If you can start a fire with a couple pieces of bamboo, you don't have to curse yourself for forgetting your camera trap mounts, steel posts, cable, chain, or cord.
If you grew up in the forest you know how to use the materials around you.
The problem with our high tech generation is we can't even start a fire with matches unless there's lighter fluid.
Here are a few photos of camera mounts made by the Chin students from materials found in the forest.
A machete or large knife is all they need.
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| Thin creeper vines = cord. |
The cross was not their preferred camera mount, even though they could lash two sticks together with minimal wobble.
They preferred a forked stick, and had no trouble finding them.
If the camera swung within the fork as this one did, they used a splint to restrict movement.
They could render a suitable stake in a minute and enjoyed sighting the camera at the target.
But suitable materials were never critical. They had the wood craft to make do with whatever was handy.
If a villagers's trail was nearby they camouflaged the camera with vegetation.
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| The camera is in the middle shielded from view by the large leaves |
I have to say that I prefer my own homemade mounts to this vernacular technology, but sticks and vines do quite well if you don't want to haul your own stuff, set off the airport metal detectors, and raise questions with the TSA.
Takes me back to my survival training and boy scout days.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to have a plan B.
I learned how to make a fire with sticks and dry moss in my Boy Scout leader training (but don't use the green lichens/moss so common on Sierran pines- it's a powerful emetic!).
ReplyDeleteBritta
We need reminders like this. Thanks for posting. More, please.
ReplyDelete