top of page

.png)


Preparing for the Rite of Passage
My son is seven years old. When I kayak with him, my enjoyment does not come from the peace of the river or the fall colors painted on the leaves. It does not come from quietly connecting with nature or stopping to fish for trout. There is not much quiet. My enjoyment comes from knowing that I am slowly teaching him how to become a man. A Child on the River On our first kayaking trip, my son could not stop talking. We went with one of his buddies, so naturally, there had to b
W. Blake Kooi
13 minutes ago3 min read


Fall Camping Is Not Perfect-But it is Good
Fall camping is one of my favorite times of year. It is more than getting away for a weekend or finding a quiet campsite beneath the changing leaves. It is about tradition. It begins with the small things: the sound of a fire catching and settling into a steady crackle, the smell of oak smoke drifting through camp, and the cool dampness that settles into the air as evening arrives. Fall camping is about the harvest season—the moment when the work of spring and summer finally
W. Blake Kooi
Sep 194 min read


Fermented Lemons: A Simple, Wild Twist on Flavor and Gut Health
Fermented lemons are one of those low-effort, high-reward additions to your kitchen that bring both flavor and function. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a condiment that adds brightness, depth, and a touch of wild fermentation to your meals. This isn’t a strict or “clean” fermentation in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s more of a hybrid process that blends salt fermentation with a bit of yeast-driven activity. The result is complex and a
W. Blake Kooi
Aug 32 min read
bottom of page