 |
||
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
SPALLS - Year 2016 - Update in Progress SPALLS - February 2016 SPALLS Distribution Distribution of SPALLS is available to anyone with a 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 THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address 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 – and pay to cover the cost of printing and postage. Due to the increase in postage cost ($.92/Spalls) and the cost of printing ($2.00/SPALLS), I can no longer send them out for free. Twenty-seven mailings cost $243/year. If you, or someone you know, has an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in February or July, e-mail the address to Jim Keffer. I have several unverified email addresses 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. I also make it a policy never to give out member contact information unless specifically authorized. That includes email and resident/mailing addresses and phone numbers. Every email I send out to more than one or two addressees is sent out using the blind copy feature (bcc) which hides email address. SUMMARY – Important Please READ For those of you who do not have access to the internet at home and receive SPALLS via snailmail, I strongly encourage you to visit your local library and visit our website ‘http://pugetsoundknappers.com’. I can’t possibly put everything in a newsletter, particularly all the great photos I’m provided from our events. Every public library I’ve visited in the last 5 years has computers with internet access for public use. And all have librarians that are happy to assist you in navigating the Internet. As most of you know, 2015 was a banner year for the Puget Sound Knappers Association. Membership reached 625 members by year’s end and we’ve already added seven new members in 2016. Attendance was up at every knap-in I attended and broke records at Bitterroot and Ft Knapadonia. Our knap-ins were such a great success, as measured by the fun and enjoyment everyone experienced, that several of our members are working on adding new knap-in. Look for them in the events sections! Just to repeat - we’ve added a new section to the website – ‘Interesting Places’. This section is located in the ‘Interesting Stuff’ section (which will be re-organized in the near future). This section will highlight and provide information on places that may be of interest to flintknappers – museums and such. Already we have information on the Cashmere Museum and the Wenatchee Museum, with plans to add features on the Howard Dolph Museum in Rufus, OR and the Favell Museum in Klamath Falls, OR (largest collection of arrowheads in the world). This section will be a ‘member’ participation section – if you are a PSK member and you visit a place you think may be of interest to other PSK members, please write up a brief report (with photos if possible) and send it to the webmaster at: As announced in the last issue of SPALLS, we’ve purchased an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). This device, for those who may not know, is designed to automatically detect and, if necessary, defibrillate (shock) someone whose heart is not functioning properly as in the case of a heart attack. Used in conjunction with CPR administered by a trained individual, this device reduces death by heart attacks by as much as 50%. The device we purchased is a Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. As custodian, Jim Keffer will see to it that it gets to each knap-in, either personally or by shipping it to the knap-in host – provided there will be someone in attendance certified in CPR/AED. Although we’ve received pledges for most of the cost of the device, we hope to get more members to donate, both to cover the cost of the device, the cost of shipping and training for individuals who volunteer to be trained on CPR/AED/First Aid. If you can help by donating and help get the word out (it will be on the) please let me know at: We are asking everyone who has current CPR/AED/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification to let Jim Keffer know so that we can provide this information to each knap-in host. In January 2016, Jim Keffer took the Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructors course and the PSK became an ‘Authorized Provider’ of this training to PSK members. The intent was to offer this course for free but the Red Cross requires a standard $27 processing fee for the certification cards and to maintain the records. However, for the PSK the Red Cross has reduced the cost to $10 so the course will be $10 plus the cost of material (disposable masks and gloves and training kit, less than $5). Voluntary donations to help cover the cost of the training equipment – CPR manikins, AED Trainers and Participant Manual will be accepted but not required. If there is sufficient interest, Jim Keffer will conduct a class (takes 5 - 6 hours) at the Glass Buttes Knap-in. This will require a DVD player, HD TV, AED, CPR manikin and classroom (I have a 10’ x 20’ fully enclosed carport canopy) so let me know if you’d like to attend this class. Anyone interested in this class should contact me at reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com. In Memorium – Rest in Peace Sunny Higgins Finally, the terribly sad news that Sunny Higgins, wife of PSK founder Joe Higgins and co-host of the Ft Knapadonia Knap-in, passed away on January 29, 2016. For those of us who knew and loved Sunny, it is an enormous loss. Her behind the scene contributions to the Puget Sound Knappers had an significant impact on the course of the PSK and its success. ANOTHER NEW MILESTONE – PSK REACHES 633ACTIVE MEMBERS (and still growing!) In spite of the sad loss of Sunny Higgins, the PSK continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Just since the last SPALLS issued in November 2015 we’ve had 21 new members join! New since November 2015
*PSK Point Display Project* For those that don’t know already, the PSK Point Display Project is well on its way to becoming a real show piece for the Puget Sound Knappers. The Case is complete and there are about 100 member points already donated. Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to take individual photos for the website or even mount all of the points in the case. But I’m working on it! To view the points photographed to date go here (I’m way behind here): http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/about_us/PSK%20Point%20Collection.html 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. 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 adequately compensated. Ongoing Events Weekly Fort Knapadonia Knap-in There is a 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 for contact information). While there 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. **Note – please contact Joe Higgins (360) 720-0025 or Jim Keffer (425) 503-4413 if you’d like to attend and you are not one of the regulars – if the weather is bad (usually is) – we knap indoors and there is limited room. We always try and make room! Joe has also been opening the shop on Saturdays – just call ahead to make sure! Weekly Sammamish Knap-in Jim Keffer, PSK Webmaster, is hosting a weekly knap-in each Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm at his shop in Sammamish. Everyone is welcome and the shop can easily accommodate more than 25 knappers. The shop is well heated and we now have plenty of chairs! There is free rock, loaner tools, safety glasses and gloves for everyone. Coffee is provided and there have been a number of senior PSK members attending to help instruct the ‘noobies’. Tri-Cities Bi-monthly Knap-in The Tri-Cities Knappers host a bi-monthly knap-in Kennewick, WA. The knap-in is hosted by Frank Olmsted and Marvin Barger the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30pm - 9:00 pm. The location is Frank's home - 803 S. Edison in Kennewick, Washington. This is a new group founded by four PSK members in the Tri-Cities area. There are about a dozen 'regulars' and forty -one who attend when their schedule permits. Their goal is quote "to help all new or experienced knappers, who are interested in this art form". They also offer private session of Video Tutorials and One-on-One instruction! To find out more contact: Frank Olmsted: Phone - (509) 783-2798, Email Announcing the South Whidbey Island Monthly Knap-in Starting February 11, 2016, long time PSK member Dave Tiller will be hosting a monthly knap-in at his place on Whidbey Island. This knap-in will be held the third Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm probably till 8:00pm or 9:00 pm after the first one on February 11th. Dave has a large 3-bay garage/shop and will be providing a pot of chili and plenty of coffee! Directions: From the mainland (Seattle) Get on I5 and drive to Mukilteo, WA and take the Mukilteo Ferry to Clinton, WA (So. Whidbey Island) On exiting the Ferry you will be on SR 525. Go North to Campbell Rd and continue to Maxwelton Rd. Take another left on Maxwelton Rd and go to Wildes Rd and turn left. Go to the first house on the left. From the north Whidbey Island Get on SR 20 and drivesouth, SR 20 becomes SR 525 Continue on SR 525 to Maxwelton Rd and take a right on Maxwelton Rd. Go to Wildes Rd and turn left. Go to the first house on the left.
Future Events Schedule for 2016 PSK Sponsored Events* 1. Cabin Fever Knap-in – Granite Falls, WA February 6th (firstSaturday in February – the day before Super Bowl Sunday)
Cabin Fever Knap-in Announcement – Granite Falls, WA Dave Pehling and Jim Dennis kick of the 2017 Knapping Year once again with the first official PSK knap-in of the year. Held at Jim’s shop in Granite Falls, this knap-in has been for years the best cure for Cabin Fever! Typically lunch features wild game chili (elk, deer, etc.) it draws both the hardcore PSK knappers as well a fair crop of noobies. So come on out and help us start the new year in style! 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. Dave’s contact information: From North or South 2016 Cabelas Lacey Store Knap-in Announcement The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited back to Cabelas' Lacey Store for the 6th year in a row to demonstrate flintknapping to its customers! This year's event is tentatively planned for mid-February. Store hours are Saturday 8:00am to 9:00pm (we only stay until about 5:00pm) and Sunday 9:00am until 7:00pm (again we only stay until 5:00pm) This has been a great event for the PSK, increasing awareness and providing a chance to meet new knappers as well as those that want to learn the ancient art of flintknapping. There are usually 15 to 20 PSK members and plenty of rock! So come on out and join the fun! For those who want to stay overnight Cabelas allows overnight camping in their south parking lot. There are usually a couple of semis but room for a couple dozen RVs. The PSK webmaster has parked his 25' trailer there and stayed the weekend - very convenient, and FREE! For more information contact Mick Hill – (360) 493-8439 Directions: Cabelas Lacey Store Co-ordinates: 47.0657 -122.7845 From Seattle (approx. 58 miles): Southbound I-5 to Exit 111. From Portland (approx. 117 miles): Northbound I-5 to Exit 111. Turn left onto Marvin Rd North. Go over I-5 to second round-about (.7 miles). Turn left through round-about onto Britton Parkway NE. On Britton Parkway turn left on to Gateway Blvd. 2016 Glass Buttes Gathering, Glass Buttes, Oregon Take Special Note – The timing of the annual Glass Buttes Knap-in corresponds to the Oregon Schools Spring Break Calendar. In 2016 Spring Break is March 19th through March 27th, and the knap-in starts the Saturday before and ends the Sunday after! 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 is 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! It would also be helpful if everyone that plans to attend this year’s Glass Buttes Knap-in let Rocky Male know so that he can plan for enough porta-potties. You can reach Rocky at (541) 413-0373 or email rockylmale@yahoo.com. And Come PREPARED! 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. To see a checklist of useful items to bring go here:Glass Buttes Checklist 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. Jim Keffer will be bringing a portable Sweat Lodge to the knap-in. Normal attire for sweat lodges is your birthday suit but for decorum’s sake and in the interest of modesty, bring a swimsuit. The sweat lodge will accommodate up to 10 people at a time. It was tested at the Sammamish Knap-in and those who tried it (like Mick Hill, Rich Russell, Nick Tomihama and I) absolutely loved it!
Jim will also be offering a 5 hour course in First Aid/CPR/AED – if there is enough interest. To put on the class will require that Jim brings a DVD player, Flat Screen HDTV, and a generator to run them. It will also necessitate that he bring a portable garage (Costco Canopy with sides) to use as a classroom and the training manikins and AED trainers and training supplies. The cost will be $15. So if you are interested in becoming trained and certified in First Aid/CPR/AED please let Jim know: reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com .
Point of contact is Rocky Male (rockymale@yahoo.com ). Rocky will be providing the Porta-Potties (and firewood) so keep him in mind when the donation bucket goes around.
Directions: Get to Glass Buttes by driving to the Central Oregon Highway - Hwy 20 and the driving to milepost 77. A dirt road goes south towards two volcanic peaks, Little Glass Butte is on the east and Big Glass Butte is on the west. The main camp is approximately 2.9 miles south of Hwy 20. Dallesport Knap-in
Brad Baughman, with help from Jack Fee and Nick Tomihama, will be hosting a knap-in in Dallesport, Washington from April 22nd to April 26th. This event is still tentative as Brad is working with the County on the details. More information will be added to this page as it becomes available - provably around the end of February.
Directions: Dallesport is located on the north shore of the Columbia River 88 miles east of Portland, OR and 20 miles east of Hwy 97 at Biggs Junction. You can either take WA SR 14 (also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway) on the Washington side of the river, or Interstate 84 along the south shore of the Columbia River. From the South (Oregon Side):
1. Go north across the Columbia River using the Dalles Bridge (Hwy 197). From the North (Washington Side): 1. Take WA-14 (Lewis and Clark Highway) to Dallesport. Mick Hill's Big Blade Class Jim Keffer will host Mick Hill's first 'Big Blade Class' on April 30th, 2016. It will be held in Jim's shop from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm and lunch will be provided. Mick Hill will instruct (and consult) on all phases of large blade production, from critical rock analysis and dissection, to bi-face reduction to finishing. If you have ever seen Mick's big blades you know how valuable this class is - but it will still be free! This is one PSK event where you will need to bring your own free rock, neither the host nor Mick has enough big rick to go around. Hence the date - after the Glass Buttes Knap-in! Get and bring, in Mick's words 'a challenging large rock'! Large being the operative word! You should also bring suitable knapping tools for big blades. The host has a number of spalling billets - 19 lbs, 22 lbs, 25 lbs and 30.5 lbs and even some smaller 8 lb - 9 lb. However there are probably not enough loaner tools to accommodate the number of knappers that are expected to attend. Everyone is invited and if the weather is good we can knap outside. Otherwise the shop will accommodate 30 plus knappers and has a whole room air filter. Address and Directions below the photos: Address: 23811 NE 14th Street Sammamish, WA Directions: From the North: From the South: Use same directions as above except take I405 North to Hwy 520 From the East – From the West: See directions for Hwy 520 above. (Spring) Yakima Canyon Knap-in Announcement Jim Miller will be hosting the First Annual Spring Knap-in at the Big Pines Campground in Yakima Canyon, Friday, May 20 through Monday, May 23 (2016) in Yakima Canyon. Big Pines is located in the scenic Yakima River Canyon, which cuts through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills, 19 miles south of Ellensburg, Washington. This canyon has been designated as a state scenic route and offers excellent wildlife viewing, fishing in a Blue Ribbon trout stream, river rafting and camping. At 20 acres, Big Pines is BLM’s largest recreation site in the Yakima River Canyon. The northern edge of the recreation site is adjacent to undeveloped hiking trails on lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is recommended that you reserve campsites as early as possible using the BLM website. There are also three other close-by campgrounds in the event all sites at the Big Pines campground are taken. 1. Umtanum (6.9 miles from Big Pines) - Six campsites Note: Each site can accommodate 10 people and may be shared with one other vehicle and/or tent. If you can’t get a reservations and would like to share a spot contact Jim Keffer (jckeffer@comcast.net 425-503-4413) or Jim Miller (goldpoint@comcast.net 206-930-9107) and we see if we can work something out. The campgrounds in Yakima Canyon are all along Hwy 821 (Yakima Canyon Road). Access is either via: Reservations are highly recommended and should be made as soon as possible. 2016 Tri-Cities Knap-In, Richland WA Marvin Barger and Frank Omstead will be hosting the fourth annual Tri-Cities Knap-in Memorial Day Weekend, May 28th - 29th. This will be held in Amon Park on the East edge of Richland next to the Columbia River. There is parking along the road to the site, at the boat launch and around the above nearby facilities. 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: Frank Omstead - (509) 783-2798 Marvin Barger - (509) 942-1014 Where: At the same place as in 2015, 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. Directions: 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 George Washington 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 signs 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. 2016 Bitterroot Valley Knap-in Announcement Joan and Richard Urata will be hosting the 6th Annual Bitterroot Valley Knap-In at the Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana. This event will be in June - Tentative dates June 16 – 21, 2016. 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 over 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. Do not leave it in your vehicles. There will be a pot luck dinner on Saturday night 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. For over 30 ft. RV’s and overflow RV’s, use the Charles Waters Forestry 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 camping spaces. 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. Location: Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana Directions: Drive to Missoula, Montana, on Interstate 90. 2nd Annual Legends and Legacies Knap-in, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada Thornberry will host the second annual Legends and Legacies Knap-in July 5th - 18th. It will be held at the Rocky Mountain House Heritage Site on the outskirts of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, during the Legends and Legacy weekend. This event draws 3000-4000 visitors annually that come to see history relived on this historic site where in 1799 the North West and Hudson’s Bay companies set up rival posts at the end of the fur trade line on the North Saskatchewan River. Competition was fierce at Rocky Mountain House, and during its 76-year history, nine different Aboriginal cultures came to this site to trade. Explorer, fur trader and map-maker, David Thompson, used the North West Company post as a base for finding a pass across the Rocky Mountains. During the Legends and Legacy weekend many Aboriginal skills will be displayed, and we get to be a part of it! Arrangements have been made for free RV parking and/or tenting for our knappers, but since space is somewhat limited we have been asked to pre-register for those sites. With this much lead time there should be ample room for everyone IF you pre-register soon! To pre-register the following is required. Email or call Russell Thornberry at - phone (403) 872 4866. He will need the name of each attendee, email address, phone number, license plate number and state or province of origin. OFF SITE ACCOMMODATIONS For those who elect to stay in a hotel in Rocky Mountain House, below are a list and phone numbers of suitable accommodations. Be advised that Rocky Mountain House is a busy little town in the center of a brisk oil business and you will have to make reservations well in advance to get a room. HOTELS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE Best Western Rocky Mountain House Inn & Suites (800) 588 8520 Rocky Mountain House Canalta (403) 846 0088 Rocky Inn Express (403) 845 2871 Walking Eagle Inn 1 (866) 845-2131 PROVIDED FOR KNAPPERS A suitable sheltered knapping area will be provided, as well as a safe lock-up area for our tools etc. after closing hours at night. The Heritage site has also agreed to provide us with nightly campfire areas adjacent to each of our camping spots. There is a food service (hot dogs and burgers and soft drinks) available on Saturday and Sunday at the Heritage Site. WHAT TO BRING Bring your knapping tools and lots of rock – enough for your needs and for those who would like to learn. Unfortunately for us Albertans, we don’t have much for knappable rock up here, so we rely on our friends south of the border who have an abundance of obsidian to help us out. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Don’t forget your guitars (or whatever you play) for some music around the campfires. We will also provide opportunity for Atlatl and traditional archery, so bring your longbows bows and atlatls if you have them! Of course we will have the Goat and 10-Speed competitions, as well as other knapping activities and competitions! Saturday Night Potluck Dinner and Auction On Saturday night we have reserved the High Water House with a fully modern kitchen and plenty of seating for out potluck dinner. Be sure and bring a dish to share. Immediately after the potluck there will be out fundraiser auction so please bring an item or two for that purpose. Knapping Tools There will be a good selection of knapping tools available for sale for those in need. Be sure and let newcomers that you encourage to come, of the availability of tools for sale. As always, there will be tools on hand to loan to newcomers who just want to try their hand at knapping on site. In addition, there will be protective gloves and eye protection available on site. ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS Especially for those coming to Alberta from the U.S., the world famous Calgary Stampede will be under way for 10 days in early July. This is the world’s largest rodeo and the surrounding festivities are enormous. You might want to take in some of the Stampede on your way up to the Knap-In and make a full-blown vacation of it. Check Calgary Stampede 2016 online for full details. WHERE IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE? Rocky Mountain House is two hours and eight minutes northwest of Calgary, Alberta. Take AB-2 N to AB-54 W. (110 km/68.3 miles) Take exit 365 from AB-2 N to AB-54 Follow AB-54 W to AB-781 N (17.4 km/10.8) Turn right onto AB-781 N and go to AB11 (21.8 km/13.5 miles) Turn left onto AB-11 W and go to 52 Ave/AB-11A W (61.2 km/38. miles) Turn left onto 52 Ave/AB-11A W (signs for Alberta 11 Alternate W/Rocky Mountain House/Town Centre) From Edmonton: Take AB-2 S towards Red Deer (115 km/ 71.5 miles) Take exit 422 for Alberta 12 toward Lacombe/Bentley (550 m/602 yds) Keep right at the fork and merge onto AB-12 W (700 m/ 765.5 yds) Merge onto AB-12 W and go to Range Rd (69.0 km/42.8 miles) Turn left onto Range Rd and go to AB-598 (9.3km/5.8 miles) Turn right onto AB-598 W and Continue onto 52 Ave/AB-11A W (170 m/207 yds) Turn right onto 48 St (150 m/164 yds) Turn left onto 53 Ave (140 m/153 yds) Rocky Mountain House, AB, Canada Directions from Rocky Mountain House to the Heritage Site: The National Historic Site is located 6 km west of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11A. I am looking forward to a reunion with all who came to our first Knapp-Inn at Fort Whoop Up last September in Lethbridge, Alberta, as well as meeting new Brothers of the Stone that I am sure will show up in July. Till then – Keep Chippin’! Russell Thornberry Fort Knapadonia Knap-in Whidbey Island, WA> 4rd Annual Sammamish Knap-in, Sammamish, WA Jim and Beverly Keffer will host the 4th Sammamish Knap-in Friday September 2nd thru Sunday September 4th at their place in Sammamish, WA. (Address 23811 NE 14th Street, Sammamish, WA 98074) Accommodations: FREE! 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 overnight sleeping space in the shop. The shop is two-story about 1200 sq. ft. per story and heated (if necessary). There are two cots and if the pasture yields enough hay there will be bedding available Activities: If the weather is unfavorable, knapping will be in the shop. There is adequate room on the first floor (1,000 sq. ft.) 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/Hagans) within one mile as well as a couple of pharmacies. Costco is just 7.7 miles away. Location/Directions: 23811 NE 14th St, Sammamish, WA 98074 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 new paved road (there will be signs). NOTE - The SPEED LIMIT on NE 14th Street is 10 MPH. It is intended to provide safety to our neighbors - PLEASE DO NOT EXCEED THE 10 MPH LIMIT! And watch out for the new construction. 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). Clallam County Rock and Gem Show Knap-in The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited to participate at the Clallam County Rock and Gem Show but the dates are pending. The show will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 East 4th Street, Port Angeles, WA. The last time the Puget Sound Knappers attended this event there was a good turnout of PSK members and a LOT of public interest and participation. We were also able to hook up with the local PSK members who we don't see that often. Directions: The Vern Burton Community Center is located at 308 East 4th Street, Port Angeles, WA. Get to Hwy US-101on the Olympic Peninsula and go west to Port Angeles. Follow US-101 W into Port Angeles. US-101 turns into E Front St. (one way). Turn left on Peabody St and continue to E 4th St. Turn right and the Vern Burton will be straight on your left. 3nd Annual Whoop Up/Black Powder Rendezvous & Knap-In The Third Annual Ft Whoop Up/ Black Powder Rendezvous & Knap-in September 1st to 4th at the Ft Whoop Up Black Powder Gun Range, Lethbridge, Alberta. We will join the Black Powder Rendezvous which will draw 50 plus participants. Anyone with a black powder gun can participate in the shoots. They must have insurance or purchase it from the Black Powder Club for $5. It is located in the valley close to the confluence of the St Marys River and the Old Man River, near the original site of Ft Whoop Up. Free camping will be available to preregistered knappers and a $10 attendance fee will be charged for nonregistered knappers and visitors. Contact Barry Rogers (403) 678 5041 or email barryrogers@shaw.ca to register and get a map and further accommodation and activities information. Period dress is preferred but not mandatory. Master Knappers from Canada and the US will be available to instruct those who want to improve their knapping skills. If you are a knapper or a wannabe knapper and wish to attend, register as soon as possible with Barry Rogers at barryrogers@shaw.ca or 403-678-5041. This will help us plan our Second Canadian Knap-In and secure a camping site for you. We are also trying to arrange for an archery/atlatl range. There is no entry fee for Knappers and their families. Pot Luck suppers will be held: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The main entree will be provided and side dishes are to be provided by knap-in participants. Please bring adequate for your family. Tea, coffee and water will be available all day. You must register for a camping site either trailer or tent, no services, just a field in Indian Battle Park right outside the Fort. There is room for 20 to 30 trailers, plus a few tents. Public toilets are available a short walk away, or in the Fort during open hours. Full service camp ground (Bridgeview RV Resort, 403-381-2357) in the river valley off of Highway #3 is available a short drive away. Hotels: Two hotels, both at the top of the hill above Fort Whoop-Up are within an up/down hill walk (300 foot elevation above the river valley). Days Inn 100 3rd Ave So. (403) 327-6000 Lethbridge Lodge Hotel 320 Scenic Dr. So. (403) 328-1123 Lethbridge has supermarkets, Costco, Wal-Mart, etc. There is a trailer dump station and potable city water available at the Tourist Information Hut (403-320-1222) on the corner of Mayor Magrath Dr. and Scenic Drive So. A multitude of food facilities are at the hilltop above Fort Whoop-Up, near the corner of 3rd Ave. So. and Scenic Drive, including a nice wine and liquor store. Directions: From the East on the Crowsnest Trail Highway (#3) - Entering Lethbridge from the East on the Crowsnest Trail Highway (#3), turn South onto Scenic Drive, go South (about 1/2 Mile) to 3rd Avenue South, then turn right (West) and proceed down the hill to Indian Battle Park. Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Site is just off to the left at the bottom of the hill. From the West on Crowsnest Trail Highway (#3) - About ¼ mile after you cross bridge over the river at the bottom of the valley, take the First Ave South (City Centre) exit. At the traffic lights at the top of the hill turn right onto Scenic Drive, go 2 blocks, turn right onto 3rd Ave. So. and follow down the hill to Indian Battle Park. Ft. Whoop-Up Interpretive Site is just off to your left at the bottom of the hill. From the South coming in on Highway #4 (from Coutts US/Canada Border Crossing): - Follow Highway #4 to the intersection of Mayor Magrath Drive and continue (West) straight through on to Scenic Drive. Follow Scenic Drive (for 2-3 miles) to 3rd Avenue So., then turn left (West) continue down the hill to Indian Battle Park. Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Site is left at the bottom of the hill. Note – A passport is required to enter Canada and return to the U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) indicates both citizenship and identity and are valid for entry into Canada by land or sea, though not valid for international air travel. As of January 2009, these licenses are only available in Washington and New York. If you have question call Barry Rogers, 403-678-5941 or barryrogers@shaw.ca 4th Annual North Columbia Knap-in October 9th - 11th Hosts Kyle Chamberlain and Patrick Farneman Kyle Chamberlain and Patrick Farneman will host the 4th Annual North Columbia Knap-in this year from Oct 9th thru Sunday, Oct 11th, 2016. The event has moved a couple of miles north of the river to 101 Harter Way, Kettle Falls, WA, to the land owned by Kyle Chamberlain. Here is a link to more specific map (interactive): Kyle's Place
Folks are welcome to attend all or part, and are welcome to bring and participate in any desired primitive skills & technology they would like. In past years there has been, in addition to knapping, archery shooting, Atlatl and darts, blacksmithing, stone carving, mushroom hunting, friction fires, kayaking and more. Feel free to email or call for more info. Hope to see you there! Patrick -- Patrick Farneman Executive Director Bridges to the Past PO Box 14, Valley, WA 99181 www.bridgestothepast.org www.betweentheriversgathering.com (509) 936-1599
20th Annual (Pre) Thanksgiving Knap-In, Millersylvania State Park November 5th and 6th Hosts Mick and Holly Hill Join Mick and Holly Hill at their 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. This event takes place at Millersylvania State Park which 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. Visitors to the Park must have a Discover Pass with the exception of those camping overnight. The annual pass is $30. If you access the park for 2 days without an annual 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 you have 2 vehicles in the park, you must have 2 passes displayed. If you have reserved and paid for a campsite, the parking tag/fee is not required. 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. 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 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 email: hollyhill54@gmail.com or Michaelhill30@gmail.com Other Events – not PSK Sponsored Bakersfield Monthly Knap-In, Monthly, Bakersfield, California, hosted by Gary Pickett 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. Location: Hart Memorial Park - eight miles northeast of Bakersfield, CA on the Alfred Harrell Highway 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 than 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. Latest PSK Knap-in Reports and Sponsored Events* *These events are hosted and/or supported by PSK members Due to time constraints some of the reports may be abbreviated or even missing. I will include the missing reports as in the next issue if I receive them. All of the reports, along with photos, are in the 2016 Event Reports section of the website. Due to the high cost of printing and mailing I am unable to include photos of past events in SPALLS. If you have or can get access to a computer with Internet access you can find these reports with photos here:
2016 Winter Break/Cabin Fever Knap-in at Granite Falls, WA This event was cancelled due to the death of Sunny Higgins, wife of Joe Higgins and co-host of the Annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-in Update on the Website As of January 2016, more than 131,000 ‘unique visitors’ have seen the PSK website. A ‘unique visitor’ is one that has not visited the website in the past. We’ve also had 6.3 MILLION hits! A ‘hit’ is a visit or viewing of an individual page on the site. And we’ve had visitors from 161 different countries. The number of people visiting and the number of pages accessed (hits) is growing each month. Website Funding Our current web hosting contract for the website expired in September of 2013. I renewed the contract for a cost of $180 for three years (up slightly from the introductory price of $150). I also renewed the contract with an outside service to monitor and protect our website from hackers for $99/year. The website is paid for by voluntary contributions, usually at the knap-ins. Knap-in hosts who receive donations that exceed their cost have been passing along some of the excess contributions to the website. So your donations at the knap-in may well help maintain the website. However, covering the cost of the knap-in has greater priority to make sure to donate to cover their costs first. Still, any contribution helps! Thanks to a very generous donation by Richard and Joan Urata, more than half of the cost for the website has been covered for the next couple of years. Member Art Galleries We now have 88 member art galleries. Member Art Galleries are the best way for PSK members to showcase their art and this section is one of the most visited on the website. These art galleries have a tremendous impact of creating awareness both of the PSK and Flintknapping in general. If you already have an art gallery please continue to send in photos of your work. It helps keep the website interesting and vibrant! If you don’t already have an art gallery but would like one simply send some photos and a brief biography to the webmaster at: Website Contributions – Non-Monetary!! The PSK website is dependent on member contribution to keep it relevant. I'd like to encourage every member to contribute to the website. Here are some of the ways to contribute: 1. Photos for your art gallery or a new art gallery (no charge!) Knapper’s Marks Once again, we encourage every member to register their ‘knapper mark‘. The ‘Knapper Recipe’ Sectionis always looking for new recipes from our knap-ins! We’ve also added a new section, PSK Humorprompted by contributions by Dave Rauschenberg and Mick Hill! The Knappable Rock in the PNW section is still off to a SLOOOOWWWW start – only two contributions so far. This could be of great use to both noobies and old-timers! 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. The ‘Lost and Found’ Section has already paid dividends – the owners of several ‘found items’ were located and the items were returned. 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 even more new articles and information. This includes the newest ‘Interesting Places’, a place to report on places of interest to members of the PSK. NEXT SPALLS ISSUE: The next SPALLS issue will be in June 2016 following the Bitterroot Valley Knap-in. Hope to see you there! Other items of interest: Webmaster and PSK member Jim Keffer has initiated a campaign to reverse the recent decision by the US Forest Service Modoc National Forest (Alturas District Office) that lowers the amount of obsidian that recreational collector may take from 500 pounds annually to only 100 pounds annually. This ridiculously low amount makes it almost impossible for the average rock hound or flintknapper to afford to visit Davis Creek. At the same time the USFS continues to allow ‘commercial claims’ on Davis Creek obsidian contrary to the Federal Mining Act of 1872 (as amended) with little or no limits. If you are interested in supporting this cause please contact me at: . Or contact the USFS directly at the addresses above. Obsidian Sources: Rock Collecting Regulations Links: MAY BE OF INTEREST: Another e-group for knappers: Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest: SPALLS
SPALLS - July 2016 SPALLS Distribution Distribution of SPALLS is available to anyone with a 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 THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address 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 – and pay to cover the cost of printing and postage. Due to the increase in postage cost ($.92/Spalls) and the cost of printing ($2.00/SPALLS), I can no longer send them out for free. Twenty-seven mailings cost $243/year. If you, or someone you know, has an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in February or July, e-mail the address to Jim Keffer. I have several unverified email addresses 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. I also make it a policy never to give out member contact information unless specifically authorized. That includes email and resident/mailing addresses and phone numbers. Every email I send out to more than one or two addressees is sent out using the blind copy feature (bcc) which hides email address. Obsidian Sources: Rock Collecting Regulations Links: MAY BE OF INTEREST: Another e-group for knappers: Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest: SPALLS SPALLS - November 2016 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 THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address Jim Keffer at 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. I also make it a policy never to give out member contact information unless specifically authorized. That includes email and resident/mailing addresses and phone numbers. Every email I send out to more than one or two addressees is sent out using the blind copy feature (bcc) which hides email address. SUMMARY (and a note from the editor and webmaster): For those of you who do not have access to the internet at home and receive SPALLS via snailmail, I strongly encourage you to visit your local library and visit our website ‘http://pugetsoundknappers.com’. I can’t possibly put everything in a newsletter, particularly all the great photos I’m provided from our events. Every public library I’ve visited in the last 5 years has computers with internet access for public use. And all have librarians that are happy to assist you in navigating the Internet. Jim Keffer will be offer in basic First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness and Remote First Aid classes starting Jan 2017. In addition to being certified as an Instruction, Jim has the training aids and shop space to teach classes of up to eight individuals. The Basic class runs 6-8 hours, and the Wilderness/Remote class will run 16 hours over a two day period. Jim has negotiated with the Red Cross for a special rate for PSK members of $10 for Basic First Aid/CPR and AED certification. The cost for the Wilderness and Remote First Aid will be similar. All those wishing to take the Wilderness and Remote First Aid class must be First Aid/CPR/AED certified. Jim has recently also been certified as a Washington Hunter Safety Instructor and will be offering classes in Hunter Safety for certification. If you are interested please contact Jim (see Sammamish Weekly Knap-in for contact details). The TREND continues! Membership grew to over 690 active knappers and again attendance at PSK Knap-in set records! We’ve added several new artist, musicians and primitive skills students and practitioners. All welcome additions! ANOTHER NEW MILESTONE – PSK REACHES 692 ACTIVE MEMBERS Membership continues to grow – I guess flintknapping is catching on New since July 2016 (partial list)
*PSK Point Display Project* For those that don’t know already, the PSK Point Display Project is well on its way to becoming a real show piece for the Puget Sound Knappers. The Case is complete and there are about 100 member points already donated. Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to take individual photos for the website or even mount all of the points in the case. But I’m working on it! To view the points photographed to date go here (I’m way behind here): http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/about_us/PSK%20Point%20Collection.html 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. I 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 adequately compensated.< Ongoing Events Weekly Fort Knapadonia Knap-in There is a 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 for contact information). While there 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. **Note – please contact Joe Higgins (360) 720-0025 or Jim Keffer (425) 503-4413 if you’d like to attend and you are not one of the regulars – if the weather is bad (usually is) – we knap indoors and there is limited room. We always try and make room! Joe has also been opening the shop on Saturdays – just call ahead to make sure! Weekly Sammamish Knap-in Jim Keffer, PSK Webmaster, is hosting a weekly knap-in each Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm at his shop in Sammamish. Everyone is welcome and the shop can easily accommodate more than 25 knappers. The shop is well heated and we now have plenty of chairs! There is free rock, loaner tools, safety glasses and gloves for everyone. Coffee is provided and there are usually a number of senior PSK members attending to help instruct the ‘noobies’. Tri-Cities Bi-monthly Knap-in The Tri-Cities Knappers host a bi-monthly knap-in Kennewick, WA. The knap-in is hosted by Frank Olmsted and Marvin Barger the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30pm - 9:00pm. The location is Frank's home - 803 S. Edison in Kennewick, Washington. This is a group founded by four PSK members in the Tri-Cities area. There are about a dozen 'sregulars's and forty-one who attend when their schedule permits. Their goal is quote "to help all new or experienced knappers, who are interested in this art form". They also offer private session of Video Tutorials and One-on-One instruction! To find out more contact: Announcing the South Whidbey Island Monthly Knap-in Started February 11, 2016, long time PSK member Dave Tiller is hosting a monthly knap-in at his place on Whidbey Island. This knap-in is held the third Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm probably till 8:00pm or 9:00 pm after the first one on February 11th. Location Directions: 2017 Puget Sound Knappers Event Schedule (Non-PSK Sponsored Events*) Summary – The following Knap-ins are planned for 2017, details below. 1. Cabin Fever Knap-in – Granite Falls, WA February 4th (first Saturday in February – the day before Super Bowl Sunday) Cabin Fever Knap-in Announcement – Granite Falls, WA Dave Pehling and Jim Dennis kick of the 2017 Knapping Year once again with the first official PSK knap-in of the year. Held at Jim’s shop in Granite Falls, this knap-in has been for years the best cure for Cabin Fever! Typically lunch features wild game chili (elk, deer, etc.) it draws both the hardcore PSK knappers as well a fair crop of noobies. So come on out and help us start the new year in style! 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. Dave’s contact information: From North or South Cabelas Knap-in Announcement – Lacey, WA The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited back to Cabelas' Lacey Store for the 7th year in a row to demonstrate flintknapping to its customers! This year's event is tentatively planned for February 18th and 19th. Store hours are Saturday 8:00am to 9:00pm (we only stay until about 5:00pm) and Sunday 9:00am until 7:00pm (again we only stay until 5:00pm) This has been a great event for the PSK, increasing awareness and providing a chance to meet new knappers as well as those that want to learn the ancient art of flintknapping. There are usually 15 to 20 PSK members and plenty of rock! So come on out and join the fun!/font> For those who want to stay overnight Cabelas allows overnight camping in their south parking lot. There are usually a couple of semis but room for a couple dozen RVs. The PSK webmaster has parked his 25' trailer there and stayed the weekend - very convenient, and FREE! For more information contact Mick Hill – (360) 493-8439 Cabelas Lacey Store Directions: From Seattle From Portland (approx. 117 miles): Glass Buttes Knap-in Announcement – Glass Buttes, OR Take Special Note – The timing of the annual Glass Buttes Knap-in corresponds to the Oregon Schools Spring Break Calendar. In 2016 Spring Break is March 19th through March 27th, and the knap-in starts the Saturday before and ends the Sunday after! 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 is 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 three of the last four 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. To see a checklist of useful items to bring go here: Glass Buttes Checklist A further reminder, there are specific rock collecting guidelines for collecting it the Glass Buttes area. The regulation promulgated by the BLM can be seen here: BLM Glass Buttes Regulations Handout 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 contact is Rocky Male Directions: 2017 Mid-Columbia Knap-in Announcement - Horsethief Lake State Park The Washington State Park at Horsethief Lake and Brads& Sue Baughman/Shawn Kelly will be hosting a knap-in in from April 29th thru May 3rd. Horsethief Lake State Park is located just six miles northeast of the Dalles Airport (site of the 2016 Dallesport Knap-in). It is known for its spectacular views of the Columbia River and "Native American pictographs (paintings) and petroglyphs (carvings). Some of the oldest pictographs in the Northwest are found in this park. Artifacts associated with local tribes can be seen at the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center." Plus it is sheltered from the wind! Brad's contact information Horsethief Lake State Park is located on HWY 14 (Lewis and Clark Highway) two and a half miles east of HWY 197 Directions: From the North (Washington Side): From the South (Oregon Side): Cabelas Knap-in Announcement – Springfield, OR Yakima Canyon Knap-in Announcement – Yakima Canyon, WA Reservations for campsites should be made starting on November 21st. Jim Miller will be hosting the Second Annual Spring Knap-in at the Big Pines Campground in Yakima Canyon, Friday May 19th thru Sunday May 21st. Big Pines is located in the scenic Yakima River Canyon, which cuts through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills, 19 miles south of Ellensburg, Washington. This canyon has been designated as a state scenic route and offers excellent wildlife viewing, fishing in a Blue Ribbon trout stream, river rafting and camping. At 20 acres, Big Pines is BLM’s largest recreation site in the Yakima River Canyon. The northern edge of the recreation site is adjacent to undeveloped hiking trails on lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is recommended that you reserve campsites as early as possible using the BLM website. There are also three other close-by campgrounds in the event all sites at the Big Pines campground are taken.
1. Umtanum (6.9 miles from Big Pines) - Six campsites
(425)-503-4413 or Jim Miller Directions: The campgrounds in Yakima Canyon are all along Hwy 821 (Yakima Canyon Road). Access is either via: 1. From East/West - I90 exit 109, go south on Canyon Rd/Hwy 821 (18.6 miles) Bitterroot Valley Knap-in Announcement – Florence, MT This year's 7th Annual Bitterroot Valley Knap-In will be hosted by a committee including John, Sue and Eric Pearson along with Ed Wolff, Annie Rayner, and Gary Steele. As in the past it will be held at the Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana. This event will be Thursday, June 15th thru Monday, June 19th. We will be setting up June 14th after 1p.m. and have to vacate by noon on the 20th. As with all PSK knap-ins, everything is free. This is a family event. There is a paved parking lot for RV's (up to 30 feet), (no hookups) and vehicles. There will be lots of room for tents under the trees or under the stars. Vehicles need to be in the parking lot. Gear will need to be carried a short distance to campsites. Forest Service restricts RV’s over 30 ft. and vehicles need to stay in the parking lot. Camp gear will need to be carried a short distance to your campsite. There is about 75% shade where we will be gathering and tenting. There is a 50X50 yard open area for an archery/atlatl range. This is BEAR country so tenters should bring a long rope to hang your food up in the trees - do not leave it in your vehicles. There will be a pot luck dinner on Saturday night with the hosts providing the main dish. Other group meal arrangements will be announced later. There are restaurants and supermarkets 6 miles away in Stevensville and Florence. There is a motel 15 miles away in Lolo. If you plan to attend or have questions, contact John and Sue at RV's over 30 feet and overflow RV's, use the Charles Waters Forestry Campground - first come, first served - about a mile from Larry Creek Campground, in the same complex - cost is about $10/night or $5 with Sr. Nat'l Park Pass. No hook-ups, individual camping spaces. Location: Larry Creek Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana Directions: From North, East or West From South Sammamish Knap-in Announcement - Sammamish, WA ***Note – this is a date change from previous years. We did this so as not to interfere with the salmon fishing at the Fort Knapadonia Knap-in. Accommodations: FREE! 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 spaces are available in the orchard. There will also be overnight sleeping space in the shop. The shop is two-story about 1200 sq. ft. per story and heated (if necessary). There are two cots and if the pasture yields enough hay there will be bedding available Activities: If the weather is unfavorable, knapping will be in the shop. There is adequate room on the first floor (1,000 sq. ft.) 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/Albertsons) within one mile as well as a couple of pharmacies. Two Costcos both about 5 miles away. Location: 23811 NE 14th St, Sammamish, WA 98074 Directions: From the East From North, South or West There will be signs. NOTE - The SPEED LIMIT on NE 14th Street is 10 MPH. It is intended to provide safety to our neighbors - PLEASE DO NOT EXCEED THE 10 MPH LIMIT! Fort Knapadonia Knap-in Whidbey Island, WA Joe Higgins and the Knapadonia Gang will again host the annual Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August. He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, bowmaking, atlatls, darts, arrows, making arrowheads and blades. etc., and don’t forget – It is and ODD YEAR – THE FISH SHOULD BE RUNNING! 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. There will be Archery shoots, Atlatls shoots, Tomahawk throwing, arrow making, wire wrapping, and a basking making class! Joe plans to add a few more ‘classes’ to share the artistry of PSK members so come prepared to learn and enjoy! Back by popular demand, Mary Alice Sterling will be teaching two separate one-day basket-making classes at Fort Knapadonia Knap-in August 2017. This class is only open to women over the age of 21, in two groups of six students. There is a $25 dollar fee (approximate fee covers cost of materials only). Students should show up in comfortable clothing, Mary Alice will provide all materials and tools needed. The first class will be on Wednesday, August 24th, starting promptly at 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, six Female students only. The second class will be on Saturday, August 27th, starting promptly at 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, six Female students only. Sign up by emailing Mary Alice at netsuke@comcast.net, and telling her which day you would like to attend. More infomation about the class as it becomes available - check back often. There will also be two large teepees available for overnight guest accommodations. Use of these teepees is FREE but on a first come-first served basis. Each teepee can accommodate 6-8 people.Directions: There are stores and restaurants/fast foods in the area. Contact Joe Higgins at (360) 720-0025 for more information on fishing and the knap-in. Fort Whoop Up Knap-In and Black Powder Rendezvous The Fort Whoop Up Knap-In will be held Sept 1st to 4th either at The Ft Whoop Up Black Powder Range or the Ft Whoop Up replica Fort, Lethbridge Alberta. Contact Barry Rogers 403 678 5041, for more information in the Spring. Directions: From the East on the Crowsnest Trail Highway (#3) From the West on Crowsnest Trail Highway (#3) From the South coming in on Highway #4 (from Coutts US/Canada Border Crossing): Note – A passport is required to enter Canada and return to the U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) indicate both citizenship and identity and are valid for entry into Canada by land or sea, though not valid for international air travel. As of January 2009, these licenses are only available in Washington and New York. If you wish to bring a black powder gun, check with the Canadian Border Service on how to cross the border with it. 2017 National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration on September 23rd from 9am to 4pm at Camp Pigott in Snohomish County. Steve Dazey, on behalf of the WDFW, has cordially invited the Puget Sound Knappers to attend! Their goal is to have around 500 youth attend and not only introduce youth and newcomers to target shooting, hunting and fishing, but other primitive and traditional skills such as flintknapping and blacksmithing. And since the purpose of the Puget Sound Knapper is to promote the ancient art of flintknapping this will be a ideal opportunity to do so. Besides, we also have quite a few people who can also demonstrate blacksmithing/bladesmithing and other primitive/traditional skills. A little about Camp Pigott - "Located at the foot of the Cascade Range, Camp Pigott features a large lake, a climbing tower, COPE courses (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience - High and Low), a spacious dining facility, beautiful new campfire bowl, plus all-new activities such as shotgun sports facilities, mountain bike skills course, and MUCH more. There is a modern central building with private showers, and each campsite features canvas tents on platforms or Adirondack shelters with bunks, and new flush toilet facilities. A great place for camping programs as well as rental groups." In a word - a great place for demonstrating flintknapping! Address: GPS driving directions use Camp Pigott’s physical address: Directions: Sacajawea Heritage Days Knap-in - Pasco, WA The Puget Sound Knappers have been invited to participate in the annual Heritage Days Event at Sacajawea State Park in Pasco, WA September 23rd and 24th. This event is organized and sponsored by Friends of Sacajawea State Park (FSSP) and Frank and Mary Lou Omstead, Marvin Barger and Rick Tobin will host the first official PSK knap-in at Sacajawea State Park in conjunction with this event. In addition to PSK flintknappers, Sacajawea Heritage Days features re-enactments of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery trip, Native American dancers, mountain men and fur traders, traditional blacksmith and authors of books about that period in time. Participation by PSK member began a number of years ago and was coordinated by the late Greg Greger and continues on through the efforts of Frank, Mary Lou, Marvin and Rick. This is a two day event. On Friday, the combined school districts of the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick and Pasco) have a field trip to the Park for their 5th and 6th graders (between 1,500 and 2,000) youngsters. On Saturday the Park is open to the public and the number of people who show up is almost equal to Friday’s attendance. The event is intended to give the school children, and the general public, a visual history lesson of the period around the time of Lewis and Clark’s epic journey. Flintknapping Demos and lessons by members of the PSK have always been one of the star attractions. I highly encourage everyone who can to participate and support this Knap-in. Frank, Mary Lou, Marvin and Rick have put in a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing a relationship with Friends of Sacajawea, the sponsors of Heritage Days as well as organizing the knap-in! The Park offers a large are for dry camping (no hook-ups) suitable for RVs as well as tents for just $13/day. Address: Sacajawea State Park Frank, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA 99301. Location: On the north shore of the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, the park is about 7 miles east of downtown Pasco, WA Millersylvania (Pre) Thanksgiving Knap-In 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. 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 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: 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 heavy load. Park rangers want to limit our driving thru their back roads. Latest PSK Knap-in Reports and Sponsored Events* (Since July2016) *These events are hosted and/or supported by PSK members. Due to time constraints some of the reports may be abbreviated or even missing. I will include the missing reports in the next issue if I receive them. All of the reports, along with photos, are in the 2016 Event Reports section of the website. 2016 Fort Knapadonia Knap-in Report) The 2016 Fort Knapadonia Knap-in was a little more subdued than the year before - but it would be virtually impossible to repeat the hectic pace and the number of activities of 2015! Still, with a mixture of young and old, noobies and oldtimers, it was a fine knap-in! Plenty of good rock to knap, great potluck dinners and great weather! There were still a number of activities - including forging/blacksmithing, wire-wrapping, beadwork and, for the second year in a row, a great basket-making class taught by basket maker extraordinaire Mary Alice Sterling. One standout of this year's event was the outstanding displays of art, particularly knapped art. Because the Fort Knapadonia event attracts such a large number of knappers, including quite a few of the best the PSK has to offer, and because the weather is typically outstanding, the art displays are the best of the entire year. A virtual mega-store of 'eye-candy'. One carryover from 2015 knap-in was the number of knappers turned archers. Some days it seemed like the field was filled with archers and arrows. Homemade (or 2015 Knapadonia made) PCV bows were still the rage but there were quite a few wooden self-bows as well. The things that make this truly one of the premier knap-ins anywhere - the great camaraderie, outstanding potluck dinners, and the passing on to our new member's the "Ancient Art of Flintknapping", were evident every day! 2016 Sammamish Knap-in Report Other than the weather, which turned a little damp, this year's Sammamish Knap-in was a blast - especially for the kids! Of course like all PSK knap-ins there was lots of opportunity to knap and with good attendance from the Wilderness Awareness School, a chance for PSK members to share their knowledge and experience with these 'noobies'. Don Safford's T-shirts, custom made at the knap-in, were a HUGE hit with the kids - and the adults! Mastodons, rabbits, atlatls, bears, stone points and other Paleo symbols adorned the shirts. And the kids had as much fun making them as wearing them! After a long day of knapping, T-shirt making, archery and other activities, the potluck dinners a real treat - typical of a PSK events. The great benefit of potluck dinners is the amount of time saved for more important things - like socializing and music. The Sammamish Knap-in is becoming known for its music, especially didgeridoos, Native American style drums and young musicians 2016 Ft Whoop-up Knap-in Report The 3rd Annual Ft Whoop-Up Knap In was held Sept 2-5/2016 at the Ft Whoop-Up Black Powder Range, Lethbridge, AB, Canada. 20 knappers attended; mostly from Alberta BC and Saskatchewan, plus Don Paris from Washington, and 40 shooters. The weather was sunny, dry and one day of high winds, but we kept the tent secure. Several 2 inch goat contests were held with some very surprised winners (a newbie) but no sore losers. The usual amount of blood was spilled but we had plenty of band aids to patch things up. The Black Powder club which was celebrating a rendezvous with many shooting contests, invited us to a roast pig supper and we supplied the fixings and salads etc. on Saturday night. The leftovers disappeared on Sunday. Don played and sang around the fire which we all enjoyed including some of the black powder shooters. The auction was made delightful by our auctioneer Willy Kadaz, from Rocky Mt. House; he has got to be the most relaxed entertaining auctioneer in the Wild West. 2016 Millersylvania Knap-in Report This weekend has always been planned in the spirit of Thanksgiving, recognizing friendships and accomplishments by year end. While keeping the tradition, enjoying the arts, food and camaraderie, many friends were absent this time for a variety of reasons. We remembered you all, in our hearts, during this weekend, and expect to connect again in the New Year. Mick was happy to provide a new and improved arrangement of overhead lighting. Knappers noticed and were appreciative. While the traditional turkey meal was heating on the woodstove in the kitchen side, knappers filled the other side of the cabin, knapping by the fireplace. Some played a round of two-inch goat. Woody Woodside was the winner. /font> What was most gratifying was seeing the experienced knappers share their talent with first-time guests. We had new interest from several Thurston and Lewis County residents. We look forward to our new friendships and encourage their attendance to more knap-ins. We had children, aged 5 to 12, also participating. Those who were flintknapping hands-on included Cody, Austin, Raiden, Titan, Maximus, and Levi. We are so proud of them all and look forward to seeing them again.
We also had four people from out-of-state/country, who are now students attending the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, WA. They were serious about learning how to flintknap. We really enjoyed their involvement and enthusiasm, and we hope to connect again. Due to the high cost of printing and mailing I am unable to include photos of past events in SPALLS. If you have or can get access to a computer with Internet access you can find these reports with photos here: Ps – anyone attending a PSK knap-in can help with the reports. I could certainly use the help! Update on the Website As of January 2016, more than 131,000 ‘unique visitors’ have seen the PSK website. A ‘unique visitor’ is one that has not visited the website in the past. We’ve also had 6.3 MILLION hits! A ‘hit’ is a visit or viewing of an individual page on the site. And we’ve had visitors from 161 different countries. The number of people visiting and the number of pages accessed (hits) is growing each month. Website Funding Our current web hosting contract for the website expired in September of 2013. I renewed the contract for a cost of $180 for three years (up slightly from the introductory price of $150). I also renewed the contract with an outside service to monitor and protect our website from hackers for $99/year.
The website is paid for by voluntary contributions, usually at the knap-ins. Knap-in hosts who receive donations that exceed their cost have been passing along some of the excess contributions to the website. So your donations at the knap-in may well help maintain the website. However, covering the cost of the knap-in has greater priority to make sure to donate to cover their costs first. Still, any contribution helps! Thanks to a very generous donation by Richard and Joan Urata, more than half of the cost for the website has been covered for the next couple of years. Member Art Galleries We now have 88 member art galleries. Member Art Galleries are the best way for PSK members to showcase their art and this section is one of the most visited on the website. These art galleries have a tremendous impact of creating awareness both of the PSK and Flintknapping in general. If you already have an art gallery please continue to send in photos of your work. It helps keep the website interesting and vibrant! If you don’t already have an art gallery but would like one simply send some photos and a brief biography to the webmaster at: There is no charge! ************************************************************************************** MAY BE OF INTEREST: Rock Collecting Regulations Links: Obsidian Sources: MAY BE OF INTEREST: Rock Collecting Regulations Links: Obsidian Sources: Another e-group for knappers: Another Egroup called Flintknapper’s Digest: SPALLS |
! Most of the new knappers I’ve spoken with or gotten to know via email say the main reason for joining is the ‘culture’ of the Puget Sound Knappers. PSK member’s willingness to share what they know about the ancient art and the way we conduct our activities not only encourages people to join but to participate in these activities. I believe that throughout 2014 (and beyond) we will continue to see more like-minded people join our community of knappers – or as Steve Allely so aptly put it ‘our family’. 
(206)-930-9107 and we see if we can work something out.
, or call us at (406) 777-5656 or Ed and Annie at (406) 777-3022. Let us know number attending and if you will be staying at Larry Creek, tenting, or camping elsewhere. A list of alternative hotels and RV parks is available from John and Sue.