A Tribute To The Mountain Man

hunterThere are few who have been drawn to our most rugged frontiers and fewer still who have survived there. This is a tribute to the men and women who sought that challenge and endured the hardships.

trapline cabin

The Frontiersman, Trapper, Riverman and Mountain Man are examples of men of exceptional courage and thirst for adventure. The myths that surrounded these individuals gave birth to legends of monumental proportion.

As civilization expanded and consumed the readily accessible topography, men and women of spirit and independence sought an evironment of freedom. The reasons were as varied as the individuals: Gold, timber, furs, game, and access to land seemingly without boundary were certainly inspirational motives for many.
Mountain Men of yesteryear were the Astronauts of today. They ventured into unknown lands to face danger and accept the challenge, while detached from the safety of community. However, there was a difference in that todays adventurers have limitless technology and teams of experts to insure and support their passage. Of Mountain Men; the weak, foolhardy and lazy either retreated quickly or died in their quest.

Today Mountain Men still exist. Largely unnoticed and without glory or credo, a very small contingent of folks still brave and, indeed, welcome the opportunity to heed the call of the wild.

The photos of cabins on these pages are of current day "line shacks." I have been to these places along the Waterhen River in the forrested regions of North Central Saskatchewan. There I felt the solitude and absence of bounds, and sensed the brotherhood that exist. These particular cabins are on provincial holdings that no man has title to, yet they are kept and offered as safe havens for anyone in need. Firewood is always replaced and repairs are made, un-assigned, as time, tools and talent allow. Shelter is there for the trapper who walks the river's ice and the moose hunter who seeks a respite from the bush. It is not a question but, rather, a time honored tradition.

Aside from mountaineering as a way of life, there is another larger contingent that pays tribute and honors those hardy individuals through associations that emulate and recreate the lifestyle. I cannot present here, a complete picture to satisfy your curiosity about Mountainmen. The Mountain Man link at the bottom of this page will provide access to several sites dedicated to this subject --- some with extensive content.

I offer, on following pages, views on the subject of Mountain Men and related topics. I believe that my presentations are based in truth and offered with the objective of increased understanding.

Enjoy

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