Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: gstoneberg on March 20, 2012, 07:18:46 pm
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All,
I have set April 20-21 as the 2nd annual flint knapping/hog hunting get-together near Cross Plains, TX. Not exactly TX-Jam, but lots of fun and we will go after piggies, though they've been hard to find lately. We've been known to eat well too. ;) Of course, if somebody wants to work on a bow we can for sure help with that. Maybe I should post in the bow section too?
Let me know if you're considering coming.
Thanks,
George
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Ah hck i did not know cross plains had anything like that i will be there i live in may. That is a real easy drive
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Played Cross Plains in football back in the day. Sounds like fun I would love to come but like always It depends on work. I've found a new source of tab flint that works great with a little heat.
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Sounds great George! Unless i'm dead or at work i'll try like ---- to be there. Sure would like to sit with you Tower! Bring some of that tab :).
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WOO HOO!! ;D
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I second that Don, but I know it's a looooong way for you. Sure hope you can make it Paul. I already need another percussion lesson.
Seider, it's nothing special. We meet at my deer lease camp site, sit around and break rock. Last time I was out there a couple of us walked around with bows stump shooting. That was really fun. We also gathered shaft materials (youpon holly I think) and juniper staves. The landowner will come if he can as he's interested, but he wasn't able to last year. Once it gets late if you feel like hunting I have 2 pop-up ground blinds set up a few yards from feeders to try for hogs. Unfortunately, that'll be new moon weekend so it'll be real dark at night. I have a night vision rifle we can shoot which makes it a lot less primitive...and a lot more productive (assuming the hogs are coming in). But, we might try to set up a red LED light to help us shoot with a bow. There are 2 sets of bunk beds in the shed, but it's pretty rustic. Patrick rolled out a sleeping bag on his pickup tailgate and slept there last year. I usually take the night vision rifle and sleep in one of the blinds that has a bed in it. There's also a little motel 6 miles away in Cross Plains. You're close enough to drive home if you don't want to stay out there.
Since we're a small group we normally each bring food to share and cook on the grill. There's a windmill well for water (not sure I'd drink it) and we use a generator when we want power.
George
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Sounds like all the creature comforts a human could want :).
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I've got my eye on somethin' new this year... if only it had a skeeter net... 8)
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NICE!
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Man this is looking like its going to be a great gathering!! Count me and some Dutch salsa in.
Good times,
Cipriano
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There should be no problem with that. I cant shoot a bow anymore until i get my shoulder fixed i have one with training wheels and i cant even pull it back. I may bring a rifle along if thats fine with you. I have a jungle hammock with netting so that is not problem. Look forward to it. Which way from cp is your dearlease? Really which highway? So that i have an idea were it is.
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The lease is west of Cross Plains off highway36. You can bring a rifle to hunt hogs with, I sure will. Hope to see you there. It'll be fun. There are a couple trees just perfect for a hammock. I brought one out, but the sun weakened it and I fell through it one day. May have been weight I put on too... :-[
Looking forward to it Mr. C. I was hoping I could count on you. Sure hope my pickup is working by then. You can bring whatever nationality of salsa you want. We may give you a hard time though. 8)
George
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Found the right Thread!
George, I'm A-planning on making it out to your lease.
I'll bring my AR with a little night vision scope on it.
:)
-gus
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Woohoo! This should be real fun.
George
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Alight i plan on being there i know that area pretty good my family use to have a big ranch at cottonwood but they sold out when they got older and could not take care of it anymore. Most of it was just pasture land old peanut land not really worth much now. Hopefully i will be able to make it if atleast for the day and part of the night i have been pretty busy at work and have been working half a day on sun to get cought up and it does not look like its gonna slow down anytime soon.
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I think I will be able to join ya'll for lots of fun. I will bring some bow working stuff and a portable tiller tree.
George, is this about 3 hours from Dallas?
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Great! Yes, I'm Northeast of Dallas and it's about 3.5 hrs for me.
George
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Just dropped off some well seasoned staves for anyone that wants them (during the annual get-together). They are in the cabin. The longer ones are at least 6ft but I don't know the length of the shorter ones. The longer ones are a combination if hickory (3), elm (1), and white oak (1) and the shorter ones (2) are both hackberry.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/978_3502.jpg)
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Patrick,
Thanks for those, I hope we can get people working on them. I better make a post over in Bows about it.
I'm sorry I missed your call on Saturday. I was at the airport in the middle of a 3hr debacle with my Orlando flight where they made 2 false starts at taxi-ing out before we ended up finally leaving. I hope I was successful at leaving a message.
George
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Whew Who!!!
I'll bring Drawknives, Rasps and Scrapers!!!
Along with Knapping Gear!
And some meat for the Grill!
:)
-gus
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No worries, George. The weather was great and I got some juniper staves that should be ready for bows in about 4 to 6 months. I'll be harvesting a lot more soon...
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/978_3504.jpg)
The ones on the left with very little heartwood are the best for high-poundage bows and there is minimal shaping required. The ones on the right I will split and use for several kids bows.
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Heck, if anyone wants Juniper staves I have 40 acres of some of the straightest in Tx.
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DROOL. I may pay you a visit, m'friend. :o ;D
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My proptery is outside of Lometa Tx. Free to anyone who is willing to cut it.
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I might stop by on one of my trips to Austin.
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Mmm, i can almost smell that cedar from here :).
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Anybody up for duck a la Gus? I'm also hoping to bring fresh rattlesnake meat. Gus will do the honors too.
Cipriano
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I've had my turkey roaster on overtime heating the local Blue,Tan,& Tab I've picked up. I want to do some stone swappin. I want others to knap the tab & tell me what they think. I haven't seen it before, others might have. Also I have ooddddles of deer sausage. I can Bring it up.
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Am curious what kind of tab you have there Tower. I picked up a bunch around Balcones park. Kinda resembles a cross between raw keokuk and rhyolite. Hard to knap and does'nt heat very well, but big..
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This stuff isn't tough. Its knappable raw but heat improves it . Tannish brown in color here is a pic of some of it, & a couple points made from it.
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Looks like some good stuff there, and nice points! I need to go rock hunting some more. I think I'll go back down to Temple and combine a hog hunt with a flint search. The wheat is too tall there now but once that's out of the field in May I'll be after the piggies (and flint) again.
I'm really excited about seeing all of you guys. I love sausage of any kind! ;D I'm going to try to get an eating sized pig between now and when we have the get-together and then work on a way to cook it whole out at the lease. My smoker is too small, but maybe I can scrounge something. There's an old one out there but I think it's rusted out. If anybody who's coming has a smoker they could bring that would hold a 75lb or so hog let me know. If not, I might smoke the pig at home and then just warm it up over a fire at the lease. Might have Mary whip up some calico beans unless one of you guys would rather bring a big pot of beans.
Paul, I was wondering if there'd be time for you to demonstrate how to heat treat some flint in a fire pit while we're there? The burn ban was not in effect the last time out and we've gotten more rain since then so I don't think there'd be a problem having a fire unless it's terrible windy. Even then, the camp is down in a clearing that is protected from 3 directions. Just a thought, and I don't want to take away from the fun, but I'd sure like to see it. :)
Again, I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody.
George
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Heck Y'all it's gonna be tough being patient for three weeks!!! :)
George I'm currently planning on bring my Webber Grill and some Cabrito to throw down on it.
Will also bring some Taters... :)
Unless y'all would rather have fried fish.
In which case I'd bring the burner and frying gear.
-gus
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Gus,
There is a gas grill there, as well as a fire pit we occasionally cook over. As far as meat, I've never had Cabrito so I'm game there and I love fish so I'm game there too. We have a 2 burner propane fired camp stove-top out there, assuming it wasn't damaged in the vandalism. You might could get away with just bringing the pan to cook fish in if you go that way. There are 2 dutch ovens we keep in the shed we can cook with as well. The one thing we don't have is a big skillet or griddle to cook pancakes and eggs in. I have about a 12" skillet, but we're gonna have more people than that. I've got some quarter inch steel, I could weld up a griddle to put over the 2 burner propane stove? Of course, then Paul would see my welds and know what a hack welder I am. :-[
I'm sure glad I picked that weekend. Since this all started our daughter and granddaughters are coming to visit and will be here from right after Easter until the Wed before our get-together. My name would have been mud at home if I'd messed with a visit like that in any way. ;) Of course, once my wife gets that new baby in her arms she'll hardly know I'm there. :D
George
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Of course, once my wife gets that new baby in her arms she'll hardly know I'm there. :D
Yes, like grandpa won't get his share. ;D
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Yes, like grandpa won't get his share. ;D
That's the beauty of having more than 1 granddaughter. 8) When grandma gets distracted with one, there's another available for grandpa time. ;D I prefer playing with the potty trained granddaughter. ;)
George
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HAH!
I hear ha.
We still have one in diapers, and even though I have attained Master's status in diaper changing, I'll do the dance when he's potty trained.
I could bring Cabrito and Fish...
Just need to figure out how many people will be eating and what arrival time would be good.
We could do fish Friday night maybe and Cabrito Saturday afternoon?
Not trying to co-opt the cooking if other's are planning on cooking.
Have a good size stainless Skillet I could bring to cook pancakes and what not in.
I guess I should ask when are folks getting there?
-gus
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Bring the skillet...thanks. I don't care if you plan the meals Gus. I do suspect there'll be quite a variety of food before we're done. Hopefully as we get closer we can get more of a feel for what everyone is bringing. There is a grocery store in Cross Plains, 6 miles away, so if we find out we need something it's not that painful. I don't think we have much in the way of paper plates and plasticware out there now. We did, but have been eating a lot. ;D ;D
I'm glad you asked about arrival times. I normally take a half day off and try to leave home as close to noon on Friday as I can which gets me to the lease at 4pm or so. If you (or anybody else) wants to get there earlier, I'll work an earlier shift or take the whole day off so I can leave earlier. I just need to know. Keep in mind that there are only 4 beds out there plus 2 beds in blinds we can use. Cell phone coverage out there is spotty. Verizon works most everywhere but not many other carriers.
That's all I can think of for now.
George
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I'll get there Friday around 8pm. I'll bring ice, plates, cups, and utensils.
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If I get out of here around 9:00am on Friday I should be there around 4pm or so.
Plenty of time to unwind and get ready to cook... :)
Fish Friday!
-gus
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I cut what I think is a nice peice of elm this weekend, 6" in dia., I will bring that to split into staves.
Is anybody from Dallass going that might be interested in splitting the cost of a pop up camper?
I am anxious for this get together, I will be there Friday afternoon.
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Glad you can make it. I emailed Ricky to see if he was interested. I have a blind to sleep in, otherwise I would be interested in splitting a camper. Then again, the way I snore nobody in their right mind would want me in their camper. Are you planning to arrive before 4pm on Friday?
George
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Planning to sleep in my truck...
:)
-gus
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I will plan on being there at 4:00.
Will you provide a map or directions to the gate?
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OK good. Yes, I will a PM a map to the gate to everybody who says they are coming. It looks like we're going to have a nice group. Hope the weather cooperates.
George
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Sounds like its gonna be a great group! Wish John an I lived closer, I might have to talk him into a trip like that in the future!
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Cabrito? I'd almost do the skinny dipping breast stroke thru a debitage pile for some of that right about now. I spent a week in Albuquerque last year and couldn't find a restaurant that served cabrito. THAT just gets my goat. >:D
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I hear ya JW...
And this is 4H goat.
Tender and Tasty!
:)
-gus
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Planning to sleep in my truck...
:)
-gus
Yep... I'm sleeping in a tree :o
Cipriano
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I talked with George,and if you all dont mind having a couple kansas boys my son and I will be there, with tools and rock. We will leave here early morning friday, should get us there
friday afternoon. Shaun
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I talked with George,and if you all dont mind having a couple kansas boys my son and I will be there, with tools and rock. We will leave here early morning friday, should get us there
friday afternoon. Shaun
Shaun, as long as you can understand Texan it will be great meeting y'all :laugh:
Cipriano
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Sounds like you guys are putting together quite a shindig,sorry to be missing it. ' Frank
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The more the merrier Shaun. Heck, we'd even let JW come down from the Dakota territory if he wanted. Then he'd get his goat. ;)
Did you have a tree in mind Cip? You bringing Diego? Didn't he get his porcupine the last time we had this?
If everybody comes that has said they would we'll have 10 counting me. Wahoo!!! ;D ;D
George
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There's plenty of rock & room in Texas for another knapper.
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Ahh, finally i have internet!! Hey George, i'd love to demonstrate cooking some rocks in the ground - not a problem unless it's raining or the dirt is too wet. Guys, i'm going to be loosing this laptop any time now so excuse my absence till i find another one. Keep me posted on the phone Mr. George :).
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Great Paul, we'll plan on that unless thwarted by the weather. I'll call you later on.
George
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Heck, we'd even let JW come down from the Dakota territory if he wanted. Then he'd get his goat. ;)
George
Your standards for who you allow are as low as your standards for "good" osage!
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J.W.,
I'd happily bring a couple of nice Osage Staves as offering if that would intice you to Come On Down!
And the Fried Rattlesnake and Smoked Cabrito of course... >:D
-gus
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Your standards for who you allow are as low as your standards for "good" osage!
What's your point? >:D
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Your standards for who you allow are as low as your standards for "good" osage!
What's your point? >:D
It's covered by the hat I wear!
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Gus do I need to bring the duck for you to chicken fry it??
Yum yum JW >:D
Cipriano
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I would say I'd bring a bunch of venison but it's been in the freezer for a few years. I bet if we hungry enough it'd still be good though ;D..
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What's your point? >:D
It's covered by the hat I wear!
That's exactly what I expected. Kindred spirits?
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Guess we should put our pointy heads together and get a rough idea of who is bringing what to cook... :)
At present I'm planning on bringing:
Cabrito to Grill/Smoke, and my Webber.
Fish to Fry along with my Propane Burner and Frying Gear.
Cipriano, did you say you were bringing Rattler for the Frying as well?
Heck if y'all want to bring something to run through the Hot Grease, its not problem.
I can throw a sack of Flour in the camping gear to bring along.
If we bring enough food, two days might not be long enough... ;D
-gus
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Yes sir. So far about 20 lbs. hoping to get more.
Cipriano
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Ooo I love deep fried rattlesnake. :)
I'll plan on making biscuits and gravy for breakfast on Saturday morning.
George
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I can either do Friday dinner or Saturday lunch, or both. Deer sausage, beans and something. Or a lite lunch of ham salad.
If somebody takes charge of menu planning, just let me know and I can bring whatever.
Byron
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Yea Paul, I like venison of all ages. :)
Byron, how bout we put you in charge of lunch on Saturday and we'll let Gus handle the cooking duties for the dinners (Fri and Sat)? I like the deer sausage, beans, etc idea for lunch. It sounds like Gus has enough meat to do both Friday and Saturday dinners, especially with Cip's rattlesnake. I'll take care of breakfast on Saturday. If you guys need more food to round out the meals, put out some suggestions and I suspect somebody will sign up to bring it.
One thing to remember is the only water there is from a shallow windmill well. I don't know if it's drinkable so I bring bottled water and iced tea to drink. You should plan on bringing a cooler with whatever you're going to drink. The land owner is OK with beer and the like as long as everybody stays civil and nobody goes hog hunting after drinking.
Is anybody staying over into Sunday morning? I'll probably try to get a sub for my Sunday morning responsibilities at church so I don't have to drive home Saturday night late. Right now I'm planning to leave before noon on Sunday. I guess that means we need another breakfast then for whoever is still there. Any requests for breakfast?
George
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George, I'm staying overnight Saturday and I'll probably leave when you leave. I'll also take some time off work so I ca arrive earlier that 8pm on Friday night. My boys are coming with me too. ;D Hopefully they will take a break from killing each other while we are there...hahah :o
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I plan on staying till Sunday morning.
Ok I got lunch for Saturday.
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George, we will be leaving sunday morning.I can bring some food,any suggestions?
Shaun
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George, I'm staying overnight Saturday and I'll probably leave when you leave. I'll also take some time off work so I ca arrive earlier that 8pm on Friday night. My boys are coming with me too. ;D Hopefully they will take a break from killing each other while we are there...hahah :o
Patrick, I am brining Diego. He talks about your boys all the time. It will be fun for them.
Cipriano
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George, we will be leaving sunday morning.I can bring some food,any suggestions?
Shaun
Byron and Gus, anything Shaun could bring for the lunch or dinners? If not we'll come up with something Shaun.
George
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I'm just going to bring a bunch of stuff to throw in the pot. Whatever happens after that happens :). I don't eat a lot but man I gotta have my coffee in the morning. Can't wait guys! I'm starting to get butterflies. Haven't been to one of these function's in awhile..
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I'm just going to bring a bunch of stuff to throw in the pot. Whatever happens after that happens :). I don't eat a lot but man I gotta have my coffee in the morning. Can't wait guys! I'm starting to get butterflies. Haven't been to one of these function's in awhile..
Uh-oh, I"m not sure there's even a coffee pot out there. :o Anybody got a camp coffee pot they could bring?
I'm looking forward to getting together too. Is there anything else I should be doing to make it a better time?
Thanks,
George
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Sounds like some Good Stuff Y'all! :)
I would like to stay over and leave out Sunday Morning as well.
Cipriano and I have critters for cookin' Friday and Saturday nights.
For Friday, spicy cornmeal battered Rattlesnake and Speckeled Trout deep fried in Jalapeño seasoned grease.
Was thinking of Bringing a sack of Taters to Fry along with the Rattlers and Fish.
I can pick up some nice French Bread to go with it...
So we might want to come up with some Coleslaw or something to go with it,
if anyone knows a place or has a recipe.
For Saturday evening Grilled/Smoked Cabirto, cut like Fajitas, on Bolillos or Tortillas.
With grilled onions and bell peppers, pico de gallo, guacamole and Jalapeños...
With rice and beans.
Musical program to follow... :)
I'll plan on bringing 5 gallons of water as well.
Was planning on bring my small Mead telescope for star gazing weather allowing.
Venus, Saturn, and Mars will be up in our skies.
I'll also bring my acustic bass...
-gus
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Gus, if it's clear the stargazing is awesome. It was fantastic the last time I was out there (a couple weeks ago).
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I will bring a small perculator coffe pot that I have and a coleman stove along with coffe. If someone else has another pot that would be nice. I will also bring 4 or 5 gallon jugs of water for coffee, cooking and what ever.
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I'm looking forward to getting together too. Is there anything else I should be doing to make it a better time?
Thanks,
George
Yeah, move it closer to Illinois!!! :laugh: :laugh:
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Gus, if it's clear the stargazing is awesome. It was fantastic the last time I was out there (a couple weeks ago).
Yes the stars are awesome out there. :) If it's clear it'll be great again as we'll hit the new moon just like you did. I love to lay on my back and look at the sky through my nightvision monocular. There are way more shooting stars up there than you can see with just your eyes.
Yeah, move it closer to Illinois!!! :laugh: :laugh:
;D ;D
Gus, that sounds awesome. I could bring my 12-string guitar, but it's been so long my fingers would only last a few minutes. :-[ :-[
George
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:)
I hear ya George...
My time is no longer my own, and as such I don't get a chance to pick up the bass very often these daze.
Sooo... Who's the Monkey on the Bass Guitar?
Me...
But I haven't forgetten all of it... Yet! :)
-gus
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I will also bring a stove and coffee pot.
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I'm looking forward to getting together too. Is there anything else I should be doing to make it a better time?
Thanks,
George
Yeah, move it closer to Illinois!!! :laugh: :laugh:
Just come on down Scott ;D
Cipriano
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Have a quick hog hunting update, the land owner was just out to Cross Plains and sent me some trail cam pictures. Looks like there are only a handful of hogs on the property. There is this very pregnant sow that looks like she's lost an ear, probably to a catch dog.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6913373282_6f75d6d90e_o.jpg)
and a couple boar, this being the larger one.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/6913373274_b0bf83439d_z.jpg)
So, there's a chance we might get a shot at some pork if we're lucky.
George
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I've been outta pocket lately , but where eill it be held? Directions.
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Wow, I'm finally crawling back to the land of the living. This 24hr flu, or food poisoning, or whatever it was knocked the stuffin out of me. Thank goodness our get-together is a week from today. I'll PM the directions out to everyone that has said they were coming. With our recent break-in at the lease the land owner is a little sensitive to having directions on the internet. Here's the group I'll be messaging to and how many I think are coming:
gstoneberg (1 or 2)
seider (1)
Tower (1)
cowboy (1)
jackcrafty (3)
criveraville (2)
Gus (1)
neuse (1)
ksbowhunter (2)
Where I knew family was coming I've shown how many I knew of. That doesn't mean you can't bring somebody else if you want, it just gives us a feel for how many to prepare for. They recently had 2" of rain out there and the grass around camp has gotten taller than normal. The landowner was out there mowing a little bit last weekend but had some flat tire problems with the rider we keep out there. Mesquite thorns and dry rot no doubt. I'll be bringing my string trimmer and a gallon of green slime to try and get the lawn mower going. As I recall, our wood pile for making fires was a little small. I'm thinking about bringing my bin of osage cut-offs that's overflowing in the shop and needs to be used up. I'll probably bring a chain saw as well. There's tons of downed mesquite and oak available for firewood. Anyway, keep in mind the ticks should be out now. The snakes are out as well. Last year one of Patrick's sons found a copperhead but we normally don't see too many snakes. There is a gas refrigerator out there, but for the life of me I can't get it to work very well.
We're close enough now to get an early take on weather and the weather channel 10 day forecast says we should have sunshine, highs in the mid 80s and lows around 60 for that weekend. With a new moon the stars will be awesome. One of the other hunters on the lease is going out this weekend to do a little turkey and hog hunting. We'll get an update on hog activity from him. I can't offer turkey hunting to everybody there since there are other paying hunters on the lease. Hogs are no problem, assuming they cooperate.
The plan of record is that I will arrive before 4pm a week from today, April 20th, to unlock the gate. It'll remain open until we leave sometime Sunday morning, April 22nd. I'll put some kind of sign at the edge of the road there marking the entrance. You will need to follow the dirt road in about a half mile to get to camp. It should be dry enough for cars to make it back, but the road will likely have some ruts you'll need to avoid. There are 4 beds in the shed available to the first 4 who want them. I will sleep in the bed in the tower blind. There is a bed in the field blind (if the land-owner does not come and take it) and one in the tank blind as well. For some reason the mice are bad in that one. We'll do our knapping in camp. Last time Patrick brought tarps for us to put down. Bring chairs as the camp chairs have seen better days. I'm going to bring some rock to trade, and some for Paul's heating demonstration. Remember, there's no drinking water there so bring water to drink. There's an old outhouse for serious bathroom needs. In a later post we'll go over what we have set up for meals so far and see if we need more stuff there.
If you feel like flight shooting, there is a big open field to do it in out there. If you want to work on a bow, the only thing out there to clamp a stave to is the big picnic table. You'll need to bring clamps to do that. I plan to bring my trade bow out and do some shooting with it. But, I really am looking forward to knapping with everybody. This is gonna be fun! Look for a PM in the near future with directions.
George
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Whew Who!!!
We're on the short count now!!!
Be gathering my Camping/Cooking Gear together this weekend.
-gus
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Sounds good Mr. George! I'll start rounding up everything during this week. Gonna see if i can get one of these chainsaws working rather than haul wood out there. Hope that weather holds out.
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All of you that I had on the list as being interested in the get-together should have received a couple PM'd maps. The guys hunting this past weekend got a real nice double-bearded gobbler but saw no hogs. The 30+ mph winds may have had something to do with that.
Cipriano sent me some pictures of our rattlesnake dinner...
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7084371799_1799fee918_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5115/7084373299_75b88937ce_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6938296114_511fe2ca3f_z.jpg)
I prefer to fillet the "loins" off the snakes Cipriano. Do you guys care if I do that before we fry it up? It makes the pieces small, but much easier to eat.
Gus and Mr. C are covering Fri and Sat dinners (at least the meat), Byron has Saturday lunch, and I have Saturday breakfast. Does anybody have some fresh eggs they could bring for Sunday breakfast? Anything else we need food-wise?
The weather forecast is still for severe clear out as far as it shows. Looks good. I'll be bringing my Stihl too Paul. Looking forward to the weekend. ;D
George
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Rattletail steaks, mmm. Haven't had snake in years - taste's like chicken ::). I have a few hens here and will bring all the eggs they'll give up. Been hiding them all over the place here lately. I'll just fill a cooler up with some kind of sausage or something to throw in the kitty. Don't have any recent killed fresh meat to bring this year. I need to round up some bi-faces and such for the cooking demo and a thousand other things..
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I prefer to fillet the "loins" off the snakes Cipriano. Do you guys care if I do that before we fry it up? It makes the pieces small, but much easier to eat.
George
Gus, George wants his rattle steak "kosher." >:D O:) :laugh:
Cipriano
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Looking Good Y'all!
Cipriano, we can field strip some or most of the snakes for them that want it that way, no problem.
Just save me a piece or three bone in... :)
-gus
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Actually we'll do it however the folks there want it. If I'm the only one who wants it boned I'll just do a little for me.
The forecast has changed for Friday. Now they're saying there's a 30% chance of thunderstorms on Friday as a cold front moves through. The high will only be 70 and lows will be in the mid-40s both Friday and Saturday nights. Might be a little chilly under the stars. High on Saturday should be mid 70s, but the winds are probably going to be out of the North and pretty stiff. Normally that suppresses hog activity but we'll see. Fortunately, the camp area is protected from the north though it'll follow the road around some.
Some have asked about finding flint out there. I have found some, but very few chunks actually large enough to make points from. It's on the tough side, but my friend Ricky made a nice point out of a raw spall from out there when I was just starting. If you want to do some exploring, I'll show you where I've found flint in the past. However, from experience I can say the odds are way better in the buckets of rock I know we'll be bringing.
I've decided to take the whole day off on Friday as I'm anticipating my truck will not be done until Thursday afternoon last thing and I have a lot of loading to do. Hopefully that will get me out to the lease in the noon-2pm range on Friday. If my truck does not get finished I'll be taking my little Saturn out there. Sure hope it doesn't come to that. I'll post on this thread when I'm ready to leave on Friday so you'll know when I'll be there.
The eggs sound great Paul, thanks. Looking forward to throwing a little stone under your fire myself. Might bring a cobble of coral we can spall and heat if you don't have any already. Also plan to bring a little alibates that needs heated.
2 more days...I can't wait. You all should have my cell number from the PM. Feel free to call if you have questions or on Friday if you need directions or get bored during the drive.
George
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This is making me very envious! Sounds like you all will have a great time!
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One real long day of driving and you can join in the fun. 8)
George
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I have thought about it. I really did. Just can't happen this year.
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You're coming down in July, maybe I'll set something up with Paul when you're here. Be tricky, as the kids are here then too. I'll give it my best shot.
George
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I wish it was Friday already.
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I have thought about it. I really did. Just can't happen this year.
I'm with ya Bevan! I hate putting things off for another year, but it just ain't in the cards right now.
George- I hope ya get ur truck fixed! If memory serves, that part of the country is better navigated from a truck cab! You guys have fun this weekend and take plenty of pictures! (and eat a snake steak for me!) If you all get the kinks worked out maybe next year a group of us will crash that shindig.
Scott
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Thanks Scott. They just called and said I have 1 bad catalytic converter and the other one is borderline. So, now we'll find out if a pair of cat converters will make my engine problems go away. I'm skeptical, but at least I'll have the truck for the weekend.
Do bring cameras everyone!
George
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.
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George I hear ya on the Truck Issues...
Mine went into the dealership yesterday as it was locked into 4 wheel drive and wouldn't unlock.
Luckily I found a loaner to make the trip.
But like you I'll be a Truck Loading Mad Man once I pick it up this afternoon.
Really looking forward to getting outa this berg. :)
On a side note I may have to skip bring the AR/Night Sight this trip as I did not get a chance to shoot it in this week as planned.
Truck issues getting in the way.
But I will bring everything else, cooking gear, telescope and what not.
Look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow afternoon!
-gus
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Can't hardly wait :laugh: I am hoping to be there by 5 ish on Friday. I am looking forward to the campfire. Diego has a game on Saturday at 3, and I am still working that out >:D
I have a story that was published when I was a young lad I would like to read "around the campfire" if yall are interested. It is a true story about my father's uncle that died from rabies. Oral traditon passed down from my father and put to print.
Cipriano
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If memory serves, that part of the country is better navigated from a truck cab!
Scott
Well yes.. Unless you are me then a mini van or my old camry do just fine ;)
Cipriano
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Just about got everything together...
But do to circumstances beyond my control I was not able to get the Pico De Gallo and beans together for Saturday Nights dinner.
The Cabirto and fixens are still good to go though.
And have everything but Tarter Sauce together for Friday er... today's dinner... :)
Also was not able to shoot in the AR/Night Scope.
George, should I bring it along anyway?
See Y'all soon!
-gus
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Uh-oh, we have a bean alert for Saturday night! ;D No prob Gus, if nobody else brings beans we'll run to the store on Saturday and bring home a couple big cans of beans. I'll bring the seasonings and brown sugar to doctor them a bit and we'll put them in one of the dutch ovens by the fire all day. Maybe I'll throw in a package of ground pork to put in the beans? We can pick up tarter sauce too. I should be making a list.
As for the AR, either way is fine. I'm bringing my little .22 pellet pistol to plink around camp with and the Remington with night scope. That reminds me, I should give the batteries a charge on that.
About time for me to go out and start loading up. Gonna be a good day.
George
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Well, here it is 8:00 Friday morning and i'm sittin around drinking coffee staring at a computer. Need to load up. Hmm, have tires to get balanced, coolers to pack, cot and bag. Do i bring the dog, naw... Guns? One cooler for beverages another for eats. Ha, better get this show on the road :D.
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Me too. Make sure you call me before you head out. Don't want you to have to wait at the gait for me haul my sorry butt down the interstate. I'm not gonna take time to make a sign this morning. I think I'll go stick a flu-flu arrow in the ground next to the entrance.
Off to load up! I'll post when I'm ready to pull out.
George
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Remember, It don't count as a fun weekend if there arn't lots of photo's for the rest of us sorry saps!!
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Whew Who!!!
Bout to go cut up the fish... so we don't have to do it in Camp.
And starting to load now that I got the Boys off to school.
Hoping to pull out by 11:00am for a 1600 or 16:30 arrival time at Cross Plains.
Wishing Everybody a Safe Journey!
See Y'all Soon!
-gus
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It rained just a sprinkle on the lease this morning, but that's cleared out over there. Howeverut it's pouring over in Cipriano's neck of the woods. It's been raining steady here. I think it's finally not raining anymore here. It'll take me about 10 minutes to finish loading and then I'm off, leaving at about 11:30. That puts in me in Cross Plains at about 3:15 or so. I need to stop at the grocery store there to pick up biscuits for tomorrow morning. Hope to see you all soon.
George
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You guys have made me tired already! Hope you all have a great time!
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>:D
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I am at school and almost ready to go. It’s just an hour and a bit away and hope to leave at four. I have the rattlesnake thawing, loaded the skin set for George, two chairs, and an eight year old boy full of beans… This morning the sky became as dark as if it were dusk, a blue northern blew in and it rained a good two hours. The skies looked ominous, but then the rain stopped, the skies cleared for the most part and seems to be delightful weather. Sell yall after a bit.
Cipriano
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The Fish is cut up and ready to go.
Will still need to skin and cut the Taters.
Bringing two burners just in case.
Leaving at 1300... that should put me there around 5 or 6... :(
Such is life!
See Y'all Soon!!!
HAMMER DOWN!
-gus
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2:07, leaving now should be there by 6:00.
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Paul got here about 2:30. I made it at 3 and Shaun (sp?) From Kansas and his son pulled in right behind me. Skeeters are terrible! Wow. Thank goodness theres a stiff breeze. We're getting camp cleaned up a little before the next wave of folks arrives. Gonna be fun!
George
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We arrived at about 5:40.. Safe and sound.
Cipriano
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neuse came shortly after and Agustin rolled in about 7:40. Diego and I are in the blind now.
Cipriano
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Wishing Texas was a little closer! Sounds like you guys are gonna have a blast. Enjoy!
Tracy
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A crow just came out. Diego shot at it. This is what he said afterward, "Daddy did you see that? He moved just as I pulled the trigger."
Tracy I heat ya.. Hardest part of going on vacation is getting outa Texas.
Thank you ;)
Cipriano
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I sure wish i was there i just got off work could be there in about 20min Maybe i can make it a short day tomorrow and swing buy and hit alittle rock with some of YALL and refine my gravel making skills
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Man, wish I still lived in TX!!
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We only had enough light to knapp for about an hour yesterday. No hogs showed at the feeders. Gus' fried fish was downright awesome. We ate and then sat around a wonderful campfire. I slept in the field blind because the tower blind had fire ant visitors. Wish I could figure out how to post pics from the phone. It'll have to wait till I get home.
Today will be a great day of knapping! Can't wait. Wish y'all were here.
George
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And we all wish we were there, friend.
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Here's a couple pics from down there. Cipriano just sent them to me and I hope its ok to post 'em here.
He's gonna have to fill in the details though...
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Thanks Scotty!!
I have got to mark this on the Calendar for next year.
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The way your knapping is improving Bevan, you will be knapping soda crackers and sandstone into workable points by then!!!
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I know we're along ways off, but still knapping together in spirit! :laugh: :laugh: ::)
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Great picture, who made the Andice?
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here are a few more pics to enjoy............
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Looks like a GREAT time!
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Great picture, who made the Andice?
Don Tower made that one.
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Some more pictures... ;D
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4136.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4109.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4108.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4115.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4114.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4123.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4118.jpg)
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Some of the points I made during the get-together. :)
Thanks for the rootbeer Don!!
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.
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Points I got from Paul (Cowboy) and Don (Tower). The scottsbluf is Paul's creation. ;D
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It was a great time guys! I have a ton of pictures on my phone and will post whenever possible ::). A small crowd and plenty of time to knap, gather wood, share secrets, whatever. I've been needing a little "tune up" and this weekend was top notch in my book! Will deffinantly look forward to doing it again next year!
Want to thank George for having us all out. Thank Gus for being camp cook and whooping up some awesome meals. Matter of fact i can't remember ever eating that good in deer camp or any other camp for that matter.. Everybody brought something dandy to throw in the kitty..
You guys that live in tx or surrounding states aught to give it some thought next year..
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A couple of George's points: ;D
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4201-1.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4200.jpg)
The points my daughter came home with...
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/982_4197.jpg)
From left to right: mine (alba), George's , Don's (avonlea), Georges, and Don's (drill).
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Thanks for posting those Patrick. I really had a great time! It was a wonderfully laid-back friendly group. I really need to learn to thin preforms like Don and Paul can. My drive to practice is definitely renewed. We all broke points, and at least one of us was able to break the same point more than once. :-[ It was a great weekend! Thanks to all of you that made it so fun, and those of you that missed it missed a good time. The only downer was the hogs didn't cooperate for Cody. And, thanks for welding my golf cart Paul. :)
George
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You're welcome, George! It was a WONDERFUL time. The weather was perfect, the food was fantastic, and everyone was busy, busy, busy. Times to remember... ;D
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I got a couple pictures of a wonderful point Don made. To say it is thin would be a huge understatement.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/7104386119_efae8f07de_z.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/6958314642_a44e46b2e3_z.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7104384431_efed6a4bc2_z.jpg)
George
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Looks like a wonderfull time was to be had. GREAT looking points EVERYONE!!
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Gentelmen I had a roaring good time! It was great getting to meet everyone finally. Wish I could have been there sooner. Can't wait to do it again. Lots of beautiful points. Tower.
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Looks like an eventful and productive weekend!
Tracy
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Shoot! I just new I shoulda went south this weekend!!! Oh well maybe next year.
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Cody and I had a great time,It just dont get any better than that. Thank you George, for letting us come down. I was off work today so i did manage to get the mesquite I brought home slabbed up. I also sealed it just in case.
Shaun
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I'm so glad all of you could make it. I know some of the drives were pretty long. It surely was a fun time for me and everybody pitched in whenever we had a need. The only way it could have been better for me would have been for hogs to have been offering themselves up for sausage. Maybe next time.
George
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Man, looks like Yall had a great time!!! I hope that on my next trip to TX I can hook up with some of yall. Have to plan a longer trip next time!!
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I had a great time and the weather was perfect.
Thank you George for the invitation.
Gus is an exceptional camp cook.
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I have to second the statement that Gus in an excellent camp cook! Neuse, you're not bad either. Those sausages you made were the best deer sausages I've ever had! That's no exaggeration!
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Yes Sir!
There was some Mighty Fine Food to be had at nearly any time of the day... :)
Between Neuse's Deer Sausage and Beans and George's Biscuts and Gravy and Bacon Eggs and Toast on Saturday...
Whew! We could have fed a group twice our size and had some left overs.
And yet there was still some fine knapping to be witnessed.
It was a privilege to be able to sit, watch and learn from masters like Cowboy, Tower and Jackcrafty.
And seeing Everyone hard at it was inspiring to the hilt.
Thank You Again George, for your hospitality and friendship.
And thank You for the Staves as well!!! :)
Here are a few photos of the event.
Saturday Evening fire circle... :)
(http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh547/augustus1967/P4210028.jpg)
Saturday Night before Rack Time.
(http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh547/augustus1967/P4210036.jpg)
Sunday Morning Knapping.
(http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh547/augustus1967/IMG_1515.jpg)
And here are the points that I made off with...
From upper left: two from Jackcrafty, One of George's, Cowboy's closing Point, the Andice made by Tower, and two from Tower's Secret Stash.
(http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh547/augustus1967/P4240044.jpg)
I feel guilty for coming home with such Beautiful points, specially since none of my sad broken pieces made their way to the Buckskin...
But not guilty enough to give them back... >:D
Thank You again George!
And Thank You all for the secrets and techniques that I learned while watching.
What a Great Trip, Weekend, Good Time, you name it!!!
:)
-gus
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Secret stash? ??? Dang, those are sweet!
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Both Don and Gus stayed to the very end helping get everything cleaned up, and I am VERY grateful for their help! We swapped staves and points and rock before we headed for the entrance. Don brought each of us a beautiful point or two. I didn't see, but I'd wager they came from his on-board truck storage facitilty...the console. I let them ride home in a similar spot in my truck, but then they went into the drawer in the shop that holds all the beautiful points people have given me. If I don't get after my display case, I'm going to have to make 2 right up front... I didn't take a picture of those last 2 points. I'm really struggling between displaying the smaller one or hafting it up. I suspect the hafting will win as it sure looks like a killer...and that is what a point is for in my book. ;D
George
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:)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/th_PotatoGun.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/?action=view¤t=PotatoGun.mp4)
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Nice...
I loved that little Spud Gun!
Have to make another one!
And its a lot cheaper to shoot than the Spud Canon! :)
-gus
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Look's like a good time was had at the gatherin'.Great pictures,and a lot of nice points.God Bless
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Lots of food, friends, & rock. It was a great weekend! Tink, tink, tink from daylight to dark with a little bit of everything to knap on. I walked away with a side notched point from Gstoneberg & a montell from jackcrafty. Both are well made. Jackcrafty can finish a point with the indirect method in only a few minutes. Shaun & Cody drove in from Kansas. Two pretty good guys I hope to see them again. Tower.
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I just love the flint chips on your floorboard! ;D I'm gonna have to start driving my truck someplace at lunchtime and trying to duplicate that. There sure were lots of pretty points made. I'm really glad you made the drive up. Wish I'd spent more time watching you notch those points.
George
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Now that looked like a good time. Lots of pretty work there too. Reckon that will get some of us thinkin' . Thanks for the good pictures. ' Frank
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Arrow wrench made by Gus a master craftman ;)
Cipriano
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I have not had a chance to use it yet, but I sure plan on it soon. I have so much more to say that I will post later about the get together. I have just been busier than a mother hen ;)
Cipriano
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Ahh, the memories :). Just got new puter here so will se ifn i can post pics now. Be right back...
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OK, i'm back with pictures :). Here's some of the guys sitting around chipping. Our cache at the time that i left. And a couple points i got away with. A tiny perfect maybe scalorn type from jackcrafty and a beautiful corner notch from tower. You guys are unbelievable - in a good way :). Hope to hit this one again next year - was a blast..
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few more..
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Great pics Paul. We were for sure all serious about busting up rock. ;D ;D Nobody even knows the pictures are being taken. 2 good ones there, super blade, especially those notches!
Bevan's coming down in late July, I might take him out there to break up some rock and see if the piggies are around. Would love company if anybody's interested in joining us. Need to introduce Bevan to a little West Texas summer heat. >:D
George
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Woo Hoo! Late July in west texas! Sure he'll love it. I'm planning on being in the pool around the time (mostly). Yea, that knapping pit out there was as busy as any i've ever seen. Haven't be so tied around a bunch of rock myself in quite awhile. Whatcha doin this weekend ::)? Just joshin, thinking about smoking a pig..
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Whatcha doin this weekend ::)? Just joshin, thinking about smoking a pig..
Did you lure said porker into the back yard for smoked pork acquisition? Smoked pork sounds really good, we're grilling some pork loin tonight to go with sweet potato fries. Actually, this weekend my wife is going to visit our daughter in Denver for over a week, leaving Sunday morning. Let the knapping begin... >:D
George
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That is cruel welcoming someone to west texas heat like that. Maybe just maybe i can show up for this one
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Ha, no.. Said porker will be supplied by our local porker trapper :). I think those that are under 100lbs he can't sell so pretty much disposes in whatever fashion is agreeable to him on said day ::) :D.
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That is cruel welcoming someone to west texas heat like that. Maybe just maybe i can show up for this one
If it works out for us to go out there I'll let you know. Cooler heads (pun intended) might prevail.
Ha, no.. Said porker will be supplied by our local porker trapper :). I think those that are under 100lbs he can't sell so pretty much disposes in whatever fashion is agreeable to him on said day ::) :D.
Yea, the guys on the hog forum that trap are always frustrated by the little ones which can't be sold but per the law must be killed. The hard part is finding people willing to clean the little guys. I tried trapping, but never could make the trigger work right in the door I welded up. My pork supply is dwindling, I'm looking at a hog lease that's real close over here. Hope to be hunting on there very soon and restock the freezer. Enjoy that smoked pork. :)
George
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Good Photos Y'all!!!
And Great Memories!
I really liked that Osage Arrow Wrench Cipriano, I almost brought the Rosewood one out to you instead... >:D
The Good News is I have more Osage Cutoffs to make stuff out of yet. :)
Man... the end of July!!!
May have to Bust Outa Houston for another Cross Plains Crossing!!!
Hammer Down!
-gus
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That is cruel welcoming someone to west texas heat like that. Maybe just maybe i can show up for this one
If it works out for us to go out there I'll let you know. Cooler heads (pun intended) might prevail.
Ha, no.. Said porker will be supplied by our local porker trapper :). I think those that are under 100lbs he can't sell so pretty much disposes in whatever fashion is agreeable to him on said day ::) :D.
Yea, the guys on the hog forum that trap are always frustrated by the little ones which can't be sold but per the law must be killed. The hard part is finding people willing to clean the little guys. I tried trapping, but never could make the trigger work right in the door I welded up. My pork supply is dwindling, I'm looking at a hog lease that's real close over here. Hope to be hunting on there very soon and restock the freezer. Enjoy that smoked pork. :)
George
[/quote
I have a few places around here i can go there is a place right behind me that is always calling people looking for someone to take a pig off there hands. I have permision to go kill as many as i wont any way i wont
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Yea, the guys on the hog forum that trap are always frustrated by the little ones which can't be sold but per the law must be killed. The hard part is finding people willing to clean the little guys. I tried trapping, but never could make the trigger work right in the door I welded up. My pork supply is dwindling, I'm looking at a hog lease that's real close over here. Hope to be hunting on there very soon and restock the freezer. Enjoy that smoked pork. :)
George
If I lived closer those guys would have a steady market for the little rooters. I can only imagine how fun it would be to hang a half dozen of those little 25 pounders in the smoker and smoke 'em up whole. I would lay out a smoked piggy on each of the tables at a friend's wild game feed. The cheek meat alone would be worth it!
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If I lived closer those guys would have a steady market for the little rooters.
JW, I mapped it out and it is only about 2 hours longer to get there than it was to get to John B's place in Iowa. ;)
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;D
How long do you think ol' George would put up with us?
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;D
How long do you think ol' George would put up with us?
I can put up with you for a long time...Mrs. Stoneberg may be a harder sell. Come on down and we'll see.
George
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I can put up with you for a long time...Mrs. Stoneberg may be a harder sell. Come on down and we'll see.
George
I wonder if we got a letter of recommendation from Mrs Bybee? ;D
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Just don't mention me and Mrs Iowabow may write a letter of recommendation. >:D