Winter Doings

[Leifer]

So what has everyone been up to so far this winter? Let's get a discussion going about winter camps, scouts, day adventures and projects.

The beginning of December we had our annual Engage's Christmas at Fort Union. Here's a couple shots of Rod and I at Fort Union during that event. I'll try to get a journal entree write-up done soon about it. We also have our annual winter camp coming up next week. I'm getting excited as we actually have snow! Looks like I finally get to pull my gear into camp on my not quite period appropriate sled.

Leifer

Attachments:

[Jon]

That sound's like a lot of fun Leifer. We've had some cold wet and windy weather here so far so I haven't got to camp much. I've been working on making my own gear and have been making a shirt from a period pattern and fabric. I've been thinking 'bout trying to make some outfits for my two boys. They're showing interest and I want to keep them interested. I've been researching fur trade era firearms and was looking at a TVM rifle to purchase. My knowledge on the fur trade subject is limited so I've been filling this empty head of mine with that stuff all I can. I look forward to hearing 'bout others doings.

Jon

[Duane]

Yeah, that does sound like a lot of fun, great picture of you and Rod as well...

[TurkeyCreek]

Thanks for sharing Leifer. Looks like y'all had a good time. Keep us posted on any more doin's you have. Are you going to get any beaver trapping done yet this winter?

[teakmtn]

Leifer, Thanks for telling us about your doins. Fort Union is on my "must get too" list. Seems the only time I get to Montana is late in November for pheasant hunting, and the Fort is closed for the season. It'll have to wait till I retire when I hope to do a grand tour of a bunch of the major Fur Trade sights, museums, etc…

Not much going on hereabouts. Not much time to get out and about. We've had close to 15 feet of snow in the last week, just shoveling snow and trying to keep warm. Power off and on and no reliable connection to the world. Giving me some time to stoke up the fire and sew up a "Miller Type" bullet bag for the 2017 AMM Western Territorial Rendezvous auction. It's gonna be a looong winter!

In fact I'm gonna need all you fellows to keep the stories and tales coming. Monday I'm going in for a complete shoulder replacement surgery. I'll be sitting on the couch and healing and looking forward to Spring when I will be able to hold up and aim my rifle again! Doc says I'll be good to go come "Green Up"! Just in time for the afore mentioned 2017 Western Territorial which is going to be held here in Northern California and hosted by the Barren River Party.

When the drugs wear off I'll check in, You all be well,

Doug T.

[idmountaineer]

Finally got out this Winter. Between a full time job, a part time job and keeping the fire going at home I haven't had a lot of time but I got a chance this weekend.
Saturday my dog, Henry, and I made our way up to the Third Fork of Rock Creek. I was needing to get out so I could finish my AMM requirement of making a camp in all four seasons. I set up camp and then explored the surrounding country. Found some trails I'll have to explore come Summer. Also found some beaver ponds so I might have to come back and lay some traps.
 As the day grew late I went back to camp and started a fire. I prepared supper and enjoyed greatly having warm food in my belly. With the daylight fading the cold grew bitter and I huddled closer to the fire. During much of the night I sat by the fire dozing for that was the only real heat I could acquire. Sometimes I would crawl into my buffalo robe with the dog and we both tried to keep each other warm. Needless to say it was a long night.
 Daylight came none to soon and I rolled out of bed when the dog left me to go relieve himself. Breakfast was made and I raised camp and made my way backdown the mountain.
Come to find out the temps were down near zero down on the flatlands which meant it must have been in the negatives up on the Third Fork. Now I see why the old mountaineers tried to stay holed up in the Winter!  Hurrah for mountain doin's!
For more pics go to my blog  idmountaineer.blogspot.com/

[Duane]

Looks like you had a great outing, you have a busy life glad you could work a day in for yourself.D