Since the deer season is over (well there are a few more days of season but I am not going to hunt anymore) I am going to spend the next six weeks getting prepared for spring.    One of the things i will be preparing for is turkey season.  (That is if the landowners wife will let me kill one of "her" turkeys!  LOL)

If we have six more weeks of winter here, that will be a whole bunch more than we have had so far.  We were beginning to wonder if spring was going to get here before winter!

LOL Dennis!!

In the next 6 weeks I'll be revamping my life entirely, from finding an exercise & meditation regimen that actually suits me, to eating healthier & making healthier decisions overall.  I'll also be working on my life aspirations & will hopefully be on track to finding more fulfilling employment, as well as using my non-work time in more fulfilling ways.  So, nothing much, really.  :)

DLKG,

WOW did you ever make some amazing New Years resolutions, gave he gave you 6 more weeks to make them happen LOL

Dennis,

Congrats you are our Groundhog day winner :).  Please send me your address

so, when you live in a forest things just happen.  We have no grass but we do have an ivy explosion that I dont mind having on the slopes but on the flat I like to be able to walk around and see where I am walking.

The weedeater gets a good workout and this past Saturday Donnie spent a couple hours doing the first of the spring cut backs.  About 2 hours later a snake found its way into plain site on the lower deck and quickly became headless.

I do everything I can to keep the rodents away from the house area including keeping moth balls out.  To be honest in 2.5 years this is the first seen on the property but it is a reminder, watch where you are going :)

Jan, so it is a good snake now?!

LOL, Yes  Charles it is!

As we head into an outdoor 3 day weekend...Copperhead season: what NOT to do if bitten

Snakes are one reason why I am always armed when out and about in forest and field.  I carry a .22 revolver in a holster on my left hip and a .38 snub in my right front pocket.  I don't kill every snake I see.  Last Saturday when I was out at my hunting area I saw a black snake.  I left it alone.  My advice is, don't kill black snakes.  They kill a lot of rodents and sometimes other snakes including copperheads.  They are nonvenomous although if one bites you it could become infected because of the bacterial in their mouths.

Hey, Gang! 

I uploaded a video that I shot yesterday at a local arboretum that is just down the road from where I live. I spend most of my afternoons walking around the grounds there and enjoying the diversity of plants and animals. Yesterday I had this surreal encounter with an especially vocal coyote. He was very aware of my presence but didn't seem to mind me being in such close proximity to him. I'm talking about 30 to 40 feet and closer at times. In all I shot 4 videos similar to the one I posted on YouTube and took over 60 still pictures in the 30 plus minutes that I enjoyed his company. Be sure to turn your speakers up when you watch the video!

Here's one of the many pictures I took...

I also posted a handful of the photographs I took during my Coyote Encounter on my Flickr page, which you can access here...

Link: Coyote Encounter

There are more than 3K photos spread over 30 pages on my Flickr account. Most were taken at the Arboretum that is just about 1 mile down the road from where I live. I invite you to take some time and browse through these photographs. Enjoy!

LOL, he really does not like that chainsaw sound !

Beautiful photo's Ron , that arboretum looks a wonderful place to spend your time .

Ron

Your photos are stunning to say the least!

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend

Look up Friday and Saturday nights (Aug. 11 and 12) for this year's Perseid meteor shower peak.

For Northern Hemisphere observers, August is usually regarded as "meteor month," with one of the best displays of the year reaching its peak near midmonth. That display is, of course, the annual Perseid meteor shower, which is beloved by meteor enthusiasts and summer campers alike. But skywatchers beware: You will face a major obstacle in your attempt to observe this year's Perseid performance — namely, the moon. (Live in a big city? Find out how to see the Perseids from urban areas here from our sister site Active Junky.)

As (bad) luck would have it, this year, the moon turned full on Aug. 7, and it will be at a rather bright waning gibbous phase several nights later, seriously hampering observation of the peak of the Perseids, predicted to occur on the night of Aug. 11-12. (Aug. 12-13 will also have high rates, as the absolute peak is during the day Aug. 12, but will also be obscured by the moon.) [Perseid Meteor Shower 2017: When, Where & How to See It]

so a couple of questions.  Are you going to be somewhere you can see the event on Monday?

Our little of town of 600 is expected to have 20K visitors!  In a 20 mile radius the number is 80K!!!

Those of us on the mountain have chosen not become involved in the hype.  We will gather at the highest house to watch together and then meet down at my picnic area afterwards for a light dinner.  Going to town beyond tomorrow is not recommended by our city council nor our sheriff dept.

Where will you be and what will you be doing??

Eclipse Maps 

Doesn't look like we will get to see it here in Alabama.

Ok, so living in the woods does come with it's own set of challenges when it comes to critters.  Trying to get the game camera set up this week as we have just been notified a very large and very destructive bear is hanging out on our mountain.  For the past three nights he has been tearing up a neighbors property (about 1 mile away at the foot of the mountain).  He has also been seen during the day at a property just below us tearing up and eating the yellow jacket nests.  While I appreciate him getting rid of them, he can move on now !!! 

You and Donnie be careful Jan!  Be especially watchful while outside.  If you have a shotgun I would keep it loaded with slugs.  At close range, as such an encounter would be, a 12 gauge loaded with slugs is about as powerful a stopper as you can get.  If you have a large caliber pistol I would take it with me on trips outside.  A high powered rifle would work too.  Of course the best course of action is to avoid a confrontation if possible.  However it isn't always possible.

Charles,

We are doing all the right things up here.  We have all taken down the bird feeders, we have made sure anything thrown away with food smells is in ziplocks in the trash.  We are keeping outside lights on at night and we have all walked our properties for the underground yellow jacket nests and gassed them.

What we are afraid of this weekend is that visitors to our area are throwing out trash.  We have found 2 trails of fast food wrappers and containers and picked them all up. We were rather hoping with all the camping going on this weekend for the eclipse that he would move on for better hunting grounds.

The 35 Remington is loaded now, the revolver changed it's cylinder from snake shot to 22 mags.

Hope he moves on before someone has to hurt him or that DNR gets a trap available to bring out soon

A wonderful neighbor took the time lapse video but here it is

2017 Hiawassee Eclipse

So according to this we are looking for a cold and wet winter with possible white.  We are right at the tip of GA/NC border.  

As of today, I would have to say it is going to be an early Fall.  Although Autumn  officially begins Sept 22, we have been checking the wood pile and generally looking around the house to see what chores need to get done before winter comes along.  The doors and windows have been open for a good 2 weeks now, the weather if ranging high 70/low80's during the day and mid 60/high 50's at night.  The webworms have started in earnest and we are seeing some color change with leaf fall.  NONE of this should be happening, but there you go.  Time to prepare the homestead.

Sooo, is the weather whacky at your place this summer?  Are you noticing anything out of the ordinary?

Here are the 20 Signs of A Hard Winter according to folklore:
Thicker than normal corn husks
Woodpeckers sharing a tree
Early arrival of the Snowy owl
Early departure of geese and ducks
Early migration of the Monarch butterfly
Thick hair on the nape (back) of the cow’s neck
Heavy and numerous fogs during August
Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands
Mice eating ravenously into the home
Early arrival of crickets on the hearth
Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers
Pigs gathering sticks
Insects marching in a line rather than meandering
Early seclusion of bees within the hive
Unusual abundance of acorns
Muskrats burrowing holes high on the river bank
“See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”
The orange band on the Woollybear (or Woollyworm) caterpillar: a narrow orange band warns of heavy snow; fat and fuzzy caterpillars presage bitter cold
The squirrel gathers nuts early to fortify against a hard winter
Frequent halos or rings around the Sun or Moon forecast numerous snow falls.

We are seeing a good number of these happening, what about in your area?

Are you in the cone of uncertainty for Irma?  Dont wait until too late.  Is your bugout bag ready?  Important papers?

A few hurricane tricks for those who may need it:
Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.
2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn't crack the container.
3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.
4. Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.
5. Cash from ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don't freeze your card for out-of-area "suspicious" transactions.
6. All important docs screenshot & send to your email. Take originals in sealed bags or plastic bins.
7. Pet & livestock food & supplies. Vet records in case you need to shelter then at a storm-safe facility.
8. Evacuation plans and share with family members so they know where you're headed.
9. Consider putting heirlooms & photos in plastic bins in a high place, second floor, or safe room if you don't plan on taking them with you.
10. SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.
11. Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!
12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until its too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responder).
13. If you don't already have your hurricane supplies, you might want to get them now. Shelves are already empty in most places.

As I look at this the last time I posted in this group Irma was on the way.  Read below, the tips are still good

Well it appears that we will be getting somewhere around 30mph and 2-4 inches of rain from Florence.  I am worried about a good many of our members and friends.  If your in the path, please leave.  You will NEVER here me say this unless I fear for lives...even knives can be replaced (but I suggest they go in their own bug out bag with silicon packets :) )

At our house tonight, God provided us an outstanding light show.  From the back porch a rainbow followed by a golden sky from the front

I like seeing rainbows.  It always  reminds me of God's promise.

Space Weather News for Nov. 16, 2018
http://spaceweather.com
https://www.facebook.com/spaceweatherdotcom

THE LEONID METEOR SHOWER: Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, source of the annual Leonid meteor shower. NASA cameras have already detected a number of Leonid fireballs over the USA with peak rates expected on Nov. 17th and 18th. The weekend display is best seen at dawn alongside a new comet and a conjunction between Venus and the brightest star of Virgo. Visit Spaceweather.com for the full story.

From The Daily Inter Lake
Kalispell, Montana, July 16, 1923 –

Mute evidence of a tragedy of the woods was discovered a few days ago by Joe McKelvey, park ranger, in the vicinity of Many Glaciers chalet, Glacier National Park.

In a thicket about three miles north, Mr. McKelvey ran across the skeleton of a moose, and upon closer investigation, found parts of a human skeleton, which clearly showed that some hunter years ago had shot and wounded a moose and then been killed by the animal. Close by was found a Springfield 45-70 rifle with the breech open, and a shell which had stuck told how the hunter had lost his life. He had evidently fought to a finish for a broken knife (that) was found on the ground.

Old-timers in the vicinity of the park are of the opinion the skeleton is that of a French-Canadian trapper who disappeared about 18 years ago, but none remember his name. There is no doubt that the man lost his life a long time ago, for the bones are bleached and the rubber shoes which the hunter was wearing are badly weather-worn.

Mr. McKelvey got an excellent photograph of this tragedy of the hills. It shows the two skeletons where the combatants fell after their fight, together with the rifle and other equipment of the hunter.

Whatever you choose to believe about the cause of death of these two creatures, it’s certainly worthwhile to remember that wild animals can be dangerous — and hunters sometimes come out on the losing end.

Knife Center has chosen their best choices for tomahawks in 2019.  I like the Spyderco, which is your choice?  Is it even on their list?

Jan, no!!!!  I can't afford to get into tomahawks again!!!!  

Okay, I've admired RMJ tomahawks from afar for years, & for some reason I haven't bought any of the CRKT production versions of RMJ designs.  Actually, the reason is simple -- I could never decide which one to buy first!  At first I thought it would be the Chogan, which has more of a hammer poll, but lately I've been leaning more toward the Kangee -- & now even more with that tip from the video of using the spike end to spike logs!!!!  AH!  Then the Kangee was made with orange scales, but those seems to have gone out of production & disappeared.

And then CRKT came out with the more affordable Woods Chogan & Woods Kangee, & that was tempting too, especially when I'm in more of a classical tomahawk mood.  They even have hafts that are thicker than most contemporary tomahawks, like the Cold Steel models.  (I tried some serious chopping after a storm with the Cold Steel Rifleman, & that narrow, straight handle led to some serious hand fatigue.)

I love that the Spyderco has an aluminum core to add more rigidity to the haft, and the actual function.

I'm still more of a woods user than tactical, so my current go-to is the Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe -- I love splitting fire wood from fuel sized down to kindling then making fuzz sticks with that axe, it's just a visceral joy to me.

However I can also endorse that SOG Tactical Tomahawk -- it's incredibly sharp out of the box & it's almost too scary sharp to throw!  Almost...  :)

And then there's the often overlooked category of "tactical cleavers" -- which have recently garnered some models from ESEE & TOPS, but my favorites are my Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works tactical cleaver & my John Greco custom mini cleaver.  MMHW really deserves some attention in this category.

And I don't usually say this, but Gerber makes a model currently that I'm really interested in -- the Downrange.  Hovering around $200, it'll have to just be a curiosity for now.  If I had $400 to spend on a tomahawk, I might go for something from Hardcore Hardware, maybe a little more & I'd go for a mid-range piece by Daniel Winkler...  

But I'll come back down to reality & just encourage anyone reading to try the Sog Tactical Tomahawk or the smaller Fasthawk, or to try really any of the Cold Steel tomahawks.  The prices are decently low on any of these.

But if anyone has any feedback on the CRKT's I'd definitely be interested in hearing it!! 

I love hawks, got i have a few, from rmj, to crkt, to cold steel, sog, m48, estwing etc 

DLKG,LOL!  I hear ya!  I keep looking back at this.  I really want the Spyderco

Very Nice collection Jay!

10 pioneer-era apple types thought extinct found in US West

This is pretty cool.  I wonder if any of them would survive in North Georgia?

More Adler Canoe Axes Coming

Question for you preppers. I am considering buying one of those "Emergency" radios. The kind that wind up with a crank handle, Solar, and battery. Question is has anyone here bought one? and what is your thoughts on them? P G & E is a real pain out here and when my power goes out so does my internet, Phone and TV. 

John Kellogg I have one, and it does work well, i have a radioshack one, the only thing is it does take a lithium rechargable battery so you might want to get some , most all do,  it also can take double or tripple A batteries, so even cracking it will need to have a battery in it, so i would get plenty of those 

Thanks for the input Jay, Much appreciated. Is radio Shack still in business? All near me have closed up. Looking at a midland and one other.

its not but you can still find them on ebay , but that is just one brand, you can get dozens of different companies that make them

Be prepared

Midland

The Midland seems to be a little more costly but also a little more substantial.  In my case we are looking at sporadic use but for John since he is in one of PG&E frequent power shutdown areas,the unit is going to have to hold up to a substantial amount of use.

Thanks for the input Jay and Jan. I'll let you know when I decide.