The Crusoe of Lonesome Lake

Подписаться 3,2 тыс.

Просмотров 68 тыс.

50% 1

Well, this journey was an eye-opener into the amazing story of Ralph Edwards and his 'kids'.
We shot this in 1988 and stayed at the Edwards cabin on Lonesome Lake.
John Edwards helped us a lot, and unfortunately he died in 2007 from cancer.
We played previous television programs of the 'Crusoe' for the first time ever in the homestead. John, his sister Trudy and her husband Jack watched courtesy of a battery powered monitor. There was never any electricity at Lonesome Lake.
This remarkable family carved a life out of the British Columbia wilderness (1912+) and along the way, saved the Trumpeter Swans from extinction and learned how to fly...all of them! (The Edwards' and the swans)
This documentary was a 'trip' to shoot and again made me closer to the god of nature.
Terry Glecoff wrote and hosted, and also wrote and played the great music on his computer credited as 'The Nimpo Symphony'.
Rick Warren shot it and my good friend Dan Noon was Co-Producer. Greg Scofield did the sound and Paul Wong was my fantastic editor.
Unfortunately the Edwards homestead burned to the ground in 2004 in a giant forest fire...Nothing remains except the 4 published books from the Edwards' journey, the memories, and our documentary.
Enjoy.
I recommend the NEW book 'Packtrains and Airplanes' by Trudy (Edwards) Turner.
www.amazon.ca/Packtrains-Airpl...

Опубликовано:

11 янв 2011

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 79

@marcioazevedo7174 7 лет назад

I was 12 years old when I red the condensed book in Readers Digest and it impressed me a lot. Dozens of years gone, I saw the same magazine again, and finally I bought the book, with so much curiosity and respect for that man and his descendants. Now , 71 years old, I saw this video and again strong emotions came to me. I'm brazilian, and thank you very much for this video. Ralph, Ethel, John, Trudy are part of my memories, and whenever possible, I will talk about them, and their amazing lifes. They inspired me, and I keep still working and with a gret curiosity about this world and the universe. Best regards.

@seanclinnin7710 5 лет назад

How strange! I was just scrolling around and came across this story on the Edwards. In 1980, at 23, a friend and I took a ferry ride north of Vancouver Island to the tiny, native town of Bella Bella. The next morning, we took a short bush flight to the town of Bella Coola to go on a 5 day canoe trip over a series of lakes. With loaded backpacks, we hiked past little farms for a few miles on a ez trail, took a break and eventually fell asleep near a creek trying to catch a fish. I remember waking up to see a bushy bearded, grey haired, old man, who looked like John Muir walking down the trail, axe on his shoulder with a scrawny, black dog trotting alongside him. He stopped and said there are no fish in that creek, asked us where we were going and offered to walk us in that direction the next morning. Early the next morning, we follow him up the trail and told us all about the plants, animals, mountains and about his mother writing a famous book about these swans who would visit them in the winter. He let us take a short cut through his property on a small lake filled with fish to meet the canoe guy.....turns out, the canoe guy was John in the video and the old man was his brother Stanley!

@robertclark4509 3 года назад

Thats a great story, I was just looking a property from BC land quest and there property came up and that's how I got here.

@josephlwallssr6166 2 года назад

Oh , Wow! A visit of a life, time! How cool was that!😀👍

@seanclinnin7710 2 года назад

I heard there's good skiing up there in Bella Coola...could be by helicopter though?

@paulyoung1833 11 лет назад

Thank-you for posting this. Stowe's book, Isabel Edward's book, and Trudy's book are all a special part of my library :)

@2winlock 8 лет назад

Thank you for feeding the swans..all those years...you and your father...respect~

@TheArtofDisruption 11 лет назад

I was fortunate enough to get to stay at the homestead with a friend of mine Michael Edwards (a relative of John's) in 2005. What a beautiful place and an amazing experience. Though Mike and I were barely in our 20's and avid backpackers, John, who was in his 70's, out paced us everywhere we went! He introduced us to his Fox friends that would frequent the cabin, and had come to trust him to the point that we were able to feed them out of our hands! So many amazing stories from that trip!

@sheldonschultz4681 7 лет назад

My Dad went to school with John and I visited John once a year from 1989-1992 when I lived in Bella Coola. Sleep well my friend.

@TheTonywade 7 лет назад

Thanks and happy new year!

@Over50YearsOffgrid 6 лет назад

Thanks for saving this documentary. Great story. I have lived on a remote wilderness homestead for 51 years and really identified with the Edwards.

@DavidMathieson 4 года назад

This is awesome. My late father was Canadian and had a copy of Stowe's book when I was a teenager. I ate it up. Thanks for posting this.

@tubeythetubba 11 лет назад

I read this story in the Readers Digest Condensed Books when it came out in '57/58 and it became a distant dream for me for many years. One thing not mentioned is the fact that capturing the swans cost Mr. Edwards their trust for many years afterward. They stayed far away from him and no amount of coaxing or bribes could lure them back to him for at least 10 years. I'm so pleased to have found this site and the story as it had evaporated from my memory, but a .*. search found it for me.

@bigriver2000 5 лет назад

Absolutely inspirational and awe inspiring. What a remarkable family. We so much need more stories like this in the 21st century where people have no inclination of how to be innovative.

@bellacoolalife 12 лет назад

delightful youtube video. A beautiful place and interesting history right in my backyard. Wonderful times spent swimming in lonesome lake, canoeing the stillwater, hiking the trails. My "love affair" with the area began in the early 70's just as the area was becoming popular for hikers. I was 18...I am now 58 and still enjoying what it has to offer. My hats off to those folks who worked so hard to carve out their places in the wilderness. Tough.

@sandyleigh6750 6 лет назад

I was working at talchacko lodge for the summer at stuie in 1965 ,,and there was old Ralph sitting on the split rail fence in front of the lodge talked with him for bout an hour,,never forgot that experience,,though at the time I did not know who he was.

@rjaird 11 лет назад

thanks for the posting. It brought back many fond memories. I worked at Lonesome Lake for Ralph & "Aunt" Ethel as a teenager during the summers of 1957 & 58. Knew & saw Trudy and Ted many times while working there. Later, I met his son John (never met Stanley) while he toured B.C. showing his "Lonesome Lake" films. My last visit with Ralph was when he was on his way to Ottawa to receive the Order of Canada in 1972. Ritchie A. Vancouver, B.C.

@georgeloyie7456 5 лет назад

What a nice story. I was born in Prince Rupert and been all up and down the coast in a gillnetter fishing with relatives and I had never heard about Ralph. My last work on the coast was at Namu, an old BC Cannery fishing town where the cannery was closed down and the town died and was eventually sold to a friend of mine and 5 or 6 oriental guys. They were trying to turn it into a fly in fishing resort like at Ocean Falls but I knew that with the brain power 'guiding' them that it'd be a failure but I didn't care, I was just too happy to be out there. The resort failed, I've seen recent pics of Namu since then and it looked sad, like the work we did there you couldn't even tell. It failed because of greed, one of the owners, I won't say which one, was slipping into Namu on the sly and loading up all the best of the best items into his boat, taking it all south and selling it at auction, Hiabs, antiques by the fish bin full, V12 Jimmy diesel gen sets, cat gensets, cast iron bathtubs, cast iron oil and wood stoves, brand new unused gill nets, boat motors and it was ridiculous the things he hauled out of there. A shame, he did it all for money... money is an evil I wish was never invented. If life was effort and trade based it'd be a better world.

@2winlock 8 лет назад

God Bless You Ralph Edwards, your wife, family, and Trudy~

@Holy_hand-grenade 6 лет назад

2winlock May Lucifer stike thee down.

@albertafarmer8638 3 года назад

@@Holy_hand-grenade lucifer became satan after the fall, remember? Please repent and give your life to JESUS CHRIST, time is running out. Listen to Dr. Ron Rhodes on biblical end times chronology ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Bj2eQSVoo6o.html

@bilgeratjim 7 лет назад

Thanks so much for posting this. Brings back memories of my great-grandfathers stories of his pioneering days in northern Ontario. Our family is still on the homestead.

@TheTonywade 7 лет назад

Thanks!!

@susiejohnson4248 2 года назад

Our greatest holiday was spent with John at Turner Lake. He made the best bread in the world!!! We hiked down to Lonesome Lake with him. He singing or telling stories on the way. The Birches homestead was beautiful!! We stayed long enough to look around and lunch then back up the mountain to Turner Lake. The next day we flew to Nampo Lake and drove to Bella Coola. We had the good fortune to meet Isabel Edwards at her home. She played us tapes made about the families life at Lonesome Lake. A beautiful, kind woman! We were so shocked that the Forestry did nothing to save the Birches during the Tweedsmuir fire!! However in this day and age does that happen. I want to pay tribute to John. His brilliant mind, thoughtfulness, humour, and yes his love of nature. I wish we could have met Ethel. She played such a huge roll in the family but everything was about Ralph. I pay tribute to Trudy and Stanley as well.

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

Thanks so much for your kind words Harry. I only wish CBC would recognise what you said. The program should be aired again. Anyway, I'll keep it here, and when I'm gone I hope my family will continue it. (A little pressure on the CBC wouldn't hurt). Many thanks again.

@concertinamadrigals4058 4 года назад

Their lifestyle sounds incredible. What an inspiration!

@tallcedars2310 9 лет назад

At the bridge crossing to Turner Lake we met Stanley Edwards in 1997 and had the pleasure of staying with him for a week. He regaled us with stories of growing up, his 30 years at the mill and how he had built the hayshed seen here in the video. Stanley was a vibrant man in his late 70's then and still excited about life. We helped him to build a short section of trail by moving a huge boulder to the shoulder and hiked with him to the head of Lonesome Lake. He was a nature lover I must say as when I pointed out a large mushroom that had been overturned he became annoyed and asked if I had done that. I assumed it was a rodent or bear as we had walked in the deep footprints of a bear trail just prior. Amazing life he lead and he enjoyed teaching us, we left with a better sense of nature after meeting Stanley. If anyone had the pleasure to stay with him I'm sure they will remember his awesome canned salmon soup meals and his collection of cats that he loved.

@TheTonywade 9 лет назад

Sad but inspiring. I was privileged to have met them all (Except the parents). Great story...thanks. TW

@2winlock 8 лет назад

Stanley, you are equally amazing!

@BFerry10 12 лет назад

Thank you so much for this video. It captures a segment of history not often seen or told.

@TheDarmardar 10 лет назад

This is very interesting. There is a lot of sadness there. I expect the winters were the hardest part. thanks a lot.

@volkensniff 12 лет назад

Curious fact: the host of 'This is your life' was also named Ralph Edwards. And: Thanks for making this film available online. I just read the Stowe book and so this wrapped up the rest of the story.

@coringsupino4283 6 лет назад

Salute to this family....from the Philippines...i

@bertvosburg558 2 года назад

I'm currently reading "Crusoe of Lonesome Lake" by Leland Stowe, Random House. 1957.

@unitedwestand5100 5 лет назад

I read the Story by Leland Stowe when I was in elementary school, back in the 60s. That story has stuck with me ever since. I recommend the biography, "Crusoe of Lonsome Lake" to everyone. This video does not do Ralph Edward's Accomplishments justice.

@markliebrock6246 5 месяцев назад

Trudy’s daughter just sold the land, had been in the family for 100 yrs. I believe some non profit organization got all the money through donations from around the world. Just under 700,000. Then it was donated and preserved to the Twedsmuir national park. A fitting ending to such an iconic place.

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

Fantastic Alex. So sad it is all gone now. Hang on to those memories. Tony.

@user-kz8ik8cg2c 2 года назад

learning how to make things is a true education

@JPDWHITEROCK 11 лет назад

Reall wish to visit those beautiful lakes soon .The books were awesome ,I remember reading that Ralph built a small dam and had enough electricity to power a single bulb

@freeatlast7384 Год назад

If this video is any interest to you,do yourself a HUGE favor and read the book,you will absolutely enthralled.What this man went through was nothing short of amazing.One of the best books I have ever read.There are actually 2 books about his life.His daughter Trudy Turner(who married and lived her life near lonesome lake) also wrote a book called "Fogswamp" and his sister in law also wrote one called " ruffle in my long johns".Some really good reading. If ever a Hollywood movie should be made about someone's life it should be Ralph Edwards.Cheers.

@secretsquirrel6718 7 месяцев назад

I'm going to. I like books Bour pioneer type people

@DaveShooter1 5 лет назад

A very Wise Man for sure !!!

@jcapist 6 лет назад

Thank you, Tony. I first read the story when I was in high school, 10 grade, I think, which is 54 years ago, and it left a huge impression on me, because of my love all things floral and fauna. I was very sad about how he left and moved somewhere else, leaving his family behind. That was upsetting to me, and how he did not acknowledge the hard work the kids did. My dad was the same way, sadly. So thankful you did this when you did or we would have no record of the amazing feats of this family. And the trumpeter swan would most likely not be with us anymore.

@hmackprotection1 7 лет назад

Amazing

@floradecanya1654 4 года назад

I am just starting on the book "Crusoe of Lonesome Lake" by Leland Stowe, 1957 Random House of Canada Ltd. Fascinating story similar to Dick Proenneke 'Alone in the Wilderness' in Alaska. Pioneering explorers. You said "There was never any electricity at Lonesome Lake" but in pages 111-113 of the book Leland Stowe describes how Ralph built a waterwheel and harnessed it to power an electric generator and a sawmill, and the Edwards had a single electric bulb lighting their cabin.

@rjaird 11 лет назад

Tony thanks for the offer of the DVD, but I have one. I was converting my VHS format to DVD yesterday, when I googled the show to see what year it was produced and came across this site. thks for the heads-up on Trudy's new book. Ritchie

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

Glad to be of service Ritchie. I just got sent Trudy's new book 'Packtrains and Airplanes', a very good read! If you want a copy of the show on dvd, send me a message.

@rjaird 11 лет назад

I taped it many years ago when shown on TV here in Vancouver area. I've had it on VHS for several years.

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

@bellacoolalife Yes, an amazing place and story. Thanks for your comments.

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

@volkensniff Thanks for your comment. There are a few other books out by other family members fyi.

@tkm21950 11 лет назад

I've loved every book about Lonesome Lake and the Edwards family. I had no idea that Trudy has written another book. I'll have to find a copy. Would love to get a copy of the DVD. Any suggestions where I could purchase a copy? Thanks.

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

You're welcome. There's not much left, though Susan Turner (Trudy's daughter) watches this site.

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

Oh ok, good for you. I just wondered as CBC didn't release anything and in fact haven't re-aired it since our original broadcast. (More fool them)

@BronsonWally 12 лет назад

Thanks for responding, I'am in the middle of reading the book from the 50's, Also your video was excellant, Also any idea what happened to Stanley, ? I just got to the part where he was born in the book, I assume now he is gone ?

@johnnyjohn9961 11 лет назад

i wish i could build my own cabin and live far off in the forest :(

@Holy_hand-grenade 6 лет назад

johnny john are you physically disabled? No, you’d prob rather stuff your face and watch Netflix. Admit it. It’s ok.

@UnderAlog572 5 лет назад

I wish I was disabled, and able to stuff my face and watch Netflix

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

@ronzon100 Thanks...Stanley was found dead in his outhouse at the homestead we filmed, in about 2001? after he hadn't been contacted for a while. Probably heart attack.(Not sure of the date)

@edchester1773 3 года назад

and those birds are flying over me as I type.................................in Chico California

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

How did you get it on VHS?

@bryanpaul410 13 лет назад

the book "crusoe of lonesome lake" is unbelievable...READ IT if you ever get a chance!!!

@wgnwheel1 12 лет назад

@fatbagel one of my favorite books. along with grass beyond the mountains, by richmond hobson

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

@volkensniff Links where?

@volkensniff 12 лет назад

Tony: there's also a Wikipedia article about Ralph that links here.

@tandyhennings9887 9 лет назад

Tony, I just viewed this video today. I'm looking for a mailing address and perhaps you can provide it, either yours or an Edwards family member..? I was discarding some old books that my late father, Bill Cook (1913-2012), owned. Out of the pages fell two letters, in postmarked envelopes, written by Ralph Edwards in 1955 and 1956, to my father, Bill Cook, who resided in Bellevue, Washington. Reading these two, typewritten letters, it is obvious that Bill was a friend of Ralph's and helped him with matters relating to aircraft engine repair. For your reference, Bill Cook was a Boeing aerodynamicist,1938-1974, a private pilot and a skilled engine mechanic; he frequently flew his seaplane into western Canada, starting in the 1940's. Bill must have met Ralph Edwards on one of his flying adventures and the two became friends. Someone might like to have these two letters I found, (a 1957 newspaper clipping is included with one of the letters). Please advise.

@tesswoodard8949 7 лет назад

Tandy Hennings do you still have them? I may be able to help

@TheTonywade 12 лет назад

@ronzon100 Trudy and her daughter Susan are alive and well in BC

@BronsonWally 12 лет назад

Are any of his family members currentley still alive ?

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

Get in touch with me now...

@secretsquirrel6718 7 месяцев назад

Running water and electricity are somewhat over rated. Ive spent many periods of my life without one or both due to being involved with one adventure or another and can more or less get along fine without either or.

@TheTonywade 11 лет назад

I'll message you later. I'm travelling...

@johnadams2063 4 года назад

Why do people love to believe you have to go live in the wilderness or whatever to have a meaningful life. I love society and big city life.. its beautiful too.. its all who you are.. you dont have to go live with cows and eat dirt to have a meaningful full life!! Grow up ..

@Tictacpanter 3 года назад

While I don't disagree with your sentiment about locale, your ending remark indicates the type of people that much of the family did not want to be around.

@johnadams2063 3 года назад

@@Tictacpanter what do u mean exactly??

@lais7028 2 года назад

@@johnadams2063 What Tictacpanter means is that, yes, one can have a very meaningful life in the city as well, and, yes "...it can be beautiful too..." But the way you end your remark is so condescending and aggressive. I would not wish to be around that vibe either.