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February 2012


SPALLS Distribution
Distribution of SPALLS is available to any vial Email or Snail Mail (USPS). Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS. For those of you
that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a letter with their mailing address to:
James Keffer
23811 NE 14th
Sammamish, WA
98074


THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address, your snail-mail address and phone number to Jim Keffer at jckeffer@comcast.net there is no charge for SPALLS. If you
do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send a mailing address – a donation or a self-addressed stamped envelope to cover the cost of
printing and postage is appreciated.  If you, or someone you know, has an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in June, e-mail your address to Jim Keffer. I have several unverified email address at this
time. If you have received a verification email from me please reply - I need the updates!


SPAM PROTECTION:
Several of our subscribers have not been getting the SPALLS issue via e-mail. Please check your SPAM protection. I think that some of your SPAM protection is eliminating
the SPALLS message. One of the checks for SPAM is the number of multiple issues from the sender. If your protection checks this, the SPALLS message will be tagged as
SPAM. In some cases, the message is only tagged. In others, the message is deleted.  Subscribers to “hotmail”, some of the hotmail accounts bounce SPALLS because of
server space. Be sure to empty your server often. 

NEXT SPALLS ISSUE:
The next SPALLS issue will be in June, 2012, following the North Umpqua/Illahee Flats Knap-in. The weather’s finally great, so go to the knap-ins!

Recreational Rock Collecting on Public Land in Washington – UPDATE
Just a brief recap of the efforts of the Puget Sound Knappers (PSK) and the Washington State Mineral Council (WSMC - rock hound clubs) to remove the prohibition
on recreational rock collecting on State Public Lands.  Our efforts to get our legislator involved in our efforts met with some success. Rep. Barbara Bailey of Whidbey Island (thank you Whidbey Island Gem Club and
Knapadonia members), sponsored a bill, HB2400, that would have allowed recreational rock collecting on State lands along the same lines as the Federal BLM laws (see h  tp://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/rock_collecting_Guide_WA-OR.html).  With six co-sponsors (three of both political parties), it appeared that we had a chance to effect some change. However, the Washington State Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW) is adamantly opposed to ANY recreational rock collecting on ‘their’ land. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) also expressed
some concern but would not rule out some accommodation. We now expect the bill to fail and have recommended that it be pulled.  Following a hearing with the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources,
members of the WSMC and PSK (me) were invited to meet with representatives of the WDNR to see if we could work out a way to allow recreational rock collecting on WDNR land. The first meeting took place on Olympia at the offices of the WDNR on Monday,  March 13, 2012. The meeting was, in our opinion, encouraging. The WDNR feels that they may be able to accommodate recreational rock collecting – with reasonable limits.
We discussed several options and agreed to meet again on a few weeks. The PSK and WSMC will offer a new proposal for recreational rock collecting – specific annual limits, site restoration policies, etc.
We are cautiously optimistic. We have one major thing in our favor – State Law says that WDNR land would be open to ‘multiple use’ recreation as long as it doesn’t conflict with the primary purpose of DNR manage lands – which is to provide for timber sales for funding public schools.  We’ll keep you posted on our progress.


Upcoming Events – Note: Since SPALLS is published only three times each year changes/updates to the schedule of events will be posted on our website http://pugetsoundknappers.com
If you have or know about an event involving knapping let me know.  I’ll either publish it in SPALLS or put in on the PSK Website.  Note from the publisher - With concurrence from the Council of Elders
This note is a basic reminder that the PSK and all of the knap-ins are paid for either by direct donations or auctions of donated items and community points, and competitive knapping contests. The expenses to the host of a knap-in are not
trivial, running into the hundreds of dollars. To insure the continuation of our  knap-ins and in particular the largest knap-in in the PNW – the Glass Buttes Knapin, it is important that all knappers contribute what they can. The cost of Porta-
Potties alone at Glass Buttes can run between $600 and $800 including toilet SPALLS 4 February 2012 paper. We must make sure that whoever arranges and pays for the Porta-Potties is made whole.

 

Ongoing Events


VA Volunteers
Seattle VA Hospital – bi-monthly workshop and demonstration. PSK members hold a ‘mini’ knap-in at the Seattle VA hospital every other Wednesday. Hosted by Jim Keffer and Woody Woodside (official volunteers w/badges),these workshop fall under the Recreational Rehabilitation department of the VA hospital. Knapping has proven to be both physically and mentally therapeutic as well as great fun. While normally all volunteers are required to undergo4 hours of formal orientation, have a background investigation, and receive a photo ID badge, the VA has agreed that as long as either Woody or I attend, any PSK member may participate in the workshops.
We’ve had as many as five PSK members participate at one time. We encourage all PSK members to volunteer – even if for just one workshop. I Due to family and other commitments between Thanksgiving and Christmas we may be
able to participate in only one or two workshops – dates to be determined.  To volunteer and participate simply contact Jim Keffer at: reefer@pugetsoundknapppers.com


Weekly Fort Knapadonia Knap-in
There is an informal knap-in each Wednesday from 8:30 am until sometime in the afternoon at Fort Knapadonia on the north end of Whidbey Island (see the Annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-in announcement for directions). There are usually 12-14 knappers attending, from novices to master knappers. Dr. Joe Higgins hosts and provide expert knapping lessons. The regulars also provide lessons, loaner tools, free rock and safety
gear – safety glass and nitrile-coated gloves. Brunch or lunch is usually provided by theregulars as well.


Major Events


Cabelas Knap-in – March 2012 (dates pending)
Although the January Knap-in at Cabelas was canceled due to inclement we’ve been
invited back to Cabelas for their Spring Outdoor Adventure Days – we’re working on finalizing the dates. . Look for updates/details on our website http://pugetsoundknappers.com.
2012 Glass Butte Gathering, Glass Butte, Oregon, March 24 through April 1, 2012 Take Special Note – The timing of the annual Glass Buttes Knap-in corresponds to the Oregon Schools Spring Break Calendar. In 2012
this is the LAST WEEK in MARCH!


Second Special Note and Reminder – The Glass Buttes Knap-in is held on Federal Land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM does not permit commercial activity or organized
events. This is an informal gathering of people with a common interest. As a condition of using the Glass Buttes area the knappers provide sanitation facilities (Porta-Potties). The cost of these Porta-
Potties in not insignificant and historically, one or two knappers have gone out on a limb and spent their own money up front to rent them.  Donations from those attending will help insure that we will be able to
meet our commitments to provide sanitation facilities and keep in the good graces of the BLM! Donations are absolutely voluntary but please donate if you can. And pack out your trash!
And Come PREPARED! While two of the last three years have seen moderate to good weather, those of us at the 2011 GB Knap-in experienced some tough conditions. Not bad enough to keep away the hardiest of the knappers but tough nevertheless!  As always it will be primitive camping – bring what you’ll need and plan to pack it out as well. Porta-Potties are the only amenities that will be provided.
.
Also, if you have other interests in all the other aboriginal skill sets:
food/fire/water/tanning/cordage/herbs/basketry/etc., etc., etc. - this is one of the best for
networking/sharing/learning. Again, the weather is THE wildcard for this event – true to
Point of contact is Steve Allely (email: allely@uci.net) or contact Rocky Male
(rockylmale@yahoo.com). Rocky will be providing the Porta-Potties (and firewood) so
keep him in mind when the donation bucket goes around.


2012 Goldendale/Thomas Hollow Knap-in May 18th – 20th

10th Annual Goldendale/Thomas Hollow Knap-In, Goldendale, Washington, May 18th – 20th.  Ed and Loretta Thomas will again be hosting their Tenth Annual Knap-In at "ThomasHollow", near Goldendale, WA, from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Their property lies about 5 miles East of Goldendale. This will be their 9th Annual K/I at this location and 10th overall. There is a "walk-through" Archery Range about their property that contains 15 targets
and, possibly, a new moving target. Really great for stretching after sitting and Knapping for a while, also quite relaxing! The usual fun games will be going on, such as Goat Rock events, etc. There will be a fund raising Auction, a Raffle and maybe a knapping contest or two to help cover expenses, as we did in past years.  There will be a hand-washing facility and Sani-Cans available. Those folks wishing to camp can do so on the property, as there is plenty of room.
This knap-in is dependent on getting enough volunteers to help out. Volunteers are needed at least a day or two early to get things squared away. If you plan to attend and can come early please let Ed or Jim Keffer know as soon as possible.


Directions:
Goldendale, WA, is on Hwy 97 in S. Central Washington approximately 70 miles S. of Yakima and 12 miles N. of Biggs, OR (on the Columbia River). Exit Hwy 97 at the N.
Exit into Goldendale. Travel S. about 2-1/2 blocks on Broadway to Bickleton Hwy Exit on left (East). There is an AIMEE’S ATTIC store sign at this intersection. Turn East,
under Hwy 97 and travel approx. 4-1/2 miles to intersection of Willis Rd (on the Rt.).  Across from Willis Rd is Pumphouse Rd (new Pumphouse Road sign on post at corner).
Turn N. on to Pumphouse Rd and travel approx. 1/2 mile to intersection of Rocky Ridge Rd on the left. Turn left to Rocky Ridge Rd and go to 2nd driveway on left (about 1/3rd
mile). This is the place. Signs will be posted for the K/I at intersections!  Please observe 15 MPH speed limit on Pumphouse and Rocky Ridge Roads!


2012 North Umpqua/Illahee Flats Knap-in – Hosts - Brad Baughman and Jim Hopper, May 26th – June 3rd.
Brad Baughman and Jim Hopper will be hosting the Sixth Annual Western Oregon Knap-In at Illahee Flats, Oregon from May 26th through June 3rd (Memorial Day weekend to the following Sunday). There is no charge for camping and Porta-Potties will be provided. There is plenty of room for any type of vehicle parking and camping.  Illahee Flats is a traditional abo gathering area, so bring your tarps so we don’t contaminate the area with modern debitage. Also, bring your knapping chairs. Bring your fishing rods. There are several good lakes close by as well as the river. Dry Creek Store is only 2 miles away and has gas and a deli.
 
Directions:
From I-5, take highway 138 east (towards Diamond Lake/Crater Lake) to MP 47 at Dry Creek Store. Go just past Dry Creek Store (200 feet east of store), and turn left (north)
on a gravel forest service road. Go about 2 miles, then turn to the right at the Illahee Flats sign. For more information, contact: Brad Baughman at (541) 705-5034, or e-mail:
bbb7707@yahoo.com


Tri-Cities Knap-in – Host Greg Greger, Saturday May 26th – Monday May 28th
The CREHST Museum (Columbia River Environment, History, Science and Technology) of Richland, WA., has agreed to co-sponsor a gathering of Knappers for a Knap-In. It will be held in North Amon Park on the East edge of Richland next to the Columbia River.

When: Over the three day Memorial Day weekend of Saturday, May 26, Sunday, 27 and Memorial Day, Monday, May 28.
Where: At the North end of Amon Park next to the boat launch with open spaces and trees for shade. This is one block east of the main North/South street of Richland,
George Washington Way. Nearby is CREHST museum, the Richland Community Center with its Senior Center, Allied Arts, Chinese Buffet and the Red Lion Hotel. In
addition to parking at the adjacent boat launch, there is parking in and around the above facilities, particularly CREHST Museum's parking lot at 95 Lee Blvd. Over night
camping locations can be obtained from the writer.
Directions: From surrounding areas to Richland's Amon Park Knap-in.
Coming from the North West on Hwy 240 past the Hanford Reservation, When approaching the North edge of Richland, pass through Richland Access Hwy at traffic
light onto Jadwin St. going South several blocks to Van Giesen St. and turning left, (East ) to intersection with the main street, George Washington Way. Turn right, South,
going past the uptown portion of Richland, past the Fire Station and the City Chinese Deli. Turn left at Newton Street, just before Sterling's Grill, going over the former dyke to
Amon park. Turn left (North) to the end of the park with the boat launch and parking. Watch for temporary Knap-In sign.
Coming from West
(Yakima Valley) on Hwy 82, five miles after passing West Richland, turn into Hwy I82, heading for Richland. After crossing Yakima River ridge, make exit at
overpass to George Washington Way, (the main north/south street) heading North through downtown portion of Richland. On Geo. Washington Way, after passing the
Red Lion Inn, watch for Sterling's Grill on right. Immediately past it turn right (East) on Newton St., going over the former dyke to Howard Amon Park which is next to the
Columbia river. Turn left (North) towards the boat launch at the North end of Amon Park. Watch for a Knap-in temporary sign.
Coming from North East on Hwy I82 past city of Pasco, over the Columbia River, stay in right lane coming to George Washington Way. After passing the Red Lion Inn, watch
for Sterling's Grill on the right. Immediately past it, turn right (East) to Newton St., going over the former dyke to Howard Amon Park which is next to the Columbia river. Turn
left (North) towards the boat launch at the North end of Amon Park. Watch for a Knapin temporary sign.
Coming on Hwy 240 from South past Kennewick and approaching the interchange with Hwy. I82 outside of Richland, select the lane designated for George Washington Way.
After passing the Red Lion Inn, watch for Sterling's Grill. Immediately past it, turn right (East) on Newton St., going over the former dyke to Howard Amon Park which is next to
the Columbia River. Turn left (North) towards the boat launch at the North end of Amon Park. Watch for a Knap-in temporary sign.
General: With this Amon Park location, the public will have easy access to our activity, and we can expect to have many visitors wishing to see and learn about this ancient
craft. Visitors must wear eye protection if they wish to closely observe or try pressure flaking. Being in a city park, we will must clean up our stone debris and remove our
equipment after we cease our activities each day, as the park is open to the public in the  evening . This pick up and put away time can be arranged, based on the desires of
attendee knappers.
At CREHST Museum, Richland's role in manufacturing atomic bomb ingredients can be viewed, also displays of Wanapum Native American Crafts and early pioneer days of thls area.
As an aid to making necessary arrangements for the event, knappers planning to attend are asked to contact the writer as soon as your plans are firm.

Contact for info. on parking, etc. : GREG GREGER,
509 943-3951 1425 Marshall Ave.
mggreg1@frontier.com Richland, WA. 993534
 

2012 Bitterroot Valley Knap-In, Larry Creek campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, July 6 thru July 9

Joan and Richard Urata will be hosting the 2nd Annual Bitterroot Valley Knap-In at the Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley,
Montana, from Friday, July 6th thru Monday, July 9th. We will be there to set up from noon Thursday 7/5 thru noon Tuesday 7/10 for clean-up. As with all PSK knap-ins,
everything is free. This is a family event. There is a paved parking lot for RV’s (no hookups) and vehicles. There will be lots of room for tents under the trees or under the
stars. Forest Service restricts RV’s to 30 ft. and vehicles need to stay in the parking lot – camp gear will need to be carried a short distance to your campsite. This is BEAR
country so tenters should bring a long rope to hang your food up in the trees, or leave it in your vehicles. There will be a pot luck dinner Saturday evening with the hosts
providing the main dish. This will be a Forest Service group area with trees providing about 75% shade where we will be gathering and tenting. There is a 50 X 50 yard open
area for an archery/atlatl range and tents. There is a large supermarket 6 miles away and restaurants 6 to 8 miles away in Stevensville. There is a motel 15 miles away in
Lolo.  The RV spaces at Larry Creek Group Campground are limited so be sure to make your reservations with Richard & Joan to guarantee a space in the group camp. A list of
alternative RV Parks and Hotels is available by emailing Joan at the address below.

Charles Waters Campground – the first come first served campground - is about a mile from Larry Creek in the same complex – cost is $10/night and no hookups or $5/night
with Senior National Park Pass. This campground has individual spaces and will be busy the weekend after the holiday.
If you are planning on coming to the Montana Knap-In please drop us a line at richurata@cybernet1.com or call us at (406) 360-1752 and let us know how many are in
your party and if you are tent camping or staying somewhere else in your RV. The
Forest Service likes to get a tentative number of attendees so they can help us in our
facility planning.
Directions:
Drive to Missoula, Montana, on Interstate 90. Take exit 101 and head south on
Reserve Street (also designated Hwy 93) to Hamilton. Turn right on Brooks street (also
designated Hwy 93). You will pass 2 towns, Lolo and Florence. Turn right onto Bass
Creek Road, 0.6 miles south of mile post 71 to Bass Creek Recreation area. Go 2 miles
into Bass Creek Recreation area then turn right to Larry Creek campground group area.
Go 1 mile on gravel road to our group campground. You will pass a parking lot for day
users on your right.
Fort Knapadonia Knap-in – August 2012 – (dates not confirmed)
Joe Higgins will host the annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August. He promises to
have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc,
and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades. There will be water available,
electricity, Port-a-Potties, and lots of room for camping and RVing. Women and
families are welcomed and encouraged to attend! There are plenty of garage sales and
stores for shopping.
In addition to the usual great knappers knapping, plentiful rock and great weather,
Whidbey Island is also a great place for families interested in sightseeing and other
tourist activities.
Directions:
To get to the knap-in - drive north past Seattle about 70 miles on Interstate 5. Take the
230 off-ramp to highway 20 and go west toward Anacortes. Take highway 20 turn off to
Deception Pass. Go past Deception Pass about 2 miles and turn right (west) on Banta
Road. Follow the signs from Banta Road to the knap-in. There are stores and
restaurants/fast foods in the area. Contact Joe Higgins at (360) 720-1076 or (360) 675-
4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.
Kittitas Valley's Fall Gathering of Stone Age Craftsman – October
(dates pending)
SPALLS 10 February 2012
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16th Annual (Pre) Thanksgiving Knap-In, Millersylvania State Park,
near Olympia Washington. November 3th and 4th, 2012. Always
scheduled on the first Saturday and Sunday of November each year.
Join Mick and Holly Hill, hosts of the annual November knap-in. This gathering began
with the idea of putting closure to the year, reflecting on the fun gatherings and
campouts that happened thru the year(s). It is our knappers’ time to give thanks and be
grateful, and then look forward to the holidays with our own families.
Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, 5 p.m. Kitchen #1 is a log cabin that includes
an area with fireplace heat and extra lighting set up for flintknapping. There is also a
kitchen area with wood stove to plan the potluck. We have electricity but usually no
running water. (This means, “Pack it in-Pack it out.” We don’t do dishes….) Part of
the cabin is open to the weather elements and can’t be closed off. It can be cold! The
park rangers also leave a bathroom unlocked near the cabin for our use and for extra
drinking water if needed.
The potluck thanksgiving dinner will be served by 1 p.m. on Saturday only. Mick and
Holly provide coffee, fresh baked turkey and some traditional thanksgiving dishes.
Bring a potluck dish, camp stool or lawn chair, and plan to wear warm clothes and boots
for the mud, sometimes rainy weather. Bring a blanket for your chair if you need more
warmth. Pack a project to work on or share as show-n-tell if you are not flintknapping.
Some may camp and stay thru Sunday. If camping, expect to follow state park rules
and provide payment for a camp site. There is a warm bathroom w/plumbing and coin
operated hot showers available. You may want to check the website at
www.parks.wa.gov, select Millersylvania, to consider reservations.
We meet again Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holly will flip breakfast pancakes and
later make grilled cheese for what becomes a reduced number of knappers. This is a
good time for learning from others with more experience if you are new to knapping.
Directions:
From North or South, take I-5 to Exit 95. Follow signs to the park entrance. Look for
Kitchen #1. Park in the first parking lot on the left, near the entrance of the park.
Access to Kitchen #1 is by walking a path thru the woods. We will have 2 wheelbarrows
to shuttle your flintknapping supplies from your vehicle to the cabin. Watch for others
that may be trying to find our cabin! It gets confusing to new visitors. If necessary,
there is a back road access to drive/assist those who don’t hike or to deliver the extra
big load. Park rangers want to limit our driving thru their back roads.
For more info, contact Mick or Holly Hill, 360-493-8439 or e-mail:
hollyhill54@gmail.com, michaelhill30@gmail.com.
Bakersfield Monthly Knap-In, Bakersfield, California
SPALLS 11 February 2012
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(This is not a PSK Event)
A monthly knap-in is held on the first Sunday of every month. The one-day event goes
from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Hart Memorial Park. The park is eight miles northeast
of Bakersfield on the Alfred Harrell Highway. Knappers meet at the East end of the
park.
Directions:
While on highway 58, east of Bakersfield, take the Comanche exit and turn to the north.
Comanche curves around 5 to 6 miles and dead ends into highway 178. Turn north on
178 (right) then a quick left (less then 1/4 mile) onto Alfred Harrell highway. Alfred
Harrell 7-8 miles goes into Hart Park. The knap-in is 100 yards or so from the entrance
on the right hand side of the park. For more information contact Gary Pickett at: Home:
(661) 392-7729, Cell: (661) 444-6163, e-mail: air-o-head@webtv.net.
Reports:
Winter Break/Cabin Fever 2012 Report
Hosted by Founding Member Dave Pelhing and his nephew Jim, this year’s Winter
Break Knap-in was the largest in recent memory! Several new members made this
their first knap-in. It would be easy to go on and on and on with superlatives as there
were so many things that made this knap-in so wonderful. The best way to sum it up - a
unanimous consensus that we'll all attend next year!
Update on the Website
Well, we’ve passed the 17,500 ‘unique visitors’ mark , with more than 1.1 MILLION hits!
A ‘unique visitor’ is one that has not visited the website in the past. Many people visit
the website more than once as evidence in the more than 750,000 hits! And we’ve had
visitors from more than 100 different countries. The number of people visiting and the
number of pages accessed (hits) is growing each month.
We’re now up to forty-three member ‘Art Galleries’. I’d like to encourage every member
to contribute to the website. If you have photos of your knapping and/or ‘Paleo Art’,
email them to me and I’ll create your very own art gallery on the PSK Website.
Once again, we encourage every member to register their ‘knapper mark’, submit a
photo of themselves, contribute to the ‘How-To’ section and send in photo of their
knapping/Paleo Art. Again, if you submit photos of your art I will create an Art Gallery in
your name!
The ‘Knapper Recipe’ section on the website started off with a bang and I encourage
everyone to contribute to this section.
SPALLS 12 February 2012
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At the request of several member knappers I’ve undertaken a new project/section for
the website – Knappable Rock in the PNW. After all we are not only about Obsidian!
This section will feature knappable rock found in the PNW and include photos of ‘rough
rock’, as it was found in nature, slabs of the same rock and, where appropriate, photos
of slabs of that rock after heat treating. Only general locations will be given, i.e. NW
Oregon or Columbia River Basin, but additional information such as heat treating
recommendations will be included. I encourage all members who can contribute photos
as outlined above to send them to me at reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com.
Members can Advertise Their Products
The Puget Sound Knappers website now features a section for members to advertise,
for free, flintknapping/Paleo art for sale/trade or barter. The member will be provided
an area to display their art (for sale/trade or barter) and their contact information – but
no prices.
Commercial advertisers will be provided with a section for their links and the description
of what their site offers. No advertising per se, but a link provided for the benefit of our
members.
Website Funding
A portion of donations/funds raised at the Goldendale, Bitterroot, Ft. Knapadonia and
Illahee Flats Knap-ins were applied to the cost of the website as well as the cost of the
new PSK banners. The website is now fully funded for the next two years thanks to Ed
Thomas, Richard Urata, Brad Baughman and Joe Higgins and all those who contributed
at the knap-ins! Special thanks to Richard and Joan Urata for their substantial
contribution. Puget Sound Knappers.com is truly a member website!
Rock Collecting Regulations Links:
WA and Oregon Rock Collecting Guide -
http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/rock_collecting_Guide_WA-OR.html
BLM Glass Buttes Handout -
http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/BLM_Glass_Buttes_Handout_4-09.html
MAYBE OF INTEREST:
Website for Artifact and Archeological Books
This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale.
Go to: http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .
TARP
SPALLS 13 February 2012
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There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages
and/or going into the chat room. It may be of interest as knapping information is passed
back and forth via messages. It is called TARP – you know, the thing you put on the
ground to collect the débitage. http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp .
Knappers-R-Us
Here’s another e-group for knappers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/
Flintknappers Digest
Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/
Lithic Casting Lab
For anyone who wants to replicate certain styles of points (Flake patterns, thickness,
convexity, length, and width), you can purchase castings of artifacts from Lithic Casting
Lab. http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/
Paleo Planet
Primitive Technology discussions, including flintknapping. www.PaleoPlanet.net.
SPALLS 14 February 2012
 
SPALLS
James C. Keffer
23811 NE 14th St
Sammamish, WA 98074

Spalls

June 2012

SPALLS Distribution

Distribution of SPALLS is available to any viable Email or Snail Mail (USPS) address. Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS.  For those of you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a letter with their mailing address to:

 James Keffer

 23811 NE 14th

Sammamish, WA

98074

THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address, your snail-mail address and phone number to Jim Keffer at jckeffer@comcast.net there is no charge for SPALLS.   If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send a mailing address – a donation or a self-addressed stamped envelope to cover the cost of printing and postage is appreciated.

If you, or someone you know, has an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in June, e-mail your address to Jim Keffer.  I have several unverified email address at this time.  If you have received a verification email from me please reply - I need the updates!

SPAM PROTECTION:

Several of our subscribers have not been getting the SPALLS issue via e-mail.  Please check your SPAM protection.  I think that some of your SPAM protection is eliminating the SPALLS message.  One of the checks for SPAM is the number of multiple issues from the sender.  If your protection checks this, the SPALLS message will be tagged as SPAM.  In some cases, the message is only tagged. In others, the message is deleted.  Subscribers to “hotmail”, some of the hotmail accounts bounce SPALLS because of server space.  Be sure to empty your server often.

NEXT SPALLS ISSUE:

The next SPALLS issue will be in November, 2012, following the Millersylvania/TurkeyFest  Knap-in.  The weather’s finally great, so go to the knap-ins!

A NEW MILESTONE – PSK MEMBERSHIP REACHES 336 ACTIVE MEMBERS!

I send out 311 SPALLS newsletters via email and 25 via snailmail three times a year.  The 336 members are those that are active in flintknapping and have requested to receive SPALLS. 

Recreational Rock Collecting on Public Land in Washington – UPDATE

Just a brief recap of the efforts of the Puget Sound Knappers (PSK) and the Washington State Mineral Council (WSMC - rock hound clubs) to remove the prohibition on recreational rock collecting on State Public Lands.

Bob Patti, former president of the Washington State Mineral Council (WSMC), Brian Waters, current president of the WSMC and Jim Keffer, PSK Member and Whidbey Island Gem Club representative, met twice with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.  Discussions on how to establish rules and regulations that would permit recreational rock collecting were the main topics of these two sessions.  Unfortunately we have yet to achieve any concrete results.  We will be meeting with the DNR again this summer and we will be presenting another draft proposal. 

We are cautiously optimistic.  We still have one major thing in our favor – State Law says that WDNR land would be open to ‘multiple use’ recreation as long as it doesn’t conflict with the primary purpose of DNR managed lands – which is to provide for timber sales for funding public schools.

We’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Upcoming Events – Note: Since SPALLS is published only three times each year, changes/updates to the schedule of events will be posted on our website http://pugetsoundknappers.com

If you have attended or know about an event involving knapping let me know.  I’ll either publish it in SPALLS or put in on the PSK Website.

Note from the publisher - With concurrence from the Council of Elders

This note is a basic reminder that the PSK and all of the knap-ins are paid for either by direct donations or auctions of donated items and community points, and competitive knapping contests.  The expenses to the host of a knap-in are not trivial, running into the hundreds of dollars.  To insure the continuation of our knap-ins and in particular the largest knap-in in the PNW – the Glass Buttes Knap-in, it is important that all knappers contribute what they can.  The cost of Porta-Potties alone at Glass Buttes can run between $600 and $800 including toilet paper.  We must make sure that whoever arranges and pays for the Porta-Potties is made whole.

Ongoing Events

VA Volunteers

Seattle VA Hospital – bi-monthly workshop and demonstration.  PSK members hold a ‘mini’ knap-in at the Seattle VA hospital every other Wednesday.  Hosted by Jim Keffer and Woody Woodside (official volunteers w/badges), these workshop fall under the Recreational Rehabilitation department of the VA hospital.  Knapping has proven to be both physically and mentally therapeutic as well as great fun. 

While normally all volunteers are required to undergo 4 hours of formal orientation, have a background investigation, and receive a photo ID badge, the VA has agreed that as long as either Woody or I attend, any PSK member may participate in the workshops.  We’ve had as many as five PSK members participate at one time.  We encourage all PSK members to volunteer – even if for just one workshop. 

We’ve been unable to participate this year for various reasons but plan to re-engage the VA this fall so anyone interested in helping please let us know.

To volunteer and participate simply contact Jim Keffer at: reefer@pugetsoundknapppers.com

Weekly Fort Knapadonia Knap-in

There is an informal knap-in each Wednesday from 8:30 am until sometime in the afternoon at Fort Knapadonia on the north end of Whidbey Island (see the website’s Annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-in announcement for directions or see below in the annual Ft Knapadonia announcement).  There are usually 12-14 knappers attending, from novices to master knappers.  Dr. Joe Higgins hosts and provides expert knapping lessons.  The regulars also provide lessons, loaner tools, free rock and safety gear – safety glass and nitrile-coated gloves.  Brunch or lunch is usually provided by the regulars as well.

Events Schedule

2012 Bitterroot Valley Knap-In, Larry Creek campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, July 6 thru July 9

Joan and Richard Urata will be hosting the 2nd Annual Bitterroot Valley Knap-In at the Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, from Friday, July 6th thru Monday, July 9th.  We will be there to set up from noon Thursday 7/5 thru noon Tuesday 7/10 for clean-up.  As with all PSK knap-ins, everything is free.  This is a family event. There is a paved parking lot for RV’s (no hookups) and vehicles.  There will be lots of room for tents under the trees or under the stars. Forest Service restricts RV’s to 30 ft. and vehicles need to stay in the parking lot – camp gear will need to be carried a short distance to your campsite.   This is BEAR country so tenters should bring a long rope to hang your food up in the trees, or leave it in your vehicles.  There will be a pot luck dinner Saturday evening with the hosts providing the main dish.  This will be a Forest Service group area with trees providing about 75% shade where we will be gathering and tenting.  There is a 50 X 50 yard open area for an archery/atlatl range and tents.  There is a large supermarket 6 miles away and restaurants 6 to 8 miles away in Stevensville.  There is a motel 15 miles away in Lolo. 

The RV spaces at Larry Creek Group Campground are limited so be sure to make your reservations with Richard & Joan to guarantee a space in the group camp.  A list of alternative RV Parks and Hotels is available by emailing Joan at the address below. 

Charles Waters Campground – the first come first served campground - is about a mile from Larry Creek in the same complex – cost is $10/night and no hookups or $5/night with Senior National Park Pass.  This campground has individual spaces and will be busy the weekend after the holiday.

If you are planning on coming to the Montana Knap-In please drop us a line at richurata@cybernet1.com or call us at (406) 360-1752 and let us know how many are in your party and if you are tent camping or staying somewhere else in your RV.  The Forest Service likes to get a tentative number of attendees so they can help us in our facility planning. 

Directions:

Drive to Missoula, Montana, on Interstate 90.  Take exit 101 and head south on Reserve Street (also designated Hwy 93) to Hamilton.  Turn right on Brooks street (also designated Hwy 93).  You will pass 2 towns, Lolo and Florence.  Turn right onto Bass Creek Road, 0.6 miles south of mile post 71 to Bass Creek Recreation area.  Go 2 miles into Bass Creek Recreation area then turn right to Larry Creek campground group area.  Go 1 mile on gravel road to our group campground.  You will pass a parking lot for day users on your right. 

Fort Knapadonia Knap-in – August 13th – 19th 2012

Joe Higgins will host the annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August.  He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc, and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades.  There will be water available, electricity, Port-a-Potties, and lots of room for camping and RVing.  Women and families are welcomed and encouraged to attend!  Close by Oak Harbor offers plenty of garage sales and stores for shopping.

In addition to the usual great knappers knapping, plentiful rock and great weather, Whidbey Island is also a great place for families interested in sightseeing and other tourist activities.

Directions:
To get to the knap-in:
Drive north past Seattle about 70 miles on Interstate 5.  Take the 230 off-ramp to highway 20 and go west toward Anacortes.  Take highway 20 turn off to Deception Pass.  Go past Deception Pass about 2 miles and turn right (west) on Banta Road.  Follow the signs from Banta Road to the knap-in.  There are stores and restaurants/fast foods in the area.  Contact Joe Higgins at (360) 720-1076 or (360) 675-4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.

Kittitas Valley's Fall Gathering of Stone Age Craftsman – September/October (dates pending)

Clallam County Gem and Mineral Society's 54th Annual 'Nature's Treasures' Gem and Mineral Show October 6th and 7th (not a PSK Event)

54th Annual Nature’s Treasures Rock and Gem Show October 6th and 7th sponsored by the Clallam County Gem and Mineral Society.  The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited the Puget Sound Knappers to participate and demonstrate flintknapping at the show. (Note - demonstrators may sell their art with no vendor fee)

The show will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center 308 E.4th St. Port Angeles, WA.

Hours are:

9:00am - 7:00am Saturday

9:00am - 5:00am Saturday

First Annual North Columbia Knap-in - October 11th – 13th 2012

Patrick Farneman will host the first annual North Columbia Knap-in this year at the Kettle Falls Museum and Interpretive Center at 1188 St Pauls Mission Road, Kettle Falls, WA 9914.  The dates are Thursday, Oct 11th thru Saturday, Oct 13th.

Participants are welcome to come a day early and are able to stay until Sunday if they wish.  The site is a short walk from the historic Kettle Falls Tribal fishery and gathering place and borders National Park land.

We have an open door to camp on the 7 acres of open ponderosa pine forest behind the center.  We will have water available & restroom facilities, and the Staff of the center have volunteered to open the museum for us (special off-season opening) to be able to view the collections they have of local artifacts. 

We are working on obtaining some local stone to work, in addition to a planned obsidian quarry trip to the Buttes to make sure we have plenty of rock for everyone.

We are hoping this is a great event for everyone!

16th Annual (Pre) Thanksgiving Knap-In, Millersylvania State Park, near Olympia Washington. November 3th and 4th, 2012. 

Always scheduled on the first Saturday and Sunday of November each year.

Note: A Washington State Discover Pass is required!

Join Mick and Holly Hill, hosts of the annual November knap-in.  This gathering began with the idea of putting closure to the year, reflecting on the fun gatherings and campouts that happened thru the year(s).  It is our knappers’ time to give thanks and be grateful, and then look forward to the holidays with our own families. 

Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, 5 p.m.  Kitchen #1 is a log cabin that includes an area with fireplace heat and extra lighting set up for flintknapping.   There is also a kitchen area with wood stove to plan the potluck.  We have electricity but usually no running water.  (This means, “Pack it in-Pack it out.”  We don’t do dishes….)   Part of the cabin is open to the weather elements and can’t be closed off.   It can be cold!  The park rangers also leave a bathroom unlocked near the cabin for our use and for extra drinking water if needed.

The potluck thanksgiving dinner will be served by 1 p.m. on Saturday only.  Mick and Holly provide coffee, fresh baked turkey and some traditional thanksgiving dishes.   Bring a potluck dish, camp stool or lawn chair, and plan to wear warm clothes and boots for the mud, sometimes rainy weather.  Bring a blanket for your chair if you need more warmth.  Pack a project to work on or share as show-n-tell if you are not flintknapping.

Some may camp and stay thru Sunday.  If camping, expect to follow state park rules and provide payment for a camp site.  There is a warm bathroom w/plumbing and coin operated hot showers available.   You may want to check the website at www.parks.wa.gov, select Millersylvania, to consider reservations.

We meet again Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Holly will flip breakfast pancakes and later make grilled cheese for what becomes a reduced number of knappers.   This is a good time for learning from others with more experience if you are new to knapping. 

Directions:

From North or South, take I-5 to Exit 95.  Follow signs to the park entrance.  Look for Kitchen #1.  Park in the first parking lot on the left, near the entrance of the park.  Access to Kitchen #1 is by walking a path thru the woods.  We will have 2 wheelbarrows to shuttle your flintknapping supplies from your vehicle to the cabin.  Watch for others that may be trying to find our cabin!  It gets confusing to new visitors.   If necessary, there is a back road access to drive/assist those who don’t hike or to deliver the extra big load.  Park rangers want to limit our driving thru their back roads.

For more info, contact Mick or Holly Hill, 360-493-8439 or e-mail:  hollyhill54@gmail.com, michaelhill30@gmail.com

Bakersfield Monthly Knap-In, Bakersfield, California

(This is not a PSK Event)

A monthly knap-in is held on the first Sunday of every month.  The one-day event goes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Hart Memorial Park.  The park is eight miles northeast of Bakersfield on the Alfred Harrell Highway.  Knappers meet at the East end of the park. 

Directions:

While on highway 58, east of Bakersfield, take the Comanche exit and turn to the north.  Comanche curves around 5 to 6 miles and dead ends into highway 178. Turn north on 178 (right) then a quick left (less then 1/4 mile) onto Alfred Harrell highway. Alfred Harrell 7-8 miles goes into Hart Park.   The knap-in is 100 yards or so from the entrance on the right hand side of the park.  For more information contact Gary Pickett at: Home: (661) 392-7729, Cell: (661) 444-6163, e-mail:  air-o-head@webtv.net

Reports – PSK Sponsored Events*:

*These events are hosted by PSK members

 

Glass Buttes 2012 March 24th – April 1st

Normally held the third week in March to correspond with Oregon’s schools Spring Break, this year’s knap-in at the Buttes was held over the fourth week of March – as was Spring Break.  The 2012 Knap-in was a great improvement over the 2011 event – mainly due to the better weather and resulting greater participation.  The weather allowed for several rock-collecting runs to the various local quarries as well as the Dacite quarries over by WagonTire. 

And for the second year in a row, PSK member Rocky Male took on the responsibility of arranging for the Porta-Potties and toilet paper.  Without these necessities there probably wouldn’t be a Glass Buttes knap-in.

The weather, along with an article in the Bend Bulletin, help get a number of knapper wanna-bes to attend.   There was plenty of willing teachers and the noobies were able to learn from some of the best including Emory Coons, Steve Allely and Brad Baughman!

The event had several highlights including competitions of knapping prowess and a great auction.  These competitions and auction helped raise enough money to cover the cost of the Porta-Potties, something that didn’t happen at the 2011 event. 

The winner of the 2” Goat competition was Brad Baughman, barely beating out Mick Hill.  The 10-Speed competition ended in a tie between Emory Coons and Steve Allely and rather than having a tie-breaker both volunteered to donate the total purse to the host, Rocky Male.

The auction was one of the best in the last 5 years, raising about $500.  Donated items ranged from solid copper billets to a world-class Wintu point by Steve Allely.

Between the competitions, auction and direct donations we were able to not only cover the cost of the event but even manage to put a little aside for future Glass Buttes events!

To see some of the many photos (I’m still working through the thousands of photos I’ve received) go to the website report – Glass Buttes 2012.

Knapping with the Samish

Members of the Puget Sound Knappers were invited by Samish Tribal Elders to conduct a demonstration and workshop on flintknapping on May the 12th. Located in Anacortes, WA, along Fidalgo Bay, the Samish have a long history in the Pacific Northwest (for more on the Samish people, culture and people, please visit their website Samish Website).

PSK members attending were Joe Higgins, Bob Bower, Jim Keffer and Dave Graves. There were between 15 and 20 member of the Samish Nation including several of the Tribal Elders.

Seldom have we seen such an enthusiastic and interested group of individuals participate to the extent that they did. Nearly everyone that attended got an opportunity to knap and several respectable points were made! Everyone had a great time - especially the PSK members! We were treated with incredibly warm hospitality and an especially enjoyable lunch! Lunch is actually a gross understatement - it was a FEAST. Two types of clam chowder (from clams harvested on Samish waterfront, steamed clams, absolutely to die-for fry bread (Stu - you'd have thought you were in heaven)!

While most of the time was spent giving knapping instruction or eating, I did manage a couple of photos:  Samish Report

Goldendale Knap-in May 18th – 20th 2012

Once again, Ed and Loretta Thomas provided all the ingredients for a great knap-in! Wonderful hospitality, great location, beautiful weather and a terrific place to knap!

Located in south central Washington just 10 miles north of the Columbia River, Ed and Loretta's place, 'Thomas Hollow', is 20 acres of small, rolling hills sparsely covered by scrub oak, pine and fir trees. The abundant wildlife, deer, squirrels, quail, doves and turkeys were daily visitors. At least a half dozen deer paid us a visit every day, coming right into Ed's back yard. And every day one or two coveys of quail made their way through the knapping area. Knapping to the sound of cock quail calling their flock is beautiful background music while knapping!

Many thanks to all those who helped make this happen - especially Mike Tari who came the weekend before to help set up, Jim Miller and Jim & Beverly Keffer for providing the entrées for the potluck.

Attendees:

Don Safford - Hot Springs, MT

Phil and Sherry Kirschner - Snohomish, WA

Joe Greenwell - Seattle, WA

Mike Tari - Wapato, WA

Bettye Hensel - Everett, WA

Jay Powell, Terrebonne, OR

Sam Black - Des Moines, WA

Ralph Sisson, Terrebonne, OR

Joseph and Arlene Wernex - Ellensburg, WA

Stuart Murdock - Redmond, OR

Ron Nichols - Ellensburg, WA

Jim Baugh - Ellensburg, WA

Bill and Judy Thomas - Lynden, WA

Tom and Denise Maybeck - Toppenish, WA

Steve Braden - Salem, OR

Rich and Jennifer Russell - Kent, WA

Jerry Merchantel - Tucson, AZ

Rayand Majorie Lafond - Goldendale, WA

Bob Turner - Sussex, England U.K.

Bob Kitch - Husum, WA

James and Beverly Keffer - Sammamish, WA

Jay Jauken - Centerville, WA

Brian P Fletcher - Goldendale, WA

David Aarness - Centerville, WA

Steve Braden - Salem, OR

Wyatt Garrett - Centerville, WA

Bill McClure- Baker City, OR

Kurt Philips - Klamath, OR

Jim Miller - Bothell, WA

Mick and Holly Hill - Lacy, WA

Ed and Loretta Thomas - Goldendale, WA

Don and Caroline Wattenbarger - Milwaukie, OR

Illahee Flats Knap-in May 26th – June 3rd

Courtesy of Brad Baughman

The 2012 Illahee Flats Knap-in got off to a very rocky start due to the US Forest Service trying to deny the special use permit.  Their archeologist has declared that the knap-in was an inappropriate activity for Illahee Flats and thought we might contaminate the archeological evidence.  After some heated phone calls, the permit officer, Jamie Pardo, finally did issue the permit but stated that it would be the last one issued.

When we got there on Friday the rain had just let up and the weather got better each day.  Bright sunshine, light breezes, warm nights and beautiful moons were the order of business.  The rain returned Sunday afternoon just as we were all leaving…. exactly as we had placed the order for!

The original load of Dacite delivered by Brad Baughman (from the annual dig while at the Glass Buttes knap-in), was almost gone by the end of the day Monday.  A trip to Dan Lusby’s rock pile in Sutherlin provided more rock.  Then an unexpected supply of obsidian came in two loads from Jeff Eggelston and Bill Caldwell, delivered on Wednesday and Thursday by Jeff.  Another load came from Ron Davis from his stash in Terrebonne.  Not counting all of the spalls that were hauled off by knappers and visitors, there were still four full garbage cans to be hauled off at the end!

Huge thanks to Dan Lusby and family for all the work done at the knap-in.  He provided the Porta-Potties and the garbage service as well.  His ‘tribe’ did the hands and knees policing of the knapping area for every tiny flake that could be picked up! If the USFS Archeologist can find any evidence that we were there she will have to work at it!

The order of business was community meals… some from unexpected sources. Christine Cottrell (Brad’s sister) came up from Glide and fixed Paella and Dennis Black’s wife Mau brought up some of her special Thai dishes. Camp cooks served up salmon, spaghetti, chicken and rice jumbo, chicken and noodles and antelope stew.

Regulars were Stu Murdock, Emory Coons, Bob Popp, Henry Payne, Bill Hart, Tim Goyogana, Bill Black, Jim Smith, Ron Davis, Dan Lusby, Dan Metz, Dan Bowden, Jim Hopper and Brad Baughman.

The regulars were kept very busy teaching new knappers, many who left with their first points proudly in their hands. There were lots of young kids and at one point 25-30 were all playing in the meadow at once. Most of them spent considerable time on the tarps as well. It is great to see the progression of their skills from year to year. Some who made their first points at the first knap-in are now very skilled knappers.

Other skills demonstrated were Mariah Lusby with her fabulous cedar bark cordage and Glen Baughman bisque and pit firing pottery.

Drumming from the Lusby clan and flute playing from Aaron Davis helped to set the mood for the evening campfires. The coyotes picked up where the people left off.

The local wildlife played a big role as usual. The elk paid nightly visits to the meadow. The deer and coyotes put in the occasional visits and the wild turkeys were always close by. Some of the group took the opportunity to spend time hunting the last few days of bear and turkey season. Two turkeys we were harvested and the feathers and bones went to use for whistles and fletching as well as furnishing campfire roasted meat. The bears were more elusive, with lots of sign but no sightings. Cougar tracks were also seen.

The 2012 Illahee Flats knap-in was a huge success and a great time was had by all. Here is hoping that we will be allowed to have it again next year!

Tri-Cities Knap-in May 26th – 28th

Greg Greger, the oldest member of the PSK at 89, hosted the Tri-Cities Knap-in at Howard Amon Park over the Memorial Day weekend.  While not a large turnout by PSK standards (probably because another PSK Knap-in, Illahee Flats started at the same time), it was nevertheless a great time!

Having a Knap-in at the Howard Amon Park in Richland, WA turned out to be a great ideal.  Richland, WA, along with Pasco and Kennewick make up the 'Tri-Cities', three small cities that are located at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima and Snake Rivers.  These cities grew up around the Hanford Nuclear Reservation back in the 1940/50s when Hanford was building nuclear reactors and processing uranium into plutonium.  The Howard Amon Park in Richland, WA is located on the banks of the Columbia River just north of where the two other rivers enter the Columbia.  The weather was great, lots of public access and plenty of room for knapping.

We were so busy knapping and demonstrating knapping to the public that we didn't get much of an opportunity to take a lot of photos.  In fact much of our time was spent teaching youngsters to knap - along with half dozen or so adults!  Lots of people stopped by to watch and ask questions and kept us busy the entire three days!

Setting up the knap-in site - tarps were used to make policing the debitage easy.

To see the photos of this knap-in go to Tri-Cities Knap-in Report on the website.

Reports - Non-PSK Events

 

The word is out – Puget Sound Knappers are great additions to rock shows and other events.  We’ve been receiving invitations from a number of rock clubs and other events over the last few months.  If notice of the events are received in time I include them in SPALLS, if not I just put them on the website.  For those who receive SPALLS via snailmail I would recommend that you visit your local library and periodically check out the event schedule.  Just go to http://pugetsoundknappers.com and then the Event section.

Dog Valley Knap-in 2012

 

The Dog Valley Knap-in in Nephi, UT is sponsored by the Utah Valley Flintknappers Association.  While not a Puget Sound Knappers event, this is a great knap-in nevertheless.  The PSK did have several members attend - indicative of the close relationship that has developed between the UVKA and the PSK.  In fact several members of the UVKA are also members of the PSK (we recognized 'dual citizenship')!

To see the photos go here:  Dog Valley Report

 

Valley of Gems Rock Show June 1st – 3rd 2012

The Puyallup Valley Gem and Mineral Club invited members of the Puget Sound Knapper to their annual rock show to demonstrate flintknapping June 1st - 3rd.

A few of us were able to make it on Sunday, June 3rd and received a very warm reception. In fact we were given a PRIME location to set up - right between the outdoor vendors and the indoor show. As a result there were lots of people passing by and many stopped to watch - and more than a few stayed to try their hand at flintknapping.

Dave Rauschenberg and Jim Keffer spent several hours demonstrating and instructing and were joined by Jim Sawaya and noobie Randy Curtis.

No photos (unless Dave took some), we were just too busy!

Pagan Gathering June 16th and 17th 2012

by Mick Hill

That Pagan Gathering was a kick!

There were about 30 people there - about 20 tried knapping - some Really(!) took to it!! - 3 or 4 will be at the August Knapadonia - I left them with about 3 gallons of usable spalls.

And just to let you know, the rapid growth in the PSK membership now officially pales to the explosive growth of the BSK (Blind Sightless Knappers) - which has now doubled in size! - another blind lady showed up with Marty with the same game spirit and they both spent hours at it.  It was almost as much of learning experience for me as it was for them - I actually had Marty lean over her back and work hands on her hands - with their ADVANCED sense of feel they were able to ACCURATELY communicate the process with each other without being hampered by my HANDICAP:   -sight-             ...............hard to explain, but it was there were some wonderful moments there.  I was pretty much of a kind of third string referee bystander for much of it ......  I just jumped in occasionally to explain a few principles and to interrupt their incessant giggling ..............

Another interesting moment was when I had Marty try out indirect percussion for the first time.  She had all but given up on the idea of percussion because of the "tight tolerances" when "swinging in the dark".   She had a definite "twinkle" in her glass eyes when she pulled of that first 2" spall when she tried indirect.

We also ALL spent quite a bit of time trying out my atlatl - it was quite the hit!   And get this...we put a cellphone with a ringtone running behind a thick styrofoam target so's Marty could "aim" at the sound with the atlatl - she buried that dart about 8'' into it from about 30 ft. on about her 4th try!

More later.  I left before the evening celebrations/ceremonies started - should have tried to stick around later - would have been interesting - - - lots of fairy costumes were coming out..........

New Members (at least those I kept Track of!)

Antonio Scarpelli – Jan 2012

Billy Berger – rejoined Apr  2012

Bill Houck – Oct 2011

Bobby Murphy – Jun 2012

Bob Schoonover – Feb 2012

Courtney Smith – May 2012

Dale Richart – Jan 2012

Frank Omstead – May 2012

Greg Hochmucht – Aug 2011

Jasper Richardson – Mar 2012

Jerry Gray – Aug 2011

John Johnson – Apr 2012

Keith Hull – Aug 2011

Ken Schmidt – Aug 2011

Kyle Koch – Oct 2011

Kyle Koloini - Aug 2011

Lain Yackeyonny – Nov 2011

Lauren Clough – Aug 2011

Lois Dworshak – Oct 2011

Marvin Barger – May 2012

Patrick Farneman – Mar 2012

Paul Bisgaard – Feb 2012

Robert Cardenas – Sep 2011

Scott Cannaday – Nov 2011

W.A. McCormick – Dec 2011

Update on the Website

Well, we’ve passed the 20,000 ‘unique visitors’ mark, with more than 1.5 MILLION hits!  A ‘unique visitor’ is one that has not visited the website in the past.  Many people visit the website more than once as evidence in the more than 1,000,000 hits!  And we’ve had visitors from more than 115 different countries.  The number of people visiting and the number of pages accessed (hits) is growing each month.

We’re now up to forty-four member ‘Art Galleries’.  I’d like to encourage every member to contribute to the website.  If you have photos of your knapping and/or ‘Paleo Art’, email them to me and I’ll create your very own art gallery on the PSK Website.

Once again, we encourage every member to register their ‘knapper mark’, submit a photo of themselves, contribute to the ‘How-To’ section and send in photo of their knapping/Paleo Art.  Again, if you submit photos of your art I will create an Art Gallery in your name! 

The ‘Knapper Recipe’ section on the website started off with a bang and I encourage everyone to contribute to this section.

At the request of several member knappers I’ve undertaken a new project/section for the website – Knappable Rock in the PNW.  After all we are not only about Obsidian!

This section will feature knappable rock found in the PNW and include photos of ‘rough rock’, as it was found in nature, slabs of the same rock and, where appropriate, photos of slabs of that rock after heat treating.  Only general locations will be given, i.e. NW Oregon or Columbia River Basin, but additional information such as heat treating recommendations will be included.  I encourage all members who can contribute photos as outlined above to send them to me at reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com.

We’ve also added a Lost and Found’ Sections.  If you lose or find something at one of our knap-ins just contact the webmaster and I’ll include it!

The ‘Interesting Stuff’ sections has a lot of new articles and information, from articles on Paleo Artifacts – points to pipes, by David Heath, to a report by Jim Miller on his trip to the Big Bend area of Texas.

Members can Advertise Their Products

 

The Puget Sound Knappers website now features a section for members to advertise, for free, flintknapping/Paleo art for sale/trade or barter.   The member will be provided an area to display their art (for sale/trade or barter) and their contact information – but no prices. 

Commercial advertisers will be provided with a section for their links and the description of what their site offers.  No advertising per se, but a link provided for the benefit of our members.

Website Funding

A portion of donations/funds raised at the Goldendale, Bitterroot, Ft. Knapadonia and Illahee Flats Knap-ins were applied to the cost of the website as well as the cost of the new PSK banners.  The website is now fully funded for the next two years thanks to Ed Thomas, Richard Urata, Brad Baughman and Joe Higgins and all those who contributed at the knap-ins!  Special thanks to Richard and Joan Urata for their substantial contribution.  Puget Sound Knappers.com is truly a member website!

 

Rock Collecting Regulations Links:

WA and Oregon Rock Collecting Guide - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/rock_collecting_Guide_WA-OR.html

BLM Glass Buttes Handout - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/BLM_Glass_Buttes_Handout_4-09.html

MAYBE OF INTEREST:

Website for Artifact and Archeological Books

This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. 

Go to: http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .

Check out the Arrowhead Forum! http://arrowheadology.com/forums/

TARP

There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chat room.  It may be of interest as knapping information is passed back and forth via messages.  It is called TARP – you know, the thing you put on the ground to collect the débitage.     http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp

Knappers-R-Us

Here’s another e-group for knappers:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/

Flintknappers Digest

Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/

Lithic Casting Lab

For anyone who wants to replicate certain styles of points (Flake patterns, thickness, convexity, length, and width), you can purchase castings of artifacts from Lithic Casting Lab.  http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/

Paleo Planet

Primitive Technology discussions, including flintknapping.  www.PaleoPlanet.net

James Keffer
23811 NE 14th
Sammamish, WA
98074

SPALLS

November 2012


SPALLS Distribution

Distribution of SPALLS is available to any viable Email or Snail Mail (USPS) address. Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS.  For those of you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a letter with their mailing address to:

James Keffer
 23811 NE 14th
Sammamish, WA
98074

THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address, your snail-mail address and phone number to Jim Keffer at jckeffer@comcast.net there is no charge for SPALLS.   If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send a mailing address – a donation or a self-addressed stamped envelope to cover the cost of printing and postage is appreciated.

If you, or someone you know, has an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in June, e-mail your address to Jim Keffer.  I have several unverified email address at this time.  If you have received a verification email from me please reply - I need the updates!

SPAM PROTECTION:

Several of our subscribers have not been getting the SPALLS issue via e-mail.  Please check your SPAM protection.  I think that some of your SPAM protection is eliminating the SPALLS message.  One of the checks for SPAM is the number of multiple issues from the sender.  If your protection checks this, the SPALLS message will be tagged as SPAM.  In some cases, the message is only tagged. In others, the message is deleted.  Subscribers to “hotmail”, some of the hotmail accounts bounce SPALLS because of server space.  Be sure to empty your server often.

SUMMARY:

 

2012 will go down in PSK history as one of the best years ever.  We’ve added a large number of new members, both experienced knappers and ‘noobies’.  PSK members hosted ten major knap-ins and attended several rock shows and other events.  Turnout at our knap-ins has likewise increased and public awareness continues to grow. 

We had a number of highlights during the year:

1.     Mick Hill taught a blind lady to knap at Cabelas and again at a ‘Pagan Gathering’

2.    The legendary Harry Oda has joined our association with the express purpose of teaching as many people as possible the ancient art of flintknapping

3.    We added two new knap-ins, Patrick Farneman’s North Columbia Knap-on and Greg Gregor’s Tri-Cities Knap-in.

4.    Our oldest member turns 90 and will host another knap-in in 2013!

5.    We’ve been invited by the Washington State Parks Department head ranger (at Millersylvania) to jointly promote the next ‘Turkeyfest’ knap-in hosted by Mick and Holly Hill.

6.    We’ve been invited to hold a demonstration and workshop (read mini-knap-in) at the newest Cabelas Store in Tulalip, WA.  We’re working on the dates so check the website often or give me a call for updates.

7.    PSK members attended the Dog Valley Knap-in in Utah – and accounted for 25% of the knappers who attended!

A NEW MILESTONE – PSK MEMBERSHIP REACHES 360 ACTIVE MEMBERS!

I send out 324 SPALLS newsletters via email and 26 via snailmail three times a year.  The 360 members are those that are active in flintknapping and have requested to receive SPALLS. 

PSK Point Display Project

I’m undertaking a project to build a large display case to house points from every PSK member.  This display will be brought to each PSK event (where possible) along with the Totem and Banner.  It will be also be available to any member to display at events that PSK members participate in.  Everyone’s is encouraged to contribute – the points don’t have to be ‘show’ points they just need to be signed with the makers ‘knapper mark’, initials or name.    To donate a point, blade, eccentric, etc., simply mail them to me or bring them to a knap-in.  They’ll be someone to get them to me. Please include a description of the point style (if any) and type of rock.

Upcoming Events – Note: Since SPALLS is published only three times each year, changes/updates to the schedule of events will be posted on our website http://pugetsoundknappers.com

 

Also – some of the knap-in dates are tentative.  The hosts will try and nail down specific dates but circumstances may dictate changes.  A specific example – the Fort Knapadonia Knap-in is usually the middle of August but varies with updates to the Pink Salmon run.  The WDFW expects a great run of ‘Pinks’ in 2013 and Joe Higgins will be keeping an eye on the run to try and schedule the knap-in accordingly!

 

If you have attended or know about an event involving knapping let me know.  I’ll either publish it in SPALLS or put in on the PSK Website.

 

Note from the publisher - With concurrence from the Council of Elders

This note is a basic reminder that the PSK and all of the knap-ins are paid for either by direct donations or auctions of donated items and community points, and competitive knapping contests.  The expenses to the host of a knap-in are not trivial, running into the hundreds of dollars.  To insure the continuation of our knap-ins and in particular the largest knap-in in the PNW – the Glass Buttes Knap-in, it is important that all knappers contribute what they can.  The cost of Porta-Potties alone at Glass Buttes can run between $600 and $800 including toilet paper.  We must make sure that whoever arranges and pays for the Porta-Potties is made whole.

Ongoing Events

 

VA Volunteers - Update

 

Seattle VA Hospital – bi-monthly workshop and demonstration.  PSK members hold a ‘mini’ knap-in at the Seattle VA hospital every other Wednesday.  Hosted by Jim Keffer and Woody Woodside (official volunteers w/badges), these workshop fall under the Recreational Rehabilitation department of the VA hospital.  Knapping has proven to be both physically and mentally therapeutic as well as great fun. 

While normally all volunteers are required to undergo 4 hours of formal orientation, have a background investigation, and receive a photo ID badge, the VA has agreed that as long as either Woody or I attend, any PSK member may participate in the workshops.  We’ve had as many as five PSK members participate at one time.  We encourage all PSK members to volunteer – even if for just one workshop. 

We’ve been unable to participate this year for various reasons but plan to re-engage the VA this fall so anyone interested in helping please let us know.

To volunteer and participate simply contact Jim Keffer at: reefer@pugetsoundknapppers.com

Weekly Fort Knapadonia Knap-in

 

There is an informal knap-in each Wednesday from 8:30 am until sometime in the afternoon at Fort Knapadonia on the north end of Whidbey Island (see the website’s Annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-in announcement for directions or see below in the annual Ft Knapadonia announcement).  While here are usually 12-14 knappers attending, from novices to master knappers, we are seeing up to 16 and sometimes more knappers attend.  Dr. Joe Higgins hosts and provides expert knapping lessons.  The regulars also provide lessons, loaner tools, free rock and safety gear – safety glass and nitrile-coated gloves.  Brunch or lunch is usually provided by the regulars as well.

 

 

 

Events Schedule

 

PSK Sponsored Events*

*hosted by PSK members

 

 

2013 Winter Break/Cabin Fever Knap-in

Host Dave Pehling

January 26th.

The "Original PSK KI" is a one-day Knap-In to initiate the new knapping season and keep us from going crazy (too late, for some…).  It will be held on Saturday, January 26th, hosted by Dave Pehling and Jim Dennis.  The knap-in will run from about 9:00 am 'till everyone leaves.  This is a small KI but is usually attended by some of the “old timers” as well as newbies.

It will be at Jim Dennis' house in Granite Falls as he has a large walled-in workshop that we can heat and use as we like. 

Directions from Everett are as follows...

 From I-5 at Everett, turn onto US-2 E toward SNOHOMISH..  Stay in the left lane over the trestle and merge onto WA-204 E via the ramp on the LEFT toward LAKE STEVENS.

Not far past the top of the long hill (about 2.7mi. – I THINK it’s at the 3rd lite) Turn LEFT onto WA-9 and stay in the right lane . 

Go about 1.7 miles and Turn RIGHT onto WA-92 (at the 3rd stop light).

Go about 7.8 miles (not far past the "round-about") and at the next light Turn LEFT onto JORDAN RD, just before you get into Granite Falls.

Stay on Jordan road and at the next "round-about", take the 2nd right, staying on Jordan Rd.. 

After crossing the Stilli river bridge, take the 3rd drive (I think) on the left.  It's right across the road from a large "turn-out".  Address is 11414 Jordan Road, Arlington.  Mapquest map is at http://mapq.st/TW4p4v

I'll have a PSK sign out on the left so you shouldn't miss it.  If you go over a mile past the bridge, you've gone too far.  If you need directions while driving, I'll have my cell phone on -- 425-327-8034

For more information, you can contact Dave at: djpehling@frontier.com or phone (360) 691-7902.  Talk to the answering machine and I'll pick up if I'm in the house.

Our traditional one-day Knap-In to initiate the new knapping season will be held on Saturday, January 26th (last Saturday in January), hosted by Dave Pehling and Jim Dennis. The knap-in will run from 10:00 am until dark.

It will be at my nephew's house in Granite Falls as he has a large walled-in workshop that we can heat and use as we like. We'll have donuts, coffee, cocoa, etc. as usual. Jim D. usually has a pot of beans or something hot going, too.

We'll have the tarp set up and, if anyone wants to work on a bow, I can set up my bow-bench and tools. BYO stave or, if you let me know ahead of time, I can bring a chunk of vine maple.

Glass Buttes Gathering, Glass Buttes, Oregon

Host Rocky Male

March 23rd through March 31, 2013

 

Take Special Note – The timing of the annual Glass Buttes Knap-in corresponds to the Oregon Schools Spring Break Calendar.  In 2013 this is the LAST WEEK in MARCH!

 

Second Special Note and Reminder – The Glass Buttes Knap-in is held on Federal Land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The BLM does not permit commercial activity or organized events.  This is an informal gathering of people with a common interest.  As a condition of using the Glass Buttes area the knappers provide sanitation facilities (Porta-Potties).  The cost of these Porta-Potties in not insignificant and historically, one or two knappers have gone out on a limb and spent their own money up front to rent them.  Donations from those attending will help insure that we will be able to meet our commitments to provide sanitation facilities and keep in the good graces of the BLM!  Donations are absolutely voluntary but please donate if you can.  And pack out your trash!

 

And Come PREPARED!   While two of the last three years have seen moderate to good weather, those of us at the 2011 GB Knap-in experienced some tough conditions.  Not bad enough to keep away the hardiest of the knappers but tough nevertheless!  

As always it will be primitive camping – bring what you’ll need and plan to pack it out as well.  Porta-Potties are the only amenities that will be provided.

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 Also, if you have other interests in all the other aboriginal skill sets: food/fire/water/tanning/cordage/herbs/basketry/etc., etc., etc. - this is one of the best for networking/sharing/learning.

Again, the weather is THE wildcard for this event. Point of or contact Rocky Male (rockylmale@yahoo.com).  Rocky will be providing the Porta-Potties (and firewood) so keep him in mind when the donation bucket goes around.

11th Annual Goldendale/Thomas Hollow Knap-In, Goldendale, WA

Hosts Ed and Loretta Thomas

May 17th – 19th

 

Ed and Loretta Thomas will again be hosting their 11th Annual Knap-In at "Thomas Hollow", near Goldendale, WA, from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Their property lies about 5 miles East of Goldendale. This will be their 9th Annual K/I at this location and 10th overall.

There is a "walk-through" Archery Range about their property that contains 15 targets and, possibly, a new moving target. Really great for stretching after sitting and Knapping for a while, also quite relaxing!  The usual fun games will be going on, such as Goat Rock events, etc. There will be a fund raising Auction, a Raffle and maybe a knapping contest or two to help cover expenses, as we did in past years.

There will be a hand-washing facility and Sani-Cans available.  Those folks wishing to camp can do so on the property, as there is plenty of room.

This knap-in is dependent on getting enough volunteers to help out.  Volunteers are needed at least a day or two early to get things squared away.  If you plan to attend and can come early please let Ed or Jim Keffer know as soon as possible. 

DIRECTIONS:

Goldendale, WA, is on Hwy 97 in S. Central Washington approximately 70 miles S. of Yakima and 12 miles N. of Biggs, OR (on the Columbia River).  Exit Hwy 97 at the N. Exit into Goldendale. Travel S. about 2-1/2 blocks on Broadway to Bickleton Hwy Exit on left (East). There is an AIMEE’S ATTIC store sign at this intersection. Turn East, under Hwy 97 and travel approx. 4-1/2 miles to intersection of Willis Rd (on the Rt.). Across from Willis Rd is Pumphouse Rd (new Pumphouse Road sign on post at corner). Turn N. on to Pumphouse Rd and travel approx. 1/2 mile to intersection of Rocky Ridge Rd on the left. Turn left to Rocky Ridge Rd and go to 2nd driveway on left (about 1/3rd mile). This is the place. Signs will be posted for the K/I at intersections!

Please observe 15 MPH speed limit on Pumphouse and Rocky Ridge Roads!

 

 

2013 North Umpqua/Illahee Flats Knap-in – Hosts - Brad Baughman and Jim Hopper, May 25th – June 2nd.

 

Brad Baughman and Jim Hopper will be hosting the Sixth Annual Western Oregon Knap-In at Illahee Flats, Oregon from May 25th through June 2nd  (Memorial Day weekend to the following Sunday). There is no charge for camping and Porta-Potties will be provided.  There is plenty of room for any type of vehicle parking and camping.  Illahee Flats is a traditional abo gathering area, so bring your tarps so we don’t contaminate the area with modern debitage.  Also, bring your knapping chairs.  Bring your fishing rods.  There are several good lakes close by as well as the river.  Dry Creek Store is only 2 miles away and has gas and a deli.

Directions:

From I-5, take highway 138 east (towards Diamond Lake/Crater Lake) to MP 47 at Dry Creek Store.  Go just past Dry Creek Store (200 feet east of store), and turn left (north) on a gravel forest service road.  Go about 2 miles, then turn to the right at the Illahee Flats sign.  For more information, contact: Brad Baughman at (541) 705-5034, or e-mail: bbb7707@yahoo.com

2013 Tri-Cities Memorial Weekend Knap-In, in Richland, WA.

Host Greg Greger

Saturday, May 25, Sunday, 26 and Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013

CREHST Museum (Columbia River Environment, History, Science and Technology) agreed to co-sponsor a gathering of knappers in Richland, WA.  This will be held in Amon Park on the East edge of Richland next to the Columbia River.  Nearby is CREHST museum, the Richland Community Center with its Senior Center,

Allied Arts, Chinese Buffet and the Red Lion Hotel.  There is parking along the road to the site, at the boat launch and around the above nearby facilities. 

 Where: At the same place as in 2012, at the North end of Amon Park next to the boat launch with open spaces and trees for shade. This is one block east of the main North/South street of Richland, George Washington Way. 

Coming from West (Yakima Valley) on Hwy. 82, five miles after passing Benton City,  turn into Hwy I82, heading for Richland.  After crossing Yakima River bridge, make exit at overpass to George Washington Way, the main North/South street heading North through downtown portion of Richland.  On Geo. Wash. Way, after passing  the Red Lion Inn  and Sterling's Grill on right  turn right (East) on Newton St., going over the former dike to  Amon Park which is next to the Columbia river.  Turn left (North) and watch for temporary KNAP-IN sign and join the group at the site.

Coming from the Northwest on Hwy. 240 past the Hanford Reservation, when approaching the North edge of Richland, pass through Richland Access Hwy at traffic light onto Jadwin St., going South several blocks until coming to Van Giesen St. and turning left, going East to intersection with the main Street, George Washington Way.  Turn right, south, going thru the uptown portion of Richland, past the Fire Station and the Chinese Deli. Turn left on Newton Street, just before Sterling's Grill, going over the dike to Amon Park.  Turn left, (North), watching for Knap-In signs and join the group at the site.

Coming from North East on Hwy I82 past city of Pasco, or coming on Hwy. 240 from south of Richland.  Stay in right lane from the I82 overpass coming to George Washington Way.  After passing the Red Lion Inn, watch for Sterling's Grill on the right.  Immediately past it, turn right (East) on Newton St., going over the dike to Amon Park which is next to the Columbia River.  Turn left (North) towards the boat launch at the North end of Howard Amon Park.  Watch for Knap-In sign and join the group at the site.

General:  The public will have easy access to our activity, and we can expect many visitors wishing to see and learn about this ancient craft.  Visitors must wear eye protection if they try pressure flaking of rocks. 

 Being in a city park, we must clean up debris and remove equipment at the end of each day, the time of this based on the desires of attendees.

Contact for additional information:    GREG GREGER, (509) 943-3951.

                                                                       mggreg1@frontier.com

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2013 Bitterroot Valley Knap-In, Larry Creek campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana

Hosts Richard and Joan Urata

Thursday June 20th to Tuesday June 25, 2013

 

Joan and Richard Urata will be hosting the 3nd Annual Bitterroot Valley Knap-In at the Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, from Thursday June 20th to Tuesday June 25, 2013.  We will be there to set up from noon Thursday 6/20 thru noon Tuesday 6/25 for clean-up.  As with all PSK knap-ins, everything is free.  This is a family event. There is a paved parking lot for RV’s (no hookups) and vehicles.  There will be lots of room for tents under the trees or under the stars. Forest Service restricts RV’s to 30 ft. and vehicles need to stay in the parking lot – camp gear will need to be carried a short distance to your campsite.   This is BEAR country so tenters should bring a long rope to hang your food up in the trees, or leave it in your vehicles.  There will be a pot luck dinner Saturday evening with the hosts providing the main dish.  This will be a Forest Service group area with trees providing about 75% shade where we will be gathering and tenting.  There is a 50 X 50 yard open area for an archery/atlatl range and tents.  There is a large supermarket 6 miles away and restaurants 6 to 8 miles away in Stevensville.  There is a motel 15 miles away in Lolo. 

The RV spaces at Larry Creek Group Campground are limited so be sure to make your reservations with Richard & Joan to guarantee a space in the group camp.  A list of alternative RV Parks and Hotels is available by emailing Joan at the address below. 

Charles Waters Campground – the first come first served campground - is about a mile from Larry Creek in the same complex – cost is $10/night and no hookups or $5/night with Senior National Park Pass.  This campground has individual spaces and will be busy the weekend after the holiday.

If you are planning on coming to the Montana Knap-In please drop us a line at richurata@cybernet1.com or call us at (406) 360-1752 and let us know how many are in your party and if you are tent camping or staying somewhere else in your RV.  The Forest Service likes to get a tentative number of attendees so they can help us in our facility planning. 

Directions:

Drive to Missoula, Montana, on Interstate 90.  Take exit 101 and head south on Reserve Street (also designated Hwy 93) to Hamilton.  Turn right on Brooks street (also designated Hwy 93).  You will pass 2 towns, Lolo and Florence.  Turn right onto Bass Creek Road, 0.6 miles south of mile post 71 to Bass Creek Recreation area.  Go 2 miles into Bass Creek Recreation area then turn right to Larry Creek campground group area.  Go 1 mile on gravel road to our group campground.  You will pass a parking lot for day users on your right. 

 

Fort Knapadonia Knap-in

Host Joe and Sunny Higgins and the Knapadonia Gang

August 19th – 24th 2013 (tentative)

 

Joe Higgins will host the annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August.  He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc, and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades.  There will be water available, electricity, Port-a-Potties, and lots of room for camping and RVing.  Women and families are welcomed and encouraged to attend!  Close by Oak Harbor offers plenty of garage sales and stores for shopping.   
And for those fishermen (and women) among us, come prepared.  Being an odd-numbered year, 2013 is shaping up to see another record run of Pink Salmon pass by the knap-in.  The run happens every two years and 2011 saw the greatest number of Pinks in recorded history.  During following spring of 2012, the offspring of those spawning salmon leaving the Skagit River for the ocean was also a record.   They’ll be returning around the middle of August and Joe will adjust the timing of the knap-in to try and schedule it for the peak of the run!

In addition to the usual great knappers knapping, plentiful rock and great weather, Whidbey Island is also a great place for families interested in sightseeing and other tourist activities.

Directions:
To get to the knap-in:
Drive north past Seattle about 70 miles on Interstate 5.  Take the 230 off-ramp to highway 20 and go west toward Anacortes.  Take highway 20 turn off to Deception Pass.  Go past Deception Pass about 2 miles and turn right (west) on Banta Road.  Follow the signs from Banta Road to the knap-in.  There are stores and restaurants/fast foods in the area.  Contact Joe Higgins at (360) 720-1076 or (360) 675-4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.

***NEW***

1st Annual Sammamish Sasquatch Knap-in

Hosts Jim and Beverly Keffer

August 31st – Sept 2nd (Labor Day Weekend)

 

Jim and Beverly Keffer will host the 1st Sammamish Sasquatch Knap-in Aug 31st – Sept 2nd (Labor Day Weekend) at their place in Sammamish, WA. 

There is camping and parking space in the north pasture for trailers, campers and other vehicles.  Electrical power will be available on a limited basis and there are two battery chargers if needed.  Tent camping are spaces available in the orchard.  There will also be sleeping space in the shop on the second floor. 

If the weather is unfavorable, knapping will be in the shop.  There is adequate room on the first floor (1,000 sqft) for 30-40 knappers (or more) and it can be heated if necessary.

There will be the usual events – 2” Goat and 10-Speed.  Plus there will be targets for archery, atlatls and tomahawks.  And plan on a Saturday evening Potluck dinner.

There two grocery stores (Safeway/Albertson) within one mile as well as a couple of pharmacies.  Costco is just 7.7 miles away.

Directions:

From the East – Take I90 to the Preston exit (exit 22).  Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and turn right on SE High Point Way.  SE High Point Way becomes Preston-Fall City Road.  Continue on Preston-Fall City Road 3.7 miles to Fall City and turn left on SR-202 (Redmond-Fall City Road).  Go 8.7 miles to 244th Ave NE (stoplight) and turn left.  Go 1.2 miles and turn right on NE 14th Street, 23811 NE 14th Street is at the end of the gravel road (there will be signs).

From North, South or West - Take I405 to WA520 and head east towards Redmond, WA (5.5 miles).  Exit at Redmond WA. SR202 and turn right towards Sammamish.  Go approximately 5.1 miles to and turn right onto 244th Ave NE. Go 1.2 miles and turn right on NE 14th Street, 23811 NE 14th Street is at the end of the gravel road (there will be signs).

 

Kittitas Valley's Fall Gathering of Stone Age Craftsman

Hosts Jim Baugh and Mike Tari

September/October (details and dates pending)

 

 

Second Annual North Columbia Knap-in - North Columbia Knap-in

Host Patrick Farneman

October 10(Thurs)-12(Sat), 2013

 

Patrick Farneman will host the Second Annual North Columbia Knap-in this year at the Kettle Falls Museum and Interpretive Center at 1188 St Pauls Mission Road, Kettle Falls, WA 9914.  The dates are Thursday, Oct 10th thru Saturday, Oct 12th.

Participants are welcome to come a day early and are able to stay until Sunday if they wish.  The site is a short walk from the historic Kettle Falls Tribal fishery and gathering place and borders National Park land.  We have an open door to camp on the 7 acres of open ponderosa pine forest behind the center.  We will have water available & restroom facilities, and the Staff of the center have volunteered to open the museum for us (special off-season opening) to be able to view the collections they have of local artifacts. 

We are hoping for another great knap-in following our successful first knap-in in 2012!

 

 

17th Annual (Pre) Thanksgiving Knap-In, Millersylvania State Park

(near Olympia Washington)

Hosts Mick and Holly Hill

November 2nd and 3rd, 2013.

Visitors to the Park must have a Discovery Pass with the exception of those camping overnight.  The annual pass is $30.  If you access the park for 2 days without a pass, the fee is $10 each day. 

One pass is good for two (same registered address) vehicles and must be displayed in the vehicle that is in the park.  If Mick and Holly need two vehicles, we are forced to buy 2 $30 passes. 

If you have reserved and paid for a campsite, the parking tag/fee is not required. 

Join Mick and Holly Hill, hosts of the annual November knap-in.  This gathering began with the idea of putting closure to the year, reflecting on the fun gatherings and campouts that happened thru the year(s).  It is our knappers’ time to give thanks and be grateful, and then look forward to the holidays with our own families. 

 Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, 5 p.m.  Kitchen #1 is a log cabin that includes an area with fireplace heat and extra lighting set up for flintknapping.   There is also a kitchen area with wood stove to plan the potluck.  We have electricity and running cold water if the weather is not freezing temps.   Part of the cabin is open to the weather elements and cannot be closed off.  It can be cold!  There are also bathrooms near the cabin.

A potluck thanksgiving dinner will be served by 1 p.m. on Saturday only.  Mick and Holly provide coffee, turkey and some traditional thanksgiving dishes.  Bring a potluck dish, camp stool or chair, and plan to wear warm clothes and boots for the mud, sometimes rainy weather.  Pack a project to work on or maybe share with others how to make something.

Some may camp and stay thru Sunday.  If camping, expect to follow state park rules and provide payment for a camp site.  There are bathrooms w/plumbing and token-operated hot showers available.   You may want to check the website at www.parks.wa.gov, select Millersylvania, to consider reservations.

We meet again Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Lunch will be grilled cheese and pulled pork for a reduced number of knappers.   This is a good time for learning flintknapping from others with more experience if you are new to the art. 

Directions:

From North or South, take I-5 to Exit 95.  Follow signs to the park entrance.  Look for Kitchen #1.  Park in the first parking lot around to the left, near the entrance of the park.  Access to Kitchen #1 is by walking a path thru the woods.  We will have 2 wheelbarrows to shuttle your flintknapping supplies from your vehicle to the cabin.  Watch for others that may be trying to find our cabin!  It gets confusing to new visitors.   If necessary, there is a back road access to drive/assist those who don’t hike, or to deliver the extra big load.  Park rangers want to limit our driving thru their back roads.

For more info, contact Mick or Holly Hill, 360-493-8439 or e-mail:  hollyhill54@gmail.com, michaelhill30@gmail.com. 

 

 

 

Other Events – not PSK Sponsored

 

Clallam County Gem and Mineral Society's 55th Annual 'Nature's Treasures' Gem and Mineral Show October 5th and 6th (not a PSK Event)

55th Annual Nature’s Treasures Rock and Gem Show October 5th and 6th sponsored by the Clallam County Gem and Mineral Society.  The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited the Puget Sound Knappers to participate and demonstrate flintknapping at the show. (Note - demonstrators may sell their art with no vendor fee)

The show will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center 308 E.4th St. Port Angeles, WA.

Hours are:

9:00am - 7:00am Saturday

9:00am - 5:00am Saturday

 

 

 

Bakersfield Monthly Knap-In, Bakersfield, California

A monthly knap-in is held on the first Sunday of every month.  The one-day event goes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Hart Memorial Park.  The park is eight miles northeast of Bakersfield on the Alfred Harrell Highway.  Knappers meet at the East end of the park. 

Directions:

While on highway 58, east of Bakersfield, take the Comanche exit and turn to the north.  Comanche curves around 5 to 6 miles and dead ends into highway 178. Turn north on 178 (right) then a quick left (less then 1/4 mile) onto Alfred Harrell highway. Alfred Harrell 7-8 miles goes into Hart Park.   The knap-in is 100 yards or so from the entrance on the right hand side of the park.  For more information contact Gary Pickett at: Home: (661) 392-7729, Cell: (661) 444-6163, e-mail:  air-o-head@webtv.net

Other Possible Events – dates to be determined

1.    Cabelas – both Lacy and Tulalip stores (January ??)

2.    Pagan Gathering

3.    Bonney Lake Rock Show

4.    Puyallup Rock Show

5.    Oak Harbor Rock Show

6.    Quilcene Antler Show

Reports – PSK Sponsored Events*:

*These events are hosted by PSK members

 

Fort Knapadonia 2012 Report

Dr. Joe Higgins did it again!  The 2012 Ft Knapadonia knap-in was knapping Heaven for a whole week.  Joe managed to schedule the knap-in during the single week this summer where the weather was great the entire time - no small task here in eastern Washington!

Marked by a steady stream of knappers arriving all week, this year's

Ft Knapadonia Knap-in featured several formal instruction sessions, multiple potluck dinners and a special guest - Harry Oda.  It was also significant for the number of noobies that attended; youngsters, ladies and OWGs (old white guys). 

There was also the usual crowd of regulars including three of the founding members of the PSK - Joe Higgins, Dave Pehling and Gerry Swiney.  There were knappers from Canada, Florida, Montana, Oregon and Missouri, not to mention Washington.

In order to reduce the burden of individual family’s/knappers preparing dinners, every night there were three potluck dinners with each having one main entrée.

Thursday it was fried chicken, Friday - spaghetti and Saturday was the Host's

Seafood Bonanza featuring grilled Salmon, Grilled Tuna and boiled Dungeness crab.  All were caught in local waters by Joe or his neighbor!

Besides knapping there were many other activities to take part in, tomahawk throwing with the hawks made on-site by Blain Kuykendall, bow building, archery on the 20 target 4 acre course, walks along the beach and even some forge work.  Never a dull moment!

Since all PSK knap-ins are free, we held a 2" Goat competition as well as an auction of donated items to help raise money to cover the cost of the Porta-Potties and other expenses.  The proceeds from auction, direct donations and the "Goat" were enough to cover the cost and insure next year's knap-in.

Once again we had our cake and ate it too! 

Photos here: http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/Ft%20Knapadonia%202012%20Report.html

Ellensburg Knap-in 2012 Report (Kittitas Valley's Fall Gathering of Stone Age Craftsman)

While not a large knap-in by PSK standards, this year’s Kittitas Valley's Fall Gathering of Stone Age Craftsman was still a great time. With such notable knappers as Mick Hill, Stu Murdock, Jim Baugh and Jim Miller attending, there was much to see and learn! We even manage to get in a round or 2" Goat (won by Stu Murdock aka 'The Ute Flintknapper') and a round of 10-Speed (I think this competition was also won by Stu!).

Photos here: http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/Ellensburg%202012%20Report.html

1st Annual North Columbia Knap-In 2012 Report

The first annual North Columbia Knap-In was held the second weekend of October. Being the first year, we were unsure of what to expect and how many folks would join us. As it turned out, we were joined by a host of knappers, many of whom traveled far to attend. (George and Cheryle Bryce came all the way from Livingston, MT!) Many, many thanks to all who came and participated! We were hosted by the Kettle Falls Historical Center, a stone’s throw from the old St. Paul's Mission & Lake Roosevelt National Park and the traditional inter-Tribal salmon fishery. We are grateful to the Kettle Falls Historic Center for the use of their land, their hospitality and for the use of their restroom facilities, which made it so we did not have to rent Porta-potties! We have been invited back again for next year on the 10th thru the 12th of October.

Our numbers were small at first, but by the end of Saturday we had about 25 knappers, plus the children from the local Waldorf School that came to visit (Friday) and check things out. Since our location is in view of Hwy 395 and we had a sign at the road, we had several drop-in visitors who ended up staying and knapping with us for a while. One guy was going fishing with his daughter, got frustrated waiting for the bridge crossing (which was under construction) and came to join us. He had never knapped before and got some great hands-on instruction, too good, perhaps. He participated in the 2 inch goat game, and won, took his winnings and left!

There was plenty of rock for all, and plenty of good food & company. Our Friday night potluck was a big success and had a great variety of cuisine, including some moose chili provided by Eric Barnett. Eric bagged the moose a year earlier with primitive archery equipment he had made, including the stone point on the arrow! Nice work, Eric! We also had lots of Dutch oven potatoes, thanks to a huge bag of spuds donated by Emil Daily after a gleaning trip the week before. After dinner, accompanied by Kirby Records on the guitar and his homemade Native flutes there was another knapping session that went late into the night.

Between our auction and donations we were able to clear expenses, plus donate $140 back to the Kettle Falls Historic Center for the use of the facilities there. The Museum opened their doors Friday so that our participants could view the collections, which includes many stone artifacts from the North Columbia Basin. Quite a few of our Knap-In participants donated knapped work to the Center's fund raising auction which they held Saturday afternoon. The board of directors at the Center sent their sincere thanks for the support!

There were other interests represented at this knap-in, too, mainly in primitive and historic skills. Bridges to the Past, the organizing body of the knap-in, teaches classes in historic skills and brought skin-on-frame kayaks (Kirby brought his, too!), bows, arrows, and Atlatls and darts. Kirby wore his handmade buckskin clothing, and Kyle demonstrated his skill at friction fire making. The camp and facilities were dominated by canvas tents and shelters which added nicely to the ambience.

Wednesday, before the knap-in officially started, Patrick and Kyle snuck away to paddle on the Columbia River in the kayaks. A larger group went for an afternoon paddle on Saturday as well. It was so much fun that we have decided to make the boat trips an integral part of the gathering. For those with interest next year, bring your boats and come float with us!

All in all, the North Columbia Knap-In was a huge success! Thanks again to all who came and joined us, and thanks to those who helped clean up and take down camp Saturday evening! Thanks for traveling near and far to come and support this fledgling event! Planning is already in the works for 2013 - please plan to join us! http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/North%20Columbia%20Knap-in%202012%20Report.html

. More info and pics coming at: http://www.bridgestothepast.org/Home

 

Millersylvania 'TurkeyFest' Knap-in 2012 Report

The Puget Sound Knappers last major knap-in for 2012 capped one of the best years of knapping in memory!

And for the 16th year in a row Mick and Holly Hill organized and hosted an outstanding Knap-in at beautiful Millersylvania State Park near Olympia, Washington. It was the perfect ending to a great year for our knapping community!

Turnout on the first morning (Saturday the 3rd of November) was the best in several years. Starting about 8:00 in the morning, the knappers gathered in Pavilion #1 (kitchen #1) in front of the large fireplace and its warm glow and started knapping. Meanwhile the non-knappers and ladies started preparing the pre-Thanksgiving feast!

At 1:00 in the afternoon all knapping ceased - and everyone filled their plates with one of the best turkey dinners in recent memory. Roast turkey, deep-fried turkey, dozens of 'fixens' including stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, salads, squash, etc. And then there was dessert! Pies, cookies, cakes, breads, cobblers, fritters and more and more! What a feast!

Following the feast and a short rest/digestive break we held our traditional competitions - 2" goat and 10-Speed. The 2" Goat competition was tightly contested - the relatively small goat rock (small by PSK standards) went around at least 5 times - and we started with 20 knappers! So many knappers were able to take just 2" flakes that the tape measure was in constant use by the judge. It finally came down to just two three knappers - Harley Slade of Vancouver, British Columbia, Scott Cannaday of Gig Harbor, Washington and Jim Keffer of Sammamish, Washington. Harley miss-hit on the last round and Scott broke the remaining piece in two - neither piece of which was 2". That left Jim as the winner! This competition proves that you don't need to be a master knapper to win. The combined years of experience of the three finalists is less than 10 years - which is less than the average experience of a PSK member!

Following the 2" Goat came the 10-Speed competition. Ten knappers competed and the resulting points were quite remarkable. Of the 10 knappers, 8 completed their points, giving the judges (our 'Flintknapping Floozies') a real tough job of deciding the winner. It took the judges at least a half an hour to evaluate symmetry, style, flake pattern and aspect ratio to determine which point was best. When all the judges’ scores were tallied, Master Knapper and all-around great guy Jim Miller won first place!

While the knappers were knapping the non-knappers were engrossed with their crafts - knitting, rag-rugging, and various other craft art forms!

We all knapped and crafted until dusk and then met at various campsites for socializing.

Sunday was all knapping - well almost all. Holly and the ladies prepared a breakfast fare second to none.

Both days and particularly Sunday saw quite a few 'noobies' attend our knap-in. As usual they were welcomed with open arms, free rock, free instruction, loaner tools and safety glasses and gloves. All told we managed to convert several knappers wanna-bes to beginning knappers and members of the PSK!

Thanks to those that helped make this such a success - the free rock providers, the loaner tool providers, the helpers and the photographers, especially Bettye Hensel and Kathy Woodside!

Many, many thanks to Mick and especially Holly for all the work they put in to making this such a great knap-in! http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/Millersylvania%202012%20Report.html

List of Attendees (partial)

Jim Smith

Harry Oda

Jim and Beverly Keffer

Henry and Rosalie Payne

Jim Miller

Mike Gale-Sinex

Mick and Holly Hill

Riley and Allan Hayes

Woody and Kathy Woodside

Chris Bronstad

Don and Carolyn Wattenbarger

Al and Lola Gain

Joe Greenwell and Bettye Hensel

Sam Black

Donn Paris

Mike Nesbitt

Dave McNett

John Weyer

Rich Russell

Matthew Frasier

Scott Cannaday

Daniel Dausener, Rachel, and Fox

Ron Folty

Harley Slade

Mike Kildow

Preston Stanke

Richard Schneider

Joe Pollock

 

Reports - Non-PSK Events

 

The word is out – Puget Sound Knappers are great additions to rock shows and other events.  We’ve been receiving invitations from a number of rock clubs and other events over the last few months.  If notice of the events are received in time I include them in SPALLS, if not I just put them on the website.  For those who receive SPALLS via snailmail I would recommend that you visit your local library and periodically check out the event schedule.  Just go to http://pugetsoundknappers.com and then the Event section.

54th Annual Nature’s Treasures Rock and Gem Show 2012 Report

The PSK was invited to demonstrated flintknapping at the 54th Annual Nature’s Treasures Rock and Gem Show 2012 in Port Angeles, WA October 6th and 7th.  Although located on the Olympic Peninsula - a couple of hours for even the nearest PSK member - we managed a pretty good turnout.  With the likes of Master Knappers Joe Higgins, Mick Hill, Jim Miller and Harry Oda as well as several other good knappers, we were able to not only demonstrate flintknapping but we also got a number of visitors to try their hand at the art of flintknapping.  We also discovered there were a number of folks that were very interested joining the PSK - both experienced knappers and 'noobies'!  For the photos visit our website here: http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/Port%20Angeles%20Rock%20Show%202012%20Report.html

PSK Members Attending:

Jim Keffer

Joe Higgins

Harry Oda

Mick Hill

Jim Miller

Woody Woodside

Donn Paris

Richard Shelling (renewed member)

Rich Russell (just dropped by)

 

Washjam – 2012 Tri-State Boy Scout Jamboree

The PSK was invited to demonstrate flintknapping at WashJam 2012 - the Boy Scout Jamboree near Joint Base Lewis McCord August 16th - 19th.  Unfortunately that was the same time as our annual Ft. Knapadonia Knap-in and only one PSK member was able to make it – Donn Paris!  But Donn did the PSK PROUD! Don spent an entire day, a long one at that, demonstrating flintknapping.

Thanks Donn!

South Sound Gem Opal and Mineral Show (Puyallup Rock Show) Report

At the invitation of Rich Russell, member (treasurer) of the Cascade Mineralogical Society and volunteer for the South Sound Gem Opal and Mineral Show a bunch of PSK members attended and spent  Friday through Sunday demonstrating and teaching flintknapping.

It was both a busy and rewarding show – lots of people, young and old, tried their hand at flintknapping.  Even more kids received a point if they stopped by and showed any interest – and there were lots of points given away! http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/events/2013%20Puyallup%20Rock%20Show%20Report.html

Attendees:

Rich Russell                                         Woody Woodside

Mick Hill                                    Dana Anderson

Jim Smith                                   Others

Jim Keffer

Scott Cannaday

Update on the Website

Well, we’ve passed the 30,000 ‘unique visitors’ mark, up 10,000 from just the last issue of SPALLS.  We’ve also had almost more than 2 MILLION hits!  A ‘unique visitor’ is one that has not visited the website in the past.  Many people visit the website more than once as evidence in the more than 1,000,000 hits!  And we’ve had visitors from more than 124 different countries.  The number of people visiting and the number of pages accessed (hits) is growing each month.

We’re now up to forty-seven member ‘Art Galleries’.  I’d like to encourage every member to contribute to the website.  If you have photos of your knapping and/or ‘Paleo Art’, email them to me and I’ll create your very own art gallery on the PSK Website.

Once again, we encourage every member to register their ‘knapper mark’, submit a photo of themselves, contribute to the ‘How-To’ section and send in photo of their knapping/Paleo Art.  Again, if you submit photos of your art I will create an Art Gallery in your name! 

The ‘Knapper Recipe’ section on the website started off with a bang and I encourage everyone to contribute to this section.

At the request of several member knappers I’ve undertaken a new project/section for the website – Knappable Rock in the PNW.  After all we are not only about Obsidian!

This section will feature knappable rock found in the PNW and include photos of ‘rough rock’, as it was found in nature, slabs of the same rock and, where appropriate, photos of slabs of that rock after heat treating.  Only general locations will be given, i.e. NW Oregon or Columbia River Basin, but additional information such as heat treating recommendations will be included.  I encourage all members who can contribute photos as outlined above to send them to me at reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com.

We’ve also added a Lost and Found’ Sections.  If you lose or find something at one of our knap-ins just contact the webmaster and I’ll include it!

The ‘Interesting Stuff’ sections has a lot of new articles and information, from articles on Paleo Artifacts – points to pipes, by David Heath, to a report by Jim Miller on his trip to the Big Bend area of Texas.

Members can Advertise Their Products

 

The Puget Sound Knappers website now features a section for members to advertise, for free, flintknapping/Paleo art for sale/trade or barter.   The member will be provided an area to display their art (for sale/trade or barter) and their contact information – but no prices. 

Commercial advertisers will be provided with a section for their links and the description of what their site offers.  No advertising per se, but a link provided for the benefit of our members.

Website Funding

A portion of donations/funds raised at the Goldendale, Bitterroot, Ft. Knapadonia and Illahee Flats Knap-ins were applied to the cost of the website as well as the cost of the new PSK banners.  The website is now fully funded for the next two years thanks to Ed Thomas, Richard Urata, Brad Baughman and Joe Higgins and all those who contributed at the knap-ins!  Special thanks to Richard and Joan Urata for their substantial contribution.  Puget Sound Knappers.com is truly a member website!

NEXT SPALLS ISSUE:

The next SPALLS issue will be in February, 2013, following the Winter Break/Cabin Fever Knap-in.  The weather’s finally great, so go to the knap-ins!

 

Rock Collecting Regulations Links:

WA and Oregon Rock Collecting Guide - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/rock_collecting_Guide_WA-OR.html

BLM Glass Buttes Handout - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/BLM_Glass_Buttes_Handout_4-09.html

MAYBE OF INTEREST:

Website for Artifact and Archeological Books

This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. 

Go to: http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .

Check out the Arrowhead Forum! http://arrowheadology.com/forums/

TARP

There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chat room.  It may be of interest as knapping information is passed back and forth via messages.  It is called TARP – you know, the thing you put on the ground to collect the débitage.     http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp

Knappers-R-Us

Here’s another e-group for knappers:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/

Flintknappers Digest

Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/

Lithic Casting Lab

For anyone who wants to replicate certain styles of points (Flake patterns, thickness, convexity, length, and width), you can purchase castings of artifacts from Lithic Casting Lab.  http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/

Paleo Planet

Primitive Technology discussions, including flintknapping.  www.PaleoPlanet.net

SPALLS

James C. Keffer

23811 NE 14th St

Sammamish, WA 98074

 

 

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