Thumb Trekking

[pathfinder]

I did a little Trekking in the tip of Mich. thumb last fall. A little difficult to do due to all the private land and such,but I was on a scout and needed to avoid any contact with friendly's or hostiles.  fncgLeft my place @ 5:30 A.M. and headed south along the lake. Saw some beautiful country and sights, did a little hunting, 2 fox squirrels to add to the supplies I brought. Spent the night near the "beach"[all rocks] then headed back to work on the cabin. I've been 5years building it and we are almost finished. Even small outings like this are very cathartic and really bring into perspective what's important. Being out there will nothing but primitive stuff you've made or traded for and TRY to live in the past,made the work-a-day world a little more bearable.
I had with me;[mild weather with no storms forecasted]My buckskin pants,2 linen shirts,linen frock,sash and belt,Dyers moccasins and two pair of center seam,belt and leg knife,hawk,leather covered bottle foe a cantine,knapsack with small folding grate,folding skillet,boiler holding dried rice and peas,Mexican chocolate,1 onion,spice mix,10yds 1/4" hemp rope extra fire kit and tow,folding spoon/fork/spatula combo,first aid kit,small new testament,sewing kit,extra socks,castile soap,toothbrush[brothers a dentist],4 s-hooks,tin of trappers blend mink oil,and medicines. Also had a cell phone in a beaded bag. As much as we try to go back 250 years,safety must be employed so I can live to scout again! REALLY had a good time.

[battman1]

Sounds like a fun time.I'd like to try that one of these days.

[pathfinder]

It was a lot of fun and not that hard to do. Bakers 2 books Pilgrims journey were invaluable in getting the right gear together.

[pathfinder]

Took another little walk with all my stuff the other day after a rather difficult time at work. I do in-home furniture repair for Mi. largest furniture retailer and customers can be fussy at times.   Getting out in woods primitive style is very cathartic for me and allows me to put everything back into perspective. The troubles of the day disappear when I have OLE' WORMY in my hands, backpack of "stuff", bag and horn[one of Stumblin Wolfs,AWSOME] and primitive clothes. A warm fire with somthin' cookin',coffee, and just a touch of Skull Varnish[to keep things in smooth],and I'm ready to face another day! I can cook the same exact food at home over the same type of wood fire I use in the wood's,and it is never the same! I always realize after I get out there that the camera is back at home. It's not that far away, but once your out in the wood's,everything may as well be on the moon. If I'm only able to be out for a couple of hours,It's probably worth 1000 hours on some shrinks couch! I think if we all could find the time to relax just a bit to really reflect on where we are in this life,we would all benefit from it. I'll really try to remember to bring the camera next time!

[Roaring Bull]

I agree 100% Pathfinder.  I gotta get out and find me a place like that around here.  And then take the time to enjoy it.

[david32cal]

Hey! Pathfinder, how about some pictures of that cabin you're building

[pathfinder]

I should have it guestfriendly by 4th of July. Most of the work is in the prep of the property then FIGHTING with the local authorities on how to do things. Those who can do,those who can't, work in government

[FrankG]

What kind of pack rig do you use ?

[pathfinder]

I use a haversack converted to a knapsack as illustrated in Bakers book #1. If it doesn't fit in the knapsack,it doesn't go. I have three leather ties attached under the pack to tie my blanket to. It rides better for me under the pack rather than on top or using a tump line.

[pathfinder]

Goin' out again tommorow and I'll bring the camera this time. Need a little alone time with my "stuff" in da wood's!

[FrankG]

Git a couple pics of yer rig if you could , I dont have Bakers books .

[pathfinder]

Will do Frank!

[pathfinder]

Erands came up today so I couldn't make it out,so I took pic's anyway;
front

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contents:top,folding saw,med boiler,covered cup,small boiler,spices,fire kit
mirror,sewing kit,jute twine,fishing kit
candle and folding candle lantern,new testement,soap,mexican chocolate,folding grate with a folding skillet and a foldingfork/spoon/spatula,and a tin of grease. room on top for food and water

[Dryball]

Pathfinder, I don't have Bakers book...can you describe how the haversack is modified? Also, what kind of weight do you carry for an overnighter?

Ned

[pathfinder]

I made it by first removing the straps,adding a leather gusset to the bottom of the bag and one on the top of it. The purpose of the leather is to add strength for the shoulder straps that are attached to the top and bottom of the bag. I also put a piece across my chest to keep the straps from slipping off my shoulders. There are also a couple of ties on the bottom to hold my blanket with a small tarp inside in case it rains or to use as a wind block. The whole rig weighs @ 13 lbs without food and water. It is ALOT more comfortable than an over the shoulder haversack!