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Jack Poulin loves the wilderness and canoeing.

Now, the Kincardine man has taken his years of experience at both and compiled them in a newly-published book, "A Castle in the Bush: Wit and Wisdom of a Modern Day Voyageur."

Full of stories, photographs, advice and lore, the book is a treasure for those who enjoy trekking through the forest and paddling the rivers and lakes, and of course, pitching their tents and camping in these very same forests and alongside the rivers and lakes.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Poulin lived for 20 years in the Ottawa Valley in Deep River. He and his wife, Angie, have three grown children and five granddaughters. Their sons live in Kemptville and Atwood, and their daughter lives in London.

"I had a very clear motivation for writing this book," says Poulin. "Some day, there will be no wilderness in this country. It's under tremendous strain with so many people. The cities are growing and expanding, and our wilderness and forests are diminishing fast, especially in Ontario."

His goal is to get people to understand what the wilderness is like and urge them to get out and see it before it's gone.

The book encompasses 12 trips that he has travelled and that anyone could do, plus a section with canoeing advice, and a few extras about planning journeys through the bush and along the rivers.

Jack (L) and Angie Poulin paddle the Teeswater River in 1996; it's a pretty trip provided there is enough water
photo courtesy of Jack Poulin

"It tells of the adventures I've had with my family and my buddies, camping and enjoying the wilderness, and canoeing," says Poulin. "I started writing a journal on these trips and I used that information to write the book."

The final result includes numerous stories about the varied and interesting times spent travelling with his brothers, Pat, Doug and Paul; his wife and children; his buddy, John Farrell of Kincardine Township; and many others.

Poulin has also included snapshots from those adventures throughout northern Ontario and Bruce County, plus some sketches of native species such as conifer spruce.

Added to the edition are some bush lore Poulin has gathered over the years, and a glossary of terms to help those who are not wilderness connoisseurs.

"The book contains 12 trips, but I've been on hundreds of travels," says Poulin. "We've been camping for 40 years. I still do it, sometimes by myself, and sometimes with my friends and family. These trips are wonderful and easily doable by even the most amateur wilderness camper. Some are a little more difficult and should be done with someone who is an accomplished canoeist."

The name of the book comes from an actual castle in the bush, built by Jimmy McQuat. At the age of 59, he was broke but was determined to build his own castle on the shores of White Otter Lake in northern Ontario. It still stands today in mute testimony of his genius and determination.

"It's 43 feet high and it's a tremendous site to see," says Poulin. "Then I realized that my own castle is my tent and I can pack it up and take it with me wherever I travel."

Although not in the best of health, Poulin still enjoys some canoeing and camping. He and his daughter enjoy paddling the Saugeen River.

"The book contains all the wisdom I've gained from years of canoeing and camping," says Poulin. "It also has some wit and humour, especially describing things I've learned the hard way." And there is some poetry for people to enjoy.

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Sunday, January 15, 2012