Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Ranger B on May 03, 2010, 12:39:43 am
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Some people like chipping rock and bending wood better than pecan pie. I gathered with them in a little valley south of Clarksville, Tennessee this weekend. I watched their satisfaction as they quenched a thirst, pulling a drawknife and carefully scrapping around knots, and I wondered what about being there made them the happiest.
I walked off the hill Friday afternoon and looked down on a flurry of activity at Twin Oaks and I thought how interesting it is that so many people can be brought so closely together by an enthusiasm for traditional archery and napping. Later that evening I sat at a table and watched my friend Jesse’s father blow pure passion through a harmonica as others strummed guitars with closed eyes and sang everything from Earl Skruggs to Skynyrd. It occurred to me at that point that this gathering, this primitive rendezvous, was more about the people than the wood and rock that brought them together.
For the better part of a week kindred souls smiled, hugged, shook hands and got to know one another. For some it was time to catch up since last May. For others it was a chance to associate a real live person with an Internet name. As greetings were exchanged the most common question surfaced, “It’s good to meet you. Now what is your PA handle?”
Names like Ridgerunner, nocams, hillbilly, cowboy, mullet, calendargirl, DanaM, GregB, wolfwatcher, Big A, cracker and The singing bowyer were given. First timers and repeat offenders alike soon asked where Pappy was so they could thank him for opening up his farm and being such a gracious host. Gifts are never expected but almost always exchanged. Wolfwatcher said he was given so much last year that he felt guilty leaving so he worked hard on some beautiful leather work to square things up. He drove in this year feeling pretty good about himself as he handed out return gifts only to receive a knife from GregB with ten minutes of arriving. “Heck, you can’t get ahead with these people,” he told me.
If generosity had a price the Twin Oaks crew would be worth a billion. They cut firewood and stacked it for free, they collected everyone’s trash and hauled it off, when the rains came they handed out straw, they laid out bows and they gave more advice than Dr. Phil, they set up showers and porta-potties, they did it all and they did it for free. Where else does that exist in the world today?
It’s a special place – that valley. A place where little boys want to be just like their daddies, where sweet little girls can be seen with pink feathers on their arrows. As for me it’s those people that I like. Yes, a lot of rocks became weapons and trees became bows but what was most rewarding was seeing their expressions over the vice and their conversations as they filed and scrapped. I found friendship at Twin Oaks. A unique friendship that is sadly not so common in the world today. I guess that’s why we cherish our little primitive gathering, and that’s why I’ll always do whatever I can to make sure I’m always present for the Classic. Until next year….
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Amen brother!
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wow that was well written, it is EXACTLY how I feel about it all too. I really enjoyed meeting everyone at the Classic and thanks to all that worked so hard to make it what it was. i have never had a better time anywhere than there. Looking forward to next year already! :) -josh
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You nailed it Jimmy! With all the other "stuff" going on it is definitely the people that bring me and everyone else back. Thanks for sharing your thoughts again with us. 8)
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sheesh RangerB that was very well written indeed
i was unable to go this year,so it is kinda like rubbing salt into an open wound
but also makes me want to get there even more next year.
i will take the rub of salt as i know how sweet it will be next year when i WILL be at the classic
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Jimmy, amen brother! I've been going through a very difficult time in my life. A lot of the PA folks knew what I was going through, and the support coming from the heart from folks that you don't see but maybe once a year was very touching to me and helps me work through this difficult time. Several concerned friends shed tears as they shared with me their own similar experiences and let me know that I'm not alone and there can be a bright future.
Was trully a special group gathered "in a little valley south of Clarksville, Tennessee this weekend"!
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I'll second that.
Thanks so very much to all.
Loved it once again.
Until later
N2
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You hit the nail right on the head, Jimmy. If I had never touched a bow or a rock all weekend, I would still have had a great time. No finer group of people on the planet than the folks you find gathered up down in Pappy's holler.
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You could not have said it better Jimmy....I spent two nights just listening and singing along with Chad...Steve...Tina....and of course Jesse's Father...and there is no one on this Earth that puts more of Himself into His Music and Singing as this Man does...He had Me with tears in my Eyes several time those Nights....to be able to Sing and Play like that after all He has been through in His Life...is just Humbling....makes Me wonder if I have an excuse to get angry about anything that I have ever considered a Hardship or a Problem! I have never...and probably will never meet a bunch of better People in the rest of my Days on this here Earth... There are no People out there that are more giving of themselves.......and truly caring...than the People that Gather on the Bottom of this Tennessee Hollow every Spring....and I am so proud to be a Part of it....and will try to remain a Part for as Long as I find Possible....to some We may only look like a bunch of Rednecks....and overgrown Boys making Toys......but to Me You all are the Salt of the Earth...God Bless...and I got to go and wipe My Eyes.......
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Well Ranger B, I was gonna post a message but ya beat me to it.
First off, I wanted to give a HUGE thank you to Pappy, Primitive Archer, and all the people who put the Tenn. Classic together. This was the first time I've ever been to it, and it was an amazing experience. I was blown away at the sheer size of this thing. I saw people being so generous and just giving lots of stuff away, so I tried to do the same by giving away several of my bird points to knappers who shared the pit with me. The big pot luck dinner on Sat. night was amazing....in fact, my belly was so full that after dinner I couldn't get much air in my lungs to blow on the fire!
I also got to finally meet so many of the people who I've spoken to online but never met face to face...until this weekend. Guys like DanaM, Mullet, Sawfiler, Bryan Irwin, The singing bowyer, wolf watcher, ranger B, cowboy, leapingbare, calendargirl, Monroe Luther, among many others. Others like Pat B, n2everything, Hillbilly, and Pat B, HFD60 and knight D I met last summer and got to see them again. Everyone was so nice, and it's been a long time since I've had such a fun-filled weekend. As a lot of ya'll probably know, the weather turned bad early Sat. morning and it rained for 16 hours STRAIGHT! But even though little streams were running underneath the covered areas people were still making bows, socializing, and chipping tons of stone! I really think that primitive archery is such a grounding force that people who become involved in it become part of a very special "fraternity" so to speak...and it's the camaraderie that makes primitive archery so special.
I got to see some incredible flintknapping skills, some beautiful bows, and got to meet some fantastic people. Hell, EVERYONE was fantastic!
You guys are awesome. The Tenn. Classic was amazing, and I just wanted to thank everyone involved, from the cooks who made the food, to Pappy who hosts this so everyone can enjoy and share what primitive archery is all about. I also came outta there with enough flakes to make about 300 billion bird points!! You'll definitely see me there in the future!
Thanks again to everyone involved....it was incredible!!
Thanks again
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Perfectly said, Ranger B. This was my first trip to the Classic, and did not know what to expect. I met some of the greatest most giving individuals in the world, and learned more in 3 days than I ever thought possible. I would like to thank everyone for all their help, it was great meeting you all, and you will have to put up with me at the Classic for years to come.
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youbetcha eh as we say up here in da UP, don't think you will meet finer folk anywhere, see all useguys next year ;D
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Definitely worth the long drive. People there are the best around. The fact that it rained hard and non stop for a few days didnt seem to make any difference at all. What a great time.
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glad to hear yall had a great time wish i could have made it oh well maybe next year
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sounds like a blast! maybe next year i could make it
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Amen brothers and sisters ;D I missed the Classic this year in body, but in spirit, Well, I watched the weather channel in tension, thinking of All the great people getting very wet. Was there last year, so Know how miserable it can be,,, Yet from the posts here, you know the hard work and dedication shown by the Incredible Twin Oaks People granted everyone the best time possible!!! One question though,, Does bending wood and breaking rock make such a gathering so special, or is it the People involved that make it what it is? Perhaps it is a mixture, great people deeply drawn by primitave urges, destined to help and serve a most humble yearning in amazing ways. I wish All of you well, and Happy. "bowstring"
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I don't beleive that Breaking Rock and Bending Sticks with a bunch other than the Crew that We amass every Year...would ever be the Same...It is definitely the Quality of the People that We have that makes this Event what it has become...without their caring and giving attitudes....it just would not work.......JMO
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Well said Ranger! It was a great time despite the rain as already said. After a couple of days of the torrential downpours everyone was starting to look a little hagard and unshaven but still had smiles on their faces ;D. As I told Pappy, I'll be there come hell or high water next year and every year far as I'm concerned - what a great bunch of folks and a great time!!
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It's gotta be the people and the great host. You never get that many people gathered that close without one argument unless everybody is special.
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I had a great time!!!! I got to meet some new friends and re-establish friendships with "old" ones again. I had the best time Wed/Thur/Fri before the rains came on Sat!!! But that just let me stay closer to the knapping pit and the bowyers....so I could watch and learn. Maybe GregB will share some of his knowledge with me one of these days and I'll finish that hickory bow Allen started last year!!!!! Mark and Joanie were wonderful, helping and greeting and smiling thru out all of it!!! Thank you SO much for everything all of you do to make The Classic the success it is. We ain't skeered of no stinkin rain!!!!! We are Traditional and Primitive people!!!! They are the best there is anywhere!!!! ;D Tomi Varnell
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I can not imagine another scenario where you can recognize someone from a picture (full draw, facebook, etc), meet them for the first time and start talkin like good ol buddies within minutes! What an amazing gathering of fine people with an incredible amount of talent. Rain or shine (and we know which it'll be) I have plans on coming next year! Thanks to all for the fun weekend of learning friendship and eating!
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I would like to just say thanks to everyone for a great classic, like Jeff said I met so many strangers that spoke to me like they knew me my whole life, Rain just could not stop these people from having a great time, Thanks again to everyone. Bob
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Well said Jimmy!! I can't wait to get the "I survived the 2010 Classic" shirt. I 'll wear it with pride knowing that even though that was the wettest one yet it was maybe the best one I've been to yet. I had a great time shooting half the course with you and talking with you at your table. Glad I got a autographed book from you and I'll cherish it.
David
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Amen Ranger!
Tracy
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David(Otis) thanks for more good times, stories, pepper poppers and your secret stash(beer ;D ). Talking and listening to you and Bro Dan showed me who you guys really are and I can really appreciate that!
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Jeff, I heard that you had a very good Classic? ;)
I whooped up on that piece of Talahatta the other day....Tough stuff!
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Back home in good old Kentucky, we have a description that is reserved for a select few. When you hear the words “He’s good people”, you know instantly the person being described is someone you can trust with no reservations. It’s a simple phrase, but it carry’s deep meaning and is used sparingly. I just attended my first Classic. I would not hesitate to use “He’s good people” when talking about the group of people I meet this weekend. It is very difficult to describe the true “from the heart” welcome feeling a person experiences at the classic. There is a reason people travel from all over the world to gather in that valley --- and that is to be with family. Brothers and Sisters all. And that is what I felt this weekend, like I was at home with long lost family.
Actually, for me, it was like going back to a magical time in my past. When I was a very young boy, my Uncle had a place similar to PappyLand. He held bow shoots and people traveled from all over the US to attend. It was no were near as big as Twin Oaks, but it carried the same warm feeling of people gathering and having a great time. These gatherings went on for many of my early years until my Uncle passed on. This weekend I was able to go back in time and live some of those wonderful memories all over again. The gathering place was different, the wonderful people that welcomed me was different and the family that gathered was different. But the magic was the same.
Rain be damned, it was a great weekend. All I can say is “THANK YOU” for adding another chapter to my memories and I look forward to the next.
StevenT
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That sounds like about as close to heaven as a person could get without dieing. I won't miss the next one. Nothing better than good company. Pappy had done a wonderful job with the classic. Steve
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Man, I am already lookin forward to next year, is it too soon to start countin days? :)
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No Josh....it ain't too early....got 358 more days for Me.... ;)
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Is there someplace we can go to view pics of the classic? Steev
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Steve, there is some down in Primitive Shoots and Events and Life is good. And some more scattered here and there.
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Pappy will have a lot more on life is good as soon as they let him back to work His work place got flooded some but they have
a threat of a small dam breaking and wont let them in Might be a couple days
Ron
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When I get off of work today....I will put up what pictures I took at the Classic....give me a few hours.... ;)
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When I get off of work today....I will put up what pictures I took at the Classic....give me a few hours.... ;)
I will speak for those of us who couldnt make it..
WE CANT WAIT THAT LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGGG....hurrryyyyy!!! Please!!! O:) O:) O:) O:)
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I only took 4 pictures :o, my apologies ::) :-*
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When I get off of work today....I will put up what pictures I took at the Classic....give me a few hours.... ;)
I will speak for those of us who couldn't make it..
WE CANT WAIT THAT LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGGG....hurrryyyyy!!! Please!!! O:) O:) O:) O:)
You .....My Dear.....Should have been there in Person..... The whole Logging of and Picture Taking of the Classic fell apart without You there...just wait...they will all Chime in and tell You....We had no one coordinating anything...Like You Do....We had no one to Tell Us to get together for a Photo....Like You Do....We had no one there to manage Ed....Like You Do....So Little Missie...you will be lucky to have any good Pictures This Year....We didn't even get to take a P.A Group Picture....because ....You weren't there to Get Us All Together.... :o
If You haven't figured it out Yet....you are a Necessary .... Invaluable Part of this Week Long Event....and I missed You.. :'(
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Yep, I told her the same thing. This is the first year I didn't take a picture. The batteries in the camera went dead and by the time I got around to putting some in the rain started. And it seemed like I spent most of my time then out in the rain. :P
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I've got a few more I'll post later tonight. Down in AL right now.
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When I get off of work today....I will put up what pictures I took at the Classic....give me a few hours.... ;)
I will speak for those of us who couldn't make it..
WE CANT WAIT THAT LOOOOOOOONNNGGGGGG....hurrryyyyy!!! Please!!! O:) O:) O:) O:)
You .....My Dear.....Should have been there in Person..... The whole Logging of and Picture Taking of the Classic fell apart without You there...just wait...they will all Chime in and tell You....We had no one coordinating anything...Like You Do....We had no one to Tell Us to get together for a Photo....Like You Do....We had no one there to manage Ed....Like You Do....So Little Missie...you will be lucky to have any good Pictures This Year....We didn't even get to take a P.A Group Picture....because ....You weren't there to Get Us All Together.... :o
If You haven't figured it out Yet....you are a Necessary .... Invaluable Part of this Week Long Event....and I missed You.. :'(
Aww Thanks you and Mullet made me feel special..I was sad not to go but I needed to do my job :(
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Wow, Jimmy very well done. Twin Oaks should put that on their fliers for the Classic every year. If that wouldn't draw people to the Classic, I don't know what would, except for the obvious. It was great seeing and talking to you again. Also shooting the first half of the course with you, David, Woody and Steve. You can't spot laughing with Woody and David. I shot pretty good on the 2nd half of the course too, took home 3rd place for longbow men, so I was real happy about that. Pat B it was great talking to you too, hope you didn't mind the tears with all the rain. GregB, when I lost my youngest son in "04" I told my wife I needed to be around my friends and family to heal, so keep going down to the hollar where your friends are you family. Jimmy thanks again for that, maybe Chad will read it and write a song. Brother Dan
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A great time again, rain and all. Wouldn't be the same without it. And From the new Cincy guy, thoughts and prayers go out to KR and Chris, the whole family and Twin Oaks gang. Here's to a speedy recovery! And to GregB, hang in there, you'll come through fine with all the support you have in that special valley.
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Thanks guys, it is great to have friends to help in hard times. I feel guilty having any sad thoughts concerning my life and what's happening with me. I don't have to look very far to see a really good friend in Ron going through a much more difficult time then me. No matter how bad life may seem to be at the moment, there are always people who have it worse. I'm trying to consider my cup half full instead of the opposite right now. I have a lot to be thankful for in friends and family. I have a couple of great son's who I'm very proud of!
My thoughts and prayers are with Ron and his family!
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Atta boy Greg ! " Your cup is half full, not half empty ". Attitude is 90% of the battle. Take it day at a time brother. Sure would like to meet the boys one day especially if they are anything at all like their Dad ! Greg, you have been a real blessing to Mason and I over the past four years. Glad we can say we know you and count you as a friend. Memories are made each year at the Classic. Sure hope Mason can do you, Pappy, and Big A proud with the osage from last year. We certainly tried hard last year just was not to be seemed like. Oh well, good things come to those who wait. I know when he does get a deer with it that it will be a very special moment for the both of us. I know all I will see in my mind is the replay of all the moments at the Classic as this bow was being born. Nothing like the people and place known as Twin Oaks !!!
nocams
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I don't know what to say but Thanks. :'( :-[
Pappy
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Pappy....You are the type of Person that will always give 110 percent to what ever it is You are doing...let me tell you again...you may get tired of Hearing it...but I came there last year...a little Hessitant...being a Transplanted Yooper...deep into the Heart of Dixie....but You ...and every Member of the Twin Oaks Crew....made Me feel like Family from the Minute I stepped out of my Car...till the Last Hugs when I left....this Year was likemy first Family Reunion...and I swear....as long as You are there to throw this Shin Dig....I will be coming to shake Your Hand and Give You a Hug....Every Year I possibly can....and You can Bank on that....A Better Man ....I have Yet to Meet......and to quote another very famous Person.........And Thats All I Got To Say About That................. >:D
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Thanks so much for all your kind words. You know Pappy and I could not do everything without the help of all our Twin Oaks families.
It is so nice to see all our orange shirts jump in there and do whatever is needed. Most of all we couldn't have such a great Classic if all our PA families
were not there to share it with us. Thanks again for coming and sharing your talents with everyone.... God has truly Blessed us all... Joanie B
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You're Number One in my Book too Miss Joanie....you are like the Welcome Wagon....only on Steroids...... ;D....Would not be the Same without Your Big Smile Cheerful Outlook on everything....God Bless