Kamana naturalist training programme

   Those of you who have taken my bushcraft courses might remember my discussion on nature awareness and animal tracking. We mentioned how important it is to enhance your personal awareness and interact with Nature on a more profound level.
   How do you do this exactly? Is there a light switch somewhere inside you that once activated opens up powers of awareness and understanding that was just waiting to emerge?

Winter Solstice

The end of the year is fast approaching. The weather has turned an intense cold and I can see 20cm icicles hanging from our cabin roof.
I find the winter cold refreshing. The sun has been out for over a week now. It is the longest stretch of sunlight we have had since June. At least the midges aren't biting in December.

Solstice is always a special time in the O'Kelly household. It marks the end of the short days and the beginning of the long march back for Father Sun. As each day passes we get just a few more seconds of sunlight coming down on the land.

Selecting a Bushcraft Knife

   There are many edged options available. Some are expensive (Bear Grylls £400) some are cheap (£10 Frost knife). In today's economic climate I would highly suggest staying on the lower end of that scale.

   Here are the fundamental characteristics that you need in a knife:
   1. Full Tang
   2. Non serrated edge
   3. Single edged
   4. Drop point
   5. No longer than your pinky to outstretched thumb
   6. Carbon vs. Stainless steel

Now let's address each of these issues in detail.

Why Learn Tracking?

   There are many advantages to learning the art of tracking. The most basic reason to study tracking is the enjoyment of seeing what comes around your local area. Through tracking, you can learn a lot about wildlife. You can see who is around, what they are eating, the routes that they travel and the time they come by.