Newsletter

ALL-WAYS PREPARED

Welcome to Our Quarterly Newsletter

We had a couple of goals in mind when we first came up with the idea of having this newsletter: 

The first is to provide you with information to not only keep you up to date with what we've been up to, but to also inform you of upcoming events.  We host two rendezvous every year:  WAR (Wilderness Adventurers Rendezvous) in the fall, and PEACE (People Enjoying Another "Campraderie" Experience) in the spring.  Just scroll down to find all the details of both events. 

The second is to provide many helpful tips about a variety of outdoor-related topics.  There will be an occasional field note which will highlight a particular plant or animal of interest; and we'll even toss in a recipe every now and then if we think it might be something you'd enjoy making for your next outdoor adventure!

We hope you enjoy it!       

A RECAP OF 2009 -- by Aggie 

Following are some highlights from what was, again, a very busy year.

17-19 Jan; Winter Camping Trip.  This has become a regular yearly event for us.  It's basically kicking off the new year by getting together with friends for some wintertime fun.  And we always have fun.  Thirteen people joined us for the two-night adventure.  We had at least six inches of snow when we loaded up sleds and snowshoed into the woods on our property.  At an appropriate spot, everyone picked a site and got their tents set up.  Then a team effort began to ensure we had enough firewood gathered for the weekend.  After the work was done it was just getting down to having a good time visiting, and of course eating, around the campfire.  Several of us took a nice hike on Sunday and some of the guys even got some target shooting in.  The daytime temps averaged in the teens and the nights got down to single digits.  It snowed lightly each night too.  Unfortunately, like all trips, this one ended far too soon.  But we always look forward to the next one.  Our winter camping trip is always scheduled on Martin Luther King weekend (Sat/Sun/Mon).  It is open to anyone who's had experience winter camping, or would like to try winter camping with a group of experienced outdoorsmen.  Give it a try, it might become one of your yearly events!  Just keep in mind though that this isn't a school event; just a bunch of friends getting together.  Each person is responsible for providing their own food and gear.

15-20 Feb; Winter Survival Course.  Seven students braved the elements to attend this course.  The temps ranged from into the twenties by day; down into the teens by night.  One day it reached 40 degrees!  But then a cold front moved in, bringing a dusting of snow and a blustery wind that had a bit of a bite to it.  An enclosed classroom was set up to protect everyone from the weather.  Marty, Bobby, and Kevin taught a wide variety of winter related subjects such as cold weather injuries, trapping in winter conditions, cold weather clothing and gear, winter shelters, making fire in cold weather conditions, procuring water, and winter vehicle recovery.  The classroom also served as our dining area.  Because we close our camp kitchen for the winter, I did all of the cooking at home (a tough job, but someone had to do it) then delivered the meals piping hot.  It's hard to learn on an empty stomach so no one ever goes hungry during any of our courses!  A huge tent with a heater was set up as sleeping quarters for anyone who wished to use it.  Some students did, but others chose to bring their own tents.  We encouraged each student to try sleeping outside one night with just their sleeping bag and pad.  If they got cold, they could always come back into the heated tent.  Having a controlled setting is a good way to try out winter skills and test winter gear and this course is a good way to get started.

14 Mar; Annual Sportsmen's Dinner, Schroon Lake NY.  This annual free event, sponsored by the Mountainside Bible Church, is much more than just a dinner.  Tickets, obtained in advance by participants, allow them to attend several seminars covering many outdoor-related topics.  Marty's seminar on wilderness survival is an obvious favorite as this was his 8th year there.  This year Bobby joined in to give him a hand.  Plus, Kevin came to give a seminar on lostproofing.  From the favorable comments received, he's sure to be back again.  We always have a great time there; it's a nice group of people.

20-22 Apr; Basic Survival Course, NC.  This course, Marty's second annual, was held just south of Marion, in western NC.  Bobby also came to assist with the course.  The property is owned by a true southern gentleman and friend of ours, Terrill Hoffman.  Terrill is also host of the annual Practice What You Preach Rendezvous (PWYP) which starts the day after our course ends.  Marty and Bobby squeezed in a vast array of wilderness survival subjects, as this course is a consolidated version of the week-long course given at the WLC.  And, just as we do at the WLC, each student attending received a student handbook as well as a certificate and school patch.  The nine students camped on site and spent long days covering many survival related subjects which included learning about compass and land navigation, outdoor gear, water procurement and purification, and edible and medicinal plants.  Our guest instructor, Ethan Becker, held a seminar on knives, discussing selection and usage as well as the different types of knife steels.  Overall, this course was very informative. 

23-26; PWYP, Chestnut Mountain in western NC.  As I've already mentioned, this is an annual rendezvous that began eight years ago and has turned into quite an event.  Compared to five attendees the first year, it's grown to 71 attendees this year.  All seem to share not only a love of the outdoors but a sense of comradeship with lots of like-minded people.  We had a great time visiting not only with friends we'd met previously (this was our fourth time to PWYP) but with new friends as well.  There were several seminars held during the event.  Marty gave one on knots; our friends LT and Dan from Blind Horse Knives gave one on knife retention; another friend of ours, Joe Flowers, gave one on pet first aid; and Doug Ritter, the survival kit king/guru, gave one on the advancements of Personal Locator Beams (PLB).  Ethan, Doug, LT, Dan, and a few other friends even joined us at our campsite one night for a spaghetti dinner.  A favorite part of PWYP is the trade blanket and this year was no exception.  There were plenty of great outdoor-related items to be had depending on what you may have been looking for.  On the last night there is a huge giveaway, with a ton of stuff donated by many companies such as Bark River Knife and Tool, Sharpshooter Sheaths, Blind Horse Knives, and so many others I just can't remember at the moment.  Overall it was a good time with good company.  And, as always, we hated to see it come to an end.

23-25; PEACE.  This was our third annual spring rendezvous and with 45 attendees you can bet they all had a great time.  There were lots of kids and dogs romping all around the field.  I loved watching them.  We held a few seminars.  Bobby and Kevin gave one on making fire with a bow and drill; Simon gave one on knife sharpening; and Garrick gave one on flintknapping.  The Northern Chateaugay Wilderness Society inducted two more members.  And we had a surprise giveaway:  Bark River donated knives and Sharpshooter Sheaths donated pocket sheaths and otter cases.  We normally don't have a giveaway at PEACE so we were very surprised ourselves when the items arrived.  On our last night we had a huge potluck dinner.  There was an amazing amount of food contributed by all.  Each night we had a huge campfire going out in our field.  Everyone sits around it in one big circle.  I turn in fairly early and each night I was lulled to sleep by the sounds of laughter coming from the circle.  It was a great way to end each day. 

26-28; DOE Camp, Jay Peak VT.  This weekend women's program is sponsored by the Vermont Outdoor Guides Association (VOGA).  A series of seminars are scheduled and women sign up for their choices of which ones they'd like to attend.  The choices are many and include shooting, archery, kayaking, fishing, geocaching, to name a few.  I joined Marty on his plant walk which is always very in depth and informative.  He also gave a seminar on wilderness survival which is always popular.  One of his attendees was a young lady who was a writer for the London Times!  We brought our tent and set up on the edge of a pond, far away from the main complex which is a huge ski resort in winter.  I was up both mornings for early (6-7 am) birding sessions.  A small group of us walked partway up the ski slopes.  In addition to seeing plenty of deer and moose tracks, we spotted a Swainson's Thrush!  It was certainly worth getting up early just to see that one bird.  Meals were served in a large dining room, and each evening there was musical entertainment.  There was a little bit of rain off and on through the weekend but it didn't appear to dampen any of the ladies' spirits.  They all looked like they had a good time.  I know we did!

Jul-Aug; WLC Courses are in full swing.  We look forward to the courses starting because we meet so many nice people.  Marty, Kevin, and Bobby are going nonstop.  Their expertise and patience with the students are endless.  Each of them go out of their way to make sure everyone understands each aspect of the course.  Because we like to keep the class sizes small, there's a small student/instructor ratio.  This gives more individualized instruction and attention to each student.  Plus if a student is having problems not understanding something, any of the instructors are more than happy to go over anything after the class ends each day.  A lot of instruction even goes on around the campfire each night.  It's interesting to see how the students change in a week.  The first day they're somewhat quiet and shy.  By midweek they're pretty much all laughing and joking around.  Many friendships have been started around our campfires.  We'd like to believe that everyone leaves here with a better understanding and respect of their outdoor world.  Even though I'm busy getting the meals going, I try to help out here and there when I can.  We added a new intern to our growing WLC family.  Big John (a retired New York City Detective) has been helping us out; getting his feet wet you might say.  He's even added some interesting tips on urban safety to our evening fireside discussions.  It's very informative as most of our students come from major cities.  Overall it was another great summer. 

5-7 Sep; WAR.  It's hard to believe this is our fourth WAR!  The weather couldn't have been better.  We had a great turnout; 51 people.  Many of the same friends have been returning each year and it's always nice to see everyone again.  We had several surprise celebrations this year:  a birthday cake, a wedding shower, and a retirement party.  There was a lot of cake to be eaten!  We had some seminars.  Our friend, Mick, who lives locally, gave one on making a pack basket.  I gave one on making a snake knot bracelet; Kelly helped me out..  Marty also did a plant walk.  Dan did one on wilderness first aid.  Kevin and Bobby did one on making fire with a bow and drill.  Everyone was kept busy.  We had another potluck dinner.  Because there was so much food we split it up for the two days--and there still was a lot!  We also had a big giveaway.  Items were donated by Bark River, Sharpshooter Sheaths, EDC Depot, Blind Horse Knives, CampingSurvival, and Mick Jarvis.  Each person won at least one item; the generosity of the donators was just overwhelming.  It's hard to believe as this event ends that summer is pretty much at an end too.

24-27 Sep; Finger Lakes Rendezvous, Hector NY.  This was a nice gathering hosted by our friend, Stu Carpenter.  Not a large group but still a great time.  We just all pitched our tents and hung out visiting for the weekend.  Marty took some of the folks on a plant walk.  Several people went on a hike.  A local forest ranger came out and gave a seminar on white-tailed deer which was very interesting.  He brought several sets of antlers, some of which had been obtained by poachers.  The national park where we camped in right in the heart of wine country so some people took a visit to some of the local wineries.  On our last night we held a potluck dinner (there always seems to be so much food at these events).  It was another successful get together.

2-4 Oct; New Sharon ME.  We had an opportunity to go on this camping trip to meet some people from one of the forums that Marty goes on, Hoods Woods.  The host, John, has a nice piece of property behind a farm.  Seven of us camped out and although it was cold and rainy we still had a great time.  It was especially nice to meet some new people and I'm sure we'll be seeing them again.  One of the guys, Jason, is a knifemaker.  He gave me a beautiful little knife that I've tested out a few times since taking it home.  He did a great job on it; it's definitely a keeper!  It was nice to return home knowing we've made some new friends!

7-16 Oct; UPMI.  We were really excited about this trip; our first to the Upper Pennisula of MI where Marty did a three-day wilderness survival course (10-12 Oct).  We left a few days early and leisurely took our time traveling.  When we arrived in Escanaba we drove right to Bark River where we finally met Mike Stewart and his wife, Lesley (the owners).  Reid, Sharpshooter Sheaths, met us there too and we got a grand tour.  It was amazing !  After dinner and a stay at Reid's we left the next morning for the property where the course was to be held.  Ken, the landowner, had graciously allowed us to use the property and what a beautiful piece of property it is.  Over 7,200 acres of hardwoods, pines, fields, and swamps.  We saw lots of deer and Ken told me there's even a wolf pack that comes through periodically.  Wish I could've heard them, but I didn't.  Anyway, we found a good spot for the camp and went to work.  I set up our tent while Marty got the "classroom" ready.  We then made a small fire pit, gathered firewood, and settled in for the night.  The five students arrived, as well as Big John (who came to assist Marty), and the course started.  The course was the same as the one Marty conducted prior to PWYP, a consolidated version of our WLC course.  Reid came out and joined us for two nights.  He also did a short course on knife usage.  Even though it was sunny most of the time, it was pretty cold.  We had frost on the tent every morning.  Mike and Lesley came on the final full day with a big surprise.  They gave each student a Bark River Canadian Special knife with our school logo on them.  We couldn't believe their generosity; it was just super nice of them to do this!  And if you thought we were surprised, you should've seen the students!  The next morning the students started packing up early as it started to snow!  Marty and I and Big John were going to camp there one more night but instead took Reid up on his generous offer to crash at his place again.  So we handed out the certificates and patches, took some photos, and said goodbye to a great group of guys.  Then we packed up and headed over to meet Reid.  That evening we had a lovely dinner at Mike's house.  The next morning we made a stop once again to Bark River to thank them again and say goodbye.  Then we hit the road for the long ride home.  Next year Reid plans on hosting his first annual UPMI Camp-In rendezvous.  It will be held 24-26 Sep 10.  Marty will also be conducting a UPMI wilderness survival course the three days (21-23 Sep 10) prior to the rendezvous.  We can't wait to return there!

6-8 Nov; Fall Canoe Trip, Adirondacks NY.  This is our last canoe trip of the year and we generally have it during the Veteran's Day weekend.  We had 17 people join us on this adventure.  We canoed to one of our favorite spots in the Adirondacks, Little Square Pond which is located in the Saint Regis Wilderness Canoe Area, not too far from Saranac Lake, NY.  The weather was very nice for this time of year.  It had snowed the day before we headed out, which made for a beautifully scenic journey to a wilderness camp site.  Because there were so many of us we had to use two sites (Adirondack Park regulations) but they were within a short walking distance from each other.  After setting up our tents and gathering firewood, we settled into our camp routine of just sitting around the fire enjoying each others company.  Several of us went on a long hike on Sunday.  It was a perfect day for it.  Before you know it, the weekend was over and we had to leave.  But we'll be doing it again, probably sooner than we think.  Just like the winter trip, this is just a group of friends getting together and not a school event.  Anyone is more than welcome to join us but you have to provide your own food, gear and canoe.  We always welcome new faces around the campfire.

4-6 Dec; Kittery ME.  This is the only trip we do that doesn't involve setting up a tent!  Marty and I started this trip four years ago.  I'd commented one day about how, since there weren't many women (other than me) who go camping with us it would be nice to maybe do a trip somewhere that involved staying in a motel.  This way, some of the guys who camp with us all the time could bring their wives (most of whom we'd never even met).  Since Marty had never been to the Kittery Trading Post before we decided to plan a trip there and invite whoever wanted to come.  Well, the first year there were three of us (Marty, me, and Kevin).  This year there were nine.  We all did the shopping thing between the Kittery Trading Post and LL Bean, with a stop at Cabela's in between.  And of course there's the seafood restaurants!  This was our last trip of the year!  In a little over a month we'll be starting it all over again!

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    P E A C e  2010

                                                                                            May 28-31, 2010  (memorial Day Weekend)

We go to WAR every fall (Labor Day Weekend) so we 're having PEACE (People enjoying another campraderie experience) in the spring. (Memorial Day weekend).  PEACE, like WAR is a free event, open to all. It’s about camping, survival, knives, the outdoors and meeting like minded folks for a really good time. This is a family friendly event, children and friendly dogs are welcome but you are responsible for their behavior. You are also responsible for your meals, water and garbage. What you bring in you bring out. Light drinking is permitted. We have 4 nice clean outhouses for your convenience but no showers. During the weekend we will have a variety of seminars on survival and the outdoors including a wild plant walk,  knot tying class, knife sharpening seminar and more.  An air rifle shoot, sling shot and primitive fire making competition is also planned. We also hope to have a seminar on on flint knapping again.  Saturday afternoon we will have a (trade blanket) swap meet. Bring anything you want to sell or trade that is outdoors related. Also several vendors will have outdoor stuff to sell. A potluck supper is planned for Sunday evening for anyone wanting to participate.  Anyone desiring to arrive a day earlier is welcome but we might put you to work.

 We have plenty of space for tent or RV camping on the grounds but no RV hookups. Don’t forget your folding camp chairs. We also have 4 different fire pits for primitive cooking if you so desire. Each night we will have a huge campfire to end each evening. Somehow the campfire seems to be the most entertaining part of the event. Email or call to let us know that you are coming so we can keep a count.  weteachu@dishmail.net or 518-497-3179

WAR 2010

3-6  September, 2010  (Labor Day Weekend)

WAR 2009 was a huge success so we started planning for 2010. In case any of you haven't heard, WAR stands for Wilderness Adventurers Rendezvous. This will be our 5th WAR.  It is a time when good folks get together, learning new skills, brushing up on other skills, meeting new friends, camping, enjoying excellent food, relaxing, great bonfires at night and much more. We have a great water source and plenty of nice outhouses. You are responsible for your own food and shelter. Tents or campers are welcome but we don't have hook-ups for trailers. And if this isn't enough, it's free plus at WAR we have free giveaways. Last year at WAR we gave away over $2400.00 dollars worth of prizes that were donated by some great folks. We also give away a free survival course and don't forget the trade blanket. Also every year we have a Back Basket maker and Flintknapper demonstrating. Also we have free seminars and  contests. Saturday & Sunday evening we have a pot luck supper that is fantastic. As always, anyone wishing to arrive a day early or stay a day later is welcome. Any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail us.   Phone 518-497-3179 (between 6Am and 9PM)   e-mail weteachu@dishmail.net  

Directions to camp grounds from Chateaugay, N.Y.  

FROM VILLAGE OF CHATEAUGAY, NEW YORK; Continue on Route 374, heading  North, about 2.8 miles, past the village, to the second left hand turn. Look for street sign on the left (Hogan Road). Be careful, the road sign on the right side  will say McCormick Road. Turn left and follow this road about 1 mile to the end. Make a right turn on the Sandy Knoll Road. Follow this road and it will eventually become a dirt/gravel road. Continue for about 1 more mile and watch for the W.L.C. sign on the right side of the road. Turn right into dirt driveway and follow signs to camp.

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CAMP-IN 2010

Camp-In is a free camping event hosted by Bark River Knives, Wilderness Learning Center, Knifeforums, and Sharpshooter Sheath Systems to provide campers of all skill levels an opportunity to make friends, enjoy the wilderness and have a terrific time in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is a fun filled family event. We will conduct many different seminars over the weekend pertaining to  the wilderness experience. It will be held on a beautiful private tract of land with outhouses provided. Participants will be responsible for their own food and garbage removal. See the link for more information. http://camp-in.net/