Primitive Survival Skills Meet-Up

[Timestepper]

Ok, here's the deal: I've received several pm's from folks who are interested in learning the "primitive survival skills" that I have mentioned ad nauseum in this forum, so I'm gonna' try it again.

January 21st and/or January 28th, 2012. I mention both dates because, A. I'm not really particular and could do it either day (or both days) and, B. I realize that one day might be better for some than the other and I'm trying to accommodate everyone.

Chances are we'll just get together down on Bull Run Creek near the Clinton Highway and go from there. In the thread title I called it a "Primitive Survival Skills Meet-Up" but anyone with any useful survival type information/training is more than welcome to show up and demonstrate/teach/discuss their particular field of expertise.

I'm planning this for Saturday morning(s), but if someone wants to show up Friday and camp out, I don't think that'd be a problem as people camp there quite a bit.

As before, I'm not sure what all we'll cover, but we will definitely hit on the basics; Flint & steel fire starting, ash cakes and stick bread, maybe building a simple fire reflector, shelter or maybe something on wild plant foods. If I can find suitable materials, we might get into the basics of making cordage. Again, it'll be determined largely by what presents itself and what someone wants to learn. (Might also spend a little time discussing the difference between "living off the land" and living WITH the land.)

I'm figuring that weather won't be a consideration because, as I've mentioned before, true survival situations don't much give a damn what the weather is doing. In fact, it seems that sometimes the best way to learn is to do it under adverse conditions - it's one thing to get a fire going on a bright sunny Spring day, but if you can get one going on a soggy, dreary or snowy day, then you KNOW what you can do when the chips are down.

Sooo... If anyone is interested and/or up for it then let me know, either through this thread or with a pm and we'll see what kind of mischief we can get into.

...TS...

[CM1021]

I would like to come down and join in this! Might bring a buddy if that's ok...this would be my first primitive get together!

[Timestepper]

The more the merrier! With you and your buddy, that brings us to a total of 5 (counting me) so far. (I've also received pm's from a couple of members who are planning on making it.)

Again, this doesn't have to be just about primitive stuff and I welcome others who are knowledgeable on other survival type subjects.

[robin48]

I wish I could be there. 400 miles is a long way.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[bigbabysweets]

I'm game! We've talked more in depth already, but figured I'd post to help establish a head count for others. I'd also be bringing at least one more person and will more than likely camp if given the opportunity.

[Timestepper]

Sounds like a plan. Sometime between this Saturday and the 21st I'll get down to the creek and check things out. With all the rain we've had lately I know it's pretty muddy right now, but I've got another TGO member who's gonna' go with me to find the best (read driest) spot to do things.

[Jonsaiga]

so is this just a single day trip or a campout?

[Timestepper]

so is this just a single day trip or a campout?

There's a good chance it'll be both. I don't see a problem right now if anyone wants to camp - as I mentioned earlier, people camp down there quite a bit - but there are those (myself included) who may not be able to camp due to time constraints. I'd like to camp, but given what I do for a living I won't know until almost the last minute whether I'll get home in time or be at home long enough to do it.

[Guest DeepSea1985]

Two friends and I were talking about doing something similar today at lunch. Is the area you’re talking about getting together near Claxton? We are in Murfreesboro & Franklin area so it would be an easy trip.

[Timestepper]

Two friends and I were talking about doing something similar today at lunch. Is the area you’re talking about getting together near Claxton? We are in Murfreesboro & Franklin area so it would be an easy trip.

Yeah. As a matter of fact it's about a quarter of a mile from the bottom of my driveway. I'll try to get off my kiester sometime soon and post a map showing the location in relation to Knoxville. Plus, I'll send out a PM with my cell number to everyone who plans to attend, just in case they get lost or something. lol

The only problem I foresee right now (never realizing I'd have the responses I have) is finding a place for everyone to park. Worst case scenario, I'll find a place for everyone to park nearby and then we'll just "ferry" folks over in my pickup.

[Timestepper]

Ok, if I do this right the following link will give the <more or less> exact location of where we're going to this and you can use it to get directions from where ever you are to where we'll be.

Primitive Skills Meet-up

(The blue balloon marks the spot.)

If the link doesn't work or someone needs further instructions, please let me know.

...TS...

[analog_kidd]

I'm definitely thinking about joining you. Are you for certain about the 21st?

[Timestepper]

I'm definitely thinking about joining you. Are you for certain about the 21st?

About as certain as it gets. Barring a complete calamity or otherwise total breakdown of society, I plan on doing this on the 21st and again on the 28th for anyone who wants to come out, but can't make it to the first one (or likes it enough to do it again).

[Timestepper]

UPDATE: Things are still on course and several have expressed interest/committed, either in this thread or via PM, bringing the total possible attendees up to 15-20 people, so far. Another TGO'er and I will be scoping things out this weekend. The biggest problem I anticipate is going to be finding a place for everyone to park and that's one of the things we'll be looking at, with the understanding that we may have to change the venue to a different spot (just a few miles away) in order to accommodate parking for everyone.

I'll check back on Sunday (the 15th) and send out a PM to everyone who has responded.

This would probably also be a good time to point out what is probably obvious, but I'll mention it anyway: I've taken on the responsibility to host this get-together because I know that there are folks who are interested in learning what I and others can teach. That's as far as my responsibility goes. I'll happily give directions, answer questions and provide my cell # to those interested, but everything else is the responsibility of the attendees. Food and/or drink will not be provided (although I might brew up some black Bohea tea), so I would suggest that everyone bring what ever they feel they will need to get through the day. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm anticipating anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Please plan accordingly.

Also please be advised that this will be an alcohol-free event. (Nothing against it, been known to bend an elbow myself on occasion, but this isn't a drinking party. If you can't leave the booze at home, then please feel free to stay home with it.)

We don't know what the weather will be doing yet, so it might not be a bad idea to scope out the weather channel so that you can dress appropriate to the conditions - as I think I've mentioned elsewhere in this thread, the weather doesn't matter to me, I'll still be there. (In a true survival situation, you can't do a darn thing about the weather anyway except cuss a little and keep going.)

Have a great day and I'll be back with more info on Sunday!

...TS...

[Sandman]

Shoot me some info when you know...If I can, I would love to attend.

[Timestepper]

Shoot me some info when you know...If I can, I would love to attend.

And I'd love to have you there. I'll post here and also shoot a PM to all concerned by Sunday at the latest.

[Guest bkelm18]

I'll show up if I can. The proposed area is only about 10 min from me.

[Timestepper]

Look forward to meeting you if you can make it.

[Timestepper]

P.M. Sent out to all (I think) who've expressed interest and/or committed to coming. If I missed you, or you're new to the thread, let me know.

...TS...

[Guest Capt. Thunder]

I cannot make the 21st. I'll try to make the 28th

[Timestepper]

I cannot make the 21st. I'll try to make the 28th

Good enough for me. If this turns out to be worthwhile, then I'm not above doing another one later in the Spring.

[bigbabysweets]

I hate to go along with the recent trend, but, I too must back out. After having saturdays off for months by chance, I mistakingly requested a saturday off and now have to work. I'll put my name on the calender for the 28th and cross my fingers. I hope there's a good turnout. I would loved to have made it.

[Timestepper]

I hate to go along with the recent trend, but, I too must back out. After having saturdays off for months by chance, I mistakingly requested a saturday off and now have to work. I'll put my name on the calender for the 28th and cross my fingers. I hope there's a good turnout. I would loved to have made it.

Yeah, life is what happens when you were making other plans, so don't sweat it. I'll see you on the 28th.

Right now we're looking at at least 8 definites for the 21st, but I figured not everyone who wanted to come would be able to make it so I added the 28th just in case. (Problem solved.) But after the 28th, my sweet, kind, lovely, oh so darling wife has informed me that I've gotta' get started back on honeydo's. :-\

[Timestepper]

WEATHER UPDATE: The rain gods have once again decided that they LOVE East Tennessee weekends and the forecast is now calling for possible thunderstorms after midnight Friday and a near 100% chance of rain on Saturday. For those who are still committed to coming, we'll probably be forced UNDER the bridge just to avoid trying to make a lean-to big enough to fit everyone.

Same as before, we'll do the best we can and as much as we can with whatever we have to do it with. (Provided we don't get washed out completely.)

[Timestepper]

Not that this will come as a shock to anyone, but I just came back from the creek and we've been flooded out. 'Bout the only survival skill we could practice today would be water and mud rescue for the dumb ass who's hosting it.

Gonna' try again on the 28th and if that doesn't work then I'll try once more for sometime later in the Spring. (And if THAT doesn't work, then I'm just gonna' give up altogether.)

Sorry...