🌲 RuggedBears Blog – Fishing, Outdoors & Survival Stories

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🌲 RuggedBears Blog – Exploring Nature, Forests & Waters

Welcome to the campfire of our blog! 🪵🔥 The tents are still freshly pitched, and the trails through our forest of topics aren’t all marked yet – but every day, a new piece of nature knowledge is added.

From fascinating facts about mushroom toxins to fishing tips, insights into forestry work, and discoveries about plants and the environment – our blog is a growing path through the wild.

Today, September 24, 2025, you’ll find the very first posts on mushroom toxins – and soon a whole backpack full of new stories will join them. Stay with us as we explore the wonders nature has to offer, day by day. 🌿🎣

The legendary Cadborosaurus glides through the cold, misty waters of a coastal bay. Its long neck and serpentine body rise above the waves, while forested cliffs fade into the fog in the background, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere.

Cadborosaurus – The Sea Serpent of the Pacific Northwest

Along the misty coast of British Columbia, legends tell of a creature gliding beneath the waves — the Cadborosaurus, or “Caddy.” For centuries, sailors and First Nations people have spoken of this serpentine sea creature haunting the Salish Sea. From the first sightings in the 1930s to sonar readings and modern videos, this investigation follows the trail of one of North America’s most intriguing marine mysteries.

21 hours ago4 min read

A differential locker and several gears are neatly arranged on a workbench, surrounded by wrenches and tools. In the background, a silver Ford F-150 is parked inside a workshop, with a mechanic working out of focus. The scene captures craftsmanship and the authentic atmosphere of a classic garage.

The Differential Lock – The Hidden Hero in the Drive of Freedom

Tom Grizzle sits behind the wheel of his old truck, half-buried in the mud. One wheel spins uselessly, the other stands still—until he pulls the lever. A sharp click, and suddenly the beast comes alive. Mud flies, the engine roars, and Tom grins: “Differential lock—two words that have saved more adventures than Ein unscheinbares Stück Mechanik mit Herz und Geschichte – vom Schlachtfeld bis zur Wildnis, vom alten Jeep bis zur modernen G-Klasse. Die Differentialsperre ist das R

2 days ago4 min read

Tom the bear, wearing a red flannel lumberjack shirt, sits by a campfire in the forest at night, quietly eating from his emergency ration. Beside him are a backpack, a tent, and an old coffee pot. The warm glow of the fire reflects on his thoughtful face, creating a peaceful, slightly melancholic atmosphere.

🌿 Survival Food Tom Grizzle

Tom Grizzle, the old woodsman, sits alone by the fire deep in the wilderness. His backpack is empty, his stomach growls, yet his eyes are calm. Hunger, he says, isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher. In a world where most forget where their food comes from, Tom reminds us that the Earth always provides for those who know how to listen.

6 days ago4 min read

A gaunt, ghostly Wendigo with pale skin and antlers stands in a snowy, dense forest at night. The bluish moonlight filters through the trees, highlighting the eerie, supernatural presence of the creature among the shadows.

Wendigo – The Cannibal Spirit of the North

In the frozen forests of North America, the wind carries a legend older than memory — the Wendigo. Once human, now a creature of hunger and madness, this spirit of greed and cold has haunted the northern wilderness for centuries. From First Nations mythology to modern-day sightings, this report uncovers everything known about the Wendigo — told by monster hunter and wilderness reporter Tom Grizzle.

Nov 224 min read

A 1976 International Harvester Scout II Traveler parked in front of an old barn at sunset. The rugged brown-orange SUV, featuring its classic boxy design, roof rack, and wide tires, captures the timeless off-road spirit of the 1970s — tough, dependable, and iconic.

From Farm Machines to Freedom Icons – The Story of International Harvester & the Scout

Tom Grizzle stands on an old Illinois farm, surrounded by rusted tractors and a sun-faded Scout. The smell of diesel and time fills the air. Here, where machines became legends, Tom tells the story of International Harvester – the brand that fed America and built its backbone – and its wild offspring, the Scout. Born from hard work and stubborn freedom, the Scout wasn’t made to impress. It was made to endure.

Nov 214 min read

Tom the friendly bear, wearing a red flannel lumberjack shirt, stands in a moonlit meadow under a clear starry sky, scratching his head thoughtfully as he tries to find his way. The full moon shines brightly, casting a soft, magical glow over the scene.

Finding Your Way Without GPS – Navigate by Stars, Moss & Sun

Tom Grizzle, the old woodsman, sits by his crackling campfire and shares the lost art of finding your way without modern technology. With stars, sun, and instinct as guides, he reminds us that navigation is more than direction—it’s a conversation with the Earth itself. In a world obsessed with GPS, Tom shows that the truest compass is the one inside you.

Nov 174 min read

The legendary lake monster Ogopogo glides through the calm surface of a misty lake at sunrise. Its long, serpentine body rises from the water, while forested hills and gentle morning fog in the background create a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere.

Ogopogo – The Lake Monster of Okanagan

Deep within the cold, blue waters of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, legend speaks of Ogopogo — a mysterious creature said to have haunted the depths for centuries. Once known as N'ha-a-itk, the guardian spirit of the lake, Ogopogo has become one of North America’s most enduring cryptids. From First Nations legends to modern sonar evidence, this story follows the mysterious creature through history, science, and myth.

Nov 154 min read

An original World War II Willys MB Jeep stands on a muddy military camp field. The vehicle is covered in dirt, featuring its iconic round grille, rugged tires, and canvas top. In the background, tents, soldiers, and rising smoke create an authentic, historical atmosphere.

The History of the Off-Road Vehicle – From Pioneers to the Kings of the Wild

Tom Grizzle leans against his old truck on a muddy forest road. Rain taps the hood, and diesel smoke hangs in the air. For him, off-road vehicles aren’t just machines—they’re comrades forged from steel and grit. From the first Willys Jeep to today’s mighty Land Cruisers, they carry stories of courage, grease, and freedom. Machines that taught us one truth: the wild begins where the road ends.

Nov 145 min read

Tom the bear, wearing a red flannel lumberjack shirt, stands by a calm lakeshore holding a fishing rod in one paw and a lure in the other. In front of him, an open tackle box rests on a log surrounded by small mushrooms. He looks focused as he decides which lure to use for fishing.

🐟 The Craft of Bait – The Art of Understanding a Fish’s Hunger

A good bait isn’t just a lure — it’s a conversation between man and water. Tom Grizzle shares the ancient art of understanding a fish’s hunger, with mud under his boots and coffee in hand.

Nov 113 min read

Tom, der bärtige Bär im roten Holzfällerhemd und Jeans, geht nachdenklich durch einen moosigen Wald und sucht nach Wasser. Sonnenstrahlen brechen durch die Bäume und beleuchten den Pfad zwischen den Wurzeln – eine ruhige, stimmungsvolle Szene voller Natur und Entschlossenheit.

Thirst, Grit & Coffee – The True Art of Finding Water

Tom the bear, wearing a red flannel lumberjack shirt and jeans, walks thoughtfully through a mossy forest searching for water. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, illuminating the path between the roots — a calm, atmospheric scene filled with nature and determination.

Nov 115 min read

A Bigfoot — a large, hair-covered, ape-like creature — walks through a misty, moss-covered coniferous forest. The ground is blanketed with ferns and pine needles, and the soft, diffused light creates a mysterious, almost mythical atmosphere.

Bigfoot – The Legend of the North American Giant

For centuries, the forests of North America have whispered tales of Bigfoot — the towering, hair-covered giant said to roam through fog and pine. Whether ancient legend or undiscovered species, his tracks lead deep into the untamed heart of the wilderness. This report takes you on a journey through the origins, sightings, and scientific mysteries surrounding the Sasquatch — told by a monster hunter, reporter, and chronicler of the unknown.

Nov 84 min read

A Dodge Power Wagon with rugged off-road tires drives through a muddy puddle in a makeshift World War II field camp. In the background, soldiers, tents, and supplies are visible as mud splashes from the tire — a powerful image of durability and the harsh realities of wartime conditions.

Off-Road Tires – Where Rubber, Earth, and Fre

They carry the world’s dirt and your story with it. Learn the history, craft, and soul of off-road tires—where rubber meets wilderness.

Nov 74 min read

A wild boar sow leads her piglets across a rural road in the warm evening light, while other boars cross in the background. The scene takes place in a forested area at sunset, with cars stopped and taillights glowing — a quiet moment where wildlife meets the human world.

The Wild Boar – Mistress of the Forest

She is wild, ancient, and untamed – the mistress of the forest. Learn everything about her origin, hunts, myths, and hidden life.

Nov 64 min read

A weary knight sits on a battlefield, smoke and fire rising in the distance. With blood-stained hands, he rubs yarrow onto a wound on his forearm to stop the bleeding — a quiet moment of pain, healing, and humanity after the chaos of battle.

The Yarrow – The Bleeding Heart of Nature

Blood, earth, and healing: Yarrow is more than a herb – it’s an ancient warrior, closing wounds and healing stories.

Nov 43 min read

Tom the bear, dressed in a red flannel shirt and a warm winter jacket, walks through a snowy forest. Snowflakes gently fall around him as colorful mushrooms peek through the snow along the path. A calm, atmospheric winter scene filled with woodland charm.

Ice, Fire, and Heart – Surviving the Winter

An honest guide about cold, willpower, and the small flame that makes us human.

Nov 34 min read

A sturdy steel ladder frame rests on the workshop floor. The welded structure, featuring numerous holes and reinforcements, forms the foundation for an off-road vehicle or pickup truck – a symbol of strength, precision, and engineering craftsmanship.

Steel, Sweat, and Mud, the Ladder Frame

Join Tom, the old woodsman, as he explains why the ladder frame is the unbreakable heart of true off-road vehicles—built for work, wilderness, and life beyond the road

Oct 243 min read

A group of greylag geese stands by the shore of a calm lake bathed in golden morning light. Some wade into the water while one spreads its wings. Mist and gentle hills reflect on the still surface in the background – a peaceful moment in nature.

Wild Geese – Guardians of the North Wind

The lake lies quiet beneath a thin veil of fog. Dawn breaks slowly through the pines, painting the water in shades of silver and gold. Then—an echoing cry cuts the sky. Wild geese. They come in formation, wings slicing through the chill air, their voices rolling across the valley like an ancient song. Every call marks a turning of the seasons—summer fading, winter rising. A veil of mist drifts across the lake as a flock of wild geese cuts through the dawn sky, their cries e

Oct 233 min read

Explore the world of flowing waters with RuggedBears – fish, dangers, survival tips, and bushcraft knowledge straight from the wild

Flowing Waters – The Soul of the Wild

Explore the world of flowing waters with RuggedBears – fish, dangers, survival tips, and bushcraft knowledge straight from the wild.

Oct 222 min read

The Daisy – Little Sun of the Meadow

Gentle yet strong: the daisy endures frost, footsteps, and storms. A little sun of the meadow — filled with stories, healing, and soul.

Oct 212 min read

Tom the bear, wearing a red plaid flannel shirt, sits in the forest near his tent, thoughtfully examining his bushcraft knife. A green backpack rests beside him on the forest floor as soft sunlight filters through the tall trees – a calm, nature-filled scene of craftsmanship and reflection.

🪓 Knife Care, Sharpening & The Top 10 Bushcraft Knives for Real Adventurers

Between fire, steel, and wood lies the soul of bushcraft – and those who care for their knives also care for their path through the wild. Learn how to sharpen, protect, and choose the knife that’ll never fail you.

Oct 203 min read

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