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Breaking Trail

by Dan Berggren

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about

A tribute to George Washington Sears, who used the pen name Nessmuk. After surviving tuberculosis, asthma, and three months in the Civil War, he traveled out west, then to Brazil, and finally to the Adirondacks. Looking for a lightweight solo canoe, he contacted J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY who crafted a 10 1/2 lb. boat he called the Sairy Gamp (displayed at the Adirondack Experience, the museum in Blue Mountain Lake). This is the canoe that inspired Pete Hornbeck's Lost Pond Boats, and I sing this song in remembrance of Pete and Nessmuk. Highly recommended is Christine Jerome's book "An Adirondack Passage: The Cruise of the Canoe Sairy Gamp."

lyrics

Five foot three, 'bout a hundred pounds
Nessmuk inhaled every sight and sound
He knew the woods like the back of his hand
Wilderness was his holy land
From the Bay State he did roam
Till Pennsylvania became his home
But the only place he felt at ease
Was a bed of boughs beneath the trees
*Breaking trail, traveling light - Under the stars for another night
Breaking trail to guide the way - Breaking trail to a brand new day

Another day, another camp
Put more miles on the Sairy Gamp
Nine foot long and two foot wide
It may be small but what a ride
Feeling free, paddling along
Filling the spirit with a song
Rivers and trails were his friends
Adventure waiting around the bend
*
(bridge)
There are new generations to guide us now - and help us to arrive
To see that we enjoy the journey - a Nessmuk connection is still alive

Pine tar, castor oil and penny royal
Heat it on the fire but don't let it boil
Apply to the skin, both night and day
Keeps mosquitos, black flies and most folks away
Cobbler, cowboy, sailor and guide
Double-bladed hatchet by his side
Hooking readers of Forest and Stream
While his poems went fishing for dreams
*
© 2017 Dan Berggren

credits

released September 1, 2023
Dan Berggren - vocal, guitar, harmonica

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about

Dan Berggren New York

Dan Berggren is a tradition-based songsmith who writes with honesty, humor and a
strong sense of place. His songs explore the many dimensions of home, hard-working
folks, taking care of our planet and each other. Dan’s roots are firmly in the Adirondacks where he was raised but his music has
branched out across many borders.
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