My non entry for the June challenge.

[One Legged Josh]

It was going to be a mock bugout kinda deal.......The area has completely changed. The outcome was beyond my control....But I thought I would share the video and a couple pics anyways. Its not a contest entry......If this needs moved, feel free.

A little backstory......

I grew up on this river in Northern Ohio, I know every twist turn rock and tree within a couple miles each way of my Dad's house. This section of river however is in a town just upriver from mine, and it has long been forgotten in the shadows of the steel mill. Its the same river that I know and love, but it dosnt seem like it. The mill is 3 miles long (yep not a typo). Many sections of the mill were shut down in the 1970's and forgotten about.
I could run a small boat to dozens of abandoned structures with trees growing through the roof, and vines covering the exterior when I went down this stretch of river in 2011. I told the guys about an 15 acre island that sat unknown, and abandoned a few miles up river. That is all it took....a shot at some real urban decay, and some camping at the same time...they were on board for this seemingly post apocalyptic looking area.

Fast forward to last Friday. We launched my Great Grandads jon-boat and headed a few miles upriver before we noticed that the abandoned buildings and stairwells were all but gone, and new pasture, and decorative stones were in their place.


[youtube]8F-hdmCAB1M[/youtube]

We got to the island which years before was a forgotten mass, covered in thorns, and vines. To find that everything in the area had been seemingly scrubbed clean, and all traces of its former MadMax appearance wiped away. Now its nice hardwoods, phragmites, jewell weed, and garlic mustard.

Now we were worried that other people knew about "our" island and may give us a hard time for camping there. We decided to go on with our trip as planned. With a little internet searching we found out that the city got 10 Million in federal funds to clean up the urban waste that we came to see!!!! The area is much prettier now, but it wasnt what we were expecting. A little more searching turns up that this island is the halfway point turn around for a state-wide kayak race the following day! UGGGGHHH.


We set up camp anyway! We decided we would just go "stealth" in the morning when we got up. Our camp was chopped out of the 5 foot high mustard garlic with a machete....


Ken's hammock and m.e.s.t.

Chris and I went tarpless, with bug-socks, and Grand Trunk hammocks.

Our para-chairs got the "oar" treatment.

We spent all day Saturday "laying low" on the island, doing tree id, carving, collecting tinder, swatting bugs, and sweating. There were big roaches everywhere!

After the race ended we abandoned our island for some sight seeing, fishing, and some swimming. I just jumped out of the boat as they were checking out the area. (I would make an effective anchor)

We found this huge cottonwood, surrounded by 10 foot deep water. Chris and I used it as a diving board.

Kenny isnt a big fan of swimming, so he did what any bushcrafter would do......He started a fire with punkwood, and a ferro rod....LOL

Just a little fishin to round things out....

If you made it this far, Thanks for looking!






.

 

[FAL'ER]

Good deal man, I always like your posts.

 

[tradewater]

It looks like you salvaged a great time out it anyway. Weird feeling I'll bet though.

 

[The Warrior]

Good deal man, I always like your posts.

+1. Looks awesome brother, thanks for sharing.

 

[Moosez45]

Wow, what a post, OLJ.

I have been seeing alot of "change" around here as well, but nothing on the scale of what yours shows. That urban renewal thing is good in some areas, but I think it eliminates some of the history and heritage of the area, but that's just me.

I was recently accused of being one of those guys that lets "nature take its course" this weekend. It was in reference to a few statements that were made regarding animals, people and the environment. We were talking about some of the things I've found in the Smokies (spent the last 6 days in the mountains) over the years.

Some folks think they should "clean" up the old rail beds, cars, and "junk" that you find littered around, I say, nature will get rid of it in her own way, and soon enough.

Ah well, good show regardless, brother.

Moose

 

[SW9VEman]

Nice story and pictures. i am starting to get my gear together and hope to have everything I need for some weekend trips near the end of the summer. I can not wait to see some of the stuff in the Smokies that you just don't get to see on the "normal" tourist trails.

 

[orangish ducktape]

Nice pics! Looks like you had an awesome time!

-orangish ducktape

 

[One Legged Josh]

Wow, what a post, OLJ.

I have been seeing alot of "change" around here as well, but nothing on the scale of what yours shows. That urban renewal thing is good in some areas, but I think it eliminates some of the history and heritage of the area, but that's just me.

I was recently accused of being one of those guys that lets "nature take its course" this weekend. It was in reference to a few statements that were made regarding animals, people and the environment. We were talking about some of the things I've found in the Smokies (spent the last 6 days in the mountains) over the years.

Some folks think they should "clean" up the old rail beds, cars, and "junk" that you find littered around, I say, nature will get rid of it in her own way, and soon enough.

Ah well, good show regardless, brother.

Moose

Thanks guys. Staying in one of those old buildings would have been cool, but we had fun anyways.

 

[Catmouth]

Awesome post man. Looks like you all had a blast.

Shame about the old buildings. I think the thing that always rings in my head when I see a place that has changed drastically from what I remember, is that I am getting older. Time is running away.