Howdy folks in the Old Northwest
Territories. I hope this finds all in good health. We here in the Ohio Territory
have been blessed. The weather has been favorable. The pesky ole mosquitoes have
been not too bad unless you travel into the woods. I have been told that in the
woods they argue over you.
For those who are not aware, I had a total knee replacement the middle of
June. The surgery went well and I am now going three times a week for therapy.
Times are trying but I am making progress each day. I can’t wait till I can
start back with my regular routine. Hunting season is about to start and I want
to be ready for it.
There have been many things to do this summer and there are lots of
events scheduled for the remainder of the year. I’m hoping to attend a few of
them, maybe not dressed as my persona but at least in modern attire. I reckon
enough talk about that subject.
There have been several things happening with the CoHT. There have been
some resignations and many new faces in some of the Directors positions. I ask
that you give them your support and patience during their learning stages. I
have received several phone calls and emails as to renewals, dues cards, and
access to the Members Message Board areas. These are being addressed by the
Directors.
If you have any problems in these areas, contact your State
Representative or myself. That is what we are here for. We are all working
together to learn and to share ideas.
Well, again I see the fire is burning down and the tea is almost gone. I
reckon time has come to part and turn in for the night.
Till we meet again. Watch yer back train and remember to drink upstream from the herd. Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant, John Covert
Friends, Lets get away...
The weather was cold with a skiff of snow on the ground. The temperature
was to continue to drop into the single digits with brisk swirling winds.
Sounded like perfect weather to dress up in period clothing and do a trek. Come
along and join me.
There is this area that I've trekked back to several times but have not
gotten the chance to lately. I think you will enjoy the woods we will be
crossing through as well as the area that we can drop off our bedrolls, it's
always wise to plan on being out over night, just be prepared.
Once we crest over this hill, the wind won't be so bad. Yes, it does seem
to go right through you, doesn't it? Lets work our way down this draw towards
the fork where both springs join and make a "Y". I did a lot of deer hunting
here this past year. The game in this area is abundant with deer, squirrel and
turkey. Keep a sharp eye, maybe we can bag a squirrel or two for a meal.
Walking was difficult with the floor of the woods being uneven due to the
freezing and thawing of the ground, then this sudden deep freeze we were now in.
Yes, there is a large amount of flint on top of the ground. It doesn't take much
to cut yourself or your moccasins, be careful.
There go some deer, how many were in that bunch? I counted at least eight white flags before they got out of sight. Told you we would see some game. BOOM! Good shoot, a fat Fox Squirrel, my
turn next.
We will be working our way down stream for about a mile, then we will want to bear to our right where another stream merges into this one. Another half mile or so, you will see some large boulders on the right side of the hill. This is where we can make camp. BOOM! What
do you know, another big Fox Squirrel. The smoothbores have done their job
today. We were lucky with the weather and all, that these two were out. You did
remember your spices didn't you? No worries, I've got mine in my pack.
Yep, this is the area that I told you about. I see my old fire pit is
still intact. Look there! The piece of flint that I left on one of the rocks by
the pit hasn't been moved. Let's gather some squaw wood, get a fire going and
see if this airy cave will start to warm up some. Tonight is going to be cold.
Good thing you brought that extra blanket. I would have to agree that these
boulders are left over here from the glacier era. You just know that the one we
are using for our shelter has had to be used possibly by Indians or longhunters
before us. Its just a natural open cave that will sleep two or three
comfortabley.
Year before last, I had spent a night here during Turkey season. You
know, wanting to get way back in and surprise that smart old Tom. I surprised
him alright, he roosted just at the top of the ridge. Come day break he headed
for the creek and didn't know what hit him when I dropped the hammer. It hadn't
taken long with the fire before we felt comfortable in our little cave. Now that
we've got a good bed of coals, we can do the squirrels and make some tea. There
is a good spring over by that large boulder that we can get more water from. I
have never seen it completely freeze, we will check it out while we're getting
more wood for tonight.
You know that the woods seem loud when everything is frozen and the
slightest sound seems to just stand out. Yes, I heard that deer snort, he must
have smelled our smoke. Seems like every time I'm spending the night here that a
deer comes past. the only reason that I haven't deer hunted from this area is
because it is a long drag to get them back to where I can take care of them.
Getting lazy in my older age aren't I?
Looks like we've got plenty of wood for tonight, I'm not sure if I should
keep my canteen in my bedroll or by the fire to keep it from freezing. Hey look!
I just happen to have some dried apples that we can have with our squirrels. How
are they coming along?
So what do you think of this area? I thought you would like it. Yes, I'm
lucky to have an area like this so close to home. Did you happen to notice when
we were working our way towards the "Y", the point that over looks the area
below it? Now, I have spent many a hour just sitting there and watching over the
woods and letting myself just sink into time. Know what I'm saying?
You know with the warmth of the fire, my belly full plus my evening pipe,
it's not going to be long before I'm under my wool blanket fast asleep.
We sure did go through the wood last night. Our little cave did us well
though despite the cold. There should be a hot coal or two in there, I feel some
heat yet. There we go, we're getting some flame now. Oats and tea okay with you?
Today, we will take our time working back towards the farm. We were able
to get out and have an adventure and do what we could to portray our
forefathers. The cold we had felt when we first started this journey hasn't
seemed to bother us. In fact, it's like we don't notice it at all any more.
Walking seemed to get easier, but it's not due to the ground changing. I would
have to say that we had adjusted to the situation. Our eyes and ears were also
sharper on our way out as we heard and spotted many Squirrels, Turkeys and Deer.
For those of you who haven't gotten a chance to get out in the woods
lately... take some time and let yourself enjoy it's beauty and let yourself get
swallowed up in... "the eighteenth century mode". It will recharge your battery
on life.
Until later, Wart
On The Otter Creek
Dave McGee (OH/IN-rep), Jim "Blackie" McClure (OH COHT), Monte Pearson (WVMLA), Ed Robey (WV-rep), Hawk-eye (not shown)
Ohio COHT member "Blackie" standing in the Otter Creek
It
was late June when the four woodsmen (Jim "Blackie" McClure, Ed Robey, Monte
Pearson, Dave McGee) met up with intent of scouting the Otter Creek (Elkins, WV)
region for game. The company arrived at the mouth of the valley sometime late
afternoon. Excitement for the deep woods was making the group eager for the
trail head. Pausing shortly for water and adjustment of gear, the muster of men
prepared themselves for anything. The small party of men were soon on the trail.
All have been in the area before, except Blackie. The party slowly made their
way cautiously as they passed signs of others about. We moved on down the trail
under cover of Rhododendron bushes of enormous size. On points of the trail they
form a natural tunnel some 40 - 50 feet in length. We eventually made our way
into the Beaver Grass fields. The creek jumpable at this point, and held in its
course by steep banks on either side. There are definate signs that once swollen
with rain water, she over flows the banks that now hold her.
We pushed on through Beaver Grass, meadows and ferns, slowly winding back
and forth in and out of small groupings of Pine and other trees of the area.
Upon taking our time we began to hear the sounds of a barking dog. We paused for
a moment to listen to the direction from wich it was coming. We wondered if it
was a hunter and his dog, stray or wild dog... it did not seem to be moving or
getting louder. So we pressed on and the noise of the dog began to get louder.
We soon came upon the source of the noise, a lowly hunter (civilian hunter) and
his dog of whom we surprised so baddly that he just stood there... motionless
and emotionally still, staring... as our party greeted and passed him by. He
stood there knawing on a meatless bone. We cautiously passed him and continued
on our way, turning back every few steps to check our back trail. The stranger
so stunned upon our appraoch followed after us for awhile (he ran after us
stating... "I'm in the wrong century, can I take your picture? No one is going
to beleive me about this."). We pushed on a little further and harder, to put
some distance between us and the stranger, and because the sky was beginning to
darken with cloud and night. Monte and myself have a favorite first night spot,
that is frequented by many types of game. The deer snort in your ear and the
Bear come right to your camp. With the darkening of the sky on the Otter creek,
that only means one thing... rain. Rain means high water, so we chose to stay on
this side of the creek rather cross the creek to our favorite spot and get stuck
there for who knows how long in high water. We found a spot on a nice rise, near
but above the creek and below the trail. We made camp and got shelter in place
for the expected rain. Our next chore was fire wood and food. Monte worked on
building the fire while the rest of us gathered the fuel. We feasted on a scant
of rice and boiled beef, dried fruits, tea and hot chocolate. We settled in for
the night, and as expected... the rain came. Compared to previous rains that I
have been through on my adventures on the Otter Creek, it was nothing at all. We
mangaed the night.
One of the many water falls that comprise the Otter Creek
The next morn we arose to hot tea, dried fruit and a touch more rice and soda bread my daughter Desiree' had made for us before we left the homesteads. We soon met the trail once we gathered our gear together and on our way we were. The day was filled with wonderous sights of the creek and the trees. We even stoped from time to time to investigate a few flowers we discovered along the trail. We reposed by the waterfalls and rapids of the creek. Amazed and happy to be secluded within the bounty of mother natures best. We kept a watchful eye for game and sign... but having not seen any for some time, we pondered if the area had been hunted out or the winter just too harsh and the game moved on. The area is beautiful, scenic... but it can turn dangerous in a heart beat. The temps of the water and the rains, the depth and the force and speed of the moving water. In rains the creek rises literally before your eyes, so you must be aware of weather and what side of the creek you are on. There are no bridges, and the trail crosses and recrosses the creek from one end to the other. Some crossings only ankle deep, others waist deep. We eventually made the third and final major crossing, where we caught up with Ed and Hawk-eye. This being the third and final crossing is also the most dangerous and deepest. The water so deep and the current so strong that you must slide your feet across the bottom and between the rocks. The force of the current pushing on you so much, that to lift your feet any higher would certainly be devistating. The water runs so swift and cold that once it hits your muscles it hurts, it reaches your stomach and you can not breathe it seems. Monte went first, than I followed by Blackie and Ed. Poor Ed had made it across half the way... the creek being maybe 40-45 feet across, when he realized Hawk-eye was still on shore. He turned and called for Hawk-eye to come. Hawk-eye just replied with a whimper and shuffle on the beach, wanting to come to his master but not knowing how or willing to. After repeated calls Ed had no choice but to abandon or retrieve the dog. Hawk-eye being a life long companion and well trained trail dog, Ed could not leave his friend... so back across the creek Ed goes. Grumbling something under his breather we believe, as he approached the shore he began to comfort Hawk-eye and encourage him. Just as Ed got with in a few feet of him and was reaching to pick him up... Hawk-eye jumped right into the creek and was abounding as fast as a deer across the creek to the other side... leaving Ed on the original shore all by himself, left to once again recross the swift and frigid creek again. Upon reaching the other side we turned to getting out of the wet leather and wool and drying them. We discussed if we should push on further or just make camp here for the night as we dried our clothes. Having put in a hard day of scouting the trail and making good time, we opted to make camp there for the night since we had fire and our bodies had cooled down. The sky was clear and beautiful, we decided to just unroll the bedrolls and sleep under the stars. We were half way through drying our gear and finishing a supper when BOOM! a thunder-head had rolled
through the valley, shortly after that the sky began to darken rather quickly.
Monte crawled under a peice of oil skin, Ed crawled under his canvas and folded
it over top of him, Blackie and I opted to lay on one of our pieces of canvas
and cover with the other. We were on a slight incline of substantial grade,
figuring it would help shed water, as there was no really large peice of flat
ground here to stay on... lots of low spots that fill with puddles of water. We
planned to fold and tuck the top edge under and be dry as a bug in a rug. My
being phobic of small places and Blackie a liking of fresh open air... the fold
and tuck, didn't stay tucked... so all the rain water was funneled right on in
on us and down Blackies back. So we mumbled and grumbled through most of the
night... wet but fair. By morning the rain had not let up and our feet were now
in a puddle that was wicking up through our blankets. Ed faired pretty well he
said until Hawk-eye had enough of the rain and pushed his way up and between his
canvas and into his blanket... wich soon absorbed all the wetness off of the dog
and onto him. Ed delighted us to the fact of the smell of wet dog does wonders
for ones sleep, not to mention Hawk-eye forgot to pull the canvas back over him
after climbing in. Monte prepared for the night by perching himself on a rock,
sitting up with the oil skin pulled around him, he said he did well until he
started to sweat and the condensation was as bad as the rain.
Ohio COHT members Dave McGee (OH/IN-rep) and Jim "Blackie" McClure, crossing the Otter Creek
Eventually the rain did stop early
morning, and we rose to find ourselves lucky to have crossed the creek when we
did, for it was well above flooding and out of her banks. We made some quick
breakfast of soda bread and other goodies we had and were on our way. We knew we
were on our last stretch of the trail, it being long and straight... but under
water. We walked the last few miles reluctantly knowing our journey was ending,
but we were amazed at the wonders of the forest, the force and power of mother
nature, the closeness of freinds on the trail. We reached the open meadow late
afternoon, a signal to those of us that have been there before that the end was
near. So thus ended our scout... tired, wet. But we were glad to have done it
and been together on such a adventure.
YMHS, Dave
Tomlinson Run Rondezvous
COHT members Dave McGee (OH/IN-rep) and Trevor McGee 5yr (OH COHT) throwing the hawk
It wasn't too long ago, the 14 - 18th of
July 2004; that I was once again privelaged to be apart of what I feel is one of
the best events in Eastern Ohio and the "panhandle" of West Virginia... that
being the Tomlinson Run Rondezvous. It is like no other, sure there is no
shooting because it is sponsored by and on the State Park grounds, but it
excells in every other aspect. It has one of the best, most interesting hawk and
knife woods walks to test and prove ones skill. We had twenty three targets,
each at differant distances, with differant variances. One might be a right over
hand throw, the next a left hand throw, followed by a under hand. We had
obstacles, spinners, swingers, plus and minus targets, rapid succession targets.
Our range is geared for the little folks as well... all the way down to wee
ones, five years old being our youngest competitors this year. There are men,
women, youth, pee wee categories. We also have stationary hawk and knife
competitions as well. We even had this two feet diameter stationary target full
of cards that we played a fun game of Poker with. How it worked was, to compete
you had to donate a dollar to the park foundation (wich by the way the $$$ goes
towards the childrens programs) and a prize to the blanket. The cards were
backwards, so no one sees what you get... you got five throws (hawk/knife). Only
sticks counted, so when you stuck the tool... what card you stuck you kept. if
you cut two cards, you had to pick wich one you were keeping before looking. As
people threw we filled the blanks in with fresh cards so the target was fair.
When everyone threw, the best had of all got first pick of the prizes, and so on
and so on. We had ladies games for the women, kids games for the kids... and
everyone gets a prize, we just love giving away prizes. We had fire starting
contests as well in the adult and childrens categories. On Saturday, we host a
Been Soup, Corn Bread, Sassafras Tea sale... for a dollar. Can you believe that,
for a dollar. Its all cooked over a open fire right before yours eyes in a big
culdren. We have many return customers just for that every year. Thursday and
Friday evenings we had the Chief of the Lenape nation (by presidential
declaration) bring in the drummers and singers of the nation, I would like to
thank "Running Water" and "White Panther" for again honoring us with thier
presence and enlightment. They demonstrate the differant songs and thier types,
discuss thier meaning... and pay particular attention to the children. As they
are our future. The number of camps were down this year due to the bad weather
we had the first few days, but we all had a grand time. I would like to
personally thank Monte and Maggie, Larry Pearson, Tomlinson Park Staff,
Tomlinson Park Foundation... for letting us have such a grand event. Thanks for
all the hard work you put into the event every year. To all those that attended
and made the event what it really is, I thank you as well. Its a delight to see
you every year. We had people come all the way from New Jersey, Virginia and
other distsant territories.
This event has been going on
for elleven years now, this was my fifth time participating. Its one the kids
will not allow me to miss. It goes by the name "Rondezvous", but if you talk to
those that have been there... it really does not seem like a rondezvous, but
more like a family reunion. Thats because of the care and devotion and the type
of people that attend and put themselves into this event. It is like no other. I
was again honored to have Ed Robey (WV Rep, COHT) stop and visit, and my good
friend and fellow Ohio COHT member "Blackie" come and stayed. Both do not care
for rendezvous's, the crowd thing they say. But Ed has honored me for two years
now by coming, thanks Ed... I appreciate the support. Blackie attended with my
invitation, and afterwards told me, "Dave, its the best one I've been to.
Nothing like what I expected. Everyone treated me like I was family. Anyone not
attending this event is really missing out. I'm gonna tell everyone about it."
Thanks for the kind words Blackie. Its a quaint little hollow the event is in,
bubbling creek runs right through camp. Good for fishing if you have a WV
fishing license. The kids every year make boats out of bark and have boat races,
they spend all day doing that. There are trails to walk, and lots of friendly
people to visit. We give prizes away to all the categories. Give away a camp
prize for free... to all that attend and camp, get a chance at winning a "Glenn
Barnes" print. We gave two away this year. We also have a auction held at the
end of the event. We auction off the left over prizes, there are so many prizes
to choose from, but everyone knowing the cause brings something to donate to the
auction. Like I said all the proceeds go into the Park Foundation and is used
towards childrens play grounds. The minature golf, childrens play grounds,
swimming pool, Bass Ponds... are all within walking distance if you wanted
something differant for a day or so. But there is always something going on in
camp. I almost forgot to mention the raffles we always have. This year we
raffled a large hand made cabinet for your 21st century home that looked like a
Patriotic Bird House, a large folding camp table for your 18th century home, a
cast iron skillet that you can make corn bread (8 pieces) in.
Blackie helped me have a COHT table there as well. We had a few old
newsletters, and the "Purpose and Ideals" as well as membership applications,
and photo albums. Everyone likes looking at photos. Trevor and Caitlyn McGee
took first place in the Hawk knife throwing for thier ages. Desiree McGee took
first place in the fire starting competition for her age group. With damp tow
she did it in one minute and four seconds. I took first place in the adult fire
starting as well with that damp tow with a time of 11 seconds. I also won a hand
at the Poker game and got a great set of tin candle holders. Dan Filbert also
took first in the mens category for hawk and knife with a score of 36 out of
Possible 40 with the range. But he was tied with Fred Tackert so they had to
throw off at the stationary target again so that is out of 64 total points, 36
out of 64 isn't bad. Cherly Tackert took first in the ladies hawk and knife.
Congratulations to everyone.
YMHS, Dave
News from the Territorial Governor
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