Traditional Camping at the Abandoned Collier Homestead - Bushcraft at a Historical Site

My father and I visit the abandoned Collier homestead and do a three day overnight camping trip using traditional gear.
Chapter One - Day One, An Encampment at the Homestead:
After a short canoe ride across the lake, my father and I arrived at the location of the Collier homestead. The homestead was set across a large area of land, and was surrounded by poplars, beaver meadows, and of course the everlasting pine forests that cover most of the Chicoltin. After doing a small bit of exploring around the Collier's buildings and unpacking the canoe, I picked a spot to set up our camp. The first thing I needed to do was to build a saw. To do this, I used a pine branch in combination with my bow saw blade, and the outcome was a crude but useful tool. While I was out collecting the materials for it, amazingly I ran into some of the Collier's traps along the forest floor. They were almost completely buried under 60 years worth of pine needles. We checked out the traps, and then my father and I got to work cutting the timber we'd need to build our camp. We collected just enough logs, and we constructed two shelters. One was an A-frame using a canvas tarp, and the other was a small lean-to using a canvas and rubber gum blanket. To finish the camp, I built a small fire pit and ring. I specifically pulled the grass out of the ground in an effort to keep it intact so I could replace it once we broke camp, to hopefully allow the grass to regrow in it's natural place. I then gathered materials, and got a fire going using the stacking method with my trench lighter. Once the fire had burnt down, I cooked dinner, and we watched the sun set and the moon rise over the homestead, which concluded our first night of camping.
Chapter Two - Day Two, A Day's Worth of Wilderness Living:
We awoke the next morning to a cloudy sky, and a strong westward wind. I started the day off by gathering more materials for a fire. I lit the fire the same way I had previously, but this time it proved to be a bit difficult due to the wind. After the fire was at a nice temperature, I cooked breakfast and made some coffee, which got us both ready for the day ahead. The day was filled with many tasks - first I upgraded our camp with a tripod, a few old rounds for some chairs and an anvil, and a table I borrowed from the Collier's four room cabin which was respectfully replaced after we were done with it. After that, I went and gathered some poplar to do some carving with, and I ended up carving a few crude spoons. My father and I then enjoyed the day reading our books and tending to our camp, and as dusk approached, I decided to gather and process some rose hips to make some rose hip tea. After the tea and some more time tending to the camp, night approached and I once again lit the lanterns and began cooking dinner. Finally night had arrived, and it was time for some rest. We had a big day ahead of us on Meldrum lake.
Chapter Three - Day Three, The Last Day on Meldrum Lake:
When we awoke on the last morning of our trip, we were once again greeted with an overcast sky and a strong western wind. To start the morning off, I once again got the fire going, and this time it was a real test for my patience as the wind decided to blow as hard as it could. If by pure chance, I managed to get the fire going and I was able to cook some much needed breakfast and coffee. After breakfast, we went for a paddle around the lake, and saw many things including another old corral on the northern shore along side some free ranging cattle, a few old beaver lodges, and even some active beavers. The beavers were an amazing sight to see, because those beavers are related to the first four that Eric had gotten delivered to his homestead all those years ago. Once the wind argued that canoeing wasn't the best idea, my father and I got off the lake and started to pack up our camp. First the fire pit was returned to it's natural state, and then the shelters were taken down along with all of the other gear along side it. It was all packed away into the canoe, leaving us one final task of launching and paddling back to the Collier's Meadow, where this whole trip had began. We gave the Collier's a final thank you alongside a final goodbye, and set off, leaving with nothing but the joy of a successful trip...
Enjoy the silent adventure!
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Social Media:
/ wituikbws
Music used:
Intro and outro music provided by Epidemic Sound, player.epidemicsound.com/.
#wituikbws #collier
I see nearly all comments on my channel, so feel free to leave a comment with some feedback, questions, or anything else you can think of!

[@wituikbws]

I hope you all enjoy the new camping video! This camping video was an experience I'll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. It was filmed on the Collier's homestead in the Chilcotin wilderness, a place I never thought I'd get to visit aside from in my mind and through the words of Eric Collier's memoir, "Three Against the Wilderness". I owe a lot to the Collier's, and I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to camp among their cabins and see the beauty of the watershed that Eric, Lillian, and Veasy brought back to life. There will be a documentary on the Collier's and their homestead coming soon for those of you that are interested in what this place actually was and what they accomplished. A lot of time was put into this video, and I hope you enjoyed the outcome! If so, don't forget to like, comment feedback, and share with your friends! It's the best way to help me and my channel out! A cinematic trailer was posted for this video before it's full release. If you'd like to see it, check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nImWeJ-eireCf5Y Don't forget to check out my new Facebook page along with my Instagram and Twitter! Click here to check them out: instagram.com/nicholaswituik/ twitter.com/nicholaswituik facebook.com/nicholaswituik/ Thanks for watching everyone! Enjoy the silent adventure. -Nicholas

[@davidhowell2456]

Fantastic cinematography and I love how you use all traditional equipment and methods! You have every right to be proud of this one even though your other videos are good as well, this one just stood out as all the elements came together perfectly. A truly praiseworthy documentation of an incredible memory making outing! Thank you for sharing your talents and you experiences!

[@wituikbws]

Thank you!!

[@martinjcamp]

To me, the best part of this video is that you are able to hang out with your Dad. There are so many people that have never been able to do so - especially in such an intimate setting. Thanks for the visual experience.

[@stefanos2457]

I am surprised that you do not have x10 the number of sub rivers and viewing. This is a very high quality production and amazing story telling. Thank you Nicholas.

[@stanbrown915]

I fell asleep 3 different times and had to backtrack in order not to miss anything. Fell asleep not because it's boring but because it's so darn relaxing. Loved it

[@wituikbws]

That's the idea! Haha

[@ellaashby5159]

One word... AWESOME

[@280919811]

❤❤❤❤❤❤I really thank you very much because this video is the video I have been looking for for a long time.

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Really nice that your dad can do things like this with you. I never had that chance. My dad didn't stick around. So I really appreciate what your dad is doing with you. Go Dad!

[@sdrchannel576]

The best thing about these videos is the old school clothes donned by the man; time traveling to the past for fun.

[@wituikbws]

That is a huge part of the fun for me. I don't see a point in using traditional shelters, gear, and tools, if I'm going to wear brand new top of the line clothing, especially rain and winter gear. I prefer the old canvas, wool, and all that anyways, so it works out great when I get to go the extra mile and use everything at once in a trip :)

[@mikebingham7189]

Funny, I'm 67 and this is how we camped when I was a kid. We had a heavy canvas tarp, lantern and fire pit or old stove. Ate good camp food, carved wood along with swimming and fishing. It was wonderful time. No cable tv, no cell phones and no internet. Some one asked me what I did as a kid. My response, I went outside....all year. After a long history of much ultralight hiking-camping I'm going back to this style. I enjoyed this. Simple restful. " Once upon a time there as a little boy, and he went outside."

[@norobbie73]

i'd give anything for one more trip with my dad. i love your care for repairing the fire pit,kudoos

[@charleskeenom9481]

Thank y’all I really like the videos very much

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

Nice site! Beautiful scenery 👍

[@Borealwalkabouts]

True and genuine Red Dead Redemption feeling right here. This is art sir. Thank you boah

[@wituikbws]

You're welcome boah! That's my favourite game 😆. Just wait until I get some pack and saddle horses in the next while, then we'll be there! 👍

[@Borealwalkabouts]

@@wituikbws Same here partner. The only game I've been playing since 26 October -18. So so addictive. A true masterpiece. I have 50 days worth of playtime in storymode and 30 in online. Xbox

[@TheWindigomonster]

@@wituikbws i was wondering if the text fonts/edits were inspired by red dead lol

[@russellrlf]

You deserve more subscribers and views. The camera work is top notch. I love your videos.

[@wituikbws]

Thank you! Maybe one day!

[@jameswatson7136]

The location different than what I imagined when reading the book. Beautiful.

[@wituikbws]

That was my thoughts when I first saw it, but after being there for awhile and reading the book, I could almost see it all playing out in front of me like a movie. It was a weird but humbling experience

[@jameswatson7136]

@@wituikbws They accomplished so much. Only three people.

[@gunnareppenbuhr832]

Hallo Nicholas, ein schönes Video, dein Dad und Du ihr harmoniert so gut,jeder weiss was er zu tun hat,danke fürs mitnehmen und mach weiter soo...bleibt gesund und munter lg aus Hessisch Oldendorf im schönen Weserbergland GERMANY

[@nalusei1173]

素敵です👍🏻✨💕⛺️🔥

[@huntsman4683]

your videos are outstanding Nicholas~ How cool to be with your father as will !! TY

[@spacecowgirl2754]

Magnificent place and a beautiful rustic structure... and your dad is cool as well lol Where's Marie? Please include her in your videos next time. I rather enjoy watching you two work together as well. Thank you.

[@kiwi_comanche]

Epic. Enjoyed this with a couple of cold beers!! Thanks man. Fantastic video. 🍻🤙

[@wituikbws]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed

[@kiwi_comanche]

@@wituikbws Really did mate. Thank you. 🙂

[@trakyboy5128]

That's some big country thata way !! Very nice 👌😊

[@wituikbws]

It sure is! I love it here.

[@joha7484]

You are a greatful son indeed, Nick !!!

[@wituikbws]

I try :)

[@DonnaConrady]

This is an excellent tribute to an amazing family. I'm very glad you got to stay there and thank you for sharing it with us Nic. Are you ready for winter :)) ?

[@wituikbws]

I'm glad you think so. I really felt the pressure when producing this video. I wanted it to be respectful to the Colliers :). Not quite however, I've got a lot of things to do and the snow is constantly threatening me haha

[@jimmybritt9537]

Very nice , thank's for the vid 😉👍👍🇺🇸

[@boschselo5596]

Nice Video

[@wituikbws]

Thanks!

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great video.

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'll be getting back out to the homestead sometime soon I hope

[@welitonbigotmelo3972]

FANTASTICO,PARABÉNS

[@mikerogers9711]

Awesome

[@bulletheed1970]

Great chapter in your life thank you for bringing us alone to enjoy it . I hope you and your farther had a great time . Look forward to the next. And great music added to this it was very relaxing .

[@wituikbws]

It was something I'll never forget. I want to go back there already :)

[@marthaneuhauser1019]

Beautiful, gorgeous, soothing, peaceful, relaxing, and did I mention gorgeous!!!!! Thank you for sharing! Very much enjoyed this video.

[@wituikbws]

Thank you for watching!

[@marjosl1970]

The cabin has been around for a long time but it's still strong

[@wituikbws]

The homestead was established in the early 1930's, and the small cabin and 4 room house, in the late 40's - 50's (I'd have to check the book for the exact dates). The Canadian Army came in and put new roofs, windows, and doors on the two cabins as well as the barn in an effort to save the homestead. If I were able to buy the land and restore the homestead further, I would. It's without a doubt my favourite place. Thanks for watching!

[@mr.fisher3973]

amazing video!!!

[@ulflyng4072]

"Been there", done that. Soothing and therapeutical

[@johnearhart8811]

Wow! Exceptional!

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

I put that saw design in my bush craft note book.

[@X_explorer]

Good channel!

[@wituikbws]

Thanks for the visit!

[@trudiswanson9855]

Nicholas. Again I read your accompanying story. I Love that part as well as your "silent video". This is truely relaxing viewing. Thank you guys. 👍🐞. P.S. must watch again to see those traps. Missed them.

[@wituikbws]

I was going to include the traps in a separate video about the homestead, but it's taking me ages to complete the video! I'll probably upload the moment I found them on my Instagram, @nicholaswituik

[@trudiswanson9855]

@@wituikbws . Thanks for your thoughtful reply Nicholas. I watched again and was thrilled to catch that brief moment when you find them. Looking forward to more of your father and son videos. Have a beautiful time creating them. Trudi. Queensland Australia 🐞⛱

[@gardenia73mccready79]

Yes I certainly enjoyed your camping trips & what makes it really nice is being out there with your father, creating these wonderful memories of your time with him. Beautiful scenery, sounds of nature & the food, absolutely delightful. so thank you for sharing these moments in time.

[@wituikbws]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@skyline2fly]

Really amazing video man 🙏

[@user-iw5ln8jl8k]

Another great video Nick. all the best in the future

[@wituikbws]

Thank you! Sorry for the late replies

[@michaelmcdonald6727]

This video is epic! Thanks much Nicholas.

[@wituikbws]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@rosiebateson4498]

Just found your channel today. I’m really enjoying it. Subscribed 👍 Love comet 🐕 🥰

[@wituikbws]

Welcome to the channel! I hope you enjoy the future content!

[@cimbrerbushcraft-vikingheritag]

It’s not often I comment a video … but I just had to do it with this one 👍🏻😁🏕 Amazing video … well done and very old school Just my taste 😉 Thanks for sharing this with me Atb to you and your father Tom

[@wituikbws]

I'm glad you enjoyed and commented! Love your channel :)

[@GRSRiverrider]

I watched it right through. Didn't want to miss a thing. Love all the traditional gear (especially the canoe).

[@wituikbws]

Thanks for watching the whole documentary!

[@lukewardle3515]

Lovely, very restful.

[@dianevillemaire8286]

Beautifully made video. Totally enjoyed it. Love the saw and spoons. Well done

[@wituikbws]

Thank you!

[@darrellwituik]

Beautiful ❤️ and I will be the first to say that is a beautiful canoe. I sure looks nice on the water! That’s not a garbage bag with a frame folding boat.

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Lol

[@georgehigdon4974]

I've hunted Moose in the Chilcotin wilderness. Absolutely beautiful and remote area!

[@wituikbws]

It's a special place for me. Even as a kid, it's always been the end all be all of wilderness living in my mind for some reason. Likely because I always use to pick Eric Collier's book up and read the back of it, where he talks about the Chilcotin.

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Oh man, I know that plant you showed. It's a bull thistle, or a Canadian thistle. I found some down here in New Hampshire USA. Edible, and has medicinal qualities. So I harvested the ones I found and made a decoction with it. I only took part of the second year plant. I wanted more to come.

[@SunsetSam]

I think you need a wind protector for your mic, Partner. Nice video as always. More from this stuff. I wish, i could life like you in the wilderness. If i watch your videos, i come down. Keep it up! 🤠

[@wituikbws]

I've been slowly upgrading my camera gear, and that's the last thing I need to get - a new mic and a wind protector :). I will have a lot more videos coming soon, I hope you'll enjoy them!

[@jerriadrianimachado4964]

Show espetacular! Abraço do Brasil

[@shannonhawkey10]

Looks like a great place to be for a weekend. I want to come next time K? Patti? You in? Great video Niccholas! So well done!

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Shannon Hawkey love to see Patti in a video!

[@shannonhawkey10]

@@shakyhandpictures2185 Me too!

[@mommyoftwoboys123]

Haha! I would tip that canoe!

[@shannonhawkey10]

@@mommyoftwoboys123 We used to build rafts down at nose creek when I was a kid. We could build one and take that! Lol!

[@biggboyy1370]

Awesome, new subscriber thanks for your effort

[@wituikbws]

Welcome to the channel! Thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy the videos moving forward!

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Oh wow, I love that method of using the saw. So simple and effective.I have seen video's where there bush craft a buck saw. But it takes a bit of work and time. Your method is unbelievable. Love it.

[@maddogspowerhouse]

This awesome! So inspirational, my older brother and I live opposite ends of the country but I’m now trying plan a canoe trip with him next year. All thanks to this beautiful piece of film work, thank you!

[@wituikbws]

I'm glad it inspired you to get you and your brother together! I hope your trip goes well

[@NatureBound]

nice and relaxing video. I wish i could hear a story or two from some of those old walls

[@wituikbws]

You could read Eric's book! :)

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

I have always had a desire to have a cabin like that. Life never gave me the chance unfortunately.

[@westmeathguy]

I read the book last winter and found the homestead on Google Earth. Seeing it here is perfect! Thank you very much and happy trials! Terry

[@wituikbws]

I suggest you check it out if you can! It was an amazing experience

[@leminh-oz7de]

a jot in pet for things good and not good from so far to forest at almost lake on camping as more house within living either your father and you been done three date watching going to very Proud of jobs also experiences .Thanks for naturals over there ever your Minds.

[@Twotoedfarm]

What an amazing video! Love this style of camping! What canteen do you use if you don’t mind me asking?

[@jimsmall3864]

old man got some stones

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Lol, old man alright!

[@darrellwituik]

Shaky Hand Pictures ha hahaaa you will always be a year older..... 🤓🤪

[@Cryptid96]

Great videos you have here, Mister! I just recently came across your channel and I must say - your art is an inspiring thing. I've been searching for a meditative outdoors content with use of old west-style equipment and here it is. I was wondering, what's this gas lamp you use, is it vintage? Been searching for a thing like that, but no luck just yet. Thank you and have a good day!

[@Jappert1234]

Absolutely stunning! Any information on these purple water canteens with cups? Name, year? Would love to own one. Thanks in advance!

[@randytate2250]

Very relaxing, beautiful lanterns, where did you get them

[@wituikbws]

One was my grand father's from working on the CPR, the others I just bought around for parts and for use :). Check out online or vintage stores for old railway lanterns

[@jalleman61]

This is comfort food.Im down.

[@mr.fisher3973]

What is the name of those vintage canteens you are using???? I've seen them on Coalcracker Bushcraft as well.

[@wituikbws]

I believe they're surplus Swiss Army canteens from around WWI

[@quentingallea166]

What could be hidden under the stones you pick, you seem to be careful?

[@forestcobra7796]

Great video. But . . . what is with this cooking at night??? Shouldn't that be done in the daylight and completed BEFORE all loss of daylight? This gives the appearance of poor planning.

[@wituikbws]

It’s the result of having to film. A day’s worth of filming, especially back when I filmed this video, takes around 18 hours a day to produce (for camping videos), and sometimes even longer. It’s extremely hard to judge how long certain tasks will take to finish, even stuff that’d normally take 10 minutes without the camera, so I no longer even try to guess/plan. Thankfully my process for filming has gotten streamlined since this video, and I can now film much more in the same amount of time, but even now it still averages around 18 hours per day. Hope that explains it, and sorry for the night-time cooking. I know it’s a pain in the ass to see what I’m doing, especially with the camera used in this video haha. Thanks for watching!

[@larrywave]

Where can one buy those kind of bottles 🤔

[@nohel03]

what type knife is it?

[@wituikbws]

This was my original custom knife built by Mike Jones Knife & Tool. Check out my newer videos to see the new version of it I designed. It’s a lot better than this one 👊

[@nohel03]

@@wituikbws ho!! i liked too, i will check out your news videos, and what material is it!?

[@wituikbws]

@@nohel03 The knife in this video was made from old Cariboo-Chilcotin sawmill blades, and the new knife is standard 1095 high carbon 👊

[@FARMALLL666]

WHY DIDNT U STAY IN THE CABIN?

[@wituikbws]

They're all run down and unsafe to stay in and even if they were they're full of pack-rats and barn swallows, which are pretty annoying to be around

[@ismaelbustos4196]

Rdr 2

[@KILLERMEDIACLUB]

I believe truly that we are separated at birth.

[@drt190d9]

Everything ok with the video until you kill a young tree to make a spoon. Unbelievable. Why? You could take a branch or even a part of the fallen tree behind the scene, then you could use your tools to make the spoon. Otherwise, we love what you do.

[@wituikbws]

You must hate the moose, deer, bear, and first and foremost, free-range cattle, that trample dozens of these trees daily. This is the Canadian bush, not a provincial park. Harvesting one small Balsam Poplar tree wont harm anything in the forest, and in some cases it may even benefit it. The parts of the tree that didn’t get used will rot away and become topsoil in a few years, and help grow more trees in its place; however, I threw the spare pieces of wood to the local beavers in the lake, who survive by eating their bark - and they kill hundreds of these trees, sometimes for no reason at all. A lot can be learned by studying the bush yourself, and you’ll find that a lot of the “rules” people make up, like utilizing a sapling or making a ring of rocks around a fire being considered “wrong” under the guidelines of “Leave No Trace”, is based on nothing more than political opinions and feelings. Just my two cents. Thanks for the feedback though!