News Tidbits from the Field

by David Arama

Summer has finally arrived, after a strange winter and spring that saw summer weather on some of our winter trips, snow during a recent Canoe Trip at the Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources wilderness area, and lots of rain on several hikes.

During a recent hike at Cootes Paradise, we saw a white-tailed deer and a family of white swans. At the Bark Lake Outdoor Centre, a wolf pack howled back at our calls!

During a recent 'Edible Wild Plants' workshop, I rubbed Stinging Nettle into my forearm to demostrate how effective Jewelweed is as an antidote (and to demonstrate my sheer stupidity, male ego, and lack of common sense). Unfortunately I chose a particular Stinging Nettle that was 6 feet tall, and was particularly nasty!! In addition to the juice from the Jewelweed, I added some AfterBite lotion (afterwards, at home). A recent article from the BBC mentioned a Stinging Nettle Eating competition in England, where the winner ate 76 feet of Stinging Nettle leaves (raw, uncooked) and lived to tell about it! We chould have a Canadian version to challenge those Britains ... any volunteers?

During the 'Survivor' series, there were several attempts made by contestants to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, all ending in complete frustration and utter failure. Paul Tarsitano and myself believe that we hold the current world record of 5 seconds for fire by friction (and probably for the biggest egos this side of the Atlantic). At the Sportsman Show 2003, we will be inviting the media and all challengers to depose us as the reigning champions.

Environmental News/ Highlights

The Kyoto Accord is facing some severe problems here in Canada ... namely, a lack of willpower and conviction! I agree with Dr. David Suzuki that Canadians are more interested in profits and materialism, oblivious to the destruction of our environment. When are we going to see the light? Meanwhile politicians and developers are teaming up to develop parts of the Seton Trail/ Duffin's Creeks (Pickering region) watershed areas, and a portion of the Laurel Creek Conservation Area (in Waterloo). When are we going to draw the line at suburban development?

Letters to the Editor

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