I did the same thing in 1972 at the age of 16. Read and studied the same books. I grew up in the desert but had mountains nearby. My father dropped me of at the foothills and I was on my own for the summer. Fortunately my father had taught me a lot. Best summer of my life. Nowadays I live in my woods off grid in a tiny cabin. Life is good.
When I was 21 I went into the deep wilderness lived off the land without any electric power for 20 years. Saw very few people. Now I an 67 and because of what's going on in the world I am going back in a year or two to live out the rest of my life.
Totally relate I’m 70 and I live all alone in a mountain house in northern Greece as far possible from the filth of society, technology and the so call modernity
yeah its a nice idea but your 67 bud. youll last a couple days a realise your minds willing but that old body aint cut out for it. id try for a happy medium.
Man, Greg, i love your teen adventure time story! Reminds me of my first time i tried bushwacking/ surviving on my own (lasted half a day 😅). I was 10 or 11, started out early in the morning, around 8 or 9am, nice sunny summer day. I had a tiny paper sack (for candies) filled it full of fish sticks, grabbed my walking stick (a branch broken off our old tree behind our house) and set off down the hill looking for adventure. No water, nothing to eat but my greasy fishsticks so after trying hard to ration them out, i managed to last til noon. From then on i foraged for wild strawberries, buffalo flowers (wild yellow peas), saskatoon berries, chokecherries, anything i could find to fill my growling tummy. By mid afternoon i was so thirsty i thought well, i could drink from the hose out front of the house, that wouldn't really be cheating. So i went back up the hill, drank as much water as i could, very tasty drinking hot water from an old plastic-tasting garden hose 😅 on a hot smmer day. As i turned to leave i could smell my gramma's home cooking: nothing in this world beats the smell of fried flank, fry bread and fried potatoes in butter. Man i was so starved i ran inside and sat down to a delicious home-cooked meal w/ my grampa watching me, laughing as i gobbled up my food, washing it down with glasses of milk. Forgot all about bushwacking that day, i tell you what 😆.
I'm 73 now. Every year I put my rowboat in a river in Iowa or Missouri, early in May and float down to the Big River. I camp on the shore.. live the dream.
Mr. You make a lot of sense to me. I just saw you for the 1st time today on TH-cam. I am a 54 year old grandmother raising 3 grandchildren. I always wanted to 'live off the land'. I learned to cook with sourdough, knit, and split wood . My husband and i used to put up 13 cords of wood every fall for winter. I used to garden, growing our vegetables and flowers. Long story short, i now live in a town with 3 grandchildren. I cant even have a garden here. Keep pursuing your dreams. God Bless. Im a new subscriber.
Love watching you Greg.. thank you for this story. You know, I too ran away at 13. It was 1983, my father had just passed, my mom was in her own world, and I split! I slept on the beach, in a tent, for a week. My 2 friends and I. We caught class, and ate them, had some canned goods. Would go swimming if it was hot, and enjoy the quiet evenings at night. It was the perfect peace of mind for me.
I had the same inspiration from Jeremiah Johnson . I'm 58 and live in my van while I travel around the forested parts of the UK. I'm in the Cairngorms in Scotland at the moment in amongst the Douglas firs and Scots pines . Me and my dog just soaking up the beautiful woods and lochs . The spirit of Jeremiah Johnson still inspires . As a kid I was always building shelters and lighting fires , I think it's just in us and always will be . I always enjoy watching your videos and love the fire side chats . Cheers Greg
@@tokiburoak7457 in the early 90s I hitch hiked from Vancouver up to Dawson then across to Haines and then down to Calgary and back to Vancouver . I absolutely loved it . I read some of jack London's stuff and had to go and see it . I spent 10 years travelling all over the world but Canada and Yukon territory was without a doubt the most special.
From what I recall, Dick only intended to stay a year, but stayed until he couldn’t stay he was too old. My Dad loved and introduced me to Dicks story, and I loved it too. When my Dad went into palliative care in the last 3 months of life, I sat with him and we watched some of the story on Dick. He passed away March 23 2018, and getting teared up thinking about it. Thanks for another great chat Greg.
I had the same plan when I was 14. I was inspired by the book, “My side of the mountain”. I had some skills back then in the sixties. Needless to say my parents also put a stop to my plans. When I was older I built a rock cabin in the woods and spent my time there and in the adjacent national forest being a “ mountain man”. I am too old now, but I enjoy your stories and videos, thanks for sharing.
ah yes My side of mountain was. just awesome,living in tree listening to the trees crack open in the freezing weather ,hiding from adults ,stayed with m for years i’m 63 now read it when I was 12 .
I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh. There were wonderful woods and creeks behind our house. Weekends, after school, and especially in the summer, we lived in the woods. It was a great place to grow up. Close enough to home that our parents felt we were safe, and let us sleep in the woods for a week at a time. We built "forts", dammed the creek, learned to make traps and snares, and to pilfer from the neighbors' gardens at night. Wouldn't trade those days for anything.
Between the movie Jeremiah Johnson and the books where the red fern grows. And my side of the mountain, it was a dream of so many kids that were born in the 60’s and 70’s. Most of us (unlike you) never did though. The closest we got was camping with are family’s. Happy that you made your dream come true.
Great story sir, much respect to you for surviving out there. I think many of us want to live out there in the wild but don't have the guts to actually do it.
Although I am a woman, from the time I was 12 in 72, I had the fantasy of running away and living off the land. I did not do that but have enjoyed the outdoors ever since. I continue to this day, go as far into the wild as my toyota pickup will take me. Keep on with your stories! Really enjoy your films.
I do a thing called Primitive camping. I just go as far as I can or afford and find a small opening for a tiny tent. Many times I do it in April with -5c at night. Only 1 or 3 nights then back to the grind again. But I find it rejuvenating. (im your age)
So few people ever realize their dreams in life. You truly are a Mountain Man and fulfilled your lifelong dream. You are an inspiration to us all, Greg. May you always be blessed, brother.
Great story 👏 all dreams start somewhere. I live in an old vw camper for 3 years back when I was 19. I really did think I was living the dream. Maybe I was. Like you. I didn't have the experience or the knowledge I have now. I do look at those times and smile still
I absolutely loved your fireside story Greg. I'm impressed how well you did on your first day out with a catch and cook straight up. Most kids have barely mastered mac n cheese in a microwave by that age. I'm super amazed your dad tracked you so fast , he must have known you better than you realised. 😊
Another great fireside chat Greg. I always enjoy your videos. I'm looking forward to the book and watching your cabin build videos. Stay safe. Blessings.
I love the way you said this; "it was unrealistic, but it was quite the dream of mine. And now here i am im pretty much living my dream that i had when i was 13, in a way" our dreams may not look exactly how we imagined them as children, but if you keep on with something long enough you will eventually find a way to make that dream a reality. Thanks for that thought Greg; Lots of love from the South Island
You are a true role model!!! Your living out your childhood dreams and are very informative about surviving out in the wilderness! Love your channel brother!
This story is your origin story. It is so important to tell everyone how you started and what inspired you to continue that adventure. I love your fireside chat! Stay awesome!
Your story reminds me a lot about "My Side of the Mountain" - a book set in New York and Catskills (and later movie set in Toronto/mountains in Quebec) about a 12 year boy.
very nice story... and dude! you made it! The honest, real... Jerimiah Johnson. Better yet! you are teaching the people all of your talents, from your accumulated learnings. Not many can accomplish that and yet be honest and so nice.... with a good companion! Cheers...from MN
Your story of trying to identify plants reminds me of when I was first learning about foraging for natural dyes, armed with books with black and white line drawings of plants and mushrooms! I used to love camping as a kid and exploring in the woods. Also, do you remember the tvshow "Grizzly Adams" ? I thought it was cool that he lived in the woods, even if the reason why was sad, I think the character was written well.
Mad respect Greg. I think most young people dream about striking out on their own, for various reasons. Some good, and some not so good. When I was in my early teens, my dad bought five acres outside of town next to the river, and had a house built. Despite everything Mom and Dad provided for us, I still thought about running away, because I thought they were too strict. I'm glad I didn't, and to this day I appreciate more and more how much they did for my brothers and sisters and me. Thank you for sharing your life with us, because perspective can be a magnificent gift. ✌️♥️ Mark 🇺🇲
Any time in the mountains is good time. as a kid i listened almost every day to the stories of my friends dad all about Canada and the forests and mountains etc, i always pictured paddling a canoe down a river , well im here now been here 30 years still no canoe but im in the mountains every chance i get and im not sure why but sitting by a fire in the middle of nowhere is one of the most relaxing things I have ever found, never built a cabin doubt i ever will but many many shelters, there is just something about the forests. it gives complete peace of mind that is for sure.
Greg your such a kind and humble soul brother. I’m a marine corps veteran who lost purpose for awhile but love the bush and survival lifestyle! My goals definitely consist of doing what you are doing but for now I’m so grateful to feel the experience that you share with us all so we can learn and live it through you! I would love to do a thirty day challenge with you brother it would be a dream come true! Stay safe out there bubba we’re all watching! God bless! I’d like to send Finley a goodie package if possible?
Greg, i see it that the Lord was gracious to you, letting your dad find you and giving you time to grow and mature. Youth can get us into some dangerous situations just because we are stupid! I have plenty of my own experiences. I'm glad you can share your dreams, stories, and your skills with all of us. Since ALONE I've been following you and appreciate all that you have to share and teach. Thank you!
lots of crazy stuff going on all over the world it can really get to some people mentally/ emotionally but spending just a few minutes with Greg is truly like an escape into a peaceful world. Thanks Greg🙏🌲🌲🌲
Me and my friends never ran away. But we would go fishing for days on end in the Summer. When we had to go back to school at the end of the summer we would still fish Friday nights through to Sunday afternoon. Coming home covered in mud and smelling of fish and woodsmoke was a sign of a good trip!
What a remarkably familiar story Greg. I think at one stage in every child's life the "lure" of nature beckons. I am so glad you took it that one step further and gave people like myself that intimate view of your lifestyle. Well done Sir. Julie, down under❤️
we are almost the same age and I read the same books, I own the Dick Proenneke documentaries (there are 4 now) 2 on VHS and 2 on CD (not that I can play them anymore).. they are: Alone in the Wilderness Alone in the Wilderness II Silence & Solitude The Frozen North I have many of the same books you do too...remember that Bradford Angier did have a very skilled wife names Vera. I think our libraries look alike. Great story and great fun., thanks Greg.
I did something like that when I was about 11 ish 1979 , bought My side of the Mountain and How to survive from the school book club , I would spend hours down the fields building camps and trying to catch rabbits, loved it , I still love getting in the hills , The Cheviots Northumberland UK , but it was definitely those books that did it for me , I still have them too , love your story Greg and your channel, thanks for sharing 👍🏻atvb Deka 👍🏻
Great story. It's pretty amazing you had gained a level of practical knowledge by only 13 years of age. Interesting point regarding the black & white plant diagrams; I thought of Into the Wild when you mentioned that.
Love your fireside chats. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Every video you do is so interesting and the backgrounds of nature beautiful. Again, thank you very much. Best wishes for a great New Year.
Just found your channel today and subscribed after the first few minutes of this video, Greg. You emulate what a true bushman is all about and I look forward to watching your other content 👍. My back story... I grew up in a middle-class suburban neighbourhood here in Southwestern Ontario and in the early 1980s when I was in elementary school, my parents joined me up with the local Cub and Boy Scout troop (SW Ontario Troop #19). I went on several summer and winter camping trips with my Scout troop and my love for the outdoors was discovered early on. To this day there is not much at a campsite that fills me with more happiness and nostalgia than a good crackling campfire and hearing the tiny little jet engine sound of a Coleman naphtha stove and lantern running on high 😃. As I entered high school and the workforce after a year of university, I still very much had a love for the outdoors. However, life took me on some much different and often difficult roads and I lost my way from the good old-fashioned woodland bushcraft style of camping I used to do and love as a Scout, as well as the modest but time-tested skills they taught us in it. You seem like someone who always had a love for the woods and enjoyed it as I did and was lucky enough to follow that love AND live in an area where you could develop and grow into it even more. I am now a father and halfway to my 51st year on this massive spinning wet mossy rock of ours, I have found my love of the outdoors again and feel it calling to me more than ever. Sadly, I still need to go to work every day for myself and my girls (I'm a licensed automotive tech) but I aspire to live a much simpler life from here on out and spend as much time as I can enjoying the outdoors and will hopefully enter my retirement years living much closer to and enjoying nature and the woodland with my girls. Cheers my friend🤝.
Cool story Greg. According to the dates I have 1 year on you. I never ran away from home, but my dad had 15 acres in Indiana witch was connected to about 40 acres to additional woods with a creek flowing through it. And I spent alot of time in the woods. Plus dad encouraged it, as long I did my chores. I spent alot days in the woods with just visqueen for my tent and I ate alot of catfish throughout the night. Your story brought back alot of old memories and I thank you. Keep up the good work Greg and God bless you and your family. PS. My kids like to camp too, with their children
This is a great message for young bushcrafting and survival enthusiasts. You should always be realistic in both your goals and endeavors. I'm going to show this to my youngest son. He's been watching you and wants to be you. Hopefully watching this video will help keep him levelheaded.
I appreciate you so much for your shares! Being in remodeling for 45 years I know that we understand each other and the wear and tear. Take care of your spine from now on and I hope you don't need to do sheet rock anymore. God bless the ones that do sheet rock , roofing, etc. You certainly deserve smooth sailing from now on!!!
Growing up, my father and I read a book called My Side Of The Mountain. it was about a kid who ran away up into the mountains at 13, and to this day even over the age of 20, I still think about doing something similar.. but your story sort of reminds me of this amazing book
Do It While Your Still Young And Still In Good And Healthy Shape, Before Your Too Out Of Shape, Old, Or Just Settled Down With A Carreer And Family! Although, Ensure To Read, Learn And Educate, Everything You Can For The Areas Your Gonna Explore! Save Up For The Best Gear You Can Afford And Practice With It, Until You Feel Confident In Yourself And Your Equipment On The Weekends! Ensure To Really Ask Old Timers, Elders, Local Historians, Hunter's, Subject Matter Survivalist, From The Area, Before Going Out To Explore An Area, It Is Better Safe, Than Sorry! Many Go Out Unprepaired In The Unknown, Becoming One Of Many Unsolved Statistics! Don't Let That Happen! Learn Self-Defence, Practice, And Always Be Over Prepared, Than Under Prepared, To Make It Back Out, In One Piece! There Are Things Out And About That Most Won't Talk, Or Warn You About! And If An Old Timer Tells You Something Of Such, Don't Laugh It Off, It Just May Save Your, Or Someone Else's Life! Always Use The Buddy System (Two Or More, To Watch Eachother's Back, Etc, There's Usually Safety In Numbers!) With Someone You Would Trust Your Life With, Because You Just Might Have To! Tune In, Not Out, When Out And About, Be Alert, Trust Your Own Instinct(s)! If Something Feels Off, Or Negative Turn Around, Go Somewhere Else, Or Back Home To Safety! Learn It, Love It, Live It, Get It, Got It, Good, Pa-Pow, Amen! 😎 🙉🙈🙊 🇺🇸
You are a legend already Greg. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us . At 75 I doubt I will ever use this knowledge but love knowing it 😊 Thank you so much, Ms Pat in southern Indiana
You Can Always Pass On Such Valuable Knowledge, Information, And Teach The Young Ones In The Family, Or Neighborhood, Community, Etc! Kids These Days Aren't Being Taught Anything Vauble, Let A Lone, Being Truly Educated! We All Need To Try And Make Up The Difference, Since Most Parents Barely Have Time, Or Energy To Work Their Job/Career, Maintain The House, Family Vehicles And That's About It! GOD Bless, Pa-Pow, Amen! 😎 🙉🙈🙊 🇺🇸
Age 51 but grew up in a small town always out on the river back then and out in the woods exploring now I live in a new area with more and different places to explore but I did finally get my house out in the country love the video's
In our childhood we draw inspirations from many factors that led us to do funny and stupid things, and when we grew up those memories are the source of laughter and happiness when we remember them now and then. . . Thanks for sharing your story Greg, even though its short its worth watching and listening . . . . and interesting too . . . Love and Greetings from India . .
Ive been planning on doing this for the past year im 15 ive learned a lot from your videos and other peoples i have just started learning mushrooms and I will do it for a time i was planning on it being just me alone but my brother that is 7 years older than me said hell come my parents allowed it and we plan on taking the minimal amount of gear a knife a hook and an axe probably great video man you're my inspiration!
Haha! What an awesome story Greg! Now you’re inspiring the next generation to go on similar adventures to do the same! We need great men like yourself to inspire the next generation who are lacking strong male role models! God bless you brother!
I really enjoyed your story Greg thank you for bringing us along and excited to read your story 😊 I love everything that has to do with the outdoors and being outside 👍🐕🐺🐶🔥👍
Not a damn thing wrong with doing drywall most of your life. I've done garage doors, cabinet making, bricklaying and other trades. Great trades for young folks and pay is good. Never be ashamed about not going the college route.. many ships sunk!
Coll story Creg. When i was about the same age 14, i used to go 3-4 days in a survival way with my buddy Pierre. One of our father bring us & rigs up to the edge of the wood and we go camping somewhere at the four'th lake of the line nearby a fresh water source. Then we set rabbit traps & fishing trouts to eat. The four'th days we come back to our starting point to get home whit a father. Now i am almost 58 and live in the wood, north of Québec still hunting & fishing. Best regards from Québec.
Thank you very much Greg for sharing. That was terrific. I love your content, never stop on your survival videos, but these short videos are great too! I concur with your childhood dreams. I sure hope you can achieve your dream of making your log cabin in the woods and take us all along for the ride mate! Next time your down under in Australia I'd love to know and have the chance to meet you in person! Cheers Brad from Victoria Australia!
Me and a buddy did the same thing when we were around 15. We hitchhiked up to lake Tejas in Texas and set up our camp way up off the old saw mill trail.
Greg. this video is the one that makes it all come to life for me with you. Wow. You are an amazing man and what you do is impressive. I have lived in the corporate world for the past 32 years. I would love to spend a week with you in the bush. I would trust you.
Glad you're using cast iron as opposed to those coated pans on the fire. Great story. Thanks for sharing your history with us,Greg. Love to read your book and watch you build your log cabin!
Want your book when you get it done I'm 60 years old lived a in the woods out of the garden life since i was born raised that way but you never learn it all something new all the time thanks for those something new kind of things we all need too know about the time is coming in this world know how or not make it
I often spent time in the Rocky Mountains when I was a younger man and I dreaded going back to civilization back to work the next day ,so peaceful out there ,best times I spent were out in nature I think ,it feels wholesome it feels right like a reset
I grew up in the woods as a kid in a log cabin built in the 70's and always admired that way of life, it brings so much peace of mind and can't wait to build my own some day in the far but near future
I did the same thing in 1972 at the age of 16. Read and studied the same books. I grew up in the desert but had mountains nearby. My father dropped me of at the foothills and I was on my own for the summer. Fortunately my father had taught me a lot. Best summer of my life. Nowadays I live in my woods off grid in a tiny cabin. Life is good.
Yet you apparently have internet and comment on social media...LOL
so does greg, whats the point here?@@Dav3
Im jealous😂
Living the dream
i love reading comments from simple minded mouthbreathers@@Dav3 please dont have kids.
When I was 21 I went into the deep wilderness lived off the land without any electric power for 20 years. Saw very few people. Now I an 67 and because of what's going on in the world I am going back in a year or two to live out the rest of my life.
Beautiful
Freedom happiness love
Totally relate I’m 70 and I live all alone in a mountain house in northern Greece as far possible from the filth of society, technology and the so call modernity
yeah its a nice idea but your 67 bud. youll last a couple days a realise your minds willing but that old body aint cut out for it. id try for a happy medium.
@@nia.d33 eh I saw a documentary where a lady was living off of sheep milk and chickens by herself untill she was 92
Man, Greg, i love your teen adventure time story! Reminds me of my first time i tried bushwacking/ surviving on my own (lasted half a day 😅). I was 10 or 11, started out early in the morning, around 8 or 9am, nice sunny summer day. I had a tiny paper sack (for candies) filled it full of fish sticks, grabbed my walking stick (a branch broken off our old tree behind our house) and set off down the hill looking for adventure. No water, nothing to eat but my greasy fishsticks so after trying hard to ration them out, i managed to last til noon. From then on i foraged for wild strawberries, buffalo flowers (wild yellow peas), saskatoon berries, chokecherries, anything i could find to fill my growling tummy. By mid afternoon i was so thirsty i thought well, i could drink from the hose out front of the house, that wouldn't really be cheating. So i went back up the hill, drank as much water as i could, very tasty drinking hot water from an old plastic-tasting garden hose 😅 on a hot smmer day. As i turned to leave i could smell my gramma's home cooking: nothing in this world beats the smell of fried flank, fry bread and fried potatoes in butter. Man i was so starved i ran inside and sat down to a delicious home-cooked meal w/ my grampa watching me, laughing as i gobbled up my food, washing it down with glasses of milk. Forgot all about bushwacking that day, i tell you what 😆.
Life is good when a Greg video is on
I love the thumbnail. 13 Year Old Greg Ovens has a 5 O'Clock Shadow.
I'm 73 now. Every year I put my rowboat in a river in Iowa or Missouri, early in May and float down to the Big River. I camp on the shore.. live the dream.
Mr. You make a lot of sense to me. I just saw you for the 1st time today on TH-cam. I am a 54 year old grandmother raising 3 grandchildren. I always wanted to 'live off the land'. I learned to cook with sourdough, knit, and split wood . My husband and i used to put up 13 cords of wood every fall for winter. I used to garden, growing our vegetables and flowers. Long story short, i now live in a town with 3 grandchildren. I cant even have a garden here. Keep pursuing your dreams. God Bless. Im a new subscriber.
Love watching you Greg.. thank you for this story.
You know, I too ran away at 13. It was 1983, my father had just passed, my mom was in her own world, and I split! I slept on the beach, in a tent, for a week. My 2 friends and I. We caught class, and ate them, had some canned goods. Would go swimming if it was hot, and enjoy the quiet evenings at night.
It was the perfect peace of mind for me.
Dude's a natural story teller & a lovable character to boot 👍👍
I had the same inspiration from Jeremiah Johnson . I'm 58 and live in my van while I travel around the forested parts of the UK. I'm in the Cairngorms in Scotland at the moment in amongst the Douglas firs and Scots pines . Me and my dog just soaking up the beautiful woods and lochs . The spirit of Jeremiah Johnson still inspires . As a kid I was always building shelters and lighting fires , I think it's just in us and always will be . I always enjoy watching your videos and love the fire side chats . Cheers Greg
Super estory ☺️🤔
Hello from greenock 😂
Come to Canada.
@@tokiburoak7457 in the early 90s I hitch hiked from Vancouver up to Dawson then across to Haines and then down to Calgary and back to Vancouver . I absolutely loved it . I read some of jack London's stuff and had to go and see it . I spent 10 years travelling all over the world but Canada and Yukon territory was without a doubt the most special.
I can picture it now,,, Beautiful, serene and peaceful. Not unlike where I live off-grid. Newfoundland, Canada! Cheers!!
From what I recall, Dick only intended to stay a year, but stayed until he couldn’t stay he was too old. My Dad loved and introduced me to Dicks story, and I loved it too. When my Dad went into palliative care in the last 3 months of life, I sat with him and we watched some of the story on Dick. He passed away March 23 2018, and getting teared up thinking about it. Thanks for another great chat Greg.
I had the same plan when I was 14. I was inspired by the book, “My side of the mountain”. I had some skills back then in the sixties. Needless to say my parents also put a stop to my plans. When I was older I built a rock cabin in the woods and spent my time there and in the adjacent national forest being a “ mountain man”. I am too old now, but I enjoy your stories and videos, thanks for sharing.
I was just thinking about that book. Thing is, a hollowed out tree makes for a crappy shelter.
Yah I loved that book but was never brave enough to follow through with it. Kinda wonder how many people would have been better off today if they had.
I also loved that book and would dream about living in a hollowed out tree with falcon to catch food- a great story.
ah yes My side of mountain was. just awesome,living in tree listening to the trees crack open in the freezing weather ,hiding from adults ,stayed with m for years i’m 63 now read it when I was 12 .
I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh. There were wonderful woods and creeks behind our house. Weekends, after school, and especially in the summer, we lived in the woods. It was a great place to grow up. Close enough to home that our parents felt we were safe, and let us sleep in the woods for a week at a time. We built "forts", dammed the creek, learned to make traps and snares, and to pilfer from the neighbors' gardens at night. Wouldn't trade those days for anything.
I'm from the johnstown area. We did the same things as kids in the 90s. Awsome times
I’m from the York area and we did the same in the 90’s.i miss how the world was then…
Good on your Dad for finding you and bringing you back! You weren't ready and he was there to bail you out before things got too serious.
Then he still had to face Mum..
Between the movie Jeremiah Johnson and the books where the red fern grows. And my side of the mountain, it was a dream of so many kids that were born in the 60’s and 70’s. Most of us (unlike you)
never did though. The closest we got was camping with are family’s. Happy that you made your dream come true.
Great story sir, much respect to you for surviving out there.
I think many of us want to live out there in the wild but don't have the guts to actually do it.
Although I am a woman, from the time I was 12 in 72, I had the fantasy of running away and living off the land. I did not do that but have enjoyed the outdoors ever since. I continue to this day, go as far into the wild as my toyota pickup will take me. Keep on with your stories! Really enjoy your films.
I do a thing called Primitive camping. I just go as far as I can or afford and find a small opening for a tiny tent. Many times I do it in April with -5c at night. Only 1 or 3 nights then back to the grind again. But I find it rejuvenating. (im your age)
So few people ever realize their dreams in life. You truly are a Mountain Man and fulfilled your lifelong dream. You are an inspiration to us all, Greg. May you always be blessed, brother.
Thanks for your support buddy
Enjoying your stories Ovens hope to hear more
Great story 👏 all dreams start somewhere. I live in an old vw camper for 3 years back when I was 19. I really did think I was living the dream. Maybe I was. Like you. I didn't have the experience or the knowledge I have now. I do look at those times and smile still
It's about time we get another Fireside Chat with Greg. 😊 Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us. 👍👍👍👍👍
Waiting patiently! You're content is honestly some of the most important out there. Our lives could depend on it!
I absolutely loved your fireside story Greg. I'm impressed how well you did on your first day out with a catch and cook straight up. Most kids have barely mastered mac n cheese in a microwave by that age. I'm super amazed your dad tracked you so fast , he must have known you better than you realised. 😊
Another great fireside chat Greg. I always enjoy your videos. I'm looking forward to the book and watching your cabin build videos. Stay safe. Blessings.
I love the way you said this; "it was unrealistic, but it was quite the dream of mine. And now here i am im pretty much living my dream that i had when i was 13, in a way" our dreams may not look exactly how we imagined them as children, but if you keep on with something long enough you will eventually find a way to make that dream a reality. Thanks for that thought Greg; Lots of love from the South Island
Greg's locked in
Frfr
You are a true role model!!! Your living out your childhood dreams and are very informative about surviving out in the wilderness! Love your channel brother!
This story is your origin story. It is so important to tell everyone how you started and what inspired you to continue that adventure. I love your fireside chat! Stay awesome!
You are a man that truly answers the call of the wild. That’s a life of no regrets brother!
Well put, not many can say they have no regrets!
Your story reminds me a lot about "My Side of the Mountain" - a book set in New York and Catskills (and later movie set in Toronto/mountains in Quebec) about a 12 year boy.
Thanks for sharing the story.
very nice story... and dude! you made it! The honest, real... Jerimiah Johnson. Better yet! you are teaching the people all of your talents, from your accumulated learnings.
Not many can accomplish that and yet be honest and so nice.... with a good companion!
Cheers...from MN
Your story of trying to identify plants reminds me of when I was first learning about foraging for natural dyes, armed with books with black and white line drawings of plants and mushrooms! I used to love camping as a kid and exploring in the woods. Also, do you remember the tvshow "Grizzly Adams" ? I thought it was cool that he lived in the woods, even if the reason why was sad, I think the character was written well.
Golden ears park is my back yard , always had a view of those golden ears !
That was so cool and it’s great you are now living your teen dream. Have a great 2024.
Mad respect Greg. I think most young people dream about striking out on their own, for various reasons. Some good, and some not so good. When I was in my early teens, my dad bought five acres outside of town next to the river, and had a house built. Despite everything Mom and Dad provided for us, I still thought about running away, because I thought they were too strict. I'm glad I didn't, and to this day I appreciate more and more how much they did for my brothers and sisters and me. Thank you for sharing your life with us, because perspective can be a magnificent gift. ✌️♥️ Mark 🇺🇲
Great story. I hope you get to build your cabin. In the meantime, I really enjoy your videos.
Any time in the mountains is good time. as a kid i listened almost every day to the stories of my friends dad all about Canada and the forests and mountains etc, i always pictured paddling a canoe down a river , well im here now been here 30 years still no canoe but im in the mountains every chance i get and im not sure why but sitting by a fire in the middle of nowhere is one of the most relaxing things I have ever found, never built a cabin doubt i ever will but many many shelters, there is just something about the forests. it gives complete peace of mind that is for sure.
Greg your such a kind and humble soul brother. I’m a marine corps veteran who lost purpose for awhile but love the bush and survival lifestyle! My goals definitely consist of doing what you are doing but for now I’m so grateful to feel the experience that you share with us all so we can learn and live it through you! I would love to do a thirty day challenge with you brother it would be a dream come true! Stay safe out there bubba we’re all watching! God bless! I’d like to send Finley a goodie package if possible?
Greg, i see it that the Lord was gracious to you, letting your dad find you and giving you time to grow and mature. Youth can get us into some dangerous situations just because we are stupid! I have plenty of my own experiences.
I'm glad you can share your dreams, stories, and your skills with all of us. Since ALONE I've been following you and appreciate all that you have to share and teach. Thank you!
Jeremiah and Dick.❤ Rock on and thank you for being brave and telling your story, Mr. Greg!🤟
lots of crazy stuff going on all over the world it can really get to some people mentally/ emotionally but spending just a few minutes with Greg is truly like an escape into a peaceful world. Thanks Greg🙏🌲🌲🌲
Thank you your great 😊
I always wondered if was going to wright a book, I'm definitely going to buy it.
Sending love from the UK 🇬🇧
Me and my friends never ran away. But we would go fishing for days on end in the Summer. When we had to go back to school at the end of the summer we would still fish Friday nights through to Sunday afternoon. Coming home covered in mud and smelling of fish and woodsmoke was a sign of a good trip!
What a remarkably familiar story Greg. I think at one stage in every child's life the "lure" of nature beckons. I am so glad you took it that one step further and gave people like myself that intimate view of your lifestyle. Well done Sir.
Julie, down under❤️
we are almost the same age and I read the same books, I own the Dick Proenneke documentaries (there are 4 now) 2 on VHS and 2 on CD (not that I can play them anymore).. they are: Alone in the Wilderness Alone in the Wilderness II Silence & Solitude The Frozen North
I have many of the same books you do too...remember that Bradford Angier did have a very skilled wife names Vera. I think our libraries look alike. Great story and great fun., thanks Greg.
I did something like that when I was about 11 ish 1979 , bought My side of the Mountain and How to survive from the school book club , I would spend hours down the fields building camps and trying to catch rabbits, loved it , I still love getting in the hills , The Cheviots Northumberland UK , but it was definitely those books that did it for me , I still have them too , love your story Greg and your channel, thanks for sharing 👍🏻atvb Deka 👍🏻
No wonder you know so much about the wilderness, you started young, I so enjoy your stories and adventures ❤
I find your videos very relaxing to watch. Always a pleasure to hear your stories and watch you at work. Thanks for sharing
Great story. It's pretty amazing you had gained a level of practical knowledge by only 13 years of age. Interesting point regarding the black & white plant diagrams; I thought of Into the Wild when you mentioned that.
We appreciate you Greg!
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this intriguing story. Always stay safe out there. Keep those great videos coming along. 😮
Love your fireside chats. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Every video you do is so interesting and the backgrounds of nature beautiful. Again, thank you very much. Best wishes for a great New Year.
Just found your channel today and subscribed after the first few minutes of this video, Greg. You emulate what a true bushman is all about and I look forward to watching your other content 👍.
My back story...
I grew up in a middle-class suburban neighbourhood here in Southwestern Ontario and in the early 1980s when I was in elementary school, my parents joined me up with the local Cub and Boy Scout troop (SW Ontario Troop #19). I went on several summer and winter camping trips with my Scout troop and my love for the outdoors was discovered early on. To this day there is not much at a campsite that fills me with more happiness and nostalgia than a good crackling campfire and hearing the tiny little jet engine sound of a Coleman naphtha stove and lantern running on high 😃.
As I entered high school and the workforce after a year of university, I still very much had a love for the outdoors. However, life took me on some much different and often difficult roads and I lost my way from the good old-fashioned woodland bushcraft style of camping I used to do and love as a Scout, as well as the modest but time-tested skills they taught us in it.
You seem like someone who always had a love for the woods and enjoyed it as I did and was lucky enough to follow that love AND live in an area where you could develop and grow into it even more. I am now a father and halfway to my 51st year on this massive spinning wet mossy rock of ours, I have found my love of the outdoors again and feel it calling to me more than ever. Sadly, I still need to go to work every day for myself and my girls (I'm a licensed automotive tech) but I aspire to live a much simpler life from here on out and spend as much time as I can enjoying the outdoors and will hopefully enter my retirement years living much closer to and enjoying nature and the woodland with my girls.
Cheers my friend🤝.
2:35 love when a dog is smart and chews/enjoys their food
Cool story Greg. According to the dates I have 1 year on you. I never ran away from home, but my dad had 15 acres in Indiana witch was connected to about 40 acres to additional woods with a creek flowing through it. And I spent alot of time in the woods. Plus dad encouraged it, as long I did my chores. I spent alot days in the woods with just visqueen for my tent and I ate alot of catfish throughout the night.
Your story brought back alot of old memories and I thank you. Keep up the good work Greg and God bless you and your family.
PS. My kids like to camp too, with their children
This is a great message for young bushcrafting and survival enthusiasts. You should always be realistic in both your goals and endeavors. I'm going to show this to my youngest son. He's been watching you and wants to be you. Hopefully watching this video will help keep him levelheaded.
Good job! Keep going😊
Look at you and how far you have come living your dreams true inspiration we love all you do and are take care God bless❤
it's a nice story. it's even nicer to realize your dream
I appreciate you so much for your shares! Being in remodeling for 45 years I know that we understand each other and the wear and tear. Take care of your spine from now on and I hope you don't need to do sheet rock anymore. God bless the ones that do sheet rock , roofing, etc. You certainly deserve smooth sailing from now on!!!
Oh yes, I would loooove to read your book. I'll keep my eyes and ears open ❤
Growing up, my father and I read a book called My Side Of The Mountain. it was about a kid who ran away up into the mountains at 13, and to this day even over the age of 20, I still think about doing something similar.. but your story sort of reminds me of this amazing book
Do It While Your Still Young And Still In Good And Healthy Shape, Before Your Too Out Of Shape, Old, Or Just Settled Down With A Carreer And Family! Although, Ensure To Read, Learn And Educate, Everything You Can For The Areas Your Gonna Explore! Save Up For The Best Gear You Can Afford And Practice With It, Until You Feel Confident In Yourself And Your Equipment On The Weekends! Ensure To Really Ask Old Timers, Elders, Local Historians, Hunter's, Subject Matter Survivalist, From The Area, Before Going Out To Explore An Area, It Is Better Safe, Than Sorry!
Many Go Out Unprepaired In The Unknown, Becoming One Of Many Unsolved Statistics! Don't Let That Happen! Learn Self-Defence, Practice, And Always Be Over Prepared, Than Under Prepared, To Make It Back Out, In One Piece! There Are Things Out And About That Most Won't Talk, Or Warn You About! And If An Old Timer Tells You Something Of Such, Don't Laugh It Off, It Just May Save Your, Or Someone Else's Life!
Always Use The Buddy System (Two Or More, To Watch Eachother's Back, Etc, There's Usually Safety In Numbers!) With Someone You Would Trust Your Life With, Because You Just Might Have To!
Tune In, Not Out, When Out And About, Be Alert, Trust Your Own Instinct(s)! If Something Feels Off, Or Negative Turn Around, Go Somewhere Else, Or Back Home To Safety!
Learn It,
Love It,
Live It,
Get It,
Got It,
Good,
Pa-Pow, Amen!
😎 🙉🙈🙊 🇺🇸
You are a legend already Greg. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us . At 75 I doubt I will ever use this knowledge but love knowing it 😊
Thank you so much,
Ms Pat in southern Indiana
I appreciate that!
You Can Always Pass On Such Valuable Knowledge, Information, And Teach The Young Ones In The Family, Or Neighborhood, Community, Etc! Kids These Days Aren't Being Taught Anything Vauble, Let A Lone, Being Truly Educated! We All Need To Try And Make Up The Difference, Since Most Parents Barely Have Time, Or Energy To Work Their Job/Career, Maintain The House, Family Vehicles And That's About It!
GOD Bless,
Pa-Pow, Amen!
😎 🙉🙈🙊 🇺🇸
Age 51 but grew up in a small town always out on the river back then and out in the woods exploring now I live in a new area with more and different places to explore but I did finally get my house out in the country love the video's
a great fire side chat. I enjoyed it very much.
Found your channel today looking up tipis. Loved you on Alone. Subscribed and looking forward to watching you vids here.
In our childhood we draw inspirations from many factors that led us to do funny and stupid things, and when we grew up those memories are the source of laughter and happiness when we remember them now and then. . .
Thanks for sharing your story Greg, even though its short its worth watching and listening . . . . and interesting too . . .
Love and Greetings from India . .
Love you too
I lift Michigan, grew up in a dysfunctional home, they had no plans to change! So, I went south.
Any farther south I be in Mexico.
Ive been planning on doing this for the past year im 15 ive learned a lot from your videos and other peoples i have just started learning mushrooms and I will do it for a time i was planning on it being just me alone but my brother that is 7 years older than me said hell come my parents allowed it and we plan on taking the minimal amount of gear a knife a hook and an axe probably great video man you're my inspiration!
I couldn’t help but chuckle thru the whole story 😆. That was a good one. Probably good thing Dad came along ☺️
Haha! What an awesome story Greg! Now you’re inspiring the next generation to go on similar adventures to do the same!
We need great men like yourself to inspire the next generation who are lacking strong male role models! God bless you brother!
Your blessed that you’ve stayed focused on your dream. Dreams come true. Just follow through. Looking forward to following your progress.
More fireside chats! This was legendary and fun and cozy and warm. My whole family loves you.
I look forward to your book!
Thanks I have really enjoyed your videos over the years.May God bless and protect you and yours all of the days.
I really enjoyed your story Greg thank you for bringing us along and excited to read your story 😊 I love everything that has to do with the outdoors and being outside 👍🐕🐺🐶🔥👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Greg! I was a teen then as well!
Not a damn thing wrong with doing drywall most of your life. I've done garage doors, cabinet making, bricklaying and other trades. Great trades for young folks and pay is good. Never be ashamed about not going the college route.. many ships sunk!
Coll story Creg. When i was about the same age 14, i used to go 3-4 days in a survival way with my buddy Pierre. One of our father bring us & rigs up to the edge of the wood and we go camping somewhere at the four'th lake of the line nearby a fresh water source. Then we set rabbit traps & fishing trouts to eat. The four'th days we come back to our starting point to get home whit a father. Now i am almost 58 and live in the wood, north of Québec still hunting & fishing. Best regards from Québec.
Thank you very much Greg for sharing. That was terrific. I love your content, never stop on your survival videos, but these short videos are great too! I concur with your childhood dreams. I sure hope you can achieve your dream of making your log cabin in the woods and take us all along for the ride mate! Next time your down under in Australia I'd love to know and have the chance to meet you in person! Cheers Brad from Victoria Australia!
Deep respect for you bro.
It's my dream to live like you.
Much love and strength! 🙏❤
cant wait for the book thanks
I'll definitely buy your book
Best fireside yet, Greg you just found your groove on these firesides.
Congrats on the book!
Me and a buddy did the same thing when we were around 15. We hitchhiked up to lake Tejas in Texas and set up our camp way up off the old saw mill trail.
Greg. this video is the one that makes it all come to life for me with you. Wow. You are an amazing man and what you do is impressive. I have lived in the corporate world for the past 32 years. I would love to spend a week with you in the bush. I would trust you.
Glad you're using cast iron as opposed to those coated pans on the fire. Great story. Thanks for sharing your history with us,Greg. Love to read your book and watch you build your log cabin!
Want your book when you get it done I'm 60 years old lived a in the woods out of the garden life since i was born raised that way but you never learn it all something new all the time thanks for those something new kind of things we all need too know about the time is coming in this world know how or not make it
You passed the test friend. Your a true mountain man. Good luck with your new book. ❤
I believe story telling is a skill as important as any survival skill. New fan definitely subscribed
I will buy your survival book once it is published. You have really good dreams.
Love your "backwoods broadcasts" and all you do. Looking forward to your book!
I often spent time in the Rocky Mountains when I was a younger man and I dreaded going back to civilization back to work the next day ,so peaceful out there ,best times I spent were out in nature I think ,it feels wholesome it feels right like a reset
I grew up in the woods as a kid in a log cabin built in the 70's and always admired that way of life, it brings so much peace of mind and can't wait to build my own some day in the far but near future
Great Childhood story, thanks for sharing.
I still have that second survival book. What a great story!
man i gotta tell ya, Greg's stories are meditative and calming. Perfect just before bed. Thanks Greg
I missed Mr. Ovens! Been a while since I was last here. Hello 👋 there and I’ll be just sitting here enjoying my old time friend Mr. Ovens.
My Side of the Mountain was my inspiration
What a fireside story ! It appears this one hit home to many . I know at 63 , this is the sh;t I watch to keep me off the couch and in the woods !