Camping, building shelters, the tipi

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This is one of the many things I tried when I was a kid, always trying to perfect the art in a way. I wanted something sturdy that could retain heat, but was also movable. Being part native, well, I decided I would try the tipi. A lot of people when they build them nowadays use canvas instead of animal hides-I'm not sure how well they retain heat, or how easily they are moved, because I've never stayed over night in one of those and all the ones I would see on the reservation would always be more or less fixed-they were mainly for tourists or special events. But for mine, instead of canvas I used a large tarp. As I said, a tarp is a good thing to have no matter what-they have multiple uses which always come back to this one thing, they're water proof. Well, until they get a hole in them anyway. While it was fun to try, it really wasn't ideal because if you're going with a canoe over a portage, you have to figure out how to move the wood-and yeh, you really should be carrying the poles with you instead of hoping you will find some wood which could be used at your next camp site. Because you may not find suitable materials at your next site. And frankly, it's easier to use a model which you can collapse without taring apart-let's just say, though more simple then some tent structures, it's still a good amount of work to do every time. For me it was nostalgic, but not very practical, and after a few times I simply abandoned the idea. With practice and effort though-and if you're not alone in the bush and don't have to worry about carrying a canoe by yourself-this model could end up being very comfortable, as well unique and a good way to learn about the past.