Winter Evening Crafts (circa 1750) | SOURDOUGH BREAD | DUTCH OVEN BAKING | FIREBACK | CAST IRON

Peter spends a few minutes discussing his winter survival adventure - the failure of his snares to get rabbits, the need for procuring firewood on the first day setting up his primitive winter shelter, the importance of wool as the material of choice for the pioneers, his plan to make moccasins in a future video. He, then touches on the history of the Hudson Bay Company, including its relationship with indigenous peoples and with its major rival, the Northwest Company. He discusses the massive geographic area of Rupert's land and the how the fur trade changed North America forever. Then, while his sourdough bread is baking in his Dutch oven, he talks about the crafts that occupied the pioneers on the frontier on long winter evenings. These include quilting, knitting, porcupine quill work, brain tanning hides, bead work, scrimshaw, the use of horn as a common material for making vessels such as powder horns, salt containers etc. They were true artisans and skilled tradesmen. Everything they needed was made by themselves on their homesteads or by their neighbours in nearby communities. Their skills included blacksmithing and tin smithing. They were farriers and seamstresses. The list is endless. Unfortunately, as he talked, his sourdough bread burnt to a crisp and he had to start over.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Shane Kelly
SOCIAL MEDIA
KZbin - / @thewoodlandescape
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MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends - Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
#bushcraft #18thcenturypioneerlife #HBC #selfreliance #northamericanhistory #dutchoven #firebacks #pioneerlife #castiron #sourdoghbread

[@ianandresen2326]

Oh Peter! Saw the amount of coals you put on and yell " Oh No!" Did the same thing myself !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That gave me a good laugh, Ian. Live and learn I say.

[@brendasas8440]

🍹🥚We're so lucky to have a awesome channel as yours Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Kelly💕 You are extremely talented and so humble. Thank you both and blessings to you in 2022❗

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Brenda and all the best to you and your clan in 2022.

[@cookingprincess327]

Love the ending! You really appreciated that first piece of bread. The look on your face while eating the bread said it all. Thank you for the video.

[@TurkeyCreek-ek8mj]

The burnt bread is called "keeping it real". Lol. Thanks Peter for presenting 18th century frontier history in such a great, entertaining way. Your videos are ALWAYS top notch. And Catherine's cinematography is as good as it gets. Looking forward to next week's video. TC

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you, so much!

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Did you learn the trick of warming your mug the hard way or did someone help you along the way? Never had it happen to me but I have witnessed it a time or two. I truly enjoyed your trekking adventure and am looking forward to so much of what is yet to come. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Most of my lessons have been learned the hard way!

[@kirkterwilliger6407]

Thanks again sir. I've been wanting to bake bread in my Dutch oven. Curious on how long you baked it for. The second one, not the first. Lol.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We baked it about 35 minutes, but would use fewer coals next time and leave it longer. It was a little doughy in the middle.

[@kirkterwilliger6407]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thank you.

[@bluesideup007]

@@kirkterwilliger6407 Also, put 2/3 of the coals on top and 1/3 on the bottom around the perimeter, avoiding the center for more even heat inside.

[@frontierpatriot]

Ive been draggin my feet on building a shave horse, there are a few gentleman here in Ste. Genevieve that use them to demonstrate on, they said it wasnt hard to build, So maybe ill use one for a pattern!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

There are a lot of ideas on the internet for making shaving horses. They are worth the effort!

[@greywindLOSP]

A time we should return to....IMO! Made me evening M8! A joyiest new year to you and yours....ATB

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you, and to yours!

[@kevinthorrington2131]

My grandmother made all us Grand children wool mittens when we were little. She also made all of our quilts for our beds, all hand stitch. I miss my grandparents. I remember when I was 8 years old watching/helping my grandmother make heavy wool hunting pants for grandfather. That skill was handed down in the family, I have heavy wool pants I made for deer season and ice fishing. There's nothing better than wool for cold weather.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I totally agree, Kevin. I also have a heavy pair of a more modern design (pants) that I can’t wear for historical accuracy but, do use at other times.

[@d.pierce.6820]

My wife grew up in 1950's Korea. Girls back then learned to sew and embroider in school, and they did a LOT of it then. Many pieces of clothing and bedding were actually unsewn to clean them, and then sewn back together again. Even now, she can do those tiny, fine stitches she learned long ago.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So much skill and patience required! Kudos to her!

[@HeatherNaturaly]

I am really looking forward to seeing the moccasin video's!! I gave up on sourdough. I simply can NOT get it to rise, so I stopped wasting flour...

[@cindyglass5827]

Heaseba ... if interested, a YT channel called ''Bake with Jack'' has greatly helped me with the 'risings' of all my [different types of] breads ... proper folding technique & a few other easy tips & tricks made all the difference, just thought I'd share in case you want to give SD another try, you could check him out : ) he's from England & all that he does is ''bread'' : )

[@robertcole9391]

You know.. despite burning the outside of the bread, the inside is actually still good. Just chip off the outside.. or rasp as they did... the middle is still good.. Gald you didn't edit that out. Most scrap their videos and start from scratch. Nowl... cut 2 or 3 slices of the fresh loaf, leave out over night.. and tomorrow you can have 'paine perdue' for breafast. Love the videos.. don't stop.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Actually, this loaf was beyond redemption!

[@robertcole9391]

@@TheWoodlandEscape That's pretty bad. But still glad you didn't edit it out. Shows we all goof from time to time. It's human!

[@rocksegalla9643]

Good to see the second loaf of damper turned out right, in Australia we would have put a fair spread of VEGEMITE across the slice, i can smell and taste it now. Thanks for your videos.

[@nancyl3843]

Could smell that bread from here. Yum.

[@reneebrown2968]

As a teenager i learned how to make kneehigh moccasins. Omg. Most comfortable thing I've ever put my foot in.

[@badbadbob1]

Yes I have had cooking failures too. I have been cooking with My many Dutch ovens for years. I have noticed when you can smell the content in the pot, That is the time to check it. Your second loaf turned out well.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Lesson learned lol!

[@tomf3969]

Ummm...warm sourdough with butter......good job!

[@bobmiller4343]

Peter your winter survival adventure is without exception my favorite view of the year. Interestingly enough a month or so before you put the adventure out I was hoping for such an endeavor on your part.We hear the term “ national treasure “ frequently. I have no doubt that you meet and exceed that standard. To fellow subscribers I would encourage each of us to make an effort to reach out to a few of our friends and introduce them to The Woodland Escape. There is no excuse for Peter not having more subscribers. No doubt Peter brings History to life. Peter thank you for what you do!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Can’t thank you enough Bob! BTW, your repairs to my old Martin guitar is outstanding , she sounds and plays like new.

[@marieleopold1625]

I'll just bet that there were times in your 'roughing it' in the bush, when U thought about the taste of fresh 'sourdough' bread. It's on the 'to do' list once nicely comforted again by home...am I far off in my thinking? Whenever I bake, my rule 'now' is; 'Never leave the room when the oven is on.' and you gave proof of the reason behind my new rule. History should be our guide in avoiding mistakes but it seems we are prone to repeat them. Hudson Bay, did soOOoo well with beaver alone that it ended up being a 'damn good business'! LOL! Sad though eh? Whenever we fall to 'excess' we ruin the beauty of moderation and much suffers. Here in QC, since I moved here (5 yrs. ago), I have come to appreciate how hard QC tries to promote things 'made in QC'. THIS is the 'kind of living' we should strive for. Eventually, we will be 'forced' to downsize and get back to the land, as the 'other way' of mass production, and out-sourcing eventually overwhelms us and order is lost. We are breaking down on many levels. As much as it is bad/sad, a better edifice can only be built once the former is destroyed and cleared. It will be painful but better for those who survive. I find it extremely interesting how several people similar to yourself Peter and good wife Katherine...who are 'answering' an 'inner call' to a better life. Nothing for nothing, I say (and only because I heard this elsewhere). When U started the hearth was so spotless, I wondered what U do with the ashes? Save them 4 the garden? I'll close this book by saying I am wearing a favorite pair of well broken moccasins sewn by the hands of a great, great (not sure when to quit on the great part) grand neice of Gabriel Dumont. I puchased them at Batoche, when I lived in Saskatoon Sk. I wear them and ponder the past. Thanks much 4 sharing your wealth of history with us. God Bless!

[@johnclarke6647]

I like to make bread, but not sourdough - to much work. I make yeast bread. Kaiser rolls are my specialty in my standup mixer.

[@HallnoutMhall]

Good evening Peter. Been waiting. Lol

[@patriciavanlouwe6636]

Great photography as usual Cathy. Love that you didn't edit the burnt bread segment Peter.... it is called keeping it real! Waiting for the episode where you play the guitar and sing. What about "One Gray, One Blue?"

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you, so much, Pat! I’m kinda shy about singing!

[@patriciavanlouwe6636]

Peter.... listen to your big sister... you cannot keep one of your very best talents from your subscribers! You own it to them!

[@earlshaner4441]

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone and thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures in history and the facts and truth. Plus the different subjects in history

[@judyjenson2918]

Awwww, crack me up! You didnt need that bread anyhow....... That would probably be something i would do. Love, love the vidos

[@spkgrl]

I have a quilt made by my paternal grandma between 1910-1920 out of the usable bits of the boys pants. All hand stitched, it's so hot you can't sleep underneath it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nothing went to waste! What a lovely heirloom to own!

[@timkraft4583]

My grandmother used to bake bread in an old cook stove. She would addcorn cobs as needed to maintain the right temperature.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My, but our grandmothers were wise in so many ways. Food for some reason always tastes better on a wood cook stove!

[@history_lives6749]

As you were talking about Firebacks I thought I saw your breath, meaning your cabin is cold. Given that you don't have a loft do you think your ceiling is too high? As in all the heat is going up? (great videos btw)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You could see my breath, because I had just started the fire and the cabin hadn’t warmed up, yet. It takes a while to displace the cold air and warm up the logs and chinking.

[@gavintrousdale7585]

I have builded two powder horns . one is carver , and I must say the carving of a horn could take all winter. So between the required chores of survial and the time required to created the horn you would be fully occuppied. Like you videos and history lessons very much. And I think you like doing it very much also.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do very much enjoy making these videos. It is all stuff that I would be doing anyway. Horn making is also something I enjoy doing. We appreciate your interest.

[@edmedlin2936]

I did the same thing! Went to bake corn bread in my big cast iron Dutch oven. Made a good fire with dry sycamore wood, on a fishing trip in the Eastern Washington country. Then started drinking and playing cards and forgot it...and when I looked outside the iron oven was red hot. The "corn bread" became a black charcoal frisbee that the dogs played with for months. It was indestructible. Guess I never did learn to bake in that Dutch oven, so I gave it away.

[@mstuartjones7800]

Peter, A bit of Scrinahaw terminknowledge and history... In the 18th century one who did scrimshaw was refered to as Schrishandler and the art was refered to as Scrimshandling. Living and going to high school in New Bedford MA, I became interested in the peocess of scrimshaw, and my mother at the time was a secratary at a tool and die manufactuering facility, her boss was a Scrimshandler and when she told him of my interest he had etching tools made from me and told my mom what the process historicly was refered to as.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for sharing a wee bit of history I was unaware of.

[@beverlymichael5830]

I love your history lessons. I have two Hudson Bay wool blankets. Nothing compares to their wool blankets.

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

I enjoy the story’s and History lessons in your videos. I have always been interested in 18th and 19th frontier life of Native Americans and Trappers and Mountain Men. Your are a man of many talents. Happy New Year.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you and all the best to you and your clan in 2022.

[@mightyminifarm]

If there was anybody that deserved a good loaf of sourdough after those last couple videos it was you! Sorry about your first attempt, but looks like you made up for it with attempt #2!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yup, and was indeed tasty!

[@d.pierce.6820]

HBC= Hudson Bay Company= "Here Before Christ" to many of the trappers, traders and voyageurs.

[@kirsten2607]

If you pre-heat your dutch oven prior to putting the bread dough in it will result in much better rise during baking. Also, hard as it is to resist bread right out of the oven, if you let it cool before slicing it won't gum up. Happy New Year and thanks for another great video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Great advice , Kristen. The problem is, I have no patience when it comes to that waiting part!

[@danpatch4751]

What a nice cabin and Rumford fireplace. I could hang out there constantly. Great way to cook. You've done such great work on everything.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you!

[@doris1145]

Suggestion for your snowshoes on the wall. The direction of the heel strap winding on the left snowshoe is correct, but the right snowshoe heel strap should be wound so that it comes over the top of the toe strap. By doing this, the heel strap is less likely to fall off the moccasin at the heel when the bindings get stretched with use. Also it would be better if you offset your knots to the side to eliminate any chance for chafing at the back of the heels if the bindings become iced. Mino ahgimoosowin!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I must say, Doris, you are very observant. Thanks for sharing your sound advice.

[@victorjolinmarfil6629]

Hi Peter I would like to know if the crooket knife you use is made by yourself or have you boughted it. In this case please let me know where can I adquiere one. Thanks in advance, an happy new Year

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

A little bit of history you might be interested in...... In 1824 the Hudson's Bay Company built a fort on the banks of the Columbia River called Fort Vancouver. It's first Chief Factor was Dr. John Mclaughlin, and he managed the Fort for 22 years. The Fort was abandoned in the 1840's, especially after the US Calvary built a Fort adjacent to it as a show of force as the Pacific Northwest boundaries were being disputed between Great Britain and the US. The Fort eventually burned to the ground, probably on purpose. Anyway, the National Park Service has rebuilt the Fort and many of it's original buildings on the exact same location. This is where I went through a 4 year Blacksmithing apprenticeship back in the 1990's. One of the buildings was being reconstructed while I was there called "the accounting office". I made many of the nails for that building. I bought a ranch many hundreds of miles away from the Fort so I no longer work in the Blacksmith shop there, but it was a great time and learning experience while I did.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That must have been an interesting time! Thank you for your story!

[@bettinafritz9334]

Love your videos, thank you so much for all the interesting informations for us 🍀👍⭐

[@mikerogers9711]

Well you did what most Utobers do not do. Posted a fail. Good for you, I can not count how many fails on an open fire or coals I have had. Thank you for your honesty. Blessed travels

[@dextaman]

Yes, it was juicy-looking bread😂😂. just like when I baked myself. greetings from Finland🇫🇮thanks for the good videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you for your interest!

[@leeburke4060]

love watching you.

[@kevinscudamore2711]

Thanks always enjoyable 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MrBryanwithay]

The burnt sough dough earned you a subscription, lol! Brings up a great point. How did the early settlers keep time or keep track of how long items should cook.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They had clocks, but mostly it was from trial and error and knowing the temperature of the coals, by the feel of the heat, and knowing the characteristics of their cooking vessels.

[@MrBryanwithay]

@@TheWoodlandEscape That's great information. I used to live in Germany (stationed) and frequently visit. I have an old style coo coo clock and it is obvious that these types of clocks have been around for some time, however very delicate and easy to break. Plus, if you forget to wind, or lose track... I love the authenticity of your channel. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@kingrafa3938]

Interesting history about the Hudson Bay Company.

[@chadk9532]

Reenacting to a T ! 🤣... Thanks for another great video!

[@kimsutton2268]

Thanks for sharing and giving us a history lesson blessings to all

[@elliebelli8560]

Love 💘 the cottage and your way of life. Also the lessons of history are really enjoyable. Thank you and God Bless you.

[@mariaotero5601]

I love your videos and fantastic place you have ☺️

[@heidikindig1627]

We look forward to every one of your videos and wait until we can watch them together as they post. Sincere thanks for something special to enjoy as we don’t watch regular tv. We love you whether you burn the bread or not :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you!

[@alanpinn2266]

Ahhh, I could almost smell and taste that second loaf all the way down here in Nova Scotia! Keep up the good work Peter!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Al and a Happy New Year to you and your clan.

[@delbert3539]

I love to bake sourdough bread and I’ve burnt my share😧

[@markaugustus621]

I suspect every day was an experiment for those who came before. Most times it went well and sometimes the bread burned. And the good one looked incredible. Great video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I agree and thank you.

[@andrewstetson7614]

So much for eating hardy back at the cabin another great video

[@kevendrover2442]

What is left to say ,just close your eyes let your mind and heart do the rest .

[@danbruner3563]

I've got one of those HB blankets. I wouldn't be without it on my bed during the Winter. I love the green, yellow, red and black stripes on it and it's a 4 pointer. If I remember my history on them correctly, the number of small black stripes on the side indicated how many beaver pelts were needed from the Native Americans for trading for one. They were VERY popular among the tribes from what I read.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The actually significance of the bars was to indicate the size, not necessarily the number of pelts required to purchase one. It is a very common myth . They were very popular with the indigenous peoples. In the States, an equivalent blanket was a Whitney.

[@danbruner3563]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Thank you for correcting me on that. I don't like getting my facts wrong, but That's what I read somewhere a long time ago. I'll make sure to remember this in the future. I wouldn't part with that blanket for anything! ( smiling )

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

Another awsome video. And the bread looks delicious!! 🍞

[@rogerclyde2720]

Now we know how Pumpernickel was invented.

[@johnclarke6647]

I like to bake bread but I use yeast and my stand mixer. My favorite bread is Kaiser rolls. I make 13-15 at a time. Nothing but flour, water, yeast and salt with a little vegetable oil thrown in. They are good and keep about a week, but they are usually gone by then. Fried chicken is best when cooked in a cast iron trying pan and I loved fried chicken. We have two 100 year old cast iron griddles. Sourdough bread is to labor intensive for me. I just throw a packet of yeast in the mixer and that’s it. My rolls cook in 22 minutes at 400 degrees F. I do hand form them and don’t stamp them with a cutter, like some do. There is nothing artistic about me, but I am a craftsman. I have no French blood. My dna is pure Scot.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We’ve used the same starter for the past decade and a bit and don’t buy any bread.

[@larryreese6146]

I have enjoyed every production I have seen in your series. Though I understand that you were an arborist, if I were guessing I'd say that at some time you were a teacher or you should have been. There is no greater calling than to pass on knowledge. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My only teaching stint was about 4 years teaching Arboriculture in College. Pre covid I get involved in education days at public schools for the grade 7 and 8’s. I do enjoy teaching youth. We appreciate your ongoing support of our step back in time endevour.

[@larryreese6146]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Sir, you are teaching now and doing a very good job of it.

[@daviddowd3764]

I loved it as usual, great job Ms. Video mam!

[@daviddowd3764]

I loved it as usual, great job Ms. Video mam!

[@janetnga3234]

I'm sure you have said, but red coat was British, does green coat have significance? How did they get that green? What was used? Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

In order to get green one needs blue and yellow … the blue came from indigo and the yellow usually from golden rod flowers. Numerous armies have worn green, like Roger’s Rangers( F & I ) Canadian Fensibles ( 1812 ) Bredan Sharpshooters ( civil war).

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

just awesome, thanks for the history lesson and a happy healthy new year to you

[@davidcohencrumpton9884]

Aw man, you've made me hungry. Now I'm gonna have to bake me some sourdough bread too. A little local honey would be good on that slice too. Another good vlog peter,and you and Catherine are so real, and I like that. Till next time my friend. Davey CC

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We always have so local honey on hand and it is indeed marvelous on sourdough bread. Glad you enjoyed.

[@johnhempsall4644]

That was funny 😂 sorry breakfast didn’t happen maybe build something with it 😅😅

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Haha

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

That bread looked so good that I had to go to the kitchen and toast some bread! Kind Thanks! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So good!

[@ciscodepr]

Hello again, always amazed and learning so much. Quick question did you make the rocking chair seen best when you go to make café at around 21:45 ?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I did not, it was gifted to me by a friend. Glad you’re enjoying.

[@somikstudios513]

So is your persona a trapper? And what sorts of things would he have to buy as opposed to DIYing? And how many beaver pelts would he have to bring in to live in that level of comfort you have there? 😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good questions but, my persona is that of an early 1700’s settler … a farmer. Trapping and hunting would certainly been a part of it all.

[@somikstudios513]

@@TheWoodlandEscape right, that makes sense. Thanks, I look forward to the next installment. 😊

[@edmedlin2936]

Dang, you inspired me to pause the video, go in the kitchen and mix up a sourdough starter. My last one died, from neglect or whatever. I recall once I kept one going for a year, then screwed up and let it die. As always, love watching your videos, especially camping out in the snow. I been there and done that, and I must admit you do a really good job of living out there in the woods. Now I want to make pemmican.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We have been using the same starter for almost 7 years now. I love sourdough bread.

[@johnfoster4414]

Peter, it is only burned on the outside.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Actually, it was burnt through!

[@nikburton9264]

When you said an hour and 15 minutes, I thought "That's too long". When making fire side bread, mine is usually done in about 30 minutes. Never more than 45.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yup, lesson learned. That is the time we bake in a modern oven and I did get a tad distracted, which is normal for me!

[@charleswilliams9647]

Yeah Charles here. I have cooked many things in a dutch oven, including bread. it looked like a little to much heat from my perspective, not sure how long you left it. Bummer.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Live and learn Charles … both, too much heat and too long. I got it figured out now, lol.

[@geoffreybudge3027]

Rotted white wood not pine makes a good punk to extend the life of an ember . Mullen core , Elderberry pith , and especially the true char , Chagga from the Birch is best and doesn’t need to be charred . Pith material can be burned in flame then buried in dry sand or dirt covered with your foot to make char .😊

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

All good information, thanks for sharing.

[@bas-canadapreparatistesurv203]

I still wonder why youtube did not show this wonderful chanel before !, like we use to say here , "ces pure laine " :its pure wool , meaning that its pure canadian made ! American got John Townsend and we canadiens got you ! Thanks for that nice historical based content

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much. I’m flattered to be compared to Jas Townsend.

[@gregreed1044]

Damn Pete, your pipe is in yer hat, what a concept. The Missouri Meerschaum pipe CO ain’t far from me on the Missouri River and I got a nice Jamestown era pipe… huh, pipe bag perhaps but maybe eh in da hat ?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll have to look into the there pipe company.

[@metroplexchl]

Haha! I love the learning curve.....I've done that a few dozen times. I learned that modern cast iron needs only very few coals to evenly heat it. Great episode!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll remember that next time!

[@frontierwoodsman4373]

So sorry about that first loaf... I know what that's like when you're hungry. Maybe you can still use it for char to start your next fire?? Just kidding... the second one looked much better. Good to see you back in from the field. God bless you and your plans in 2022. I hope this is a better year for all of us. Peace from Alaska.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I could make hockey pucks out of that there loaf. Thanks for your kind wishes and peace from Canada.

[@12snapper43]

Love your handcrafts. According to the guide at Fort Ticonderoga F and I war soldiers would have had hot chocolate not coffee. Just saying. Sorry about your bread.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Coffee was available but, really scarce. You are right, chocolate was the beverage of the day or tea. Thanks for your interest.

[@donaldstenico5266]

Just listening to you and the setting your in brings me back to a more simple time in my life. Don't get me wrong it was a lot of hard work. It was satisfying because of what we accomplished. You just bring me back to those times and feelings. It's very emotional and relaxing for me. Thank you so very much.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We appreciate your sentiments and interest, Donald. Happy New Year to you and your clan.

[@smwon1]

Ah, what bummer about the bread! I was looking forward to you cutting into it. The wild yeast comes from the flour itself. I know because I have starter I made with an airlock. And it is the best starter I have ever caught! I suppose you could catch it from the air, but it would be iffy.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the feedback, Linda. The starter that we are currently using is going on 4 years and without a doubt, the best we’ve ever had.

[@lynetteclauser3551]

While you baking your sourdough, my mouth was watering and then my heart sank when I saw the blackened bread. Reminds me of my early attempts at bread. I went back and forth for a while between blackened and bricks you could use for doorstops. Glad you went for a second loaf, looked inviting. Also the cinematographer is excellent, beauty abounds around your little cabin.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Try, try again, seems to work Lynette. We are indeed lucky to have so much beauty around us. Thanks for your kind compliment regarding the filming … Cathy does seem to have a real talent for it.

[@pbonniejean]

Sorry, Peter, but I have to call out one little mistake in your catalogue of frontier women's skills: crochet was unheard of until the Victorian period.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn’t know that!

[@angiebee2225]

It's definitely a newer craft, and even in the Victorian era it consisted of mostly the single crochet/slip stitch (same thing, UK vs US terminology), which takes forever but makes some nice fabric.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m learning all the time. Thanks for the feedback, Angie.

[@jamesking3995]

Thanks again for a great video. Nothing tastes better then fresh baked sourdough. Apple pie is really good baked in a Dutch Oven, but then again, just about anything tastes better when you cook it over a fire. Take care.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Totally agree with you, James.

[@glenmacneill6935]

Peter ... you haven't showed us yet where the Whiskey Still is hidden !! That ain't soda in the silver cup!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m afraid, Glen, hat is a well kept secret!

[@rstainsbury]

Phew! So glad you finally got some good food! Berries in the wood, burnt bread in the oven...I was getting worried!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Tell me about it, lol!

[@billm9709]

With the amount of coals under your oven, I kind of thought the bread might ba s little extra crispy on the bottom, but not looking like a piece of char. LOL.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I will definitely use fewer coals on the bottom next time!

[@CronesBones]

You need to “knock” 🤜 on top of the bread when you think it’s done. It should sound hollow when it’s ready. Said my Gramma who made bread twice a week.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sound advice.

[@patriciablazer6682]

Have you come across info about spinners (creating yarn) and weavers (creating fabric)? We had them down here in the States at that time, sure Canada did too....

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We definitely did.

[@richardliles4415]

I’ll bet you enjoyed that sourdough bread so very much, I do believe I could smell it all the way down here in East Tennessee, it smells good.😃 Thanks to you two for another wonderful the video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We certainly appreciate your interest.

[@HomsteadingThePioneerWay]

I also make sourdough bread and make all kinds of crafts, i like the Pioneer way of doing things, the bread looks good

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I to like. The old ways and we are getting closer to mastering the bread making.

[@gregreed1044]

Yeah Peter, can sure relate,,, Dutch oven cookin is simple but it ain’t easy for sure… have made some master piece roasts n bread which I remember 30 years later clear as a bell and have burnt meat game bread and chili till inedible and laugh to this day. Once I set a German style Saurebraten beef arm roast outside to marinate in a crock and coyotes made off with it, wow was I hurt, had to eat potatoes and catsup for three days, would go back there in a minute now !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

What would we be like if there were no mistakes in our lives? I believe rather boring. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariaotero5601]

Thank you for your information ☺️

[@timrobinson6573]

This is some rich white people stuff

[@timkraft4583]

I think i was as disappointed about the burned bread as he was. I (try to) bread as well and have had many fails.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ve finally got it figured out, perhaps I should do another episode featuring a successful loaf, lol.

[@seesawsummer]

Apart from the wonderful videos, I have to admire your temperament. I think I would have struggled not to launch that burnt loaf out into the lake followed by some choice language and some "me" time on a tree with an axe.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Too funny.

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Sure you are a time in history you are a historian but most of all you're very intellectual and you're just wonderful and keeping the imagination light on as you go on with your conversation being that my mother was mohawk and my father White I believe I have some history in my family was the Hudson Bay company but most of all is very intriguing because you're an honest soul and even though you're living in the present you live in the past but you're such a knowledgeable man plus I love the sunsets the Sun rises and all your history lessons sure you are quite a remarkable man I hope you're teaching your knowledge and your skills to someone other than yourself so this will go on because this is history without your culture you have none happy holidays love always Freddie

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@wanderlustjake]

Thank you for sharing another interesting video and not being afraid to show when things don't go according to plan.Felt bad for you as sourdough takes time to make. I was wondering if that would have happened during your last trek, if hunger would have drove you to try to eat some of it, or was it too far gone and better as charcoal for a forge?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Don’t think I got that hungry. Heck, I could have carved hockey bucks out of that loaf!

[@craigcook1571]

Burnt or not, I bet they ate it anyway back then, or at least cut into it to see if it was salvageable 🤣. My aunt used to make sourdough rolls at holiday time, and my belly sure misses her. Maybe it time for me learn how to make them

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You are pro spot on … one could I’ll afford to waist anything!