A MASTER AT PLAY.
Words by Kaydi Pyette | Photos by Goh Iromoto
an hour ago has been transformed in his skilled hands. I can see the shape of the blade Mears will use to paddle out of here. Bigger than Survivorman, and far more reputable than Bear Grylls,
Mears is celebrity and bushcraft master rolled into one. For seven days we’ll be paddling through this canoeist’s paradise, one of the largest Boreal for- est preserves in the world. Wabakimi has more than 2,000 kilometers of lake and river routes, made sweeter by being accessible only via canoe, float plane and train. In addition to the world’s foremost bushcraft expert, I’m traveling with
Wabakimi Wilderness Outfitters’ owner Bruce Hyer, who helped create the park in 1983, his son and trip guide Michael, famed canoeist Becky Mason, and a few other media types. Mears is here to film a documentary to promote the park back home in
the U.K. and as reconnaissance for a future trip. I’m here with one question on my mind. As modern life becomes increasingly disconnected from wild spaces and wilderness gear becomes ever-more high tech, what place does bushcraft have in the twenty-first century? I decide not to ask this question on the first day.
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