I was supposed to hunt today. Best laid plans of mice and men unfortunately. It has not put me in a very good frame of mind. I will work out to help dissipate the irritation.
What have I been working on...hmmm.
Braies...the medieval sort which I sometimes 'feminize' a bit just because and no, I won't say just how. Both preparing to make new ones and altering extant ones.
Hosen...linen and wool. Mostly wool just now as the weather is colder. I double the layers in the foot region since I wear medieval footwear and the extra wool helps with insulation.
Tunics...my nifty faded green linen tunic has gone walkabout or something...so I am making new ones. Again, linen and wool. Nothing complex and not cotehardies....just plain 'T' type tunics..or shortened kirtles if you prefer. Generally about knee length and blousy enough to not impede movement while being close enough not to be a pain in the tuckus in the forest.
Hoods & Mantles....my nice green one has gone walkabout like the tunic....I do have a nice dark red wool one with a black linen lining, but I am making new ones anyway. I am making them from the patterns I got from Reconstructing History (they are in the mens' set that includes coif and braies. Mine are green and/or grey...with one white one for other use and one in blaze orange for hunting.
Coif...three piece, of blaze orange, for when the hood is just too warm.
Tabbard....well, a kind of late surcote really, of blaze orange, for hunting.
Quiver... still seeking a go-to version. Mostly I am adding 'arrow bags' to them..that is, leather pieces that can cover and protect the fletched ends.
Belt pouches....making some new ones specifically for my hunting pursuits. They will also work with Rangering since I carry the same gear for the most part. One of them has an inner divider so the camera can slide in the back and be covered and protected while beeswax and bowstrings occupy the front section. I can open it and not worry about non-period items showing while keeping the camera readily available.
Trousse knife....making a suspension piece for this; heavy leather faced with a sheet of brass, pierced to accept the 'button' on the sheath. This will in turn slide onto the belt. This is a big, heavy knife. I carry a smaller one for 'inside work' so to speak.
I use a blanket roll rather than a pack, but a leather pack is in the planning stages just for the hell of it.
Oh, new arrows need seeing to as well. I have settled on the fletching; one solid grey feather, two grey and white banded feathers. The heads are medieval points. I am still looking for a maker of really good points that aren't just for show...I have found some obviously, but I am looking for better.
Eledhwen
The Ranger-Harper of Minhiriath
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Archery stuff
Hunting season is eight days away. Completing various tasks associated with preparation for it.
Arrows; building new ones. Shifting points from more heavily spined shafts to those with less spine of the same diameter. The misalignment of my shoulder and clavicle on the left side make drawing my heavier bows (70# +) something of a challenge. As a result, I will use them for target shooting for the most part, using a lighter draw for hunting.
Serving arrow strings; every so often one has to replace or repair the serving on the bow strings.
Pouches and whatnot for smaller items, all of which will be in the larger shoulder pouch. That larger pouch is built after a Roman one found on a wreck, but is also consistent with a 'pilgrims' shoulder bag. Maintenance to belt pouches of various sort.
Addition of a protective sleeve to the quiver top; it allows one to wander about the brush without damaging the flights on the arrows too much.
Reworking the blanket roll and its contents, mostly spare clothing and the copper pot.
Making new garments of wool to go over the linen garments. New hood and mantle. Ranger cloak of dark heather grey wool.
Spare bow strings.
For the off season; a fellow member of St. Huberts' Rangers came across a description of making a target of bound straw. Take a horn, cut off the tip. Feed straw through horn, binding it with twine as it comes out the narrow end. The result is a long 'rope' of straw, which can then be coiled and layered to create a good archery target. Far, far, cheaper than the commercially available grass butts. Best of all; made by ones' own hand.
Eledhwen
Arrows; building new ones. Shifting points from more heavily spined shafts to those with less spine of the same diameter. The misalignment of my shoulder and clavicle on the left side make drawing my heavier bows (70# +) something of a challenge. As a result, I will use them for target shooting for the most part, using a lighter draw for hunting.
Serving arrow strings; every so often one has to replace or repair the serving on the bow strings.
Pouches and whatnot for smaller items, all of which will be in the larger shoulder pouch. That larger pouch is built after a Roman one found on a wreck, but is also consistent with a 'pilgrims' shoulder bag. Maintenance to belt pouches of various sort.
Addition of a protective sleeve to the quiver top; it allows one to wander about the brush without damaging the flights on the arrows too much.
Reworking the blanket roll and its contents, mostly spare clothing and the copper pot.
Making new garments of wool to go over the linen garments. New hood and mantle. Ranger cloak of dark heather grey wool.
Spare bow strings.
For the off season; a fellow member of St. Huberts' Rangers came across a description of making a target of bound straw. Take a horn, cut off the tip. Feed straw through horn, binding it with twine as it comes out the narrow end. The result is a long 'rope' of straw, which can then be coiled and layered to create a good archery target. Far, far, cheaper than the commercially available grass butts. Best of all; made by ones' own hand.
Eledhwen
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Forward into the Past...
Indeed. I am soon going to be done with the hickory bowstave that I chose to transform into a semi-paleolithic bow. I have no arrows for it yet, in part because the final draw weight is not yet known. It looks to wind up around 45#@28", which is perfect for hunting and an aging hunter. ;)
Alongside that are the paleolithic items to accompany it, or the Ötzi kit, since it is heavily based off of this 5300 year old mans' gear. The quiver, some birchbark containers, dried fungus on a thong, etc.
With those, of course, are the items of clothing; leggings, breechcloth, shirt, over tunic, and hat, not to mention footwear. Now I am not recreating his footwear, instead using something more akin to the Scythian moccasin boot. I am not doing a full on reenactment after all, but a kind of primitive living bit of exercise of my own devising.
There is the atlatl too, which appears to have been concurrently developed with the bow, the sling and its stones, flint points and pieces, a bronze knife instead of a bronze axe, since I have blades for the former but not the latter. Fire making kit, both friction and striker. Believe it or not, bronze can be used as a striker too.
I cannot hunt with the atlatl, but I can hunt with a paleolithic kind of bow..and during bow season I have no need of orange so I can wear the entire kit and see how things work out.
Along with all of this is a change to a modified paleolithic kind of diet, that is, heavy on meats, fruits, berries, and vegetables, along with roots and tubers, but very light on the grains and grain derived foods. Too, the movement to free range meats and 'organic' foods in general, while expensive, is cheaper in the long run due to better health and reduced costs there. I am already feeling better and I expect that will get even more pronounced down the line, assuming I do not fall off the wagon.
In a way, I suppose it could be said I am 'going paleo' but in my own direction. As ever.
I am enjoying the hand skills; flint working, bow making, etc. They are useful skills to have. I suspect if civilization went loopy I'd wind up leading a kind of nomadic hunting-gathering life, more or less. It would certainly be a (hard) educational experience. That said, I am not expecting it for this lifetime.
I do find it interesting that comparisons of skulls from early hunter-gatherers and early farmer-herders have remarkable differences in dentition and structure. The former have good teeth, properly grown in wisdom teeth, and larger jaws. The latter have horrid teeth, smaller jaws, and wisdom teeth growing in wrongly. I see arguments on both sides about these things and not being an expert myself, leave it to those folk to argue over. As a simple individual, it would seem to me that the former skulls come from healthier individuals, although I will bet bodies show a much harder life than the latter.
Things to think on.
Eledhwen
Alongside that are the paleolithic items to accompany it, or the Ötzi kit, since it is heavily based off of this 5300 year old mans' gear. The quiver, some birchbark containers, dried fungus on a thong, etc.
With those, of course, are the items of clothing; leggings, breechcloth, shirt, over tunic, and hat, not to mention footwear. Now I am not recreating his footwear, instead using something more akin to the Scythian moccasin boot. I am not doing a full on reenactment after all, but a kind of primitive living bit of exercise of my own devising.
There is the atlatl too, which appears to have been concurrently developed with the bow, the sling and its stones, flint points and pieces, a bronze knife instead of a bronze axe, since I have blades for the former but not the latter. Fire making kit, both friction and striker. Believe it or not, bronze can be used as a striker too.
I cannot hunt with the atlatl, but I can hunt with a paleolithic kind of bow..and during bow season I have no need of orange so I can wear the entire kit and see how things work out.
Along with all of this is a change to a modified paleolithic kind of diet, that is, heavy on meats, fruits, berries, and vegetables, along with roots and tubers, but very light on the grains and grain derived foods. Too, the movement to free range meats and 'organic' foods in general, while expensive, is cheaper in the long run due to better health and reduced costs there. I am already feeling better and I expect that will get even more pronounced down the line, assuming I do not fall off the wagon.
In a way, I suppose it could be said I am 'going paleo' but in my own direction. As ever.
I am enjoying the hand skills; flint working, bow making, etc. They are useful skills to have. I suspect if civilization went loopy I'd wind up leading a kind of nomadic hunting-gathering life, more or less. It would certainly be a (hard) educational experience. That said, I am not expecting it for this lifetime.
I do find it interesting that comparisons of skulls from early hunter-gatherers and early farmer-herders have remarkable differences in dentition and structure. The former have good teeth, properly grown in wisdom teeth, and larger jaws. The latter have horrid teeth, smaller jaws, and wisdom teeth growing in wrongly. I see arguments on both sides about these things and not being an expert myself, leave it to those folk to argue over. As a simple individual, it would seem to me that the former skulls come from healthier individuals, although I will bet bodies show a much harder life than the latter.
Things to think on.
Eledhwen
Monday, September 2, 2013
Hunting Preparations
St. Huberts' Rangers has gone FB. Secret site though, only visible and accessible to members. Has a slew of activity right off, no surprise.
Almost to where I can resume work on various bits of archery gear, Ranger kit, and clothing. :) I have nice woolens of grey, green, and brown...perfect! They'll be made in medieval style, which also works for Tolkien.
St. Huberts' Rangers has a pretty narrow focus being entirely Europe and running from the 11th through 15th centuries. My own persona therein is Lady Galiana deBeaumarchais...a Welsh-English woman living somewhere along the border of Shropshire, Wrexham, and Powys in the 14th century.
That said, the garments are suitable for any time frame from the 11th through 14th centuries.
In the current lineup...putting in a tillering board so I can more accurately tiller the bow staves I have. Soon we shall see how well..or how poorly..I have done. I aim to acquire a froe for the purpose of splitting my own billets for boywering purposes.
String making is about to leap ahead and once again we shall see if I have it down or now. Hopefully without catastrophic results. I prefer natural materials over synthetic so I have flax and hemp cording to work with.
Arrow building continues! A lot of new arrows to come, all with self nocks this time around, and any softwood shafts will include a horn, bone, or hardwood insert for strength. I have good medieval heads for these and will get more. Eventually I should be able to make them. I will also be experimenting with footed, breasted, and tapered shafts.
New pouches, of course. The hunting trousse has a new sheath, nearly completed; that is one nice knife I might say.
The horn is polished and clean. The baldric is gaining some work and decoration. I may place buttons or toggles on the main strap and fashion the secondary pieces such that they can button to the shoulder baldric or around the belt itself. A little more flexible.
My lady Jannat is going to craft a scroll for me with a hunting theme. I never got my Award of Arms scroll from the SCA...twenty years gone...and I am highly unlikely to receive one anytime in the foreseeable future with their backlogs...plus hunting down the King and Queen of the time to sign it is..complicated. The Duke isn't, and I suspect he'd readily sign it. The Countess...she'd have to be tracked down first, if she's even still around. I'd rather have Jannat do it anyway and the signatures are incidentals. Jannat never got her scroll either, more's the pity, nor one for her service award from Western Seas; the Wa'as' Oar. She did get one for her Arts award here in Bergental; the Hourglass.
Neither of us have Kingdom Awards aside from the AoA and honestly, I am not that ambitious.I do what I do and that's it. I am not about to jump through hoops or schmooze it up. Not my style.
Hunting season is only a few weeks away. Ta-Rahn! Ta-Rahn!
Eledhwen
Almost to where I can resume work on various bits of archery gear, Ranger kit, and clothing. :) I have nice woolens of grey, green, and brown...perfect! They'll be made in medieval style, which also works for Tolkien.
St. Huberts' Rangers has a pretty narrow focus being entirely Europe and running from the 11th through 15th centuries. My own persona therein is Lady Galiana deBeaumarchais...a Welsh-English woman living somewhere along the border of Shropshire, Wrexham, and Powys in the 14th century.
That said, the garments are suitable for any time frame from the 11th through 14th centuries.
In the current lineup...putting in a tillering board so I can more accurately tiller the bow staves I have. Soon we shall see how well..or how poorly..I have done. I aim to acquire a froe for the purpose of splitting my own billets for boywering purposes.
String making is about to leap ahead and once again we shall see if I have it down or now. Hopefully without catastrophic results. I prefer natural materials over synthetic so I have flax and hemp cording to work with.
Arrow building continues! A lot of new arrows to come, all with self nocks this time around, and any softwood shafts will include a horn, bone, or hardwood insert for strength. I have good medieval heads for these and will get more. Eventually I should be able to make them. I will also be experimenting with footed, breasted, and tapered shafts.
New pouches, of course. The hunting trousse has a new sheath, nearly completed; that is one nice knife I might say.
The horn is polished and clean. The baldric is gaining some work and decoration. I may place buttons or toggles on the main strap and fashion the secondary pieces such that they can button to the shoulder baldric or around the belt itself. A little more flexible.
My lady Jannat is going to craft a scroll for me with a hunting theme. I never got my Award of Arms scroll from the SCA...twenty years gone...and I am highly unlikely to receive one anytime in the foreseeable future with their backlogs...plus hunting down the King and Queen of the time to sign it is..complicated. The Duke isn't, and I suspect he'd readily sign it. The Countess...she'd have to be tracked down first, if she's even still around. I'd rather have Jannat do it anyway and the signatures are incidentals. Jannat never got her scroll either, more's the pity, nor one for her service award from Western Seas; the Wa'as' Oar. She did get one for her Arts award here in Bergental; the Hourglass.
Neither of us have Kingdom Awards aside from the AoA and honestly, I am not that ambitious.I do what I do and that's it. I am not about to jump through hoops or schmooze it up. Not my style.
Hunting season is only a few weeks away. Ta-Rahn! Ta-Rahn!
Eledhwen
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Prep.
Autumn weather predominates, despite the occasional incursion of stubborn Tropical Summer here and there. Hunting season is not far off now. :)
Along with that comes the ongoing scouting of hunting areas, the preparation and repair of kit and clothing.
This year I have my new Scythian bow, 49# @ 28" of draw. She will have all new arrows of her own, spined and fletched by myself. I have some fine medieval leaf shaped hunting heads of appropriate legality, along with several of the swallow tail type points. Those latter, however, need sharpening and shaping to reach appropriate weight for use. I shall work on those over the Winter. Those take bigger shafts as well. The leaf shaped points take 5/16ths shafts.
I have been considering footed shafts of ash and cedar; that would give the forward, point bearing portion the strength of ash and the following, fletched bit of cedar would lighten the arrow weight, allowing it to fly faster and further. There are jigs for making footed shafts, of course, along with the one for tapering shafts, should I want to go from 11/32 down to 5/16ths on some of the other arrows. It has the same effect as footing in some ways; it lightens the arrow overall.
Thanks to my Lady, I have some very nice brown and green wool from which to make new garments for general rambling as well as Hunting and Rangering. I am one of those nutjobs who has no qualms about wearing 'garb' at any time and in any place; I do as I please and as long as no one is hurt by it, there is no harm in it. Just me being me.
Some new hoods are in the works too, as well as some cloaks...mostly without hoods, but at least one with. I like the mantled hood and cloak combination as it is more flexible. It may be too warm for a full cloak, so it stays rolled and bundled with my blanket while I wear just the hood and mantle, for example. With archery there is no need to wear orange so I can go full on proper kit.
I am polishing and working over my hunting horn too; a friend from the Ranger forum (thanks Jon), sent me some spare horns for the purpose of practicing the art of scrimshaw. From those to my actual horn. I do have to modify the baldric for the horn a little; the horn can slide out of one side of the carrier strap. I am looking at a groove around the horn into which the strap will slide and stay put. The other option is to use glue and set it in place that way. Not epoxy, mind, since I may someday have to remove it, but more of an art glue. We shall see.
I am thinking of taking one of my Ranger stars and adding it to the horn baldric. I probably will.
I have a nice quiver, suitable for hunting and target shooting. It can be mounted in a variety of ways; on the back, at the waist, across the back, vertically. Maximum flexibility. Surprising, since it is a commercially available quiver. It is popular with the Northern Rangers for certain.
'We sound our horns for our Patrons' grace, Guide us and Guard us upon the Chase.
May our hearts be filled with Strength and Cheer, and our hunts yield game through the year.'
Eledhwen
Along with that comes the ongoing scouting of hunting areas, the preparation and repair of kit and clothing.
This year I have my new Scythian bow, 49# @ 28" of draw. She will have all new arrows of her own, spined and fletched by myself. I have some fine medieval leaf shaped hunting heads of appropriate legality, along with several of the swallow tail type points. Those latter, however, need sharpening and shaping to reach appropriate weight for use. I shall work on those over the Winter. Those take bigger shafts as well. The leaf shaped points take 5/16ths shafts.
I have been considering footed shafts of ash and cedar; that would give the forward, point bearing portion the strength of ash and the following, fletched bit of cedar would lighten the arrow weight, allowing it to fly faster and further. There are jigs for making footed shafts, of course, along with the one for tapering shafts, should I want to go from 11/32 down to 5/16ths on some of the other arrows. It has the same effect as footing in some ways; it lightens the arrow overall.
Thanks to my Lady, I have some very nice brown and green wool from which to make new garments for general rambling as well as Hunting and Rangering. I am one of those nutjobs who has no qualms about wearing 'garb' at any time and in any place; I do as I please and as long as no one is hurt by it, there is no harm in it. Just me being me.
Some new hoods are in the works too, as well as some cloaks...mostly without hoods, but at least one with. I like the mantled hood and cloak combination as it is more flexible. It may be too warm for a full cloak, so it stays rolled and bundled with my blanket while I wear just the hood and mantle, for example. With archery there is no need to wear orange so I can go full on proper kit.
I am polishing and working over my hunting horn too; a friend from the Ranger forum (thanks Jon), sent me some spare horns for the purpose of practicing the art of scrimshaw. From those to my actual horn. I do have to modify the baldric for the horn a little; the horn can slide out of one side of the carrier strap. I am looking at a groove around the horn into which the strap will slide and stay put. The other option is to use glue and set it in place that way. Not epoxy, mind, since I may someday have to remove it, but more of an art glue. We shall see.
I am thinking of taking one of my Ranger stars and adding it to the horn baldric. I probably will.
I have a nice quiver, suitable for hunting and target shooting. It can be mounted in a variety of ways; on the back, at the waist, across the back, vertically. Maximum flexibility. Surprising, since it is a commercially available quiver. It is popular with the Northern Rangers for certain.
'We sound our horns for our Patrons' grace, Guide us and Guard us upon the Chase.
May our hearts be filled with Strength and Cheer, and our hunts yield game through the year.'
Eledhwen
Monday, July 22, 2013
Ranger Stuff
So, the first portion of hunting season is always archery. For me, this means medieval/Tolkien Ranger kit. There is little real difference between them and I always ensure that when I go, anything not specifically medieval is well hidden or removable; if I take game then I have to get a photo of it for the Rangers of St. Hubert and that cannot show non-medieval gear or clothing. The camera needs hiding too of course, along with its tripod.
As a result of this, the current gear projects revolve around my medieval Ranger kit. Non-Colonial.
New arrows to be cut, painted, crested, fletched, and pointed. Bowstrings to be made. Bows to inspect and examine, practice to be increased. Additionally, there is the scouting of the various hunting areas that is an absolute must for hunting. There's also clothing to be mended and made.
There will be pics, at some point. ;)
In one area I can actually camp over to hunt so there may be some 'in camp' pics too. They would be the first from me. Rhovannion takes a lot of patrolling ya know. ;)
I am adding a heel cup and toe cover to my soft high moccasin boots. I am also adding leather to close off the pierced lacing holes. They'll be replaced with leather lacing 'eyelets' (leather covered lengths of brass tube) and as part of the general reinforcement a leather 'flap' will be added that will cover the calf portion of the lacing and buckle to the outside of the leg. Too, a 'cuff' will be added to the top of the boot, split and set so as to buckle on the outside too. The laces will get a fair bit of protection, the shin too, and that's a good thing. I am debating adding to the soles. These are the famous (or infamous) Minnetonka specials with the fringe cut off. They have sponge type soles. Taking them off is a royal bitch, as I have cause to know, so what I may do is use Barge cement to loosen them, or to simply glue layers of leather over them, anchoring with tunnel stitching. If I did this, I'd probably 'cap' it all with a buckskin piece that stitched to the upper. Hard to visualize I know, but I will get pics of this so fear not. All of this should lengthen the useful life of these boots...and the older pair has already been dismantled for pattern making. I like the way these wear, obviously.
I also need to rework one of my pouches and this requires drilling out some rivets. I used to use rivets a lot but now I sew most things since that makes it easier to field repair or to modify things later.
I think a new hood and mantle is in order and I may well make a new cloak for use with it. Perhaps fastened on the left breast with a certain six pointed star. ;)
New gloves are in order too; fingerless, with 'cuffs' that extend past the elbow and made of quilted leather and linen. The right side will have a shooting glove of reinforced kidskin as part of the piece. Both arms will have vambraces, appropriately tooled, but the left one will have an additional flap to cover the fastenings so that if I shoot wrong the bowstring won't be damaged by them.
From a fantasy perspective, I may well make a quilted skirt of leather and linen. Not really armor, it would be warm to ramble in during the Winter when worn over leggings. It could also serve as a base for a subarmalis and corselet of armor at need.
Lots of stuff to work on.
Eledhwen
As a result of this, the current gear projects revolve around my medieval Ranger kit. Non-Colonial.
New arrows to be cut, painted, crested, fletched, and pointed. Bowstrings to be made. Bows to inspect and examine, practice to be increased. Additionally, there is the scouting of the various hunting areas that is an absolute must for hunting. There's also clothing to be mended and made.
There will be pics, at some point. ;)
In one area I can actually camp over to hunt so there may be some 'in camp' pics too. They would be the first from me. Rhovannion takes a lot of patrolling ya know. ;)
I am adding a heel cup and toe cover to my soft high moccasin boots. I am also adding leather to close off the pierced lacing holes. They'll be replaced with leather lacing 'eyelets' (leather covered lengths of brass tube) and as part of the general reinforcement a leather 'flap' will be added that will cover the calf portion of the lacing and buckle to the outside of the leg. Too, a 'cuff' will be added to the top of the boot, split and set so as to buckle on the outside too. The laces will get a fair bit of protection, the shin too, and that's a good thing. I am debating adding to the soles. These are the famous (or infamous) Minnetonka specials with the fringe cut off. They have sponge type soles. Taking them off is a royal bitch, as I have cause to know, so what I may do is use Barge cement to loosen them, or to simply glue layers of leather over them, anchoring with tunnel stitching. If I did this, I'd probably 'cap' it all with a buckskin piece that stitched to the upper. Hard to visualize I know, but I will get pics of this so fear not. All of this should lengthen the useful life of these boots...and the older pair has already been dismantled for pattern making. I like the way these wear, obviously.
I also need to rework one of my pouches and this requires drilling out some rivets. I used to use rivets a lot but now I sew most things since that makes it easier to field repair or to modify things later.
I think a new hood and mantle is in order and I may well make a new cloak for use with it. Perhaps fastened on the left breast with a certain six pointed star. ;)
New gloves are in order too; fingerless, with 'cuffs' that extend past the elbow and made of quilted leather and linen. The right side will have a shooting glove of reinforced kidskin as part of the piece. Both arms will have vambraces, appropriately tooled, but the left one will have an additional flap to cover the fastenings so that if I shoot wrong the bowstring won't be damaged by them.
From a fantasy perspective, I may well make a quilted skirt of leather and linen. Not really armor, it would be warm to ramble in during the Winter when worn over leggings. It could also serve as a base for a subarmalis and corselet of armor at need.
Lots of stuff to work on.
Eledhwen
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Clothing
The colors I use as a Ranger, regardless of period, consist mainly of greens, browns, and greys, with the odd 'natural' or 'cream' color and black tossed in. In the case of my Colonial kit, this tends to come out like so;
Brown Stockings (Cotton)
Dark Green French-fly Knee Breeches (Cotton Canvas)
'Natural' Osnaburg Shirt
Grey 1770s style Waistcoat (Linen)
Dove Grey Tricorn (Wool)
Brown Hunting Shirt (Linen)
Dark Green Hunting Frock (Cotton Canvas)
Dark Green Breechclout (Wool)
Dark Green Leggings (Wool)
Woodland Moccasins (Natural Buckskin)
Black Concord style Shoes (Leather, obviously)
Hunter Green Petticoat (Linen)
Natural Chemise (Cotton)
Black and Red Striped Stockings (Wool)
Natural Cap (Cotton)
White Pinner Apron (Linen)
Boneless Reversible Bodice Red/Dark Green (Cotton)
Even in my more ladylike guise, I have the predominant Ranger colors, the exception being the red in the stockings.
Of course, the Haversack will have somewhat colorful embroidery and the beaded garters will be different from the main coloration, but generally speaking my Ranger colors consist of the three previously mentioned.
As I make more items I will probably lean more heavily into the Greys over the Browns since the Grey is a more neutral tone and blends into the forests a bit better over a larger portion of the year. I am thinking of a Dark Heather Grey set of woolen leggings, for instance. Along with the wool sock for the musket.
To these could be added a Justacorps, or Weskit, Grey or Green in the former case, Blaze Orange for hunting in the latter. Too, there are the jackets for my ladykit which will likely be Grey or Brown.
Now the Ladykit is more because I like to be feminine at times, as is proper, and I enjoy period garb.
The core of things however is my wildside. Wild Woman indeed. And for that I use masculine clothing, as did the ladies from history I use as inspiration. Too, the forests I like to roam in are no good place for petticoats, and hunting in anything other than a well manicured park isn't wisely done in proper womans' garb either.
So yes, I use masculine clothing for Rangering...and take no shame in so doing. Since I will be attempting the AT in this kit down the line, it is wise for me to ensure I know the limits, am comfortable with it, and understand how best to utilize it.
I may at some point experiment with Woodland style womens' clothing, but we shall see.
Eledhwen
Brown Stockings (Cotton)
Dark Green French-fly Knee Breeches (Cotton Canvas)
'Natural' Osnaburg Shirt
Grey 1770s style Waistcoat (Linen)
Dove Grey Tricorn (Wool)
Brown Hunting Shirt (Linen)
Dark Green Hunting Frock (Cotton Canvas)
Dark Green Breechclout (Wool)
Dark Green Leggings (Wool)
Woodland Moccasins (Natural Buckskin)
Black Concord style Shoes (Leather, obviously)
Hunter Green Petticoat (Linen)
Natural Chemise (Cotton)
Black and Red Striped Stockings (Wool)
Natural Cap (Cotton)
White Pinner Apron (Linen)
Boneless Reversible Bodice Red/Dark Green (Cotton)
Even in my more ladylike guise, I have the predominant Ranger colors, the exception being the red in the stockings.
Of course, the Haversack will have somewhat colorful embroidery and the beaded garters will be different from the main coloration, but generally speaking my Ranger colors consist of the three previously mentioned.
As I make more items I will probably lean more heavily into the Greys over the Browns since the Grey is a more neutral tone and blends into the forests a bit better over a larger portion of the year. I am thinking of a Dark Heather Grey set of woolen leggings, for instance. Along with the wool sock for the musket.
To these could be added a Justacorps, or Weskit, Grey or Green in the former case, Blaze Orange for hunting in the latter. Too, there are the jackets for my ladykit which will likely be Grey or Brown.
Now the Ladykit is more because I like to be feminine at times, as is proper, and I enjoy period garb.
The core of things however is my wildside. Wild Woman indeed. And for that I use masculine clothing, as did the ladies from history I use as inspiration. Too, the forests I like to roam in are no good place for petticoats, and hunting in anything other than a well manicured park isn't wisely done in proper womans' garb either.
So yes, I use masculine clothing for Rangering...and take no shame in so doing. Since I will be attempting the AT in this kit down the line, it is wise for me to ensure I know the limits, am comfortable with it, and understand how best to utilize it.
I may at some point experiment with Woodland style womens' clothing, but we shall see.
Eledhwen
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Busy
Working on a shooting bag specifically for the Bess. This one is based off of a Native American design but I am personalizing it and the bead decoration will be entirely my own design. I am not going to copy the work of a given Tribe or Nation as I have no idea what the bead designs might mean, or might have meant. So inspired by but not a copy of.
It is made of German tanned buckskin, a very good method of tanning. It will have red wool tradecloth trim, a little fringing here and there, and of course, the beading. An interior strip with various pockets and holders for tools is included. I have chosen to make the flap 'rough'; that is, the part that stitches to the bag and one other side are nice and straight, but the other two sided come from the natural edges of the leather hide I have, making them irregular. I think it looks very nice. :)
There is also a gun sock up for the bess. This one is wool, but a leather exterior one will also be made. Beading will happen with these too.
Then there are the inner pouches for miscellaneous stuff; each pouch will have a unique beaded design that I can easily feel such that I can determine which pouch I am grabbing in the dark without looking.
I receive a piece of deer and elk antler, one each. One is to be used as a flaker for my knapping work. The other is to be drilled out to make a powder measure for the Bess.
Looking to pick up some moosehide...brain or German tanned...for the making of several pairs of moccasins. I already have and can easily make more wool 'liners'. The flaps of the Summer sort can and will be beaded in some cases.
The wool leggings may also see some beading. I haven't decided yet. Certainly the garters will; for which purpose a beading loom is soon to be acquired.
The haversack and Ranger knapsack will get some embroidery, maybe some beading. Certainly the strike a light bag will get beading.
One might picture a seriously gaudy appearance but such won't be the case. Little things in the larger pouches may be brightly decorated, but most everything on the outside will be subdued; greens, greys, browns, black, white or cream here and there. One design will feature a white six pointed star in a black band; an homage of sorts to my Tolkien Ranger self...and of course that bag will be used in that context too. This design is likely to be the one for my garters too.
So a lot of stuff to work up. During archery season I will be medieval/Tolkien ranger. During gun season the Colonial Ranger. A better life than this modern crap.
Eledhwen
It is made of German tanned buckskin, a very good method of tanning. It will have red wool tradecloth trim, a little fringing here and there, and of course, the beading. An interior strip with various pockets and holders for tools is included. I have chosen to make the flap 'rough'; that is, the part that stitches to the bag and one other side are nice and straight, but the other two sided come from the natural edges of the leather hide I have, making them irregular. I think it looks very nice. :)
There is also a gun sock up for the bess. This one is wool, but a leather exterior one will also be made. Beading will happen with these too.
Then there are the inner pouches for miscellaneous stuff; each pouch will have a unique beaded design that I can easily feel such that I can determine which pouch I am grabbing in the dark without looking.
I receive a piece of deer and elk antler, one each. One is to be used as a flaker for my knapping work. The other is to be drilled out to make a powder measure for the Bess.
Looking to pick up some moosehide...brain or German tanned...for the making of several pairs of moccasins. I already have and can easily make more wool 'liners'. The flaps of the Summer sort can and will be beaded in some cases.
The wool leggings may also see some beading. I haven't decided yet. Certainly the garters will; for which purpose a beading loom is soon to be acquired.
The haversack and Ranger knapsack will get some embroidery, maybe some beading. Certainly the strike a light bag will get beading.
One might picture a seriously gaudy appearance but such won't be the case. Little things in the larger pouches may be brightly decorated, but most everything on the outside will be subdued; greens, greys, browns, black, white or cream here and there. One design will feature a white six pointed star in a black band; an homage of sorts to my Tolkien Ranger self...and of course that bag will be used in that context too. This design is likely to be the one for my garters too.
So a lot of stuff to work up. During archery season I will be medieval/Tolkien ranger. During gun season the Colonial Ranger. A better life than this modern crap.
Eledhwen
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Doings
So naturally, as soon as I get the forge here and all sorted out.....tropical rains set in for the duration. They show no sign of ending for at least another week. Grrrrrr
As a result, I have turned to more indoor pursuits, tropical conditions being anathema to this northern gal. Among other things, working on various bits of Colonial Ranger kit, learning the Manual of Arms for the Bess (courtesy of Baron von Steuben), and generally trying to endure this damned weather.
I do hike in it; conditioning is important of course, but I see no good reason to torture myself with it beyond that and I won't. Too, having had heat exhaustion three times during my time in my beloved Corps, I am far more susceptible to it now...and since I am nearing sixty years of age, and am carrying rather more blubber than I ought, caution is warranted. As my condition improves so too will my tolerance for harsher conditions and therefore, the length of time I spend in them. For now though, I shall err on the side of caution.
One of my all time favorite holidays approaches; Independence Day. On that day I read the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and excerpts from the writings of Tom Paine and the Federalist Papers. If you are sworn to uphold, protect, and defend something, it behooves you to know what that something is and what makes up its parts. More, it is vital to understand it. After all, you may have to lay down your life for it. To do that, you have to believe. To do that, you have to understand.
So I am going to make a new powder measure, 75 grains, from elk antler. I also plan to use elk and deer antler to flake flint and related rock; I aim to make plenty of spare flints for my firelock. I already know how to make my own gunpowder..have known since I was thirteen. If push ever came to shove I could provide the nourishment my firelocks need.
I aim to sort out some gaiters in addition to my leggings. I also plan to make some leggings from brain tan hide. If I can, I want to procure some brain tan moose hide for making hard wearing moccasins. I already have a nice breechclout and once shirt...a couple of other hunting shirts would be nice to sort out, and a blaze orange weskit or french capote would be wise for hunting. Since I may choose to hike the AT in Colonial kit rather than fantasy, having everything working as it ought is important. Of course, doing the AT in Colonial kit would mean hauling along my firelock...rather heavier than what most others would carry. LOL
I need to sort out a cork for my Bess; attach a green piece of rag or ribbon and stuff it in the end of the barrel to signify safe status. Loaded but not charged can be signified with a feather stuck into the touchhole. Not a condition I want to cart it around in anyway.
Eledhwen
As a result, I have turned to more indoor pursuits, tropical conditions being anathema to this northern gal. Among other things, working on various bits of Colonial Ranger kit, learning the Manual of Arms for the Bess (courtesy of Baron von Steuben), and generally trying to endure this damned weather.
I do hike in it; conditioning is important of course, but I see no good reason to torture myself with it beyond that and I won't. Too, having had heat exhaustion three times during my time in my beloved Corps, I am far more susceptible to it now...and since I am nearing sixty years of age, and am carrying rather more blubber than I ought, caution is warranted. As my condition improves so too will my tolerance for harsher conditions and therefore, the length of time I spend in them. For now though, I shall err on the side of caution.
One of my all time favorite holidays approaches; Independence Day. On that day I read the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and excerpts from the writings of Tom Paine and the Federalist Papers. If you are sworn to uphold, protect, and defend something, it behooves you to know what that something is and what makes up its parts. More, it is vital to understand it. After all, you may have to lay down your life for it. To do that, you have to believe. To do that, you have to understand.
So I am going to make a new powder measure, 75 grains, from elk antler. I also plan to use elk and deer antler to flake flint and related rock; I aim to make plenty of spare flints for my firelock. I already know how to make my own gunpowder..have known since I was thirteen. If push ever came to shove I could provide the nourishment my firelocks need.
I aim to sort out some gaiters in addition to my leggings. I also plan to make some leggings from brain tan hide. If I can, I want to procure some brain tan moose hide for making hard wearing moccasins. I already have a nice breechclout and once shirt...a couple of other hunting shirts would be nice to sort out, and a blaze orange weskit or french capote would be wise for hunting. Since I may choose to hike the AT in Colonial kit rather than fantasy, having everything working as it ought is important. Of course, doing the AT in Colonial kit would mean hauling along my firelock...rather heavier than what most others would carry. LOL
I need to sort out a cork for my Bess; attach a green piece of rag or ribbon and stuff it in the end of the barrel to signify safe status. Loaded but not charged can be signified with a feather stuck into the touchhole. Not a condition I want to cart it around in anyway.
Eledhwen
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Ranger Doings
The fifty pound bag of coke for the forge arrived yesterday. Along with the charcoal I have, I should be able to do at least some work for a bit, once it is all sorted out.
Today is archery day at the Range so I am likely to go over there for a time.
I am quite excited at the prospect of getting the forge up and running. Encouraging was the very swift and sure way I made fire for the Solstice yesterday, using char, tow, and flint & steel. Indeed, flint & steel will be the traditional way for my forge to be lit, and everyone I teach will learn to light it that way as well.
I have asphaltum, I have muriatic acid. Etching experimentation will begin soon. I have no desire to muck up my knife so I will be practicing on various bits of brass, aluminum, and steel until I am certain of my techniques. Then, and only then, will I etch the blade of the knife. If that works, I may take Glamdring and etch the center of that blade with the Tengwar...lightly though, very lightly. Well, if I do it will have the swords' actual name on it, not the one it was made to be a replica of. Del Tin made, to my mind, the very best renditions of Glamdring and Orcrist ever...movies and peoples' obsession with hand and half swords notwithstanding. They were made by the elves of Gondolin for the goblin wars of that time...and I reason that the form of them was probably a fairly common one so having one with a different name is no stretch. So, my own blade has a name and it will formally receive it in a ritual that will involve etching the blade some too. ;) Down the fuller.
I want to perfect some 'Elven' arrowheads too..and etch them. Probably not replicas of the ones on the movies...rather, versions that can be used to legally hunt with.
I am also looking at etching my Ranger stars. They are bronze, although some steel ones are in the offing down the line, and a little etching might be nice.
Between the etching of my knives and swords (and axes!) and the woodburning of bows, arrows, and spear shafts, I look to tie my kit together with common decorative themes..or at least, related. Even my leather kit is to be tooled in this way. Generally the decorative elements will be pretty subtle but definitely there.
It pleases me to do this. If we ever have a Ranger Moot here in the Northeast, or I somehow manage to make on in the central states region, I want my kit to be unique and a statement of myself, if that makes sense.
I am aiming to hike the entire Appalachian Trail..and I want to do it in minimal kit, with any necessary safeguards naturally...an I would use post drops and carry some funds along for necessary purchases in any villages along the way. I think doing the entire 2,184 mile journey as a Ranger would be an awesome thing. Truly awesome. If I can manage it. ;)
Eledhwen
Today is archery day at the Range so I am likely to go over there for a time.
I am quite excited at the prospect of getting the forge up and running. Encouraging was the very swift and sure way I made fire for the Solstice yesterday, using char, tow, and flint & steel. Indeed, flint & steel will be the traditional way for my forge to be lit, and everyone I teach will learn to light it that way as well.
I have asphaltum, I have muriatic acid. Etching experimentation will begin soon. I have no desire to muck up my knife so I will be practicing on various bits of brass, aluminum, and steel until I am certain of my techniques. Then, and only then, will I etch the blade of the knife. If that works, I may take Glamdring and etch the center of that blade with the Tengwar...lightly though, very lightly. Well, if I do it will have the swords' actual name on it, not the one it was made to be a replica of. Del Tin made, to my mind, the very best renditions of Glamdring and Orcrist ever...movies and peoples' obsession with hand and half swords notwithstanding. They were made by the elves of Gondolin for the goblin wars of that time...and I reason that the form of them was probably a fairly common one so having one with a different name is no stretch. So, my own blade has a name and it will formally receive it in a ritual that will involve etching the blade some too. ;) Down the fuller.
I want to perfect some 'Elven' arrowheads too..and etch them. Probably not replicas of the ones on the movies...rather, versions that can be used to legally hunt with.
I am also looking at etching my Ranger stars. They are bronze, although some steel ones are in the offing down the line, and a little etching might be nice.
Between the etching of my knives and swords (and axes!) and the woodburning of bows, arrows, and spear shafts, I look to tie my kit together with common decorative themes..or at least, related. Even my leather kit is to be tooled in this way. Generally the decorative elements will be pretty subtle but definitely there.
It pleases me to do this. If we ever have a Ranger Moot here in the Northeast, or I somehow manage to make on in the central states region, I want my kit to be unique and a statement of myself, if that makes sense.
I am aiming to hike the entire Appalachian Trail..and I want to do it in minimal kit, with any necessary safeguards naturally...an I would use post drops and carry some funds along for necessary purchases in any villages along the way. I think doing the entire 2,184 mile journey as a Ranger would be an awesome thing. Truly awesome. If I can manage it. ;)
Eledhwen
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Rangers and the Madness that goes with them
Yeah. So I began revamping, repairing, and reworking a number of things in my Ranger kit. Among other things, I am about to make new arrows with a shorter draw length, shorter flights, and all of them self nocked. For another, the two hickory bows I have been tinkering with in a somewhat frightened manner have come up for some woodburning decoration....and in one a cut down and the addition of some siyahs, sort of, to give it a more Numenorean - Elvish look..and still remain totally functional. An advanced technique but I will try anyway...most likely making a hash of it all.
Of course, I can't just burn simple designs or nice English words, no, I have to use the Tengwar and do the words in either Quenya or Sindarin. Because I like complicating my life.
This came about because I have removed the cherry grip on my Elven hunting knife so I can work on the blade some and fashion a guard plate and ferrule for it. Then came the idea of inlaying metal into the grip..fine, I can do that. But it didn't stop there. No, I had to realize I have asphaltum and therefore I could in fact etch the blade of the knife....which led to Tengwar and the Elven languages.
Worse, the followup on that was the realization that I can also etch scales for armor. Not to mention helm, pauldrons, and the like. Not like I don't have enough to do, but of course, complicating my life is what I do.
Since the forge will be in use again very soon, I can add that to the list of things I am attempting to do. Yay.
Whatever is wrong with me? And of course, I want to make arrowheads using the forge..and now it hits me that I can also etch arrowheads...GAH! Save me from myself.
Yes, there will be photos...everyone and their uncle wants a photographic record of my madness it seems.
Oh well.
Eledhwen
Of course, I can't just burn simple designs or nice English words, no, I have to use the Tengwar and do the words in either Quenya or Sindarin. Because I like complicating my life.
This came about because I have removed the cherry grip on my Elven hunting knife so I can work on the blade some and fashion a guard plate and ferrule for it. Then came the idea of inlaying metal into the grip..fine, I can do that. But it didn't stop there. No, I had to realize I have asphaltum and therefore I could in fact etch the blade of the knife....which led to Tengwar and the Elven languages.
Worse, the followup on that was the realization that I can also etch scales for armor. Not to mention helm, pauldrons, and the like. Not like I don't have enough to do, but of course, complicating my life is what I do.
Since the forge will be in use again very soon, I can add that to the list of things I am attempting to do. Yay.
Whatever is wrong with me? And of course, I want to make arrowheads using the forge..and now it hits me that I can also etch arrowheads...GAH! Save me from myself.
Yes, there will be photos...everyone and their uncle wants a photographic record of my madness it seems.
Oh well.
Eledhwen
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Primitive & Paleo Kit
Here we go:
This is most of my Primitive/Paleo gear at the moment.
From Bottom to Top:
Bamboo Atlatl
Atlatl with Bannerstone
Atlatl with adjustable finger loops
Atlatl Dart
Atlatl Dart with three fletches
Hand Drill Fire Board & Ember Catcher
Hand Drill Spindle
Braided Hemp Sling with Leather Pocket
Obsidian Knife with Elk Antler Handle, Walnut pommel, bound with Artificial Sinew (not my work)
Scraping Stone, Percussion Flaker, Pressure Flaker, chip of Obsidian
Not a bad start, but I need the bag, clothing and so on yet.
Eledhwen
This is most of my Primitive/Paleo gear at the moment.
From Bottom to Top:
Bamboo Atlatl
Atlatl with Bannerstone
Atlatl with adjustable finger loops
Atlatl Dart
Atlatl Dart with three fletches
Hand Drill Fire Board & Ember Catcher
Hand Drill Spindle
Braided Hemp Sling with Leather Pocket
Obsidian Knife with Elk Antler Handle, Walnut pommel, bound with Artificial Sinew (not my work)
Scraping Stone, Percussion Flaker, Pressure Flaker, chip of Obsidian
Not a bad start, but I need the bag, clothing and so on yet.
Eledhwen
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Paleo Pursuits
Today I am going out to the Range. Aside from archery, I will be testing out the first completed atlatl dart I have. If it flies satisfactorily I have three others to complete as well. I will have my sling along as well. Since I haven't made any flint tipped thrusting spears..yet..I shan't have one of those along. ;)
I do have a nice obsidian knife. The blade is mounted in an elk antler grip with a piece of walnut capping the end. Artificial sinew binds it in place.
Knapping has begun. So has hunting up appropriate stones for such use in my area. Also, the use of clay for making various things.
Use of the hand drill, bow drill, fire piston and other items continues. I am also experimenting with using a rolled tube of birch bark, grass, and other items as a kind of smudge stick..really for keeping embers alive for making a fire elsewhere. That is also where the clay comes in for a pot to carry such in comfortably is in my mind.
I am sorely tempted to have a to at Ötzis' shoes. They are surprisingly complex consisting of a bear hide sole and a woven net for the uppers, over which is deer hide and inside of which is straw. Reconstructions show them to be very comfortable and quite warm except in the rain, which they soak up fiercely. The uppers are fur out, by the way. I strongly suspect some kind of tallow-beeswax mixture for making them water resistant.
His patchwork leather leggings are interesting, but I do not think I will be copying those..tempting as it is. One piece each please. LOL
Shifting my eating habits, I won't call it a diet because it isn't one, has been ongoing. Eggs are a big staple here, and these days meats tend to be carefully chosen and processed food is finally disappearing (mostly) from the routine. In time perhaps completely. I still need to increase consumption of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. I do eat bread, but we are more and more making our own and often things like Iron Age bread types. So no, it isn't that dratted faddish 'paleo diet' that takes up every reference to the Paleolithic on every search engine. We are, however, eating far more healthily than before and will continue to increase it.
The world is broken, from a societal perspective. In my opinion, it cannot be fixed without tearing everything apart and starting over. That won't happen without massive trauma of some kind. So I am, in a way, 'checking out' and really focusing on a far simpler, if far more difficult, way of living. It makes me happy. There is the key.
At the moment I am pretty much alone in my Paleo pursuits, but that is fine. Others may come and go, but I will remain. For a while. Until She calls me to Her. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Eledhwen
I do have a nice obsidian knife. The blade is mounted in an elk antler grip with a piece of walnut capping the end. Artificial sinew binds it in place.
Knapping has begun. So has hunting up appropriate stones for such use in my area. Also, the use of clay for making various things.
Use of the hand drill, bow drill, fire piston and other items continues. I am also experimenting with using a rolled tube of birch bark, grass, and other items as a kind of smudge stick..really for keeping embers alive for making a fire elsewhere. That is also where the clay comes in for a pot to carry such in comfortably is in my mind.
I am sorely tempted to have a to at Ötzis' shoes. They are surprisingly complex consisting of a bear hide sole and a woven net for the uppers, over which is deer hide and inside of which is straw. Reconstructions show them to be very comfortable and quite warm except in the rain, which they soak up fiercely. The uppers are fur out, by the way. I strongly suspect some kind of tallow-beeswax mixture for making them water resistant.
His patchwork leather leggings are interesting, but I do not think I will be copying those..tempting as it is. One piece each please. LOL
Shifting my eating habits, I won't call it a diet because it isn't one, has been ongoing. Eggs are a big staple here, and these days meats tend to be carefully chosen and processed food is finally disappearing (mostly) from the routine. In time perhaps completely. I still need to increase consumption of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. I do eat bread, but we are more and more making our own and often things like Iron Age bread types. So no, it isn't that dratted faddish 'paleo diet' that takes up every reference to the Paleolithic on every search engine. We are, however, eating far more healthily than before and will continue to increase it.
The world is broken, from a societal perspective. In my opinion, it cannot be fixed without tearing everything apart and starting over. That won't happen without massive trauma of some kind. So I am, in a way, 'checking out' and really focusing on a far simpler, if far more difficult, way of living. It makes me happy. There is the key.
At the moment I am pretty much alone in my Paleo pursuits, but that is fine. Others may come and go, but I will remain. For a while. Until She calls me to Her. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Eledhwen
Saturday, May 18, 2013
The Goal
Well, I got back to the Paleolithic all right. :)
Yesterday we went on the usual hike up the steep face of Mount Toby. I was wearing ordinary clothing for the most part, St. Hubert's Rangers T-shirt, canvas capri style pants, ankle socks, a straw hat. I also wore my shoe packs, elk hide shoulder bag, and bota. It was my first outing with soft footwear for the year.
We made the summit without difficulty, but once there found an essentially hidden path leading down the western slope that we had no idea was there. The main climb comes up the North slope. This new path is behind the Fire Tower and its attendant power block.
We chose to descend the new path to see where it went. Coming down the steepest portion of the slop we came at length to a 'T' in the trail. I suspect the South branch eventually hits Sugar Farm Trail and/or North Mountain Road, something I will have to confirm down the line. However, we chose the North branch, partly because the parking lot where our conveyance was is in that direction. After about 100 meters the trail petered out entirely. Instead of reversing course, we decided to 'break brush' and trekked along the flank of the Mountain for well over a mile before coming back to the main trail on the North side of the Mountain. We hadn't descended that far and were just above the junction with Upper Link Trail.
My feet and legs never got tired until just before the end. The trek itself, with its starts and stops, workarounds and detours, was very Paleo in nature. It was fun, although I am incredibly stiff this morning. I am not surprised by it at all.
I'm going out to the range today with my bow, atlatl, and sling. Practice, practice, practice. While I cannot hunt with the latter two..at least as things are...the time may come where I can and will have to, so being skilled with them is a good thing. They are the kind of weapons that can be made on the fly so efforts to confiscate or ban them are essentially unworkable.
Soon I should have some nice linen or hemp clothing to go with the leather pieces, and for Winter even some furs to use. Yes, very much Paleolithic. I am working with hand fire drills, bow drills, fire plows, fire pistons, flint & steel...all sorts of methods. Basket making, sling making, rope and line making. A complete set of 'primitive' (as in the archetypal) skills...to include knapping flint and its relatives.
When I can do these things as second nature, nothing that happens to me short of maiming or actual death can daunt me in the world. I will have everything I need to live, even thrive, and better my condition.
That's the goal.
Eledhwen
Yesterday we went on the usual hike up the steep face of Mount Toby. I was wearing ordinary clothing for the most part, St. Hubert's Rangers T-shirt, canvas capri style pants, ankle socks, a straw hat. I also wore my shoe packs, elk hide shoulder bag, and bota. It was my first outing with soft footwear for the year.
We made the summit without difficulty, but once there found an essentially hidden path leading down the western slope that we had no idea was there. The main climb comes up the North slope. This new path is behind the Fire Tower and its attendant power block.
We chose to descend the new path to see where it went. Coming down the steepest portion of the slop we came at length to a 'T' in the trail. I suspect the South branch eventually hits Sugar Farm Trail and/or North Mountain Road, something I will have to confirm down the line. However, we chose the North branch, partly because the parking lot where our conveyance was is in that direction. After about 100 meters the trail petered out entirely. Instead of reversing course, we decided to 'break brush' and trekked along the flank of the Mountain for well over a mile before coming back to the main trail on the North side of the Mountain. We hadn't descended that far and were just above the junction with Upper Link Trail.
My feet and legs never got tired until just before the end. The trek itself, with its starts and stops, workarounds and detours, was very Paleo in nature. It was fun, although I am incredibly stiff this morning. I am not surprised by it at all.
I'm going out to the range today with my bow, atlatl, and sling. Practice, practice, practice. While I cannot hunt with the latter two..at least as things are...the time may come where I can and will have to, so being skilled with them is a good thing. They are the kind of weapons that can be made on the fly so efforts to confiscate or ban them are essentially unworkable.
Soon I should have some nice linen or hemp clothing to go with the leather pieces, and for Winter even some furs to use. Yes, very much Paleolithic. I am working with hand fire drills, bow drills, fire plows, fire pistons, flint & steel...all sorts of methods. Basket making, sling making, rope and line making. A complete set of 'primitive' (as in the archetypal) skills...to include knapping flint and its relatives.
When I can do these things as second nature, nothing that happens to me short of maiming or actual death can daunt me in the world. I will have everything I need to live, even thrive, and better my condition.
That's the goal.
Eledhwen
Friday, May 17, 2013
Back to the Paleolithic!
Been a while.
Back to the Paleolithic! :)
I have three atlatls, one of them with a stone weight, the others without. I have a nice braided sling with a leather pouch. So what else? I have bow blanks. Hickory blanks. I have acquired the specifications necessary to make these into truly ancient bow replicas...say replicas of 10,000 year old bows. Yes, I am going to have at it with one of them to see what it takes. Aiming at 45 pounds of draw at 28".
Also, beginning to knap obsidian..and searching for local chert, jasper, flint, and similar stones. I have every intention of making scrapers, axes, spear and arrow points, and related tools an implements. Also going to use antler to make some things as well.
It is all part of owning our past...really owning it, rather than just reading about it and stepping on top of that. Hand fire drills, bow fire drills, fire plows, fire plungers, and even flint & steel. Mostly I like the hand drill, oddly enough.
I have three atlatl darts although they have field tips. Once I get good enough with flint knapping I intend to make some with flint tips. Ditto arrows. I have clay I can harden to make sling stones, hemp I can braid into cords to make more slings.
Along with all of these come the Ötzi arrow quiver and bow sheath, a kind of quiver for atlatl darts, and of course, leather clothing of various sort such as leggings, footwear, and what have you. Really the clothing portion is not very different from a lot of Native American outfits.
Combined with this is a more paleo-like lifestyle in general with much outdoor time, much general activity involving a lot of various things, Dance, gardening, hiking, hunting, and so on. Going along with that is a more paleo-like eating pattern. Note, this is not the faddish paleo diet...not even. Yet there is something to be said for eating non-processed foods as much as is practicable.
Feeling better already. Real skills testing in this sort of pursuit. It really is about you and what you can do.
Eledhwen
Back to the Paleolithic! :)
I have three atlatls, one of them with a stone weight, the others without. I have a nice braided sling with a leather pouch. So what else? I have bow blanks. Hickory blanks. I have acquired the specifications necessary to make these into truly ancient bow replicas...say replicas of 10,000 year old bows. Yes, I am going to have at it with one of them to see what it takes. Aiming at 45 pounds of draw at 28".
Also, beginning to knap obsidian..and searching for local chert, jasper, flint, and similar stones. I have every intention of making scrapers, axes, spear and arrow points, and related tools an implements. Also going to use antler to make some things as well.
It is all part of owning our past...really owning it, rather than just reading about it and stepping on top of that. Hand fire drills, bow fire drills, fire plows, fire plungers, and even flint & steel. Mostly I like the hand drill, oddly enough.
I have three atlatl darts although they have field tips. Once I get good enough with flint knapping I intend to make some with flint tips. Ditto arrows. I have clay I can harden to make sling stones, hemp I can braid into cords to make more slings.
Along with all of these come the Ötzi arrow quiver and bow sheath, a kind of quiver for atlatl darts, and of course, leather clothing of various sort such as leggings, footwear, and what have you. Really the clothing portion is not very different from a lot of Native American outfits.
Combined with this is a more paleo-like lifestyle in general with much outdoor time, much general activity involving a lot of various things, Dance, gardening, hiking, hunting, and so on. Going along with that is a more paleo-like eating pattern. Note, this is not the faddish paleo diet...not even. Yet there is something to be said for eating non-processed foods as much as is practicable.
Feeling better already. Real skills testing in this sort of pursuit. It really is about you and what you can do.
Eledhwen
Monday, April 1, 2013
Pictures!
Right then, Ken, here you go; some photos. Some better than others.
Not very clear, I know, but either the camera flash has decided not to work or the lighting was in that range where it couldn't decide whether to use it or not. Not being a camera expert, I haven't a clue.
These photos show, dimly, Sally Brown, sling, powder horn, bayonet, cartridge box, flinters tools, the unfinished shooting bag pieces, and the new belt axe sheath and knife sheath (with the axe and knife in them).
These two show the Fat Broad (me) in all her (doubtful) glory. ;) Yeah, I was only partially kitted out.
Hunting frock, sash, hat, haversack, knife in new sheath is essentially all. For the rest; t-shirt, jeans, hiking boots, and a walking stick.
Things will improve. About the time your vision recovers from this assault upon it. ;)
Siani
These photos show, dimly, Sally Brown, sling, powder horn, bayonet, cartridge box, flinters tools, the unfinished shooting bag pieces, and the new belt axe sheath and knife sheath (with the axe and knife in them).
Hunting frock, sash, hat, haversack, knife in new sheath is essentially all. For the rest; t-shirt, jeans, hiking boots, and a walking stick.
Things will improve. About the time your vision recovers from this assault upon it. ;)
Siani
Saturday, March 23, 2013
All righty then. Today I received the musket balls I had ordered from Track of the Wolf. There are 75 rounds, not 50, as I had thought. A good starting point. From this point forward I will scrounge lead and cast my own since I have a nice replica brass bag mold as well.
I have a good natural brown leather cartridge box; these have a wooden block drilled with holes for the paper cartridges. I am debating a bit of decoration, perhaps in the form of a good six pointed Ranger star....it may not be Tolkien, but a Ranger I am regardless of time and the star is a very good symbol.
The knife and belt axe sheaths are going to be completed today. I'll probably also cut a piece of red wool for the shooting bag and get that going.
I really need to do more work on the Ranger knapsack (which was used along with the haversack in many cases), and I need to get some green casein paint on the wooden canteen.
Dubbin for the shoe-packs, of course, and decide whether to line the leggings or not before sewing them up.
I need to wear my kit more; it is new and looks it. The only way to get that used look is to use it. A lot. Hard. Get it out in the weather, hike in it, camp, hunt. Guess I will provide something of a spectacle for folk in the area for a good long while. By the way, the old tactic of washing things multiple times does not work so well..and takes a great many more washings than one might think. Better to actually wear the stuff.
This year will see some seriously interesting hunting given I will be doing most of it in Colonial kit.
A good canoe and I could hunt the river in some places.
I am seriously considering moving North, into one of the other New England states. Vermont would do, but New Hampshire would be better as it has far more sanity in its laws. 'Live Free or Die' appeals to me, after all.
Pics of projects to come.
Siani
I have a good natural brown leather cartridge box; these have a wooden block drilled with holes for the paper cartridges. I am debating a bit of decoration, perhaps in the form of a good six pointed Ranger star....it may not be Tolkien, but a Ranger I am regardless of time and the star is a very good symbol.
The knife and belt axe sheaths are going to be completed today. I'll probably also cut a piece of red wool for the shooting bag and get that going.
I really need to do more work on the Ranger knapsack (which was used along with the haversack in many cases), and I need to get some green casein paint on the wooden canteen.
Dubbin for the shoe-packs, of course, and decide whether to line the leggings or not before sewing them up.
I need to wear my kit more; it is new and looks it. The only way to get that used look is to use it. A lot. Hard. Get it out in the weather, hike in it, camp, hunt. Guess I will provide something of a spectacle for folk in the area for a good long while. By the way, the old tactic of washing things multiple times does not work so well..and takes a great many more washings than one might think. Better to actually wear the stuff.
This year will see some seriously interesting hunting given I will be doing most of it in Colonial kit.
A good canoe and I could hunt the river in some places.
I am seriously considering moving North, into one of the other New England states. Vermont would do, but New Hampshire would be better as it has far more sanity in its laws. 'Live Free or Die' appeals to me, after all.
Pics of projects to come.
Siani
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
There's a photo of my new Ranger Brown Bess musket. She's a fine reproduction of an original on display at the Valley Forge museum. Over four feet long, this was the only way to get a good full length photo; lying on a piece of buckskin on the living area floor.
Soon there will be a cartridge box to go along with her, since I aim to use mostly paper cartridges for ease of use and carry. I will, however, still have the powder horn and patches..and I have a good brass bag mold inbound.
The Ranger Knapsack used by Robert Rogers and his folks is under construction. The entire Colonial Ranger outfit is nearly complete.
I have a round wood canteen...considering getting a metal kidney style, probably in stainless steel for ease of care.
This is the Fort at No. 4, the only picture and view I could get of it the day I picked up my musket. I will be visiting it off and on over the year so better pictures will be coming. They have a lot of activities there, including blacksmithing weekends and contra dancing.
The fort played a huge role in the French & Indian War and the smaller, undeclared wars that led up to it. Robert Rogers operated out of this fort for a time. The 1940s movie 'Northwest Passage' dealt with this fort and Robert Rogers.
The actual fort site is in fact where the center of Charlestown New Hampshire is now...this reproduction was moved to this point, hard by the Connecticut River. I have not been inside yet, but I have seen photographs. I really look forward to visiting. I am told that if I bring a good white canvas tent I can even sleep over in the grounds, if I agree to do some chores around the fort. I shall be looking into that for certain.
Things are moving along nicely n ow, aye.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Ranger thoughts
Yes! Contacted the folks at Middlesex Village Trading to start the order process for the Ranger Bess. :) I shall place a deposit for the order, then go there physically to pick it up and pay the balance. I shall likely acquire a bayonet and sling while there, just for the sake of being complete. Flinters tools I have, but more are never a bad thing.
After that, about a month or so from now, we shall make a day of it and drop down to Boston so my lass and son can visit Dorchester Heights, the Old North Church, the Freedom Trail and so on. After that, we'll drop by Lexington and Concord for a little. I will attempt to drop by the Trading Post in Pepperell to pick up real black powder and more flints.
Then we'll return home, exhausted and for me at least, thoroughly happy. ;)
Later this year I am after taking the family to Fort Ticonderoga. If practicable, Forts Edward and William Henry as well. Family history is wound around that area, no mistake. Yet another trip to Freeman's Farm, the battle of Saratoga area. Even later, a trip down to Valley Forge; I have never been there and would definitely like to do so before I pass from this life.
In between all of that will be a great deal of Longhunting and Rangering, mostly with the firelock but occasionally in medieval style. Hunting season will see me using the new piece....I can load it with shot or ball. I wish to become quite proficient and familiar with her, my Ranger Bess. I have no idea what I will name her yet; that will come after I have her in hand.
Here in my later years my love for our Colonial history has deepened and taken on the rich luster of well cared for wood. It is a little easier to Ranger with a firelock than with a bow or sword...not that I leave my tomahawk behind, or leave Tolkien and Medieval Rangering behind, but I find the Colonial style tends to match my personality as it is now to a greater degree. I know how to make my own gunpowder at need, know how to find and knap flint.
Change is the only constant. As I look around at my country, think of the service I have done, listen to the hatred and invective that pours daily from people who should most assuredly know better, I am left with a deep melancholy. I love my country as defined by its Constitution...but I detest my government...for it is no longer what it was meant to be and serves itself and not its people. It cannot continue in this way indefinitely; something will have to give somewhere. When it does, things will change, and there will be no going back. Passion governs, and she never governs wisely. We see it again, as Mr. Franklin saw it then. Remember, Change is the only constant. They gave us a republic...we have all but destroyed it. Let us hope we find a way out. It has to be said though, that history is against us on this point.
For what it is worth.
Siani Anne
After that, about a month or so from now, we shall make a day of it and drop down to Boston so my lass and son can visit Dorchester Heights, the Old North Church, the Freedom Trail and so on. After that, we'll drop by Lexington and Concord for a little. I will attempt to drop by the Trading Post in Pepperell to pick up real black powder and more flints.
Then we'll return home, exhausted and for me at least, thoroughly happy. ;)
Later this year I am after taking the family to Fort Ticonderoga. If practicable, Forts Edward and William Henry as well. Family history is wound around that area, no mistake. Yet another trip to Freeman's Farm, the battle of Saratoga area. Even later, a trip down to Valley Forge; I have never been there and would definitely like to do so before I pass from this life.
In between all of that will be a great deal of Longhunting and Rangering, mostly with the firelock but occasionally in medieval style. Hunting season will see me using the new piece....I can load it with shot or ball. I wish to become quite proficient and familiar with her, my Ranger Bess. I have no idea what I will name her yet; that will come after I have her in hand.
Here in my later years my love for our Colonial history has deepened and taken on the rich luster of well cared for wood. It is a little easier to Ranger with a firelock than with a bow or sword...not that I leave my tomahawk behind, or leave Tolkien and Medieval Rangering behind, but I find the Colonial style tends to match my personality as it is now to a greater degree. I know how to make my own gunpowder at need, know how to find and knap flint.
Change is the only constant. As I look around at my country, think of the service I have done, listen to the hatred and invective that pours daily from people who should most assuredly know better, I am left with a deep melancholy. I love my country as defined by its Constitution...but I detest my government...for it is no longer what it was meant to be and serves itself and not its people. It cannot continue in this way indefinitely; something will have to give somewhere. When it does, things will change, and there will be no going back. Passion governs, and she never governs wisely. We see it again, as Mr. Franklin saw it then. Remember, Change is the only constant. They gave us a republic...we have all but destroyed it. Let us hope we find a way out. It has to be said though, that history is against us on this point.
For what it is worth.
Siani Anne
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A few items
Muwhahahaha! Soon now, very soon, I shall place the order and deposit for the Ranger Bess musket. I am so looking forward to acquiring this piece. I will also get a bag mold for it (so I can cast my own balls), a proper sling, and perhaps the bayonet to go with it (for completeness). I already have flinter's tools and a flash guard for it. Since this one has a bridle on it for mounting such (not particularly authentic but a safety requirement at events), I won't have to have it modified. I shall have to practice with a lot since smoothbores required a deal of practice to become reliably good with....my Hawken has an after market barrel that is smoothbore so I am not unskilled.
I have a couple of pairs of knee breeches; one fall front, one french fly style. The latter is by far the most convenient although the former can certainly flatter a lady who chooses to wear them. Both can, really, but the flat, smooth front flap of the former lends itself well. I am really not certain why knee breeches went away. I wear them betimes just for the hell of it as they are comfortable..and in Winter keep your legs quite warm...especially with leggings. Admittedly, they are rather harder to make than plain long pants, but they are quite elegant. They look really good on gentleman and not at all bad on ladies.
By the by, for folks who might wonder why women who fought or served did so in male clothing; for one thing, skirts in the forest just don't work. For another, advertising yourself as a woman could result in some seriously unwanted and unpleasant attention. Nothing much to do with hiding from their own, although sometimes that was part of it. No, it was mostly a practical matter.
I have full on ladies clothing, mind, but that is for camp or social doings. I am more comfortable in ranging kit and clothing by a long shot.
Other things I will make for the new piece; ball bag, shooting bag, and case.
Some things I would like to acquire or make down the line; proper cuffed boots, more moccasins, leggings of various materials, a bed jacket, proper stays, and perhaps someday a very nice gown. Not just in Colonial venues either; a lady of the Dunedain would do well to have appropriately feminine garments for activities not bound up in Rangering.
Such would be the conventions of course. The reality of it is that I am unlikely to have the lovely gowns meant for balls and whatnot. They are nice to dream about though...and in the Colonial period, they are absolutely gorgeous.
Eyes sharp, ears open.
Eledhwen
I have a couple of pairs of knee breeches; one fall front, one french fly style. The latter is by far the most convenient although the former can certainly flatter a lady who chooses to wear them. Both can, really, but the flat, smooth front flap of the former lends itself well. I am really not certain why knee breeches went away. I wear them betimes just for the hell of it as they are comfortable..and in Winter keep your legs quite warm...especially with leggings. Admittedly, they are rather harder to make than plain long pants, but they are quite elegant. They look really good on gentleman and not at all bad on ladies.
By the by, for folks who might wonder why women who fought or served did so in male clothing; for one thing, skirts in the forest just don't work. For another, advertising yourself as a woman could result in some seriously unwanted and unpleasant attention. Nothing much to do with hiding from their own, although sometimes that was part of it. No, it was mostly a practical matter.
I have full on ladies clothing, mind, but that is for camp or social doings. I am more comfortable in ranging kit and clothing by a long shot.
Other things I will make for the new piece; ball bag, shooting bag, and case.
Some things I would like to acquire or make down the line; proper cuffed boots, more moccasins, leggings of various materials, a bed jacket, proper stays, and perhaps someday a very nice gown. Not just in Colonial venues either; a lady of the Dunedain would do well to have appropriately feminine garments for activities not bound up in Rangering.
Such would be the conventions of course. The reality of it is that I am unlikely to have the lovely gowns meant for balls and whatnot. They are nice to dream about though...and in the Colonial period, they are absolutely gorgeous.
Eyes sharp, ears open.
Eledhwen
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Pouches
One thing wearing the bread bag replica has brought home solidly is the usefulness in having the belt loops at the top of the pouch, rather than on the back. Why? Because it allows the pouch to hang below belt level. What difference does that make? Well, if you have to wear more than one item around the waist for some reason; a pack waist strap, an equipment belt, or perhaps a sword belt, the pouch is not in the way of the belt lying as it should..and as comfortably as it should. That all by itself recommends this method of hanging.
Having those belt loops able to button or lace shut, rather than being a solid loop, makes it easy to put the pouch on even if one is already dressed and belted. It also makes the addition of a shoulder strap, itself with rings or buttons on the ends, very easy indeed. In essence, all of this allows maximum flexibility of use.
I am reminded of the old WWII GI gear that used to hang from the eyelets in the web belt below the level of the belt itself...allowing the wearing of cartridge belts over the base, or what have you. Why we went to solid loops that place the piece directly on the belt I do not know, but I find it a backward movement at best.
I am even now working on mockups to change my current pouches into this better mounting method. New pouches are also under way utilizing this method of suspension; herbal medikit type pouch, cosmetics/necessaries pouch (yes lads, lady rangers do use cosmetics and certain toilet items and being able to carry the absolute minimum is a comfort and a good thing), and for other types of rangering, shooting bags and whatnot.
I am also working on integrating small knife sheaths into the pouches..and some quivers. Mostly for patch size knives, but also for some medium blades as well. It is no bad thing to have more than one blade about one's person. Simple hand forged 'kitchen' knives are available readily enough. Usually they are presented as Norse women's knives and have no fancy woodwork or anything else, being a blade with the tang drawn out and bent up and over to form a handle. These make excellent utility knives.
A sewing kit pouch with little pockets in it for the needle case, scissors of some kind, and perhaps some wooden spindle spools of thread is no bad thing. This sort of thing is best carried inside another pouch, but it is no bad thing to make the pouch specifically for such things. One can bead or embroider on them in such a way that they can be identified by touch without sight. A useful thing to do.
Just some stuff on pouches.
Eledhwen
Having those belt loops able to button or lace shut, rather than being a solid loop, makes it easy to put the pouch on even if one is already dressed and belted. It also makes the addition of a shoulder strap, itself with rings or buttons on the ends, very easy indeed. In essence, all of this allows maximum flexibility of use.
I am reminded of the old WWII GI gear that used to hang from the eyelets in the web belt below the level of the belt itself...allowing the wearing of cartridge belts over the base, or what have you. Why we went to solid loops that place the piece directly on the belt I do not know, but I find it a backward movement at best.
I am even now working on mockups to change my current pouches into this better mounting method. New pouches are also under way utilizing this method of suspension; herbal medikit type pouch, cosmetics/necessaries pouch (yes lads, lady rangers do use cosmetics and certain toilet items and being able to carry the absolute minimum is a comfort and a good thing), and for other types of rangering, shooting bags and whatnot.
I am also working on integrating small knife sheaths into the pouches..and some quivers. Mostly for patch size knives, but also for some medium blades as well. It is no bad thing to have more than one blade about one's person. Simple hand forged 'kitchen' knives are available readily enough. Usually they are presented as Norse women's knives and have no fancy woodwork or anything else, being a blade with the tang drawn out and bent up and over to form a handle. These make excellent utility knives.
A sewing kit pouch with little pockets in it for the needle case, scissors of some kind, and perhaps some wooden spindle spools of thread is no bad thing. This sort of thing is best carried inside another pouch, but it is no bad thing to make the pouch specifically for such things. One can bead or embroider on them in such a way that they can be identified by touch without sight. A useful thing to do.
Just some stuff on pouches.
Eledhwen
Friday, January 18, 2013
Rangering Across the Ages
This is to be my general Ranger blog; I 'range' across so much of time and space that having separate blogs is ridiculous when one can do. As a result, this one will cover my Dunedain Ranger work, my Colonial Ranger/Longhunter work, Paleo-'Ranger' work, and even a bit of my more modern 'Recon' Ranger work from time to time.
It seems I have Rangering in my blood. I discovered another of my grandsires served as a Ranger in one of the two Massachusetts Ranger Companies under the command of Robert Rogers...yes, that Rogers..during the Seven Years War (French & Indian). I knew he had served during that war, but not in what capacity. Imagine my delighted surprise to find that he was, indeed, a Ranger. :) Massachusetts actually provided the bulk of the early Ranger Companies during the 17th and early 18th centuries. That would surprise a lot of folk, especially some of those in the South who tend to think of us as anything but. LOL We provided companies of Sharpshooters for the Civil War and of course, Light Infantry for the American War of Independence.
But I digress.
I have my sights set on a lovely replica 'Ranger' Bess sold by a trader out of New Hampshire. Even more so now that I know my ancestor very probably used one like this; the 'cut down' Brown Bess was proven by excavations on Rogers' island camp where the barrel ends were found. A single extant musket with the bayonet lug relocated on the cut down barrel exists in a museum collection. The weapon is still four feet long and some, so 'cut down' is relative. They were modified from the Long Land Brown Bess, the standard British infantry musket at the time. Most Colonial militia would have had this kind of musket.
To go with that, green breeches, 'Indian' stockings (leggings), moccasins (Winter & Summer), shirt, hunting shirt, green hunting frock, and of course, hat (tricorn or round). Leather shooting bag, powder horn, musket (.75 caliber; essentially a 12 gauge in rifle form), tomahawk, and knife. With the haversack and blanket roll I should be good to go for pretty much any time of year or place. That is being a Ranger.
For the shooting bag I will like as not use a replica of a WWII German 'bread bag', which can be used with shoulder strap or hung from the belt. Done right it won't look any different from a historic pouch from the outside and in any case, I would use it more for general ranging about than for reenactment anyway. I reckon some antler or horn buttons in place of the stamped aluminum ones the original has, iron or brass rings in place of the enameled steel, and there we go. Oh, and leather rather than canvas.
Yes, I know, pictures. I do take them, I am just horrible about posting them. They will get here eventually.
Eledhwen
It seems I have Rangering in my blood. I discovered another of my grandsires served as a Ranger in one of the two Massachusetts Ranger Companies under the command of Robert Rogers...yes, that Rogers..during the Seven Years War (French & Indian). I knew he had served during that war, but not in what capacity. Imagine my delighted surprise to find that he was, indeed, a Ranger. :) Massachusetts actually provided the bulk of the early Ranger Companies during the 17th and early 18th centuries. That would surprise a lot of folk, especially some of those in the South who tend to think of us as anything but. LOL We provided companies of Sharpshooters for the Civil War and of course, Light Infantry for the American War of Independence.
But I digress.
I have my sights set on a lovely replica 'Ranger' Bess sold by a trader out of New Hampshire. Even more so now that I know my ancestor very probably used one like this; the 'cut down' Brown Bess was proven by excavations on Rogers' island camp where the barrel ends were found. A single extant musket with the bayonet lug relocated on the cut down barrel exists in a museum collection. The weapon is still four feet long and some, so 'cut down' is relative. They were modified from the Long Land Brown Bess, the standard British infantry musket at the time. Most Colonial militia would have had this kind of musket.
To go with that, green breeches, 'Indian' stockings (leggings), moccasins (Winter & Summer), shirt, hunting shirt, green hunting frock, and of course, hat (tricorn or round). Leather shooting bag, powder horn, musket (.75 caliber; essentially a 12 gauge in rifle form), tomahawk, and knife. With the haversack and blanket roll I should be good to go for pretty much any time of year or place. That is being a Ranger.
For the shooting bag I will like as not use a replica of a WWII German 'bread bag', which can be used with shoulder strap or hung from the belt. Done right it won't look any different from a historic pouch from the outside and in any case, I would use it more for general ranging about than for reenactment anyway. I reckon some antler or horn buttons in place of the stamped aluminum ones the original has, iron or brass rings in place of the enameled steel, and there we go. Oh, and leather rather than canvas.
Yes, I know, pictures. I do take them, I am just horrible about posting them. They will get here eventually.
Eledhwen
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