Today's book. This is the ninth book in this series. This time it's "Our Outdoor Encyclopedia" by Kiyoshiro Takahashi, who worked for many years at the outdoor shop WILD1.
I bought this book at WILD1 in Odaiba. It's like an illustrated encyclopedia, filled with things Mr. Takahashi has encountered and memorable episodes from his outdoor life, and it's fun just to look at it.
The items are mainly those acquired during the Showa and Heisei eras, so they're not things you can find in stores today in the Reiwa era. They're probably nostalgic for those in the know, and for people like me who started camping after the pandemic, they're all items that offer new discoveries.
The article also features items from when Snow Peak was still spelled with all capital letters (SNOWPEAK).
After doing some research, I found out that Snow Peak was founded in 1958.
The fact that things last a long time
There's a saying that everything that has form will eventually break, but in my experience, some things just don't break, and some things that you don't lose stay with their owner, possessing a spirit that allows them to be found again even if they're lost for a moment.
Don't you feel a sense of comfort just by being in an old car or house?
Just as a child raised with abundant parental love grows into a kind adult, something that has been cherished by its owner for a long time can repay that kindness across generations.
Thoughts on nature and tools
I believe that everyone has their own unique way of interacting with and enjoying nature.
It's fine if some people enjoy bushcraft, or if they enjoy building a campfire by starting a fire with a fire starter and letting it grow, or if they enjoy using a burner to light a fire and a stylish fire pit.
Nowadays, there are many convenient and wonderful tools available, and it's fine to use them. However, I also think it's perfectly fine for some campers to rely solely on the wood and stones found in nature, using their wits to make do in the moment, and even enjoying unexpected accidents.
I hope your outdoor life is wonderful today as well.
