Update

Well, it has been a while. Computer death, tendonitis, garden work...there has been a lot going on.

On the Ranger Forums I posted (finally!) the bit on the bedroll I use these days. I have as yet not found anything preferable to it based on actual use. When Winter rolls around again we'll see, but so far the minimalist aspect suits me well as both Longhunter and Ranger. After all, if I am scouting about, especially in potentially hostile territory, the last thing I want is more weight than I need, more gear than I need. Less is better.

Assuming we get actual snow of reasonable amount this coming Winter, I'll be working with the wooden snowshoes as well...there was no opportunity last Winter.

I am still building a heavy canvas pack based on the Ranger sort used in the late 17th through middle 18th centuries. It will get a thorough field testing as well. The only place I can currently see it shining over the bedroll setup is the haversack....which pulls on one shoulder and can be a mild hindrance at times. I am thinking of making a smaller one and using it in conjunction with a slightly larger belt pouch. The only way to be certain is to field test all of it, and that at least, I can do, and do well. I am happy with my need wallet...it carries the ten essentials plus a bit of simple food so does not have to be very big. It sits in the small of my back, out of the way.

The more I run around the forests, the more I appreciate my composite bow; being smaller, it is easier to maneuver off trail. Being composite, it packs the same punch as my longbows and doesn't take a set as easily. The only other one I need to work with is the reflex deflex bow has elements of both..a self bow, but with recurved..reflexed ends..it is shorter than a longbow, longer than a composite, takes a set less easily than the longbow but more easily than the composite,and packs just as much punch. It is faster than a longbow I find.

Since swords are forbidden in this state I have learned a great deal about the use of knives, tomahawks and axes. I have found the combination to be just as effective as a sword...IF you now what you are about.

Hunting season begins in about two and a half months. I am hoping the tendonitis takes time off as it makes holding a good site picture with the bow very challenging..and I will not risk injuring an animal and causing undue suffering; that is dishonorable.

At least the later black powder season is doable; I have my longhunting still.

Anyway, that ought to do for today.

Eledhwen