The sight that greeted me on day 4 of our Birch Bark Canoe Building Course was a huge leap forward from my previous visits. Despite being the hottest day of the year so far, the group continued to work hard and were clearly enjoying seeing their efforts pay off, with the canoe already framed, pegged and being sewn together. Traditional tools and natural thread were used throughout and, as you can see below, the results were striking. Meanwhile, Ray unveiled a special, ceremonial sweat lodge which had been crafted earlier in the week, and students continued to carve their very own canoe paddles. [caption id="attachment_5127" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5126" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5123" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5122" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5119" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5125" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5124" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_5121" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Birch Bark Canoe Building with Ray Mears and Pinock Smith - Day 4[/caption]