Welcome to the Tiga Woodland of Alaska! In this blog post, we will be exploring the adventures of Luke from the AR Kids YouTube channel as he spends three days building Bushcraft shelters, sleeping under animal hides, and dealing with broken equipment. Join us as we delve into the frozen expanse of Alaska and witness Luke’s camping trip.
The Tiga Forest, derived from the Russian word “Tiga” meaning “little sticks,” is home to black spruce trees that grow in the expanses and swamps of Alaska. While these swamps are difficult to cross in the summer, they freeze over in the winter, allowing for exploration. Luke sets out to find a suitable camping spot amidst the dead spruce trees, which were wiped out by an invasive beetle called the spruce bark beetle. The dead trees provide ample building material and firewood for Luke’s shelter.
With an air temperature of 13 °F, Luke discovers that the ground is not yet frozen. In winter, the ground temperature is usually warmer than the air temperature, and the snow acts as a blanket, trapping warmth in the ground. Luke realizes that building his shelter on thawed ground will provide better insulation.
Despite encountering some boggy areas, he decides to make the best of it and proceeds with his camping plans. Luke begins by cutting trees using a hatchet he purchased in Hiroshima, Japan. As darkness approaches quickly in this Arctic region, Luke is forced to use his lights to continue working.
The wet wood covered in ice poses a challenge, but with the help of fire starters, he manages to get a fire going. Luke comments on the difficulty of burning wet pine, but eventually, he succeeds in creating a warm fire. After setting up his shelter and fire, Luke prepares dinner. He wraps a sweet potato in tin foil and buries it in the coals for 45 minutes.
He also bakes bread dough that he had prepared earlier, adding cinnamon, honey, and butter to enhance the flavors. Luke enjoys his meal, savoring the warmth and taste of the food in the freezing temperatures. He uses a cow horn cup and antique fork and plate, adding a touch of nostalgia to his camping experience.
As night falls, Luke realizes that the ground is swampier than he initially thought. He decides to make a bed using his caribou hide, which provides insulation and padding. He melts snow to obtain water and keeps his canteen near the fire to prevent them from freezing. Luke settles into his bison hide, which protects him from sparks and the intense heat of the fire.
Although he wakes up several times to feed the fire, he enjoys the warmth and comfort of his improvised bed. The next morning, Luke wakes up feeling warmer but with cold feet. He warms up his toes and enjoys a breakfast omelette he had prepared at home. He reflects on the luxury of having a floor in his tent, keeping his feet dry and mud-free. Luke spends the day improving his shelter, clearing snow, and gathering firewood.
He cooks black beans and rice for lunch, appreciating the convenience and deliciousness of these non-perishable camping foods. As the day progresses, Luke encounters challenges with his car battery, which struggles to start in the freezing temperatures. He uses various methods to warm up the battery and eventually succeeds in getting his car running. Luke emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and adaptable when facing unexpected obstacles in the Alaskan wilderness.
Despite the ups and downs, Luke concludes his camping trip with a sense of satisfaction. He encourages viewers to check out more videos on the Outdoor Boys YouTube channel, where they can find a variety of outdoor adventures. Luke’s experience in the frozen expanse of Alaska serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the wilderness.
