"Land Bridge" theory?

[Digit]

Yep Doug, I have, and I though it obvious that I was pulling a few legs.

[Minimalist]

The problem with crossing an ocean is a matter of equipment and experience, and a reason.

The other problem with the "accidental fisherman" kind of colonist is the notion that he would then sail back and tell everyone "Hey guys....guess what I found?"

So, that implies that a colony needs women and tools and enough of a population base to sustain itself if some guy has a hunting accident. I'm a lot more comfortable with the idea of whole groups coasting along following the seals or whatever and eventually ending up in Oregon in a slow process.

The question that then arises is, would they suddenly abandon their way-of-life and move inland or would they keep following the coast?

[Digit]

I'll go with that Min. It's precisely my point with New Zealand. But coast creeping is a dangerous pastime. Ships sink as you said, but most sink by running into land, not in the open sea.

[Charlie Hatchett]

The other problem with the "accidental fisherman" kind of colonist is the notion that he would then sail back and tell everyone "Hey guys....guess what I found?"

So, that implies that a colony needs women and tools and enough of a population base to sustain itself if some guy has a hunting accident. I'm a lot more comfortable with the idea of whole groups coasting along following the seals or whatever and eventually ending up in Oregon in a slow process.

The question that then arises is, would they suddenly abandon their way-of-life and move inland or would they keep following the coast?

I agree, Min.

I think it was progressive, not all at once. I think our ancestors ventured out a little bit more at a time, and "reported back" (continents, islands, currents, wildlife, etc...).

As to the choice of lifestyles, if populations grew to large enough numbers, some may have ventured inland.

[Minimalist]

Ships sink

True....but "ships" may be a bit grandiose for what I'm envisioning. More like dugout canoes or kayaks with maybe a raft or two thrown in to carry the gear! Still, I'm sure it was dangerous enough. Would you eagerly hunt a pissed-off walrus with a rock-tipped spear from a kayak? Sounds like a solid way to get oneself killed.

[Digit]

Yes Min, but people actually did hunt in that way, the Portuguese till just recently, and as pointed out earlier, a dug out or raft is pretty well unsinkable. Take a look at the type of craft the Maoris used, with plenty of spare lashing material to hold it all together it was far more sea worthy than Cook's ship.

[Minimalist]

I'm sure they did.

All I'm saying is that I'd rather have a machine gun than flint-tipped spear to do it.

I'm from the Dick Cheney school of hunting. Tie the animal to a tree and blow it away from a safe distance!

[Digit]

I love you Min! Without you I'd have no one to argue with! Your above statement reminds me of the recipe for Rabbit stew. 'First catch your Rabbit'.

[Minimalist]

[Minimalist]

This is for Michelle.....I found it while getting the other picture.

[Digit]

LOL

[MichelleH]

Thanks Min! I love it!

[Minimalist]

I knew you would.

[Minimalist]

One more, Michelle.....


Dick Cheney's new kitten!

[DougWeller]

Yep Doug, I have, and I though it obvious that I was pulling a few legs.

Sorry Digit, I blame being on dialup right now, I don't spend enough time reading when I'm on dialup instead of my broadband at home.
Doug