean it is "Stupid" and/or "Ill Made"! On the contrary! They are well thought out to do their desired tasks, and since their lives/survival depended on this items... they made them with the best materials that were available... with considerable skill, patience, experience, & knowledge! Three feet of snow up there in your neck of the woods already?!!!! WOOF! Kind of makes you wonder what January & February will look like! Stay Warm and I'll see you down the trail!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A classic example of what you’re referring to is the primitive bow, natives fed themselves with this instrument for thousands of years, so I prefer to call it traditional.

[@marieleopold1625]

There is simply a 'wonderful-way' of doing all manner of needs. It's not simply 'the way' of a thing...but it makes U ponder the 'clear minded' who saw a need and filled it. I reason that minds 'back then' were clear of all the 'muddle' we fill ours with now-a-days. If only we could push a 'delete button' and rid ourselves of the superfluous. A case in point; my brother-in-law told the story of a neighbor who raised cattle for years. The neighbor boasted he could list every cow by the name he had given them. My brother-in-law later stated ; "What 'useless' information!" I quite agree. Why do we value the valueless in life? LOL! Thanks 4 sharing your time/talents with us Peter...U never fail to educate/inspire. Thanks also to dear Catherine's steady/artful hand. Dear Lord! A battle on snowshoes! Only in Canada eh? As for wily Captain Roberts and his antics in battle...Could this be where the line began? "He gave them the 'slip'! LOL! Health and God Bless!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Marie and I do look forward to your words of wisdom, you choose to share.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

Herzliche Grüße aus Österreich! Greetings from Austria! 👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke

[@jonmullenax3173]

Love all "We Bits" of history!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I thank you for your kind words.

[@TimThompson19791979]

That is a beautiful sky.

[@jeffwilcher3333]

Love the stories and the beautiful land on which you tell them .. oh the beauty of nature .. Onward and Upward is the watchword.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Jeff.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Using them properly for what they were made for keeps them in good shape. Did similar; but, made straps uneven so they could be tied on the side. For me, I welcomed store bought harness ( made in Canada) because the straps wouldn’t maintain lateral control of shoes. I was constantly re-cinching. Straight ahead travel not so bad. But I never wound the heel straps multiple times around the toe loops. Will have to try that. For me the store harness was imperfect also, most import to success was me. The more experience I invested I dealt with the imperfection. Side hills not fun. You could be Capt. Rogers. I also like how you weren’t flustered about your flint musket lying in the snow. You cleaned it off, inspected the pan and movement of parts, smiled and went on. That’s how it is in the North in the winter. No big deal… except bitter cold and over dressing and sweating. We all like the wee bit of history you pass on

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I own a air of modern Tubbs snowshoes with amazing harness that actually pivots on a pin, with ice cleats below … amazing. Traditional shoe do have their challenges but, the more one wears them the easier it gets. When I’m trekking I put myself back in time and attempt to do everything as I believe they did.

[@Hallnout]

Good Sunday morning Peter. Thanks for the upload and have a blessed day. Thanks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Michael.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

That technique of fastening will come in handy! Particularly since I am interested in participating in Primitive Biathalon events. Thanks Peter! I always thought that it was interesting that when Rogers proposed that Michilimackinaw become a new treaty/meeting place/trade center for the tribes of the Great Lakes region... under his command, that Sir William withdrew his favor and patronage... leading to Roger's fall from grace. The Major was proposing to do the same thing that Johnson himself had done to the fur merchants of Albany many years ago.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed Martin and it was not just Johnson, he had made a lot of enemies in his colorful history. He certainly didn’t deserve the treatment given his service record.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY USA brother thank you for sharing brother

[@wieczor666pl]

I've got an idea Peter, that you shall start second channel where you only will sit and talk about the history with all these details and fun facts. I would totally watch it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A flattering compliment, thank you.

[@donbethune383]

Roger's 28 rules for ranging are still used today. They are simple and make sense, like not sleep past dawn because that is when the French and Indians attack. Thanks for the lesson, I am looking forward to the next.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

He was a wily individual to say the least.

[@johnhempsall4644]

The music is always so soothing and relaxing 😌

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I also find it quite soothing.

[@rogerclyde2720]

Very interesting, Hats off to the artisan that built your Snow Shoes that have lasted so long.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Absolutely Roger. There still are artisans out there that continue to craft long lasting wares. However, they are few a far between.

[@richardliles4415]

Thank you for the very interesting story, I did enjoy it. Wasn’t that a beautiful sunrise/set.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was indeed … sunrise, btw.

[@gdreilly]

Great information! Thank you

[@timkraft4583]

Love the history. Keep it coming.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks! Will do!

[@brandonfigueroa7399]

teh wee bit o' history is critical to the channel

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the wee bit of advice, Brandon, lol.

[@doris1145]

Peter - good video - additional info - before lamp wick , a strip of tanned hide was used. The problem with tanned hide strips was every time they get wet, they stretch a little more, so they require more adjustment than lamp wick. After an initial hard stretching, lamp wick becomes more stable than leather. Also with frequent wetting and drying traditional smoke tanned leather bindings turn white and become stiff and hard so they must be replaced to prevent laming of the feet. You have an excellent pair of light-framed, no-way-ay shkimay (winter netted) snowshoes of the wa-say-doo style. Fine winter netting as opposed to heavier see-gwun shimay (spring netting) does not significantly improve snowshoe floatation, rather it reduces weight so you can snowshoe much further with less effort. However, winter netting is intended for powder snow. Down where you live, you have to be careful, because you have a lot of granular spring snow. You can snowshoe all day without damage to the netting provided the spring snow remains frozen. However, if temperatures go above freezing and the snow becomes wet, the water will saturate your babiche netting, so it becomes soft and prone to abrasion on loose granular snow. The fine babiche netting can easily be cut and destroyed. As a preventative measure in questionable conditions, leather sleeves were wrapped around the mid-sections of the outer frame to prevent the lower, outside edges of the frame lashings from being cut. A leather foot flap was also added to protect the nikibisson (master chord) and the netting under the foot (osid shkimay) from abrasion. During maple syrup tapping at the end of the snowshoe season, it is common practice to wear snowshoes with heavier, tougher see-gwun shkimay and also remove the adibis (toe netting) by cutting out the shino-dagan-ayabee (side line). If done properly, the adibis can be re-strung the next winter without having to re-weave it. Removing the adibis towards the end of the season makes an enormous improvement. Heavy snow no longer falls in on the toes making the snowshoes difficult to lift. In that damp "packy" snow in the video, you should use a neem-sti-gwadan (journey stick) to tap your snowshoe frames ahead of the front crossbar to throw off the clinging snow and to knock off the ice balls that form on the netting under the moccasin.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for all your insight.

[@jeffgrier8488]

I still haven't bought a pair of snowshoes although i tell myself every year that i'm going to. Thanks for the history lesson as always!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sure makes getting around the woods easy.

[@williameddy7217]

Great Video as always!!

[@lancehenderson7249]

Great video and story. Got a pair of shoes from my uncle from the Pas. He got them when he was 19, he's 80 this year. The leather bindings were shot so I checked all over in Swift Current SK. No luck on finding lamp wick, so I improvised and used waxed skate laces. They work, but not very thick. Keep your powder dry.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very resourceful Lance. The last time I got a bulk roll was from Home Hardware. They don’t keep it on the selves but, ordered it in for me.

[@mikeolszewski4682]

Amazon.com has lamp wicks in a couple different widths and lengths.

[@jamesvatter5729]

That's useful winter trekking info, Peter. Far different from my old military snowshoes!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nice to hear when something is useful.

[@jantrewitt4058]

Another great story from you, Peter. Looks like you will have to get some more lamp tape!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Got a bunch of it somewhere. However, my usual problem … Where!

[@donaldgarmon7368]

Thank You for your historical posts. I've seen several now and I enjoy your content and your style. I'm glad to hear this brief story of Robert Rogers, considered to be the "Father of the Rangers". He was a Man among Men who got some raw deals in his lifetime and died in poverty. There is a book I've read, "War on the Run", which tell his story. I recommend the book to anyone interested in this period of North American History, it is worth the reading...

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks so much for the book recommendation, Donald, I’ll be adding that to my winter reading list.

[@woodmanhugh]

Your videos are inspiring and educational. My wife and I enjoy the history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad to hear that and we certainly appreciate your support.

[@stephencritchley9355]

Even tying up your shoes is an art! Love the yarns. Great follow up to the Johnson story. This Rogers sure is one tough bloke. I'm really enjoying my research & reading following your introduction to some more history of the America's. All new to me & loving it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed he was tough but, not sure a stronger adjective isn’t needed. A great character to research.

[@christiaankruger3713]

What a wonderful week of Woodland Escape. Great surprise to get the one on Friday after a midweek video. Then an even greater surprise to get one today on Sunday too. Thanks a lot.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Like to keep you guessing, lol.

[@frankjenkins3871]

Love the history. Thanks for the education.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Frank.

[@derrickfarrell9777]

Another enjoyable episode! 👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Derick.

[@MRPBDB]

Thanks for this tutorial. I also really enjoy all the historical aspects you share as well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you’re enjoying.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you’re enjoying.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

As always appreciate your efforts and dedication. The information you gave on the snow shoes is very useful to me and is much appreciated. Although it was 70deg. F here yesterday and probably will be next year before I would have the need for shoes. I too enjoy the winter season the best but I am also looking forward to planting my garden. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That gardening thing is just around the corner. Also a nice time of the year as the world comes out of hibernation! Watch your top knot my friend.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Spectacular brother thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and for taking us on your adventure through time

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is our pleasure. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@tammyevans7333]

Fabulous information, always appreciate the history, thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Tammy.

[@lonlabumbard8359]

Thanks Peter, I use a similar hitch, but instead of tying behind I wrap around the ankle and tie in front, can't take off and put on as easy as you do, but for me it''s easier to get on and off at my age.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That sounds like it would work quite well.

[@mikeolszewski4682]

Peter, thank you for another interesting video & history lesson. So, now I have questions about how you protect your snowshoes and your musket from the elements. Thanks again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Dry the snow shoes really good at the end of winter and apply a couple of coats of spar varnish to all surfaces. As for the muskets, I use nothing but rendered bear fat, inside and out. I stay away from petroleum products just like they did in the day.

[@markaugustus621]

Peter I first saw that style of binding in a movie Death Hunt which is about the mad trapper and takes place in Canada. Charles Bronson had something similar and I always wondered how it worked. Thanks I have quite a few wooden shoes and now to buy some lamp wick. Great video as always.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The story of the Mad Trapper fascinates me . A few years back I hiked in the mountain range in the Yukon that he crossed as the RCMP trailed him

[@philliphaines6955]

I use 3/8" sisal rope, goes on shoe same as you, only one wrap on each side and bring ends together in back of your heels, by tying a 2 strand turks head made outa 550 paracord to give adjustability, super tough, and have`nt given out in forever.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sounds brilliant!

[@tropifiori]

I found a gorgeous pair of minimally used ( immaculate) snow shoes in an antique store for 150$US. They are made of gut or sinew I would guess. I would love to have them but I live in Virginia and we had no measurable snow here last year. If I buy the shoes maybe I can talk myself into a Yukon Moose hunt! Frank

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

A Yukon hunt would be amazing. Those old show up in a lot of antique shops but, are rarely in good enough condition to use. I have a pair and love them.

[@SirFrederick]

I sort of remember that Ranger story.

[@8626John]

Nice video! Are you familiar with the Allan Eckert books? Thanks for sharing your insights on the time period.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed and he is one of my favorite authors.

[@robdixon7732]

Robert Rogers had a big role in the series Turn.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

H e did indeed, all be it a wee bit embellished. I loved that series.

[@timber123doddle]

Again Great video. How wide is the lamp wick you are using. Looking it up it comes in different sizes.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I use 1” wide wick, Darrel but, one could use narrower.

[@ghostofkadesh9041]

Like 👍

[@kingrafa3938]

👍👍👍

[@beverlymichael5830]

I had been eying your snow shoes in your videos. I have the regular tor bought one and love using them. But would love a pair like those. How long does the weaving material last?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

These are ancient things and the mesh is as good as the day they were strung. I dry them throughly in the spring and brush on a coat of spar varnish.

[@beverlymichael5830]

@@TheWoodlandEscape that is amazing. I use varnish for antique chair weave on several of my chairs. It is getting hard to find.

[@twisterdude100]

i love your videos! so, is the movie northwest passage with spencer tracy as robert rogers in any way accurate, or just hollywood? thanks!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Mostly Hollywood. There is a series I believe on Netflix called Turn. He plays a big part in the series but, I believe somewhat embellished. Shows his role in the Rev War but not the F&l war.it is a well do series.

[@jtsterry]

❤😊😊

[@kevinscudamore2711]

👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@brandonfigueroa7399]

how to make wool breeches ?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We might just have to cover that in a future episode.

[@brandonfigueroa7399]

would travelers passing through peoples land ask permission to camp out? would they offer to do work in exchange? liked learning about specific characters of history. Perhaps you could break up a big "we bit of history" into three big chunks with cooking and hunting and bush crafting in between. keep'um comin

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

In the era of interest a lot of land was not deeded. I suspect if one came across a settlers cabin, you would not camp, you would be invited in for a meal and the night. My but the times have changed.

[@unpredictable913]

5:39 oops!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is probably not the only opps, lol. Very observant, Emsol.

[@awlach8]

Can you talk a bit about your wool blankets and clothing? Today, wool products are not all created equal. Even 100% items can be very thin. What are you looking for in wool that will get you through a Canadian winter night?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

W e are planning to do just that at some point in the future.

[@BuckskinsBlackPowder]

You've officially replaced survivor man, les Stroud, as my favorite Canadian!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well now, that is a flattering compliment.

[@lae52]

Any time you want to talk history, I'll listen. I learned to tie on snow shoes with a similar type of set up. The difference being that there was a heavy leather strap woven through the webbing first, with the foot tied in to the leather strap instead of the snowshoe webbing. The idea was that if you went through the ice when trapping, it was easier to get your foot out of the snowshoe. I knew it as a squaw hitch which is nowhere near being politically correct. I'm not sure your method would really be any slower to lose the shoes if you went through the ice.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You can get them off pretty darn fast. Having said that, I’ve never fallen through ice, nor do have any immediate plans to fall through ice with them on . Can you imagine? Squaw hitch is the proper name and it does work quite well.

[@dougm5341]

Rangers lead the way……