Out and about

We went out in search for more willow for my baskets last weekend and instead of finding willow, we found some bucks out looking for some does. The first buck we saw, the one in the picture, he was attacking some willow like no ones business.
Although the picture is nothing like watching him in real life, it was amazing to watch. He had no care in the world except that he was gonna take on that bush. I hope you enjoy the little bit I caught on photo.

Basket attempt, step one

So, I have cut the willow branches and the first step is that I need to dry them out. I have them in my house drying as it is so cold outside that I am sure it would take way too long and I am much to excited to wait too long :) I am hoping they will be dry by thanksgiving weekend so I can work :)

The best time to harvest the branches is in the winter not only because of the quality of the willow but the nice thing is, it is already mainly de-leafed, no bugs when crawling in the bush to cut the desired peices out, and it is so beautiful colored.

I can not wait to begin. I am asking questions, reading tutorials on http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/ and also the article on http://www.jonsbushcraft.com/basicbasket.htm. I will continue posting step by step!

out and about

We went out into the woods on both sides of our town this weekend. Each side offering different habitats, each offering different activities, all the same as far as having fun goes. We headed out past Sisters on Saturday in hopes to build a primitive shelter but ran into some very cold, snowy weather so opted out for getting some wood, photos, and enjoying scenery.

Sunday, we headed east past Prineville and were out gathering willow to make baskets, and some other natural plants to make arrows and other primitive tools. We hiked along roads, creeks, and drove around as it was a little chilly too.

Although we didnt see a lot of wild animals nor did we get to build a shelter, we had the most amazing time, the three of us, spending time not too far from home. We got to take photos, share stories, enjoy sharing in each others ideas, and had a great time.

The willow I collected I am hoping to post a follow along as I make my first basket. We will see how it goes. I also got my first peice of vinemaple to make my first bow. Me and bear will be on our first, John on his what, millionth :)
Enjoy!

Not far from home

As I got up the other morning, my husband said, we have fog. Now, that may not be a big thing for you, but where we live, we get fog maybe once or twice a year. Coming from our hometown where fog is a regular daily occurance, going to where none is, it is a celebration when its there.

So we drove up to the bluff and I captured some photos to remember this momentous occasion. It only lasted for about a half hour but it was beautiful being above it, seeing it move, seeing it dance in the wind.

There is so much to enjoy even if where you live is not your ideal place, even if you dont have reliable rigs or money for gas. You can explore very close to home, that is what we do. This day was incredible and I am so thankful I got to see this and be a part of something so simple, yet so breathtaking. I hope you enjoy.