A Lovely Story of Life in the Caribou Country

A truly enchanting account of life in the Caribou Country awaits within these pages. Having recently had the opportunity to visit British Columbia and embark on hikes along various trails, I find myself deeply connected to many of Hoagland's astute observations and unique experiences. The region of the province that he explored is situated even further north than the areas I had the pleasure of visiting. It takes a great deal of fortitude to endure the living conditions in such a remote and harsh environment.

Hoagland vividly describes life there as being lonely, yet paradoxically, it seems that no one desires to leave. In fact, people continuously arrive and choose to stay. Perhaps it is to put one's strength to the test in the untamed wild. There is undoubtedly a certain allure and romance to this way of life, or so I imagine.

However, I must admit that I would have derived even greater enjoyment from the book had it been presented in a format other than a diary. In this particular style, I felt that I was unable to fully immerse myself in the story and form as deep a connection with the characters as I would have liked. Nevertheless, I can still vividly picture the breathtaking landscapes that Hoagland witnessed and envision the engaging conversations he had with the locals.

A young American embarks on a journey to northern British Columbia with a noble purpose. He aims to have conversations with the old timers and document their stories before it's too late.

He finds himself constantly drawn back to the village of Telegraph Creek. There is a palpable sense that he is so enamored with the area that he would almost be inclined to settle there.

I can understand his sentiment to some extent as I too have made the trip to this remote place. I do take pleasure in listening to the tales shared by the pioneers that he interviews.

However, a significant portion of the book, more than half in fact, consists of overly lengthy descriptions of the wilderness trails, valleys, mountains, and streams that he traverses. In my view, these descriptions are often overly abstract and poetic. But perhaps others may have a greater appreciation for his literary skills and the way he weaves words to paint a vivid picture of the natural landscapes.

Overall, while the book has its merits in capturing the essence of the place and the stories of its people, the excessive focus on the detailed descriptions of the wilderness might be a bit off-putting for some readers.

Makes you wish you lived in the northern B.C. backcountry.

The beauty and tranquility of the northern B.C. backcountry are truly captivating. The vast landscapes, with their majestic mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes, create a sense of peace and serenity that is hard to find elsewhere.

Living in this area would offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. You could go hiking, camping, fishing, or skiing, surrounded by the breathtaking natural scenery. The fresh air and the sounds of nature would rejuvenate your spirit and make you feel truly alive.

Moreover, the northern B.C. backcountry is rich in wildlife. You might have the chance to see grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and eagles in their natural habitats. This connection with nature would be a source of wonder and inspiration.

In conclusion, the northern B.C. backcountry is a place that makes you long for a simpler, more fulfilling life. It is a haven for those who appreciate the beauty and power of nature and seek to escape the hustle and bustle of modern society.

I read this book over a period of about 6 months. This time frame perhaps says more about my life at that moment than the book itself.

Often, I would only manage to get through a few pages in bed before succumbing to sleep. I'm not overly fond of the diary format, but I got past that stage fairly quickly.

Initially, I was worried that I wouldn't take to the format of interviews and profiles. However, it worked out fairly well for me. There were times when I felt bored, but once I finally had the opportunity to sit down and read more at once, I started getting increasingly interested in it.

Towards the end, I was quite looking forward to reading it as it would relax me and transport me away. By the end of the book, I had forgotten how modern it was. So, when the author mentioned Vietnam and such, it came as a bit of a shock.

Overall, it's a great book and I would definitely recommend it. But I do have some advice. You'll gain far more from the book if you've been through the area. That goes without saying. However, even then, since there are only a couple of maps in the book, I'd suggest finding a map or even just googling the names of places as they come up. This will give you a sense of the area covered.

I was more familiar with the Cassiar Highway area (Telegrach Creek, Eddontenajon, etc). So, I was surprised when I finished the book and realized how far east the recollections of the old folks extended (Findlay River, etc). If you're in BC, I'd recommend getting the Backroad Mapbook for Northern BC. If you're not from the area at all, at least do a few fly-bys with Google Earth to truly get a sense of the enormity and remoteness of its stunning beauty.

Fascinating reading about the author's stay in the interior of British Columbia.

The author's account of their time in the interior of British Columbia is truly captivating. It offers a unique perspective on a region that is often overlooked. The descriptions of the natural beauty, from the majestic mountains to the serene lakes, are vivid and detailed.

Readers are taken on a journey through the author's experiences, whether it's exploring the local trails, interacting with the friendly locals, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. The author's love for the area shines through in their writing, making it impossible not to be drawn in.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in travel, nature, or simply a good story. It provides a glimpse into a world that is both beautiful and mysterious, and leaves readers longing to experience it for themselves.

If you have a penchant for British Columbia history or a love for the wilderness, or perhaps both, then this is an absolute must-read.

British Columbia is a region rich in history, with tales of early settlers, indigenous cultures, and the development of a vibrant and diverse society. The wilderness of British Columbia is equally captivating, with its majestic mountains, vast forests, and pristine lakes.

This article will take you on a journey through the history and wilderness of British Columbia, exploring the unique features and attractions that make this region so special. Whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone in this fascinating exploration of British Columbia.

So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world of history and natural beauty.

In the 1960s, there was a prevalent and casual form of racism and misogyny that was simply unacceptable. People during that time seemed to turn a blind eye to the blatant discrimination and disrespect towards different races and genders. It was a time when such harmful attitudes were often normalized and overlooked. However, there were also those who could not take this any longer. They were the brave individuals who stood up and spoke out against the injustice. They refused to be silent in the face of such blatant bigotry. Their voices of protest began to gain momentum, gradually challenging the status quo. Their actions would eventually lead to significant social changes, as they fought to break free from the chains of racism and misogyny that had held society back for so long.

These individuals were the catalysts for a new era of equality and respect, and their efforts should never be forgotten.

I've never come across a book of observation - and by that, I mean literally observing; looking at the mountains, at people, and so on - in which so much is blocked from sight.

Hoagland is extremely guarded in this book, frustratingly so and to a point where it seems unrecoverable.

Nevertheless, the writing itself is of a superb quality.

It's as if he is deliberately keeping certain aspects hidden, perhaps to create an air of mystery or to make the reader work harder to uncover the true essence of what he is trying to convey.

The descriptions are vivid and detailed, painting a picture in the reader's mind that is both captivating and somewhat elusive.

Despite the obstruction to view, there is still a certain allure to the book, a sense that there is more to discover if only one can penetrate the layers of secrecy that Hoagland has erected.

It's a unique reading experience, one that challenges the reader and leaves them with a sense of curiosity and a desire to know more.

This is ebullient prose. Travel writers are often so romantic. They strive for the lovely simile, the apt, powerful verb, and here we have them.

Hoagland presents the book as a diary of his time in the wilds of British Columbia. He interviews the men who ventured out in search of gold and to map the territory. It's the 1960s, and Hoagland is a young man, excited by the place and the people (mostly men here. The women are only stolid, crazy, or both - as one man Hoagland interviews tells him, if he wanted to know about the place and the past times, he should have talked to a woman).

The men are a tough bunch with great characters. However, there are prejudices, cruelty, and a striking disregard for animals (which many of my friends would find disgusting). We know Hoagland is aware of all this, but he never preaches, and that's what I liked. He has come to record a world he believes is dying, a group of men who endured incredible physical hardship, craved it, and the independence that came with it. They are not surrounded by their children in their old age. At the time of writing, most of their offspring have fled to the 20th century.

This is exactly the kind of book that I absolutely love.

It delves into the daily minutiae of those backwoods oddballs, and at the same time, it is filled with a wealth of natural history.

The book evokes a sense of nostalgia, but not in that overly sentimental and sappy way. Instead, it is in the unique atmosphere it creates and the distinct sense that the world used to be a much vaster place.

Back then, before easy transportation and communication had transformed us into a big, interconnected global village.

I truly believe that in the pursuit of all these conveniences, we have really lost something precious.

Something that perhaps can only be recaptured through the pages of books like this one, which take us back to a time when life was a little slower, a little more mysterious, and a whole lot more wonderful.

I read an original, 1969 edition of a particular work.

While it offered some insights, a more modern edition could have been significantly improved. For instance, if it had better maps or more detailed notes that placed the stories in a more comprehensive context, it might have easily earned an additional star.

However, it's important to note that this edition also contains some unfiltered period racism and misogyny, which are quite jarring. But perhaps the weirdest aspect for me was the out of place sexual interludes.

I had initially picked up this book with the intention of learning about life in British Columbia during the time when the interior was just being settled. I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of that historical period and the experiences of the people.

Unfortunately, instead of focusing solely on that, I was bombarded with descriptions like "thrusting like a surf board" and had to listen to the author brag about his series of one-night stands. This detracted from the overall value and purpose of the book for me.

It's a shame that these elements were included, as they really disrupted the flow and educational potential of the work.

Hey there! Let me tell you about this really interesting thing. It's like an anthology of short stories, you know?

These stories are all about the old timers in the wilderness of British Columbia and Alaska.

And the best part is, they're told by the people who are still alive and can remember those times.

It's like taking a step back in time and hearing these amazing tales firsthand.

The writing style is really unique too. It's very conversational, almost like you're sitting down and chatting with someone.

And there are all these asides and little details that make it even more engaging.

You'll find yourself completely hooked from the very first story.

So if you're into learning about the past and hearing some great stories, this is definitely something you should check out.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed!