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