Primitive Archer
Information and Resources => Primitive Shoots and Events => Topic started by: DBernier on June 17, 2007, 04:58:10 pm
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I have started a new thread on this idea that keeps comming up every so often. Well be careful what you ask for. We got it. I have gained permission from a close friend of mine who's family owns property about 6 miles north of Burlington NC off of rt 49. see photos. There are 3 or 4 ponds which we have been given tentative use of to demo the use of old fishing gear. Events such as spear throwing, Atlatl, Hawk, Primitive bow, sling and rabbet stick are some of the things we can do. Demonstrations of Making fire, Cortage making, primitive cooking, Flint knapping, hide tanning, arrow making, processing sinew, Bead I.D., shelters, a plant walk, basketry, Gourds,how to make/use them, Blacksmithing, quiver making, Bow making, bow strings, Primitive fishing. These are but a sample of what we can offer the public and our own attendees. What will it take???????? You got it. VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!! I have just finished talking with PatB on this and it is not as bad as it seems. For instance, I volunteer to be the event coordinator because the site is only 11 miles from my house, and I am retired. This means I will be responsable for the site map, fire wood, water, Portajohns, EMT, Parking, Hay, Food vendors(for the public) and "X"ing out the runway and any other BS that slips thru the cracks. I need a site location coordinator to help locate the vendors and people who demonstrate, and set up the area for modern camping etc. What it means is "ANYTHING" that has to do with parking someones butt on a spot, its your job to help them in the friendliest manner possable. I will need a non competition organizer for the special demo/competitions and I have Don Ward from Eagles Flight Archery in Mebane who has agreed to help with this. We may even have time for a 3D course. Who knows? PatB has agreed to contact PA Magazine for some spare copies and some decals etc. I am hoping to get Hillbilly, Barry McCall, Vinson Minor, Nugget and others to be lead men and back-up's. This will be open to anyone, yea you too Jamie, who has an interest in showing our best foot forward. Now for the sticky part. Money!!!!!! I only see an outlay for the portajohns and a rider to Dennis's insurance for coverage. We hope we can cover it with the public parking at $1 per car. There would be no fee to anyone who is a demonstrator. WE would like a $5 fee from vendors who are selling. This is a "NOT TO MAKE MONEY" deal. Any excess if any, we can give to Dennis or me to pay for the gas to mow that place, about 250+ acers. I welcome all your advice and suggestions. As soon as I get the needed volunteers I will post the site events committee. The time frame is one year from now. It is apparent that there is a time gap after friendship,middle of June, to the end of July. This is tentative. I see a three day event, but it is so beautiful there you can come a week early and stay a week later. There is a lot more to talk about so lets have at it. Here are some photos and I have a lot more.
Dick Bernier
Mebane NC
1 336 562 3700 H
1 336 263 8880 Cel
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I nominate Pat for a string building demonstration. ;D ;D That would be worth the trip alone. Justin
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all the leaves are brown, the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray, and the sky is gray. i went for a walk on a winters day, on a winters day.................... north carolina dreamin. this could be a real hug fest if we have mudpits and tie dyes. yeah baby. ;D peace baby
maybe i should of sung carolina on my mind instead. i will do my best to be there . i'll break out the dress loin clothe for this one
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Dick, I'm in for whatever you need me to do that I'm capable of. I usually talk to Barry couple times a week, I'll run the idea past him.
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Jezzzzzzzz Justin, Pat can barely tie his shoe laces never mind a bow string. ;D. Hey on a serious note I would need some people to help the "kids", on a one on one bases to build their bows, tiller them and shoot them. I need someone to head this phase up. You would need Hickory blanks, strings etc and some tools. Pappy's shoot was an eye opener.
Jamie, its not really that hot down here at this time and the time frame is not firm. It would be great if the wife and the kids were here. So going into September and October is into the school year, not to mention Hurricane season.
I am going to visit every site I can and I would ask "anyone" who sees a get together with a date to contact me so I can input the data on a callender to find a good "gap". I "think" a 3 to 5 hr drive from Mebane NC for a three day event looks good and that makes it a 300 mile radius.
Steve (Hillbilly), would you take the lead with Barry as your back-up or vice/versa and try and contact as many nappers as you can to see if they are up for this. We could ask Eric Morris from Erick's rocks if he would like to come as a rock vendor. Just a thought. Remember each one who volunteers, write this all down in a folder so we can review it later when we have our minimum one on site meeting.
Dick Bernier
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Dick I know some rock vendors down here that would probally be up for it.But then it would ruin all those N.C. boys handling some good rock.
jamie,Nothing better than driving to The Carolina's with Allman Brother's "Eat a Peach" blaring. ;D
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Dang, you guys should have loaded half the rock I hauled to Pappy's and left. I don't know what you were thinking. ;D Justin
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WOW I did not dream of something this big.. But I will help however i can.. I will talk to Boo about setting up his forge and doing some knife demos. How far is it from Wilkesboro? I think it might be about 2 to 3 hrs, not sure.Financially I can't contribute right now , I am currently layed off. I hope that will change. I will try to help out however I can with sweat and muscle. I do have plenty of that to give. Tears and blood are optional. Sounds like one heck of a time.
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Eddie, know what you mean about the rock. Justin brought a boat load to Pappy's. I did not want to hog it all but there was a few hundred pounds left over. I have about three five gallon buckets of my own I will bring for demo purposes for the nappers.
Justin, I don't know what I was thinking ???.
Nugget, I think you misunderstood. We are not looking for money from the future committee members or any one of us. We probably will do it with the parking fees. Who knows we may get enough $ we would be able to refund the $5 Vendor fee. As for how far from you it is to here, do a map quest from Wilkesboro to Mebane. Its about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It took me 2hrs 45min to get to Ashboro, night driving from here. 8)
Listen, we need you "people", men and women, thinking of how we can best supervise the event and the multitude of demo's we put on. Don't be skeptical of volunteering for a lead in supervising or demoinstrating say hide tanning or maybe arrowmaking. Look at the list and try and fit your skills into a slot. Maybe there is a skill I missed. Who me :o miss something? ??? Let me interject how easy this can be. Lets take arrow making. Say a month before you line up your raw materials. Lets say its bamboo. You would have say per demo, two raw shafts, one to show how we straighten them out one finished shaft, then two more. One with feathers complete and one started and then how to nock it and then how to use pitch and sinew to finish. Maybe you would be spending 1 or 2 hours in the morning and the same in the afternoon. Some of you may want to spend all day doing your thing. Great!!!!!!! ;D It is going to take a year to do this because of the logistics. We need people from all over the state. Hey Bernie, you listening? ;) Ask questions. You can email me privately or call me. You have my phone #s. Lets talk about this. The sooner we nail it down the sooner we can iron out whatever detail pop up. This is going to be "fun" ;D and lets keep it that way. 8) Listen, this is going to be "YOUR" event, not mine, not Pats or Steve's, or anyone else on the committee, yours. Make it a good one. I will be taking more photos today and will post them later.
Dick Bernier
Mebane NC
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Dick, I am willing to help in any way I can,and will bring any skills (primitive) I might have.I know a young knapper who will also be willing to help, though I haven't told him yet. Tom Brennan
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Thanks Tom. You help is greatly appreciated. Get hold of Hillbilly and Barry and see how you guys can interact and bring some nappers together. As soon as I have a volunteer ;D to lead the flint guys, we will coordinate a strategy and go from there. See this is why it is a good idea ??? to have several people, a lead and a couple of back-ups, to help each other organize their area of expertise and then one person reports back to the committee on any problems or issues and what they would need or like to have. That way it does not all fall back on one guy to do everything. See we are on our way. Having fun yet? ;)
Dick Bernier
Mebane NC
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Like i said Dick , I will help however I can. I am a new bow maker , I make most all of my equipment, but my skills are in the early stages of development. I am not as experienced as all the other guys. I am willing to help out. I talked to Boo and he is liking the idea of it. I will let him obligate himself to forge or help out. I do not want to put words in his mouth. But dick let me know how I can help...
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Nugget, you already did, Thanks.
Dick
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Well I still would like to stay involved and help out . I am excited . It's gonna be hard to wait a whole year..
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From a bow making viewpoint, if you want to have folks/kids make bows during the event and get them to the shooting stage...I have a few suggestions. :)
Some of the early stuff like splitting logs, chasing growth rings, straightening staves...I would suggest doing as demonstrations.
If you want to have folks new to bow making not get overwhelmed (and worn out), I would have the bows roughed in and maybe even floor tillered. If you have very many participants, they'll need a way to secure their bow while rasping/scrapping. I'm sure you saw how crowded it got at the Classic at times...we ran out of vises. Also I feel that folks attempting to get a bow shooting in a few days need a lot of support, can quickly get a bow to thin and cause a hinge. Multiple bowyers helping out if very many new folks making bows.
If you decide not to go that route of new folks making their own bows, the entire process can easily be demonstrated by have various stages of the process on hand. We did this Saturday at an event, and it went well. ;)
Still very early in the process of organizing this, plenty of time for you guys to set direction.
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count me in for what ever you need. it isnt that far from here so maybe nugget and myself can run down for some work days . i have a buddy who does brain tanning and beadwork so ill give him a holler and let him know.i hope there is some shadded places to put the demos on. boo
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I was about to volunteer Greg to head the bow building. But it looks to me like he already volunteered. ;D ::) Justin
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Thats mighty fine of ya Greg donating yer time ;) Perhaps you could arrange for some big industrial
AC units also ;D
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Boo look at photo above #DSCN2147. That is a shot looking directly south. The areas on the sides either have shade in the morning or shade in the afternoon. If you do not have a tarp, we can get you one and you could be in the shade all day. There are a couple of areas where shade is good all day long. If there is a work weekend scheduled next year we'll try and schedule it when a bunch of us can be there. I have a backhoe/bucket loader there and a bush hog so we have some heavy help. I will do a aerial survey and mark off some points of interest. Now I gotta find where I left the dern plane.
Justin, I didn't see the word Volunteer in Gregs post. ;D His suggestions are taken to heart thou. ;D You certainly would need a one on one when the "sharp" tools are used. This year maybe a constant demo on building a self bow with an occasional input/help from a young person would work. If Greg could come he is welcome to head that one up. I am sure there would be a boat load of Boyer's helping him. BTW it does not have to be only one guy doing the demo. A bunch of guys could take turns. It could be real easy then. This would apply to all the demo's. Keep thinking guys. Write it down.
Dick Bernier
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This is sounding better all the time. I'm sure me and Barry could cover friction fire among other stuff.
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Hey Hillbilly, that would be great too on the friction fire. Don't spread yourself thin. I'm sure Nugget could hook up with you. He looks like a good resource. That makes 5 of you from the Ashville "area", that is, Western NC. I have about 5 bow fire starters down stairs. I could make up at least 10 or more for demo's and maybe give them away. One free to the first boy who never did make fire that way, and did it first. See how this is comming together. And its only the first week. You guys are great.
Dick Bernier
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I wished I lived closer,sounds like the planning is going to be fun too.
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It's not that far from Florida, Mullet, don't be a big baby and drive up! ;D You act like you live next door to Manny! ;) Talk to Justin he made a HUGE trek for the ToJam, I mean the Tenn. Classic. ;D Maybe all you Floridians should go in together and rent one of those "high end" RV's the kind with Dish network, maybe a swiming pool on top, etc....just charge it to Dick and Pat. ;)
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Marie does that RV have a wine rack also ;D
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If I order it for you, it will! ;)
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i wanna go!! ;D i can do darts, atlatls, i suck at knapping but ill get mikki to make me some points before we go
bryan
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Thank you Bryan. I'll hook you up with Don Ward and we can hash out something for you to do. Maybe a history of Atlatl's and a demo etc. Be thinking about what you can offer on a daily basis and how you would do it. Looking good so far.
Hey Eddie, the planning is always fun. It would be a blast to have a bunch of you here from Fl. Bring some cool rock for us starving nappers. I can tell you this. I make it from my house to rt 4 on I-95 in 8 1/2 hrs at night. No traffic. The area at the site generally has a breeze there. We do have an air conditioned office there. I plan on installing an outside shower so if you are in a bathing suit, loin cloth etc, just get under and "get wet" and cool off.
Dick Bernier
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Marie,I'll be there for the gathering,hope you are.Hell half the state of N.C. is owned by Florideans.Ask Pat he gets rich off them.I've already made 5 trips to S.C.,and 1 to Ga. hunting this year.Marie it'll be hot that time of year,got a loin cloth? :o
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Mullet, I don't have a loin cloth for you :P , but talk to Jamie.... ;D
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who!
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Do we need to go into the whole lace conversation, Jamie? Tatoos and lace hmmm! ;)
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jamie,Guess it's good I kept my Tat's out of the pictures?Uh,You're not wearing lacy things ,are you?
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Thats mighty fine of ya Greg donating yer time Perhaps you could arrange for some big industrial
AC units also
If I'm able to make it and I hope I can...I'll be glad to help out however is needed. ;)
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Thanks Greg. We are going to take this at a slow and cautious pace. I got you down as a volunteer-Bow dept. I'm sure we will have to spread our work load to cover our bases. A lot can happen in a year.
Dick Bernier
Mebane NC
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Dick, I will help with bows and demonstrate shoot arrow making. Pat
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Thanks PatB.
Dick
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Dick, I talked to Barry last night and he seems willing to help.
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Thanks Steve. Thank him for me. I sent him some feathers. If you think of it ask him if he got them. Just checking as I said I would send him some.
Dick
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Yep, he mentioned that you had sent him some feathers.
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Greg and I talked about it this weekend and plan on trying to make it if the timing is right.I will be glad to help out anyway I can,In the bow building perferable but I will help out anywhere.Just
let me know what I can do to help. :)
Pappy
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Thank you Pappy.
Dick
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Well just finished mowing some of the 40 acres in the main field. Talks are continuing and we are also looking at a "back-up" area "just in case" A year is a long way off. I have chain sawed about 3 cord of wood and will split some of it next spring. Man that is a lot of wood. :o
Dick
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Wow You are working very hard! A year will fly by that is for sure. If you have some extra time, Dick, you can swing by my house before the Tenn. Classic and put some of your endevours towards my house! ;) i am trying to rope Justin into roofing my house and Jamie into landscaping... ;D With your hard work ethic I am sure I can whip my house into shape! ;)
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Marie, if my honey-do list has been pared down by then I will be glad to help. I should be in good shape by then.
Dick
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Well January is comming on real fast. :o I am going to lay out the "plan of events" and see what we come up with. ??? I will post it and see what we have for volunteers. Some of the "key" people have seen the site and are enthusiastic about it. Still working on site #2. The schedule is key for us and we will be looking at a lot of input from the various knap-ins, NMLRA Rendezvous and Friendship etc. There are not really many weekends available to us but maybe the travel will help define our window of opportunity. More later.
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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Getting closer all the time. I still am willing to help out how ever I can.
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Thanks Nugget. We will get a short biography of each volunteer later and then assign them to a director putting together their skills along with others in the same category. That way no one person has to coordinate the events. ;D Oh my, that would be me. :-[ I have done this type of organizing before and it is just a process of dotting your "I", and crossing your "T". I do not want, say one person dedicated to bow building all day and night. Lets say for example one hour on, with two or three hrs off, with a crew of four or five people filling in, in one hour shifts. It will be fun. Pass the word. Yes Marie, I will call you for help. ;)
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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As a side note, I will be in Florida on some personal business from Jan 12th till Jan 29 including the Alafia Rendezvous from Jan 17th thru to the 27th. Should have something posted on events etc. before I go for you people to chew on.
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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Dick, Look for Alan Brown at Alafai. He will have a ton of flint locks he will be selling. You met him last year at the Hickory shoot. Crazy looking guy with white hair and a full white beard(if he hadn't shaved it) He is originally from New Hampshire but now lives in Hendersonville. Pat
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I remember him and will look him up.
Dick
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Dick, I would love to help as someones assistant. I can't say I'm good enough at anything to lead a class....except maybe procrastinating ;D In fact, I will probably attend some of those classes and be competing with the younger kids....hahaha.....and they will still beat me. Let me know what I can do. :)
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OK Well I'm back. Had downed email for while, a long while, with the WORST provider on the planet--Wildblue--. This provider, satelite service, is worst than AOL on dial-up in the 90's.
Now for some good news and bad--well not so bad, news. I have picked Sept 11 thru Sept 14th as the days for the knap-in and Primitive Skills get together here in the Mebane NC area. I had to pick a date and this is it. I can change it but it suits our people closest here the best.
Now for some background info. The land is owned by a man well respected in this comunity. He is currently in a health care facility, put there by his wife. Wait it gets better. She was murdered sometime around Nov 28 or the 29th. The fellow working with me on this is her step son. The estate lawyers, gotta love these guys, have a lien on the property now for debts etc. So it makes our usage of it up in the air. I am being told it will not be resolved by then, so go ahead and have "our thing". I am trying to nail down the liability rider cost of a policy for one week to hold us harmless as well as the land owner. I will also incur a cost for the porta-johns. I am planing on charging a very small fee to the public to park, lets say one dollar per car, this to be used to offset the costs. I will gather ice, at cost, each day for us and there will be sufficient firewood for a week. I am cutting it now and will cut some "on site". I will publish a list of the "stuff" we could do and the shifts I hope to utilize during the day and evening. If you are off that week you can camp there (and help) all week and then some. I will have maps and a proposed flier that I will distribute over a 50 mile radius. As some of you have seen there is parking for hundreds if not a thousand or more cars. Will we get them? probably not but we are prepared. I will take under advisement all your suggestions and criticisms. I would like you to remember that this is starting out, this year, as being run by a "Benevolent Dictator". In other words the buck has to stop here and my decisions will be based on a lot of input from you and all the volunteers.
The next posting will list the events and the demonstrations. I have some volunteers to head some of these up already and will put their names alongside the proper category.
Wel,l here we go.
Dick Bernier
6319 NC Hwy 49
Mebane NC 27302
1 336 562 3700 H est (Call first and leave a message)
1 336 263 8880 Cel
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Dick, If you were at the Rendevous, you were 20 minutes from my house. Kathie and I were down there the last Saturday of the event. I talked to Vincent and was beating the place dry trying to buy a Flintlock, didn't see Allan. I finally bought one just before I left. You should have called. Eddie
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Sept 13th is my anniversary. I will have to talk with my wife about that day. I still want to help out. I will talk with her and get back to you. Don't count me out yet.
T.J.
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Eddie, I totally forgot :-[ about calling you while I was there. In order for my phone to function at the Rendezvous site I had to walk about a mile to the parking lot for it to work. Sorry about that. I also had to leave on Tuesday. :'(
T.J. you can tell your wife that nothing can compare with inspiring young children (we hope to buss school kids in on Friday) to follow in your footsteps at Rendezvous. ;) ;D.
Your Benevolent Dictator
Dick
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That is true. I also think that is opening weekend for archery season . At least in my area.
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Archery season usually opens around that time. Pat
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Well I only have bad news to report about this event. I have to put a hold on it and it is too involved to go into it on the forum. I will see everybody at Pappy's and fill you people, who want to know, in on it. This is real depressing.
Dick
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Sorry Dick. Usually things happen for a reason. We still have the Classic and Hickory! ;D Pat
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Well I am not sure if I can make it ot Tenn. So If someone can fill me in after i would appreciate it.
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TJ, Believe me, you'll hear about it. ;D Sorry, I just had to rub it in >:D. We will see you at Hickory. ;)
Pat
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Well here we go again. Talked to Dennis Dixon about the use of the land for the Primitive Rendezvous and knap-in. He said everything now looks good to do one. What do you guys think ??? of a kind of flesh-out get together with a small group, as many as want to come, to get ready for one next year. ;D We can iron out any kinks etc and see "what gives". How about the weekend of Oct 11th, 12th and Monday the 13th which is Columbus day. Monday afternoon could be get-a-way day to get back to your home. I know this is getting into bow season but it can't be helped. It would mean "waiting" till next year. The area of the event is 45 miles south of the Virginia border and in the north central part of NC just off of rt49. It puts it within a 4 hour drive of S.C, Tenn., Virginia and eastern NC. We got a few weeks we can talk about it. I probably can get school kids over I think and we can flood the area with flyer's. It is just a thought because I think we could do a good one here in NC. If you think we should wait till next year voice your opinion. This is a temperary probe as the lawyers seem to be out of it. I will keep you advised and updated. Will talk to Dennis again tonight.
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick Bernier
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I'm in. I vote for this year.
Let me know how I can help out if necessary.
thanks
wade
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I am in . ;D 1 weekend out of bow season wont kill me.
It will also give me an excuse to wear a kilt again :o
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Oh GOD not the weekend Kilt. Perish the thought. I am going to use this forum to contact you guys who want to do it. Thanks TJ and n2.
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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Talked to Dennis last night and everything is good to go. I will start cutting the grass soon. How many of you think you will need firewood there? I am cutting it up now. Also I will have running water and an outside shower to get wet and cool down if we need it with a bathing suit on etc.
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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I have just been informed by my son in Ct he is getting married on Oct 13. I didn't even know he was engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. A Monday can you believe it? OK I have informed my entire family that the next date we set is almost cast in stone. You would think I didn't know what I was doing. How about the first weekend in October the 3ed, 4th and the 5th. Any other suggestions?
Your benevolent dictator >:D
Dick
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I have checked with Dennis and the dates of Oct 3ed, 4th and 5th is fine with him. I have heard no negative feedback on these dates so I guess they are a go. He owns the property with his Father. The insurance is looking good and the current policy covers what we will do. I would like to discuss this with you guys at Pat's at the end of the month. Heck Dennis said he will pay for the gas to mow the place. Looks like we just need port-a-johns. Is everybody up for this?
Dick
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Yes definitely up for it. Don't know about you guys but hate that long stretch between august and may with no social get togethers. Guess I hunt alone too much maybe.
later
wade
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Thanks Wade. See you at Pat's.
Dick
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Well we had our little meeting at Pats over the weekend. October 3ed, 4th and the 5th are the dates. I will be posting a preliminary copy of the flier, schedule of events and need for some volunteers to ramrod the demonstrations etc. Let me caution us that one or two people cannot do this event. We do need help and a firm commitment on your part to help. We do not want to look like we don't know what we are doing on this. Daylight is burning and we do not have much time.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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Dick, I can do the woods walk and arrowmaking for starters. Are we going to try to do anything with food?
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Steve, at the Shell station about 1.2 miles up the road is a good food place. Chicken, sandwitches etc. I can ask them about catering it for us. Also the boy scouts can do it I think, cook on site. We would have to support them if they agree to do it. We can also bring our own and I can supply 3 or 4 propane grills for us to use. We can also dig pits and do open fire cooking. We will have fire water buckets there or a hose. There is also ice available at the station and I can make an ice run every day if necessary. I have about 8 tables 8 ft. long or so for us to use. If anyone else has a table or folding table, they should bring it. Bring your own snack food. Have I left anything out?
Dick
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I'll talk to some knappers, pottery makers, and such at the Schiele knap-in this weekend and see what I can come up with.
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I called your house and left a message with Cody for you to call me. I think I will go down to the museum Saturday morning and help talk to the people if you don't mind.
Dick
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Sounds good, Dick-plus you're a better politician than me anyway. ;D BTW, could you PM me your phone#? I fried my cell phone a few days ago and it had a lot of phone #s stored in it that I lost.
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Its at the end of the plea on page 5 of this thread. I think that plea will get lost if we keep answering each other here. How do we keep it in front of people so they can see it. Should we put it in a pinned "Topic" or something.
Dick
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Done. O:)
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Ya done good partner. ;D Just had a heck of a storm go thru. Lost communications for a while. Amy and I and the dogs will be at the Museum about 9am Saturday morning. Talk to you then.
Dick
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Hey Dick,
Signed up here today and wanted to lend a hand with the event. I live closeby in Hillsborough and am really looking forward to this. You already have my contact info. It was nice to meet you face to face at the Schiele this weekend...Same goes for Hillbilly. I will do what I can to help make this be the best it can be. I know a bunch of interested people in the area & will spread the word (along with other stuff).
Jim
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Jim, could you send me your regular e mail so I can send clean copies of the flyer and map. Thanks
Dick at
rebsr1@wildblue.net
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Someone asked me "Why Friday, Saturday and Sunday as opposed to just Sat., and Sunday". I am hoping to get the press, radio, TV and newspapers there to advertise it some more for us, possably in the Friday nights editions etc. It is essential we have people set up Friday and or even earlier. It isn't like we have a few days there and have to leave. You can camp there two weeks if you want. Come early, leave late. There is no time table. It is privet land with no restrictions on us. Dennis, the land owner, is glad to support us in any way he can. I will be mowing grass this evening and tomorrow. He is even paying for the gas for us. So far we have 4 volunteers to spread among 15 or so demos. We need more help people. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity this year to flesh out this event.
Dick, Your benevolent dictator >:D
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Things are comming along just fine. For my part, signs are done, flyer's/maps are in the pipeline. Firewood is being cut and stacked if we need it. Outside shower is almost done. Just need to hook up the hose. This is for use by us if it is too hot and we need to cool off. It is exposed so bring a bathing suite. Contacted the boyscouts and will meet with them this week. I would be using them for traffic controll and as a cooking vendor, hot dogs, burgers etc. On site vehicles are available to us, an ATV and a John Deer Gator. Still searching for vendors who will sign up and give us a chance. Met with Don Ward today and he will come and set up, Eagle Flight Archery, and help with demo's. Below is a list of volunteers who have expressed a desire to help make this a good show.
Dick Bernier
Amy Bernier
Dennis Dixon
Chuck Piper
Mike Gregoris
Wade Shikoski
Pat Brennan
Alan Shook
Berry McCall
Steve Parker
Jim Cornwell
David Knight
Andy Cipriani
John Shaffer ?
Bryan Langston
Louis Jones
Doug Meyer
Don ward.
This is a good start for us and I feel good about it. If you are comming I would ask if any of you have tables etc to bring them so we can spread them around. I have about 6 of them and will bring them. We need help and only with your help can we pull this off. Also you may want to bring any canopys you have "just in case".
Dick, Your benevolent dictator >:D
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I also wanted to let everybody know that I started another email address for this event that I'll be checking several times a day.
it is;ncknap-in@nc.rr.com I have already contacted some of the local media to begin getting the word out & will continue to do so as I can. I will be meeting with Dick later this week to go over a few things, so if anyone has suggestions , helpful ideas, or wants to volunteer for anything, please give me a holler. I can also be contacted on my cell @ 919-810-2120 (it has vioicemail if I don't answer). Thanks!
Jim
"Hardawaypoints"
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Thanks Jim. Because Jim lives in such close proximity to me he is sharing some of the responsabilities of hosting this event. So, by the way, I need to have someone head up the firestarting demos. That is bow drill, flint & steel etc. Whatever we can demo. I have about four sets of bow drills we can use to let the public try it out for them selves. I think this is really comming together. We are going to have fun. More later.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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Dick, take the question mark off me, I'll be there all weekend. I can't wait!
Alan
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OK Allen. I wasn't sure soooooooo that is why the ? ??? That is cool man. I have been receiving phone calls at the rate of about two per hour all day and into the night. Jim, my partner in crime, from Hillsboro is saturating the media with the info. I believe we will have a lot of people there.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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For those of you interested, Jim has listed the event on the web page of Triangle.com. Here is the link to it:
http://events.triangle.com/burlington-nc/events/show/84403476-north-carolina-knapin-and-primitive-skills-rendezvous
The Scouts are going to give me a decision by Monday on the Traffic control and cooking. I personally think they will do it just so they can be there to see the goings on. We are crossing off a lot on our list. I will pick up the wood for the sign tonight and have it done by Sunday.
I was asked what to do about "Vendors." I said that all material for sale should be considered pre 1840, similar to the Primitive Rendezvous sponsored by the NMLRA. I think for this year and in the future we would want to do this to conform to our Primitive Skills aspect.
I think we have talked PatB into making a self bow to be given away to a youngster. I will supply the quiver, arrows, guard and tab. Some young person will be very lucky winning this raffle.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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I met with Dick today and gave the site a look over. Wow! What an ideal site for this event. There is p-l-e-n-t-y of space for parking, demonstrations, knapping, etc.. It really turned up the burner under me.
I've been contacting some knappers I know and several other on-line sites to spread the word. I also stopped in at some local tackle shops and dropped off some flyers. I'm doing a knapping demonstration next month in Pittsboro for some cub scouts, so I will cover that area while I'm there.
This is going to be a good time, I'm really looking forward to it.
Jim
"Hardawaypoints"
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Thanks for the input Jim. Met with Dennis, the land owner tonight and visited a new landowner who bought the property adjacent to McCray road. He is willing to fill in the ditch at the road side for us next week to provide an exit route for the public to leave the event. The in access road is narrow and would pose a problem with twoway traffic. We now have the use of a "bushhog" for clearing the tall grass. I will start mowing this next week. Things are progressing at a good rate now.
I will reiterate that you can come anytime during the week and camp there. Just call or Email me first. There is also an area for tin teepee's (campers) but no hookups. The groomed area is 3500 feet long by 90 feet wide. If mother nature is good to us it should be a fine weekend.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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I would like to make a suggestion on insect control. Please bring your bug spray. The Tics and chiggers are a problem all over the south. You would be wise to do this. We will try and have a supply on hand.
Hooked up the pumphouse for the outside shower and the pump "blew up". Wouldn't you know it. Need to fix that in a hurry. See, it is always something trying to rain on our parade. "Get er done."
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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OK This is the sign you will be looking for at the entrance to Dennis's driveway. Came put pretty good. Jim will post arrowheads at intersections to help guide the way for those of us who "kinda get confused" with directions. BTW if you look at a flier, check the back as the map should be there. My phone #'s are there and address so don't be bashfull. Call if you have any questions, especially if you come as a vendor. I am getting a lot of calls from people asking if they can sell anything. I am telling them if it pre 1840, or a replica thereof, bring it. I am also getting calls from people who just want to come and camp primitive. The answer is yes. You may be pummeled by the public with questions. What ever you have in the way of your accutrements, bring them along to display for the public to see. Be patient. You were a pilgrim once too.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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I met Dick at the site again yesterday to do some work on the well. Dick was there mowing when I arrived and the place looked like a golf green compared to the first time I saw it. The pump was working, but we could not get the water pressure to stabilize properly no matter what we tried. I called a friend of mine, Eddie Harris at Eddie's Pump & Well Service (919-918-7858) who is going to go work on it.
I am working on the directional signs today as it is a light work day for me. I also spoke with Kevin, who is weldlding the posts for dividers and to attach trash bags to. We should have those in a few days ready for painting.
Every day is getting closer.
Jim
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I just spoke with Dick and his email is down. So, please call him, or send any emails to me.
Thanks.
Jim
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so dick do you have a spot there for me,i can come one day, i think this is the second request................................james parker
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Hey James,
We'll make a place for you if we need to. Seriously, there is plenty of space. We'd be happy to have you. Come on down.
We have been having some heavy storms around here today and Dick's phone was out most of the day. He's supposed to get his email back tomorrow. Dick had to put a bunch of money into a tractor to get it operational so the side of the airstrip can be bush-hogged. Now we have to let the place dry out so it can be mowed properly.
We're about 35 days out.
Jim
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James, definitely!!!!
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James, if you want to camp primitive? I have a big wedge tent with a fly you can use. Will sleep three comfortably. I will have it up and you can use it Friday night if you are there Saturday. I will also have my pop-up camper there. You will have room to spare. Can Becca and Gabriel come with you?
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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yeah dick, she wont let me leave her here,too many ugly guys in kilts gonna be there.im going to bring my flintlock ,can you give me some pointers on it ?54- cal havent shot it yet.do you still want to help me make a build-along? we can talk about it there,i hope i can get my stand-by officer to fill in for me,he may have to patrol the adjacent county that day for another officer,im not sure yet,but i will let you know.thanks for the shelter offer.........james
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James, I like the .54 cal and have hunted with a Lyman percussion one. I will have it there along with a few flintlocks for display. I "probably" can answer your questions.
Yes I will help you with your build along. My laptop is being upgraded now. I will be out of the state from Sept. 2ed thru Sept 8th and will test the laptop when I get back.
We all hope your friend can cover for you. Your participation along with Becca and Gabriel will add to the event, especially Gabriel. We plan on making this a yearly event and hope mother nature cooperates with us. Either way we will have a good get together. Jim has been a "BIG" help to me organizing this thing. A public thank you Jim.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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No problem, Dick. Nobody wants to see this event fly more than me.
What everybody out there doesn't know is that Dick was going to help me with a Knap-In in Hillsborough at the only place I could find (which was tiny). I had all sorts of vendors lined up. but the wreck I was in last year forced me to abandon those plans as I was not long out of the hospital & unable to drive (or do much of anything else) on the date it was supposed to be held.
The site Dick found is orders of magnitude better than the one I had & his organizing skills are top notch. This event has the potential of being a regular thing for a good long time. It is worth working hard for. We want it to be someting people have a great time at and expect to do every year. Plus, it is something this area needs, aside from the Schiele, there is not another Knap-In for a long ways. Adding the Primitive Skills is the cherry on top.
Jim
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Well an update on the condition of the site. I finished bushwhacking and did it twice, about 6 acres. I started to "finish" mowing it today, Saturday, and only got about 1/3 done. It is looking good. The main thorough fare is like a golf green and you will be setting up your spots on the runway. The area directly in back is for your camps and your vehicles. There is an alternate parking site in back of my camper which will hold about 50 to 60 vehicles. Just gets the vehicles off the main area if that is what you want to do. When you show up you will be stopping by my camper and registering before doing anything else. Will take about 5 minutes, that is all. You will also be getting your plot plan of the area. If any of you have any spare folding tables you can bring, do it. It will help to enhance to presentation to the public. Knappers, bring a "small" tarp if you knap alone. I will have a couple of 20 footers for us to use. Jim will have an extra 20 foot long canopy for you knappers in case of rain or sun. It will already be up so that is where you will bust rock. If you want to use the outside shower we just installed bring your bathing suit, soap and towel. I should have a curtin up for you nudes, but you never know. ;D I will be in Florida from Sept. 2ed thru Sept 8th. Direct all inquiries to Jim. That is it for now. Later.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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We are going to have a raffle and the grand prize will be a youth bow (Pat Brennan) arrows and quiver (Dick) and a guard and glove (Don Ward). Thanks guys. This will be a super nice outfit for a lucky youngster. PA is sending us some items to also auction off and we would be pleased if any of you would donate something for the kids, big kids and small kids. I sure would appreciate it. I have some small glass display cases we can put a knapped arrowhead in and maybe have a half dozen or so to add to the pot. Just a thought. Nothing to outrageous. I am putting two in myself. I really would like to generate enough money to at least cover the Port-a-Johns, about $190. The other expenses we can amortize over the next few years. If everyone who committed to come, comes, we should have 35 to 45 camps there. We will have a range set up for Atlatl and bow. We can use the bow range after the "Primitive bow demo" and the public leaves. I will have a hawk and knife target set up there also. We have 10 bales of hay on hand and will try and get more. We have plenty of available firewood so no big deal. You can dig firepits and cook primitive if you wish. I will have a couple fire water barrels there, 55 gallon drums, for safety reasons. Well I sure hope you all are getting excited about this. Even if we have some foul weather we still should have a lot of fun. Am I forgetting anything people? Need your input.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Dick, If that many show up we will need at least two 55gal drums of fire water! :o ;D
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Hey Pat you bring up a good point. ??? This event is not like the "closed" ones we have been having. I know it goes without saying that we should refrain from the "fire water" of the "Jack Daniels" kind while the public is there. At least out in the open. ;) We cannot put Dennis or Bud Capp in any danger of liability for any incidences. Enough said on that. Lets be cool. 8)
A friend of mine, now get this name, Tony "Flint", who works at GE in Mebane loaned me a two quart jar of arrow/spear heads, broken and whole, he has found in the Burlington area. See attached photo. He will also bring a small box with some great finds to show some of our more knowledgable "experts" to help him identify them. I have provided a glass case so the public can see what artifacts are in this area if they "look" for the right stuff. He has invited me to go look for some "stuff" after the event. I am excited about this. I have found three pieces at Dennis's in the last four weeks, the latest on Sunday after a torrential rain. I will point out the location. I will have them there also. Dennis does not mind any of you looking for "stuff". Have at it. He has promiced to loan us some spectacular pieces he and his Father have found in the Burlington area.
Hey TJ, do you think you and BOO can make it. Sure would like to have a blacksmith there, and by the way, you to. ;D People are always fascinated by them working iron etc. Here's hoping. ::)
I cannot tell you how excited Jim and I are about this event. You people are going to make or break this thing. I am very optimistic you will be a model for our group of Primitive Archers and Paleo friends. At last count there was to be twenty five to thirty Knappers there. How about that.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Hey Dick,
I will have some books and a poster or two that identify the point types for this area I usually have with me when I do local knapping demonstrations. I will also have some frames of points that I have found around here over the years on display. Lots of folks find points in fields or in their gardens, but few have any idea of their actual age. It always blows them away when they find out how truly old they are. I guarantee we have people coming back later the same day or the next day with some of thier finds to have them identified.
I hope to get some more painting done on the directional signs if the rain will hold off here. I also intend to go out to the site to cut some firewood so we have plenty. Dick and I walked the site Saturday and found what would be a perfect debris shelter with easy access (one tree leaning on another with lots of limbs just off a logging road).
The bush-hogging Dick has done to the side of the airstrip has really opened things up. I thought we had space before...Wow!
Lookin' Good!
Jim
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Hey Jim, that would be great on the posters and the framed points. Should help people get interested. I mowed again today and it is looking real good. I am leaving tomorrow morning, Tuesday, and I won't be able to mow again until the 9th or 10th of the month. Should get two or three good mowing's in between now and the first of October. I'll talk to Dennis tonight about him maybe doing some finish mowing. A little over four more weeks. ;D
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Hi everybody. Back from Florida and ready to go. I mowed the rough area again yesterday and it is looking just fine for us. The promenade, the area where you will set up and camp/demo, is like a golf green. I think you all will be real pleased with the results.
Jim and I are looking at this event as a primer to fleshing out just what will work and not work. We plan to do this every year as long as we have the land available and circomstances prevail. So far things look good. The committed "camps" looks to be a firm 35 right now and I hope it holds and even increases. Actually that number will be lost in the area we have to utilize, which is great as we have room to grow. We will do this rain or shine as that is what "we, as a group" do. So I am asking you to bring your canopies so we can shelter us and any of the public that shows up, hopefully a lot of them. "If" it rains the drainage there is excellent.
The raffle is picking up steam. As you know we have the Bow, arrows, quiver, guard and glove to give away as one package and then we have a few "cased" arrowheads, and, Eddie McCann has agreed to donate a knife. If you wish to donate "something", anything, flint points etc. just let me know and I will put you on the list and hound you ;D till I get it. Well four weeks to go and counting. I think we will have a lot of fun and this is what it is all about.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Here is a list of volunteers for the event to help with the demonstrations. If your name is not on it, and you volunteered, email me and I will add it to the list where ever you wish to help. I would like to keep the demo's informal and would like more than one person per demo. This is so one person is not stuck at the demo tent all day, UNLESS he/she wants it that way. Lets keep it at a pace we can live with. I don't want anyone getting hysterical about talking to the public. If you are asked a question and are not sure of the answer, don't BS them. Just tell them you will get an answer later. The file below is a word document. If you cannot see it I will copy and paste the list here.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
Bow making Brian Langston Pat Brennan
Arrow making Steve Parker Eddie McCann
Flint knapping Andy Cipriani Jim Cornwell Barry McCall Steve Parker James Parker And numerous others
Cortege making Steve Parker
Primitive pottery Greg High
Fire making Dick Bernier Flint & Steel
Blacksmithing OPEN
Flemish string making Wade Shikoski
Primitive cooking OPEN
Hide tanning Louis Jones Wade Shikoski Barry McCall
Woods walk Steve Parker
Primitive shelters Alan Shook Wade Shikoski
Sinew processing Wade Shikoski
Atlatl demo Brian Langston Don Ward
Primitive bow demo OPEN
Sling demo Eddie McCann
Hawk and Knife demo OPEN
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Ok I cant see it.. :o..
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OK Go back and look. ::) I pasted the list in.
Dick
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Dick,
Do you mean you don't have anyone to do a primitive bow demo yet?! Well, this seems like the right place to find a recruit...Come on folks, What do you say, any volunteers? I would think that might be the first slot to get filled. If I didn't have a wonky shoulder I might show what I was capable of (I'm afraid all I can do now is wince, curse loudly, and walk around holding my left arm).
Jim
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I think we will have some people to do the bow demo. I will bring a 3D deer target and back it up with hay bales. We probably could use it for the Atlatl demo also. I will be at the field today and looking to stake out the bow range. I will also include the hawk and knife target in this area as well as the sling. The one "OPEN" I am concerned about is the Blacksmithing. I have had "many" inquiries if there would be one here. All we can do is hope someone has an opening in their schedule. Some people say well wait till next year and it will be a better event. Well if we wait till next year anything can happen. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Double checked with the insurance underwriter yesterday and we are covered. Cannot confirm this too many times.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Here is an update to the list of volunteers:
Dick
Bow making Brian Langston Pat Brennan Kevin Strader
Arrow making Steve Parker Eddie McCann Kevin Strader
Flint knapping Andy Cipriani Jim Cornwell Barry McCall Steve Parker James Parker And numerous others
Cortege making Steve Parker
Primitive pottery Greg High
Fire making Dick Bernier Flint & Steel
David Knight Bow drill
Blacksmithing OPEN
Flemish string making Wade Shikoski Kevin Strader
Primitive cooking OPEN
Hide tanning Louis Jones Wade Shikoski Barry McCall
Woods walk Steve Parker
Primitive shelters Alan Shook Wade Shikoski
Sinew processing Wade Shikoski
Atlatl demo Brian Langston Don Ward
Primitive bow demo OPEN
Sling demo Eddie McCann Andy Cipriani
Hawk and Knife demo Eddie McCann(Knife)
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Dick, I don't believe Barry is going to be able to come-might better take him off the list.
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Sorry to hear that Steve. Our first casualty, but we soldier on. I will remove him on the next update.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Here is an updated list as of 9/11/08.
Bow making Brian Langston Pat Brennan Kevin Strader
Arrow making Steve Parker Eddie McCann Kevin Strader
Flint knapping Andy Cipriani Jim Cornwell Barry McCall Steve Parker James Parker Wade Shikoski And numerous others
Cortege making Steve Parker
Primitive pottery Greg High
Fire making Dick Bernier Flint & Steel
David Knight Bow drill
Blacksmithing OPEN
Flemish string making Wade Shikoski Kevin Strader
Primitive cooking OPEN
Hide tanning Louis Jones Wade Shikoski
Woods walk Steve Parker
Primitive shelters Alan Shook Wade Shikoski
Sinew processing Wade Shikoski
Atlatl demo Brian Langston Don Ward
Primitive bow demo Eddie McCann and Son
Sling demo Eddie McCann Andy Cipriani
Hawk and Knife demo Eddie McCann(Knife)
Dick Bernier Hawk & Knife
That is it for now. Let us all remember those who died and gave their lives on this day in our history.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Dick, it's not deffinate, but, me and the wife might be a walk-on.
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Eddie, I can't think of anything that we here in NC would enjoy more. You add a dimension to every event you and your wife attend. Let me know what I can do to help your stay be even more enjoyable. Don't forget the "Coral" ;D
I am scrambling to get a new truck out of Homestead. Suppose to pick it up in Naples. If I do I will stop in. Should be within the next two weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Dick
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Great! would love to see you. I'll be home this time.
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Jim and I cut some seasoned white oak Saturday and delivered two truck loads to the site. Jim and I split some and stacked it. If you intend to burn this wood I would bring a small ax etc to further split the quarters we have already done. I have a maul for use also. I will deliver some more wood this week and continue to split it. Man is it hot out there.
At $4.66 a gallon here it will be a while before I cut the field again. I will probably do it on the 30th of Sept or the 1st of Oct. It should be OK . For anyone who wishes to come and camp early and get a spot, I will be there from Sept. 30th on. Just let me know you are comming before hand so I can expect you. You can call my home 1 336 562 3700 and leave a message. The signs will not be out in position until the morning of October 2ed.
Eddie I am hoping to make it down between the 21 of Sept and be back here by the 28th. I am trying to close on a house in the north Tampa area and to coordinate this thing. If you have any Coral you could share with the guys I can bring it back with me in the truck to save you space. ;D ;D ::) You do not even have to bring a tent with you as I have two of them. All you need is your mattress and sleeping bags. Could be cool at night. Just let me know. I will have the tents there anyway. BTW, it takes me 9 hours to get from "Deltona" to here. Well that is all for now. Only 18 days left.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Two weeks from today! I'm working on the signs again tomorrow, they should be done by Sunday. I am heading out to the Site to teach a little knapping on Sunday morning, then split more wood. Dick said he cut & delivered some more wood there this week. He also said there has been a pit dug to bury the debitage we create. They worked on the road and filled in the ditch so there is now an "IN" and an "OUT" route so all the traffic doesn't have to share one dirt road.
We're heading to the home stretch.
Jim
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Well it is Sunday morning and it was 54 degrees at 5 am. I would bring some warm sleeping "stuff" as it is getting quite chilly in the late evening and early morning. Great sleeping weather.
We will cut and will split more wood today and "maybe" mow the promenade again. I used the back hoe and I dug a pit to bury the debre from flint knapping. Its funny but maybe 10,000 years from now we will confound archaeologists with this site and dig. ??? Maybe we should put in a time capsule with all of our names. ;D
I may be in Florida from the 23ed this week to the 28th. Need to finish some business. Remember if you have a folding table and a canopy you can easily bring, bring it. If you have any table covers do the same. We would need to cover any tables with "stuff" on them over night to keep the dew off, and there is a lot of dew at this time of the year.
Well as Jim said, 12 days to go. People sure excited about this as I am getting email Daly. Still looking for a blacksmith to honor us with his presence.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Dick, I'm out of coral and most other rock. I've been gone too much to get any.And it looks like we might be playing tag again. I'm trying to work it out so I can make it to So. Carolina next weekend. Are you going to live in that house in Lutz?
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Hi Eddie. No we are not going to "live" there. My mother and youngest son will stay there. Too bad about the "coral". :'( I will be spending some "time" down there. Maybe we can go hunt some up. Well the plan is I will be in Deltona next weekend and be home by no later than Sunday night. Need a days rest before setting up the tents, canopy's and my camper etc. Looks like a boat load of people are going to come "on over". Hope so. Jim and I have worked hard getting the area ready.
Well South Carolina is only one state away. Hope you can make it over to the event. We spent half a day yesterday chain sawing, splitting wood, mowing and cutting small tree stumps to ground level. Site should be in ex. ++++ condition. Later.
Dick, your benevolent dictator >:D
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im making my list and checking it twice, and directions are on the top of the list, didnt you have a map posted somewhere? or was i just dreaming.
i gotta get me a shaving horse built this week, at home i have a vice mounted on a RR tie and i cant dig that up ;D
i should be there shortly after noon friday.
bryan
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Longfletch,
Send an email to ncknap-in@nc.rr.com and I will send you the map and flyer. We're a week out. I hope we get good weather, but so far it looks like it. Come see us.
Jim
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They are calling for clear conditions with lows at night in the mid-50's and highs in the mid-70's for next weekend. :)
**Lookin' Good**
So, weather is no excuse for not joining us...
Free camping, no vendor fees, gas is cheaper around Mebane than anyplace else in this part of the State.
What are you waiting for?
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I'm back!!!!!!!! I will be at the event site from Tuesday morning, Sept 30th till the following Monday. You can reach me at my cell # 1 336 263 8880 if you have any questions.
Dick
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Dick, The bows will go in the mail today and are addressed to your home. Should be there Wednesday or Thursday. Pat
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Thanks Pat, and Longfletch, there will be a bow horse there of mine to share.
Dick
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I just got back home from dropping some stuff off at the site. Dick is there with his camper set up, getting things ready. I have to work tomorrow, but will be out there on Thursday. There were a few mechanical issues with the gator, mower, and tractor today, Dick is going to try to work around them best he can.
Jim
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OK! Whoever went, we want pics and stories!!! ;) Come on. We are waiting! >:(
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A word of thanks to all who participated, just came to hang out, or stopped by to learn. We enjoyed chamber of commerce weather for sure. It was great to put a face with folks I only knew by their screen name. Also a huge thanks to Dennis for letting us hold the event at his place...we look forward to doing it again next year. Thanks also to Dick for organizing this event.
I took a limited number of pictures because I was so dang busy. I'll have to get to them later as I have mucho sleep to catch up on now.
Jim
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It was a blast, and if you have ever set beside Hillbilly while he is smacking rocks, you know what I mean. That's OK though. I was beside him smacking my gravel back at him. He did a great job reducing a boulder of quartzite to nice looking point. Montana was the all around showman and demo man. It did not take long and he was showing people how to shoot the bow, throw a hawk, use a sling and occasionally smack some rock. He ran his nine year old butt off from 7 in the morning til about midninght every day. I am waiting for my pics to get uploaded into photobucket. It was great to get out and see people that you only have talked to online. That was my first Knap-in, but it won't be the last. I will try to get some of my pics up later tonight.
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Me and Hillbilly put in one special request for next year. 5 degrees cooler during the day and slightly overcast. my face got sunburned pretty good, with a nice set of coon eyes from wearing the sunglasses all day. Still trying to get about 60 pics going. OK, the pics are done. I am going to split them up for some of the dial up people.
Here is Montana working on a knife handle for a stone knife he was working on. If I am not careful, he is going to get better at knapping than I am.
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn001.jpg)
Cane atlatl darts. Those things are fun.
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn002.jpg)
Glassknapper from paleo getting in on the action.
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn003.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn004.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn008.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn009.jpg)
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Here are a few more.
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn011.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn013.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn024.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn037.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn039.jpg)
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Here are the last for now. Maybe someone else will chime in with some.
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn040.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn045.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn046.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn047.jpg)
(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o281/maillemaker1/NCPS%20Knap%20In/1stAnnualKnapIn048.jpg)
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Looks like a great time,and lots going on.Ya it was hot here also.Did yall have a good crowd ?
Pappy
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I will put the stats up later with some photos Pappy when I get my act together today or tomorrow.
Dick
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Nice pics Madcrow, had a great time, and thanks for the help and guidance. Also thanks to Dick and Jim for putting this on! 8)
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Some of you folks have turned Montana into a monster. He has been in the driveway all morning building little fires and bugging me to throw the atlatl. I am headed to the woods in a few minutes to cut some long shoots for darts and get them started drying. HE is wanting to make his own atlatl. It was nice to meet you guys and thanks for everything. I cleaned out my knapping box and came up missing a pressure flaker and two abrading stones. I guess I will have to kill another grinding stone and I am glad that I pick up one of the pressure flakers from the guy that you bought the whole blanket full of stuff from. Oh, thanks for the magazines, now I have something to ready inbetween the new issues of PA.
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Had a great time, and enjoyed getting to meet a few more PA people in person for the first time. Already looking forward to next year.:)
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First, I want to thank everyone who participated in this endever. Thanks to PA for the box of goodies and also to Eddie McCann (madcrow) for his knife as well as Tim Mooring for his bone neck knife. Thanks to Pat Brennan for the two bows he made and Don Ward for his bow accessories. The 50# self bow was won by Patrick McFatridge from Michigan. Patrick was looking for a ride up from Charlotte where he was working, got one, finally made it, then won the bow. How lucky can you get. The youth "set" was won by Dale Truitt of Burlington for his son. Nice deal.
There were approximately 317 people including children who came to "bug" the guys. We had 15 people registered to demo and do some flint knapping. All in all a good start. Below are some random shots.
First is Dale and the youth bow he won. Second is the start of the set-up on Friday and the third are some points Jim Cornwall and Tony Flint found in the area.
Dick
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More, and I believe these people L to R, are Kevin Strader, Alan Shook and Chuck Piper a friend of mine who helped on the parking. Second photo is a view looking downrange and the third is a couple of cases of points Jim Cornwell knaped.
Dick
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More
Dick
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More photos, and the first is Wade showing the technique of using the hand drill to a perspective "victim". This guy and his family really got hooked on the primitive aspect of our event. His wife was interested in the cordage aspect of it. They even stayed and helped us break down the camp. The second photo is Jim Cornwall "doing his thing" and the third is the raffle table, some what depleted.
Dick
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A big thanks again to Dick and Jim for all the work they did to make this happen. It was a great time.
Alan
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First I gotta thank Dick and Hardaway for making the first N.C. Primitive Skills Rendevous happen.
This was the first event I have ever attended, it definately will not be the last. Me and Colton, my 9yr. old son both had a great time. Met some top o the line folks and got to share the campfire with several of them. Looking forward to next year! :) :) :)
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Here is a good shot of Lee throwing a dart taken by a friend of mine, Tony Hawkins.
Dick
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Thanks much to Dick and Jim. They put in a ton of work to pull this together. Location was perfect and weather was great.
I had a great time. Was a lot of fun. Learned a lot and met some new folks. Cant wait to do it again.
I think turn out was pretty good for the first annual. I know the general public that showed up were very fascinated. The kids had a great time beating on rocks to make arrowheads and shooting bows.
Good event.
wade
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madcrow, i know what you mean about the boys, and those fire starters, kade was sparking that thing for a whole day after we got home, and im still finding ryolite and obsidian flakes he has stashed in the van.
Patrick, you finished that atlatl yet?
bryan
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Dick,
I am so glad you put this event together. It is a true Primitive Archer message board event and sounds like you had a pretty incredible crew!! Job well done!
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Long fletch
I am going camping this weekend up in Cosby Tn, and I hope to finish it then. Im definately going to have to get some snake skin from josh, and i have some antler picked out for the spur. It should turn out pretty good! 8) I'll post picks when i get back.
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It is amazing how easy it is to get hooked on something. I started throwing glassknappers' atlatl and liked it. Then traded Longfletch out of a couple and some darts. I have already been looking at different types and different ways to make the darts. Like I needed another hobby. ::) I also got hooked on throwing the tomahawk that Dick brought. That poor Hawk took a beating. I am definately going to have to finish building the forge now. Thanks to all who helped get me hooked. Patrick, you need to post some pics of the atlatl that Josh made. Probably under the ooga booga section or the Anything else section. He did a great job on it.
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Here is one more shot of some of the other winners of the raffle. Thanks to PA and all the other people who gave so generously.
Dick
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Looks like some happy people there. Personally, I did not hear any complaints about anything, but then again, I don't exactly look like the customer service department either. I think the big knife and the mean look on my face helps. >:D >:D
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I recognize that bow! ;D
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Yes Pat, they were a couple of fine bows. I even took a few chances on them although I would not have accepted it. Conflict of interest you know.
Before I forget I would like to thank "Montana", my personal chauffeur for the event. He was there at the drop of the hat to drive me around the event, and sometimes he even dropped the hat. He sure enjoyed driving that Gater around. Thanks Montana.
On another note I would like to ask all of you that still have the survey to do me a small favor and fill it out and mail it back to me. Should only take you a few minutes or so. It will help to get a fix on what you liked and what we could do differently. I am making a core list of you people who were there so we can "off line" email between us our suggestions for a better and bigger one next year "if" you want to do another one. Both Jim and I think you people who interacted with the public and especially the young people, did a fine job. Hope to hear from some of you.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Just to let you all know we are not sitting on our duffs, we have put together a core group of people who attended and donated to this years event. We are already working on next years event and will keep you up to date on the happenings.
Dick your benevolent dictator >:D
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Hell all;
We are going to start a new thread for the "Second Annual N C Primitive skills and Knapp-in. Stay tuned.
Dick Bernier
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what month might this be in?
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It will be September 18, 19 and 20th
Dick