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Richard Urata, Joan Urata and Dave Rauschenberg are producing this issue of SPALLS with contribution from Mick Hill and Dave Pheling. Please contact Richard Urata for questions, comments and future additions to SPALLS.
SPALLS Distribution Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS. For you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a payment of $5.00 for 2005 to Dave Rauschenberg at 38010 272nd Ave. S.E., Enumclaw, WA 98022. Year 2005 subscription is due at this time. Please note that the subscription rate dropped to $5.00 per year.
THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address to Richard Urata at HYPERLINK mailto:richurata@cybernet1.com richurata@cybernet1.com there is no charge for SPALLS. If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send $5.00 to cover the cost of printing and postage.
If you have an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in APRIL, e-mail your address to Richard Urata. I have from 5 to 10 “not deliverable” messages at this time. I need some 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 July. Enjoy the summer!
COMING EVENTS:
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 Camanche exit and turn to the north. Camanche 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 Harrel highway. Alfred Harrel 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: (661) 392-7729, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:air-o-head@webtv.net"air-o-head@webtv.net . Or Sherry Pauley at: (661) 392-7063, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:webmaster@opalvalley.com"webmaster@opalvalley.com.
Third Annual Goldendale Knap-In, Goldendale, Washington, May 13, 14 and 15 Ed and Loretta Thomas and their Family will again be hosting their Annual Knap-In at "Thomas Hollow", near Goldendale, WA. Their property lies about 5 miles East of Goldendale. This will be their 4th annual K/I at this location.
There is a "walk-through" Archery Range about their property that contains 13 targets. Really great for stretching, after sitting and Knapping for awhile, also quite relaxing! The usual fun games will be going on, such as Goat Rock events, etc. There will be a fund raising Auction and a Raffle to help cover expenses, as we did last year.
Vendors are welcome to set-up and attend. They should contact Ed and Loretta ahead of time though! 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! People may camp out from Thurs. to Tues. if they wish.
Saturday evening will be the Salmon BBQ. The Thomas Family will provide the Salmon and cooking. Everything else will be Potluck! So, bring something along for this meal. Sunday morning will be a Pancake and Egg Fritata breakfast provided by the Thomas Family. Everything else for breakfast is to be Potluck. The Weenie-Wagon seemed to go over pretty well last year. The owners are being contacted to attend this year.
Directions: Goldendale, 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 about 2-1/2 blocks on Broadway to Bickleton Hwy Exit on left (East). 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 ("Windy Heights Miniature horses" sign in field on 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 1/2 mile). This is the place. Signs will be posted for the K/I at intersections!
For more information, contact: Ed and Loretta Thomas, 40 Rocky Ridge Road, Goldendale, WA 98620, (509)773-6461, e-mail: feather@gorge.net
Fine Gold Knap-In and Bow Making, Fine Gold Creek, California, May 20, 21, & 22 (This is not a PSK event) There will be a Flint Knapping and Bow Making Get-Together at Fine Gold Creek, California. Fine Gold is located about 30 minutes northeast of Fresno, CA near Yosemite National Park. Fine Gold is a very remote location, and there are no stores within a 30 minutes drive. Be sure to bring your camping gear, food and water. The location is accessible with cars, pickups, and smaller RV’s. Flint-knapping is free, except for a $10.00 weekend camping fee. There will be a “Bow Making Class” taught by Kurt Luikart. There will be a fee for the class.
For more information on fees and directions to Fine Gold Creek, contact: Merkell Hickman, (559) 868-3463, 23245 Ash Springs Road, Friant, CA 93626, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:merkcraft@yahoo.com" merkraft@yahoo.com or Kurt Luikart, (559) 841-7259, PO Box 140, Shaver Lake, CA 93664.
First Western Oregon Knap-In, Illahee Flats, Oregon, May 28 thru June 5 (This is not a PSK event) Jim Hopper and Brad Baughman will be hosting the First Western Oregon Knap-In at Illahee Flats, Oregon from May 28 through June 5. 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 47at 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) 496-0211, or e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:bbb7707@yahoo.com" bbb7707@yahoo.com
Davis Creek Die-Hards Get Together, Davis Creek, CA, June 17, 18 and 19 There is talk that some knappers, die-hards of the Davis Creek Knap-In of years past, will be getting together at Davis Creek, Plum Valley. This is an unorganized thing. Come if you want.
For more information, contact Richard Urata at e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:richurata@cybernet1.com" richurata@cybernet1.com .
Elk Mountain Gathering and Knap-In, Elk Mountain, Wyoming, June 24 thru 27 (This is not a PSK event) Anyone interested in a primitive and wilderness skills are welcome. Four days will include Flintknapping, Classes in primitive and wilderness skills, Primitive archery blanket shoots, Atlatl blanket throws, Rabbitstick blanket throws, Drumming and dancing, Trading and trade circles, Fire making contests, Hawk and knife throws, and Trips to Saratoga’s hot springs. There is a fee to attend.
For more information for fees and directions, contact: Michael Foltmer, 1330 Brantner Rd, Evans, CO 80620, (970) 339-5608, or Doug Dahl, 1861 Dichter Ct., Thornton, CO 80229, (303) 288-7636, or Ed Kennaday, PO Box 372, Saratoga, WY 82331, (307) 326-5059.
WAJAM, Traditional Bowhunters of Washington’s 5th annual Washington Selfbow Jamboree, Enumclaw, Washington, July 8, 9 and 10 (This is not a PSK event) PSKers are invited. Learn, teach, practice and observe. All ages welcome. Selfbow making, arrow making, flintknapping, string making, etc. Saturday night potluck; along with your own dish, bring a little something for the community stewpot. Raffle donations appreciated. Primitive/traditional archery vendors welcome. Bring your tools & supplies (draw knife, pocket knife, spoke-shave, rasp, file, cabinet scraper, sandpaper, portable workbench, bow horse, fletching jig, glue, etc.). Mark your tools. There is electricity on the site for band saws, etc. No admission fee. Modest per-day fee to use Flint Tip Archer's walk-through archery range. Camping on a first-come basis. Flu-flus might come in handy.
Directions: This event will be at the Flint Tip Archer's Range, 1 mile east of Enumclaw, Washington on SR 410.
For more information, contact Steve Meyer, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:smeyer@vircom.net" smeyer@vircom.net, or phone 425-252-4475, evenings
Fort Knapadonia Knap-In, Whidbey Island, Washington, August 19 thru 21 Joe Higgins will host the Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August. He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, OOGA BOOGA ceremony, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc, and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades. You local knappers should plan to stay Saturday night for the pot-luck and the Ooga Booga ceremony. Bring your own chairs to do your knapping. There will be water available, electricity, port-a-potty, and lots of room for camping and RVing. Women are welcomed! There are plenty of garage sales and stores for shopping.
You are welcomed there as early as Tuesday. The “humpies” will be running so bring your fishing poles with 10 to 12 pound lines. If the fish cooperates, we will have a salmon BBQ as the main dish of our pot-luck on Saturday evening.
Directions: To get to the knap-in go 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) 675-4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.
9th Annual Turkey Feast Knap-In, Millersylvania, Washington. November 5 and 6 Holly and Mick Hill, the hosts, always have a potluck centered around a fantastic turkey dinner at this knap-in. Get ready for Thanksgiving by attending the Millersylvania Knap-In south of Olympia, WA. In the past Holly Hill arranged a pre-Thanksgiving pot-luck feast; I think Holly provided most of the feast. The potluck will be held approximately 1:00 pm Saturday. Millersylvania is a Washington State Park with a picnic shelter complete with fireplace and a kitchen. As usual the knapping and dinner will be around the huge covered indoor fireplace or kitchen wood stoves so we will all be warm and dry
Directions: To get to the park, take I-5 to Exit 95. Then follow signs to park entrance, Kitchen #1. A hike path is located at the first parking lot to cabin near Deep Lake. We will have wheelbarrows available again for transporting supplies from vehicles to the cabin. Thanks for your efforts to follow park rules. If necessary, there is a back road to
Call Mick and Holly for more directions: (360) 357-9506 or (360) 493-8439 or e-mail at: HYPERLINK mailto:mickhill@home.com mickhill@attbi.com or HYPERLINK mailto:hollyhill@home.com hollyhill@attbi.com. Please let them know if you are going.
11th Annual Quartzsite Knap-In, Quartzsite, Arizona, January 1 through February 28 This is the longest Knap-In in the United States, maybe the world. Hosted by Nine Fingers and Mary Webster. (The exact location is not known at this time.) Look for a two-toned aluminum and blue colored bus. There are RV parks and in-town campsites. Out-of-town, BLM runs camp sites for long term camping – like months – with dump stations, or free camp sites if you stay less than 14 days. For more information, see the Quartzsite website: HYPERLINK http://www.quartzsite.com http://www.quartzsite.com. If you prefer a hotel, there is a “Super 8” in Quartzsite. They are also available at Blythe, California, 20 miles away and at Parker, Arizona, 30 miles away.
Directions: Quartzsite is on Interstate 10, about 20 miles east of the California border. To get there take I-10 to Quartzsite. There are two off ramps, one on the west side and one on the east side of town. (Future Issue of SPALLS will specify the directions to the knap-in location.)
For more information call Nine Fingers or Mary at (928) 899-5495, e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:ninefingeredabo@starband.net ninefingeredabo@starband.net .
REPORTS:
Millersylvania Knap In - Nov. 6 & 7 - the 8th Annual By Mick and Holly
It's hard to believe that this was the 8th year that we've held this! This little cabin in the woods is a bit of a second home for Holly and I (we were married here) - we just keep coming back.
This year there was a small scheduling conflict with the use of the cabin Saturday. A local jogging club had a short early AM gathering in the cabin, but were done and gone by 10:00. (after we shared firewood, cleanup, and stories)
While they were finishing up inside, we set up our tarps outside in the good weather and got to business. By 10:00 am most of the gang was there, along with some local folks and family, about 30 all told. The weather was cloudy and rainless, and warmer than in years past, so the inside fireplaces were a lot less occupied. In fact, even after the jogging club left we continued knapping outdoors the rest of the day, engaged in the Rocks and Roll.
There were a couple of newer knappers that were taken under wing and shown the ropes. The "older hands" dazzled them with their magic (Jim Miller, Joe Greenwell, Brian Knapp, Tom & El Hill, Scott Blackman, Steve Breggren and other key PSK players that I'm forgetting as this report quickly "goes to press".) A longtime veteran and friend from Glass Buttes March Knap-ins, Don Wattenbarger and his wife also joined us for this weekend. Craig Ratzat also made a sudden surprise visit. His knapping activities and stories were very closely attended to and heavily enjoyed by the rest of us!
At 12:00 noon, the Feast was on, a huge assortment of VERY edibles from the collective. Holly had wrangled 2 turkeys to the event and they were soon gone. There were lots of great leftovers for the next day though. As in the past, all the potluck foods, the cooking, and eating tables were relegated to one half of the big cabin [Chips and Dips Division] and the other half of the cabin was usually the flintknapping section [Dips with Chips Division]. (this year though it was occupied by the Holly and The Fabric People..)
At dusk when we shutdown and headed for the campground for another warm campfire. About a dozen of us lounged around the fire late - the conversation and stories started out silly and just got worse from there....
The next day as per usual was the quiet work day around the big fireplace inside the cabin with fewer people. A chance to do some serious concentrated damage to good rock as well as a better chance to lend more serious one-on-one instruction for some of the new folks that came back for a second helping.
Again thanks to all who attended and contributed all their food and talents to make this Knap-In a continuing success!
Cabin Fever Break Knap-In, February 5, 2005, Everett, Washington By Dave Pheling
Our annual “Cabin Fever Break” Knap-In was held at the Everett, WSU Extension office on Saturday, February 5.
The weather was good, for February, with moderate temperatures and little rain. Plenty of hot coffee and cocoa (plus the usual donuts) was available to help keep us warm.
As usual, we had a small but enthusiastic crowd of knappers show up around 9 to shiver and break some rock. Several nice pieces were chipped out by Jim Smith and the Hills. In addition to our older members, we had some new folks show up. Two young men, Caleb and Isaiah Corey, came to learn the fundamentals. Joe Greenwell took the time to sit with these boys and coach them along. There was a minimum of spilled blood.
We also had a student from the local Community College come to do a class project. Several of us took the time to fill out a questionnaire about knapping.
In all, it was a good day and I think we’ll do it again next year! Y”all come!
2004 Glass Butte Gathering, Glass Butte, Oregon, March 19 - 27 ( This is not a PSK event) By Mick and Holly
It was the 20th year for this knap-in (Northwest's largest, longest, oldest, coldest, etc, etc..)
As I've reported in the past, the weather holds cruel dictatorial dominion over this Knap-in. Seeings how the last 5 Knap-ins had been "mostly beautiful" and that all of this March had been very unseasonably gorgeous, most of us had been thinking about bringing that 2nd tube of sunblock....... wrong ..... The legendary weather for which this Knap-in had been famous for in decades past finally made a return visit (just to let us know who's boss ...)
For the 9-day run we had about 5 days that usually had a light amount of overnight snow on the ground that soon melted off, a daytime mixed bag of clouds, moderate winds, light snows, and variable sunshine, with cold clearing evenings commonly. Two days were mostly rain and one day was just mostly overcast without precipitation. The good part of all this was that the really brutal winds and very cold brass monkey temperatures of the past never paid us a visit.
Attendance was large, however. Probably about 130 or so coming and going during the week. Mostly it was our usual gang of attendees of the Abo set, some 100 or so of us that are there year after year. Most folks are from Oregon, Washington, Canada and nearby States. From the usual PSK crowd we had: Stu Murdock (recently moved to Redmond, Ore.), Jim Smith (still fine tuning this "retirement thing"), Brian Knapp (again, the escapee from the bombing range..), Ron Trezise (we're gonna steal your new trailer), Mick & Holly Hill (sporting the new little "Scamp" trailer home).
On Sunday, there was a memorial for one of our own, Rick Buhr, who passed earlier this year. Later, his ashes were taken to a high knoll east of the pond. The scene was a bit surreal .... a couple dozen people standing around a large fresh cairn, laughing, crying, telling stories, in a horizontal snowstorm with 3 bagpipers playing tunes...
Monday was the "good weather day" and fortunately was the day the PSK gang and others went to the dacite site. Emory Coons came out later and masterfully disassembled a 1200 lb boulder for the group. For the rest of the week the other digging sites around the Buttes were briefly available via varying degrees of difficulties. (read: snow/mud)
Tuesday was the Abo Bow Shoot with a couple dozen shooters. The competition was punctuated by an intense hailstorm in the middle of it.(even a bit of lightning) The next day was the first atlatl competition at the Knap-in (20 combatants and a small snowstorm...)
Most every year we had concocted some elaborate gag to "get Jim" (Riggs) with, but this year it never came together to happen. As it turned out however, there was indeed a plot brewed, but this year I was the surprised hapless recipient. At the Wednesday night campfire I was hauled front and center by Jim and Cecil Coons. It seems that they, and others, were somehow claiming I had an alleged "tendency to regularly and diligently seek out less than premium quality obsidians for silly and ill-conceived flintknapping purposes" (ok, ok,..maybe..) To that end, and in recognition of, they crowned me "king of mick-whack", complete with broken scepter, cardboard crown, big red bow, and a huge pile of really, really, really, bad obsidian. It was a special moment...
On another note, this years running gag was a famous, modified theme song: " I Fought the Flaw,.. and the Flaw Won"....
Overall, there have been changes made in the Knap-in. This year, for the first time ever, Jim Riggs did not mail out the Glass Butte flyer announcing the dates and particulars. Complying with BLM & Rules has required that Jim (and the rest of us) step away from this being an "unorganized event" and modify it into an "unorganized event"
(?) Further steps were also made to not show profit (??) - (read: no displays selling crafts..) I couldn't figure it out. The only consistent rule is that the rules will be different next year, anyway...stay tuned..
For future reference, the dates for the Glass Butte Gathering always coincides with the Spring Break for the "Oregon University System Academic Calendar". Here’s the Oregon University Spring Breaks for the next four years:
2006: March 25 - April 2 2007: March 24 - April 1 2008: March 22 - March 30 2009: March 21 - march 29
Again as usual check out Roadkill's website for pictures of this Knap-In:( this years pictures haven't been posted yet ) http://www.neoanderthal.com/index.html
And for those of you who would like to learn about all the other Aboriginal life skills but don't want to deal with the Buttes in March, the same group of folks (mostly) put on a summer session at: http://www.echoes-in-time.com/
East Wenatchee Knap-In, Wenatchee, Washington, April 2 Thru 4 By Richard Urata
First we knappers would like to thank Dr. Tom Hurst for allowing us the use of his property for this knap-in. We sure enjoy it and appreciate it!
The weather was perfect, sweatshirt temperature. When we arrived Friday morning, Cole was finishing cleaning up his shop for the knap-in. Stu Murdock brought the 10 X 20 feet canopy and we quickly set it up. Cole wanted the canopy because he was expecting rain. No rain but the canopy protected us from the sun.
There were some fantastic ‘show and tell’ items. Cole Hurst had his Wenatchee-style clovis points, knives with scrimshaw handles, arrows and bows. Cole’s clovis points were in the “Lithic Artists Guild” Journal. Richard Queen had his high-quality, fancy-handled pressure flakers. Jim Miller brought his “fire obsidian” point that is also in the “Lithic Artists Guild” Journal. Richard Urata brought his pipes and a carved catlinite-handled knife. Jim Rayner brought his inlayed handle knives, and his wood-inlayed display cases. Three sides of the case were inlayed with contrasting wood shaped into arrowheads. Webb Hammond brought a binder full of pictures of some fantastic knives, both stone and steel, with very unique ivory handles in the price range of 4 figures.
There were some new faces of experienced knappers at this knap-in. Craig Ratzat and his wife Wendy came with rocks for sale. As always, Craig is always helpful and taught the other knappers how to produce more than one large point out of a typical 5 X 7 X 4 inch rock. Previously, we usually got one large point and many smaller points of a rock that size. Craig showed us how to produce 2 or even 3 large points out of the rock by splitting the rock lengthwise. It was a good lesson for all of us.
Joanie Cagwin held a session on how to do scrimshaw on bones, antlers and ivory. It was an important, very useable lesson for us because we can use the skill to make knife handles.
There were about 30 knappers on Friday and Saturday at this knap-in. Lots of stories –tall tales--were passed around the knapping areas. The knappers played the 2-inch goat game with 13 participants. Cole donated a knarly lizard skin obsidian piece. The core went two times around with participants dropping like flies. Stu Murdock was the winner and won half the pot. A second game, 10 speed was started with 8 participants. After 10 minutes, THE JUDGE, Dave Rauschenberg picked Richard Urata’s point as the winner. Half of the pot from each of the games, as well as the money from the 10 speed point auction helped Cole pay for the porta potties.
An Ooga Booga ceremony was held on Saturday night producing 13 new members. After the ceremony, knappers were treated to an oyster fest using the large fire that we used for the ceremony. We cannot say who they were but the “Coyote and the Pup” were super active. They “made” the ceremony.
Seems like the knap-in just started when it was time to pack up and head for home. It was a great knap-in and maybe next year, we will have another OOGA BOOGA Ceremony. We’ll see what Chief Cole Hurst says.
MAYBE OF INTEREST:
Website for Artifact and Archeological Books This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. Go to: HYPERLINK http://www.hothemhouse.com/ http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .
Public Land Access By Ed Thomas These organizations are trying to keep public lands accessible for public use. If you plan to dig rocks for knapping, help these organizations out. Get involved!!
This is the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies web page. I believe this group to be the main oversight group that all rockhound/knapping organizations should be affiliated with. HYPERLINK "http://www.amfed.org/region.htm"http://www.amfed.org/region.htm
This is the ALAA website that Steve Berggren was referring to. HYPERLINK "http://www.amerlands.org/"http://www.amerlands.org/ American Land Rights Association. HYPERLINK http://www.landrights.org http://www.landrights.org
TARP There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chatroom. 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 debitage. HYPERLINK http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp .
Knappers-R-Us Here’s another e-group for knappers: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/
Flintknappers Digest Another Egroup called flintknapper’s Digest: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/ 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. HYPERLINK http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/ http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/
Lithic Artist Guild A new organization whos goal is to promote flintknappers to the collectors and the public. For a fee, flintknappers can have their points displayed in the Lithic Artist Journal. Their website is: HYPERLINK "http://www.lithicartistsguild.com" www.lithicartistsguild.com .
SPALLS - Rich Urata
Richard and Joan Urata are producing this issue of SPALLS with contribution from Stuart Murdock, Jim and Karen Rayner and Ed Thomas. Please contact Richard Urata for questions, comments and future additions to SPALLS.
SPALLS Distribution Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS. For you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a payment of $5.00 for 2005 to Richard Urata, P. O. Box 1089, Hamilton, Montana 59840. Year 2005 subscription is due at this time. Please note that the subscription rate dropped to $5.00 per year.
THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address to Richard Urata at HYPERLINK mailto:richurata@cybernet1.com richurata@cybernet1.com there is no charge for SPALLS. If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send $5.00 to cover the cost of printing and postage.
If you have an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in JulyNovember, e-mail your address to Richard Urata. I have from 5 to 10 “not deliverable” messages at this time. I need some 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. Enjoy the summer!
COMING EVENTS:
Fort Knapadonia Knap-In, Whidbey Island, Washington, August 19 thru 21 Joe Higgins will host the Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August. He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, OOGA BOOGA ceremony, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc, and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades. You local knappers should plan to stay Saturday night for the pot-luck and the Ooga Booga ceremony. Bring your own chairs to do your knapping. There will be water available, electricity, port-a-potty, and lots of room for camping and RVing. Women are welcomed! There are plenty of garage sales and stores for shopping.
You are welcomed there as early as Tuesday. The “humpies” will be running so bring your fishing poles with 10 to 12 pound lines. If the fish cooperates, we will have a salmon BBQ as the main dish of our pot-luck on Saturday evening.
Directions: To get to the knap-in go 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) 675-4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.
Moses Lake Knap-In, Moses Lake , Washington, September 2 through 4 The knap-in will be held at Ken and Adele Calvert’s place, at Moses Lake, Washington. Plenty of room for camping. Ken’s property is a lake front property. They say that the lake has all kinds of fish.
There will be a pot luck on Saturday afternoon with meat, two vegetables and bread furnished by the hosts. Plan to bring dishes to compliment the main course. And if we are real lucky and if Adele can get it done she we will also make homemade ice cream.
Directions: To get there, take interstate 90 off ramp 179 and go north on highway 17 toward Soap Lake. Stay on highway 17 until mile post 59. You will see a gravel pit on your left. Turn left after the gravel pit onto Mc Connilte Road. Stay on Mc Connilte Road for several miles and turn left onto “D 5” road. Go to end of the road and turn left. You will see a Knap-in sign about 100 yards down on the right of the road. Turn right onto Ken’s property. If you miss “D 5” road stay on Mc Connilte Road (Stay on the pavement) and it will circle around and will pass Ken’s property. Look for the Knap-in sign on your right. Ken’s address is 4535 Road 6.5 N.E.
For more information, call Ken at (509) 762-2454.
9th Annual Turkey Feast Knap-In, Millersylvania, Washington. November 5 and 6 Holly and Mick Hill, the hosts, always have a potluck centered around a fantastic turkey dinner at this knap-in. Get ready for Thanksgiving by attending the Millersylvania Knap-In south of Olympia, WA. In the past Holly Hill arranged a pre-Thanksgiving pot-luck feast; I think Holly provided most of the feast. The potluck will be held approximately 1:00 pm Saturday. Millersylvania is a Washington State Park with a picnic shelter complete with fireplace and a kitchen. As usual the knapping and dinner will be around the huge covered indoor fireplace or kitchen wood stoves so we will all be warm and dry
Directions: To get to the park, take I-5 to Exit 95. Then follow signs to park entrance, Kitchen #1. A hike path is located at the first parking lot to cabin near Deep Lake. We will have wheelbarrows available again for transporting supplies from vehicles to the cabin. Thanks for your efforts to follow park rules. If necessary, there is a back road to
Call Mick and Holly for more directions: (360) 357-9506 or (360) 493-8439 or e-mail at: HYPERLINK mailto:mickhill@home.com mickhill@attbi.com or HYPERLINK mailto:hollyhill@home.com hollyhill@attbi.com. Please let them know if you are going.
11th Annual Quartzsite Knap-In, Quartzsite, Arizona, January 1 through February 28 This is the longest Knap-In in the United States, maybe the world. Hosted by Nine Fingers and Mary Webster. (The exact location is not known at this time.) Look for a two-toned aluminum and blue colored bus. There are RV parks and in-town campsites. Out-of-town, BLM runs camp sites for long term camping – like months – with dump stations, or free camp sites if you stay less than 14 days. For more information, see the Quartzsite website: HYPERLINK http://www.quartzsite.com http://www.quartzsite.com. If you prefer a hotel, there is a “Super 8” in Quartzsite. They are also available at Blythe, California, 20 miles away and at Parker, Arizona, 30 miles away.
Directions: Quartzsite is on Interstate 10, about 20 miles east of the California border. To get there take I-10 to Quartzsite. There are two off ramps, one on the west side and one on the east side of town. (Future Issue of SPALLS will specify the directions to the knap-in location.)
For more information call Nine Fingers or Mary at (928) 899-5495, e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:ninefingeredabo@starband.net ninefingeredabo@starband.net .
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 Camanche exit and turn to the north. Camanche 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 Harrel highway. Alfred Harrel 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: (661) 392-7729, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:air-o-head@webtv.net"air-o-head@webtv.net . Or Sherry Pauley at: (661) 392-7063, e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:webmaster@opalvalley.com"webmaster@opalvalley.com.
REPORTS:
Goldendale/Thomas Hollow Knap-In, Goldendale, Washington, May 13 through 15 By Ed and Loretta Thomas
This year’s Knap-In had a smaller turn out than last year’s. We had 19 Knappers with a total of 33.25 individuals, counting the cat! We attribute the lesser overall turn out this year, from last year, due to holding a combined event in 2004. The 2004 event included the Traditional Bowhunters of Washington having their annual WAJAM bowbuilding event along with our K/I. The actual count of Knappers was the same, each year, however.
Rich and Joan Urata were able to stop by on their way to California too. It was really nice to see them this year. We held a “Goat Rock” event with Ol’ Richard winning the event too! You don’t suppose he was laying in wait do you?
Friday evening, Loretta made a Pizza Run to town and came back with a car load of Pizzas for everyone. This was also a potluck meal (spur of the moment), along with a sack full of Oysters that Dave Graves brought to share with everyone, thanks Dave!
Saturday evening we had our traditional Salmon BBQ/Potluck Dinner with plenty of food for all. We even had Salmon and other goodies to carry over to Sunday!
Sunday morning, we held our traditional Pancake and Egg Fritata Potluck breakfast.
Everyone seemed to have a very relaxing and good time at this year’s gathering. I know that Loretta and I really enjoyed seeing and visiting with everyone! We could actually participate in all the fun.
This is one of the gatherings where the ladies can attend and enjoy themselves too. With a few more days, we could include other activities such as Winery tours and more games, etc.
We wish to thank everyone that attended for their wonderful participation and contributions to the meals, etc. It is the wonderful people and their participation that make this gathering such a great success!!
First Western Oregon Knap-In, Illahee Flats, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon, May 28 thru June 5 (This is not a PSK event) By Jim and Karen Rayner, and Stuart Murdock
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the hardy souls that attended the first Illahee Flats Knap-in hosted by Brad Baughman and Jim Hopper over Memorial Day week and weekend. For a first-time knap-in there was a good turnout. It was great to see that since Brad and Jim expanded a lot of energy and time to set up this knap-in.
We enjoyed the thunder and lightning, got a little wet in all the rain, and had leaky tents. The clean air and beautiful setting made sleeping perfectly wonderful. When the sun came out, we dried off, covered the tents with extra tarps, and enjoyed our time together.
Illahee Flats is located off of highway 138 near the Dry Creek store The knap-in was on the edge of a large beautiful meadow.
Since the knap-ion was long, a bunch of people came and went during the week and all who attended seemed to enjoy themselves. There was a good turn out of talent. Everyone enjoyed the sharing of knowledge and stories. Brad brought his grinder and generator to the knap-in. He demonstrated how he used the grinder and was glad to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to grind a blank. Emory Coons made some BBIIIIGGGGG blades and he also knapped an eagle from obsidian. Bruce Goulette also knapped a dolphin and other animal shapes. And others made various arrowheads, pre-forms, etc.
The knappers got together and a signature point was worked on by several knappers. They signed the point and it was presented to Jim Hopper.
Jim Hopper had his fine points on display. Jim and Karen Rayner arrived from Montana with a variety of beautiful inlaid knife handles. Steve Allely brought several bows and arrows which he had made.
Stuart Murdock brought his Indian bow to shoot. There were a few others that tried their hand at shooting their bows. There were several new faces to meet and everyone enjoyed each other’s company.
Steve Allely’s bagpipes serenaded all of us. Mick Hill took a turn on the pipes also. He and Steve also teamed up and played their bagpipes and the music echoed over the meadow. It was worth the whole trip just to hear them! They thought next year it would be fun to place one piper at each end of the meadow piping their way to the center. All I know is that I hope they play “Amazing Grace”, at this perfectly tranquil setting.
When traveling from Highway 97, west over Highway 138 to get to the knap-in we passed Diamond Lake, and the turn off to Crater Lake, two areas that would also be of interest to visit. Or from the knap-in going on west about 47 miles you could explore Roseburg’s shops or yard sales. However, the ladies were content staying in camp visiting, trying to keep dry, gathering firewood, and doing a little quilting and cross-stitching.
We are all looking forward to next year. Next year promises to be even bigger and better. Mark your calendar for this special event. Let’s see more PSK’ers there next year.
Thanks again to Brad and Jim for hosting this knap-in. It was a great one!!!
Davis Creek Die-Hards Get Together, Davis Creek, CA, June 17, 18 and 19 By Richard Urata
A small group of left-over Davis Creek Knap-In goers of about 15 knappers got together to mainly collect obsidian and do some knapping and do a lot of BSing. Since most of the knappers and their families were old friends, we had potluck every night. “Mother” Anne coordinated the great potlucks throughout the stay. There were three families from Texas, 3 from Arizona, 1 from Georgia, 1 from Washington, 1 from Oregon, 1 from Montana, and a bunch from California. There were two groups of new knappers from California. They learned to pressure flake and to percuss obsidian. Oh, they also had on-the-job training on digging for materials!!
The Pink Lady mine was inaccessible due to snow. Lots of materials were taken from the Needles Hill since the ground was dug up from the removal of the trees last year. The Electric Blue (Royal Purple) mine produced some fair sized material. The extra rain this spring softened the ground and it was much easier to dig. The Middle Fork Rainbow mine was the best producer this year. Leroy Jines, Stu Murdock and Rich Urata dug up a 250 pound rainbow.
Everyone left with a big smile on their faces and their vehicles dragging from the load of obsidian they collected.
MAYBE OF INTEREST:
Website for Artifact and Archeological Books This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. Go to: HYPERLINK http://www.hothemhouse.com/ http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .
Public Land Access By Ed Thomas These organizations are trying to keep public lands accessible for public use. If you plan to dig rocks for knapping, help these organizations out. Get involved!!
This is the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies web page. I believe this group to be the main oversight group that all rockhound/knapping organizations should be affiliated with. HYPERLINK "http://www.amfed.org/region.htm"http://www.amfed.org/region.htm
This is the ALAA website that Steve Berggren was referring to. HYPERLINK "http://www.amerlands.org/"http://www.amerlands.org/ American Land Rights Association. HYPERLINK http://www.landrights.org http://www.landrights.org
TARP There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chatroom. 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 debitage. HYPERLINK http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp .
Knappers-R-Us Here’s another e-group for knappers: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/
Flintknappers Digest Another Egroup called flintknapper’s Digest: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/ 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. HYPERLINK http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/ http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/
Lithic Artist Guild A new organization whos goal is to promote flintknappers to the collectors and the public. For a fee, flintknappers can have their points displayed in the Lithic Artist Journal. Their website is: HYPERLINK "http://www.lithicartistsguild.com" www.lithicartistsguild.com .
SPALLS - Rich Urata
Richard and Joan Urata are producing this issue of SPALLS with contribution from Bill and Judy Thomas. Please contact Richard Urata for questions, comments and future additions to SPALLS.
SPALLS Distribution Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS. For you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a payment of $5.00 for 2006 to Richard Urata, P. O. Box 1089, Hamilton, Montana 59840. Year 2006 subscription is due at this time. Please note that the subscription rate dropped to $5.00 per year.
THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address to Richard Urata at HYPERLINK mailto:richurata@cybernet1.com richurata@cybernet1.com there is no charge for SPALLS. If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send $5.00 to cover the cost of printing and postage.
If you have an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in November, e-mail your address to Richard Urata. I have from 5 to 10 “not deliverable” messages at this time. I need some 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 April, 2006. Enjoy the Winter!
COMING EVENTS:
11th Annual Quartzsite Knap-In, Quartzsite, Arizona, January 1 through February 28 This is the longest Knap-In in the United States, maybe the world. Hosted by Nine Fingers and Mary Webster, the Knap-In will be located on the property on the west side of the bakery. Look for a two-toned aluminum and blue colored bus.
Quartzsite is on Interstate 10, about 20 miles east of the California border. To get there take I-10 to Quartzsite. There are two off ramps, one on the west side and one on the east side of town. From either direction, take the first exit, and drive through town. The town is on the north side of the freeway and there is only one main street. Look for the bakery on the south side of the main street. The knap-in is on the adjacent property on the west side of the bakery. It is approximately 0.5 miles from the east off ramp and approximately 1.5 miles from the west off ramp. There will be the general store on the north side of the street, across the bakery.
There are RV parks and in-town campsites. Out-of-town, BLM runs camp sites for long term camping – like months – with dump stations, or free camp sites if you stay less than 14 days. For more information, see the Quartzsite website: HYPERLINK http://www.quartzsite.com http://www.quartzsite.com. For those who want to camp in the same RV park as the knap-in, (Jenn’s Place) contact Gary Bower, (909) 240-6403. If you prefer a hotel, they are available at Blythe, California, 20 miles away and at Parker, Arizona, 30 miles away. There is also a new “Super 8” motel in Quartzsite. For more information call Nine Fingers or Mary at (928) 899-5495, e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:ninefingeredabo@starband.net ninefingeredabo@starband.net .
Winter Break Knap-In, Seattle, Washington, Sunday, February 5 A One-day Knap-In to initiate the new knapping season will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5, hosted by Dave Pehling. The knap-in will run from 9:30 'till we get tired’. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be available. This can be a cold one, as it is held under the overhang at the WSU Extension office in Everett, so folks should dress warm. There is a place to get out of the weather to warm up, though, and Dave will have a propane heater outside.
Directions to go to the knap-in: Exit I-5 at 128th Street SW (Everett exit #186). Turn east and go 1/4 mile (across from the Golf Range) to the Park-and-Ride and McCollum Park. Turn into the park (right) and go to the Cooperative Extension building at the back of the park. For more information e-mail Dave Pehling at HYPERLINK mailto:pehling@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu pehling@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu or call (360) 691-7902.
Glass Butte Gathering, Glass Butte, Oregon, March 25 Through April 2 (This is not a PSK event) Here in the Northwest it's the largest, longest, oldest, and coldest running knap-in. The term "hardcore" suddenly springs to mind. It's very aboriginal, very warm-hearted abo's in what can be a very COLD setting. I best repeat that in case you missed it - that's C-O-L-D!! (you have been warned....) Even at that I haven't missed one in a dozen + years. It's always been a "high energy / cabin fever breaker / icebreaker / start of the season" event. (couple hundred people or so..) A lot of things are always going on and it's always busy and it's always laid back (?). Also, if you have other interests in all the
The Los Olivos/Santa Ynez California Archery Event April 1 and 2. (This is not a PSK event) The Los Olivos/Santa Ynez, California Archery Event will be held on April 1 and 2 at the Chamberlain Ranch in beautiful Los Olivos, CA. This is Southern California's largest and best traditional archery 3-D tournament. Add to that, a flintknapping extravaganza, with some of the best knappers in California! We've been building up the knapping contingent for 4 years now. We started with only 3 knappers, and are now up to nearly 20! This year (2006) will be the best yet! But wait...we're not done yet...We also have a fine gathering of primitive bowmakers like Alton "Longbow" Safford, Ron Lockman, Bill Price, Steve (aka "Badger" from the Primitive archeyr site), the famous Joe Dabil, the even more famous Tim Baker (this year I hope) and his Bay Area Bowmaking Buddies (we hope)! My bowmaking maniac friends, John Scordo, and Sal Ochoa will be there too! Arrowmaker extrordinaire, Guy Taylor (aka "Grey") will be present as well. The camping is free! No charge for vendors! There are plenty of motels nearby! Fine (and not so fine) Restaurants abound! Your loved ones can spend the day antique shopping in the lovely town of Solvang, CA. Directions: There is a map on the following website: http://www.socalarchery.com/Flyers/TAC%20socal/tacsocal1.htm Contact Tom Mills for further information at : HYPERLINK "mailto:Paleoaleo@aol.com" Paleoaleo@aol.com .
East Wenatchee Knap-In, Wenatchee, Washington, April 7 Through April 9 This knap-in is at Hurst’s Landing, a park-like setting, along the Columbia River. Cole Hurst hosts this knap-in. Last year’s knap-in was fantastic! It will be better this year! There is lots of room for camping. Water and out-houses are available. To get to Hurst’s Landing go to East Wenatchee and head east on Highway 28. The turn to Hurst’s Landing is on the right near milepost 6. If you make it to Rock Island, turn around and go back a few miles. Hotels and food are only a couple of miles away. For more information call Cole Hurst at (509) 421-7705, e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:stonewacker@aol.com stonewacker@aol.com . Cole was on the “Flintknapping 2002” calendar, for the month of May.
Forth Annual Goldendale Knap-In, Goldendale, Washington, May 19 through 21 Ed and Loretta Thomas and their Family will again be hosting their Annual Knap-In at "Thomas Hollow", near Goldendale, WA. Their property lies about 5 miles East of Goldendale. This will be their 4th annual K/I at this location. There is a "walk-through" Archery Range about their property that contains 13 targets. Really great for stretching, after sitting and Knapping for awhile, also quite relaxing! The usual fun games will be going on, such as Goat Rock events, etc. There will be a fund raising Auction and a Raffle to help cover expenses, as we did last year. Vendors are welcome to set-up and attend. They should contact Ed and Loretta ahead of time though! 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! People may camp out from Thurs. to Tues. if they wish. Saturday evening will be the Salmon BBQ. The Thomas Family will provide the Salmon and cooking. Everything else will be Potluck! So, bring something along for this meal. Sunday morning will be a Pancake and Egg Fritata breakfast provided by the Thomas Family. Everything else for breakfast is to be Potluck. The "Weenie-Wagon" seemed to go over pretty well last year. The owners are being contacted to attend this year. Directions: Goldendale, 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). 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 ("Windy Heights Miniature horses" sign in field on 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 1/2 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! For more information, contact: Ed and Loretta Thomas, 40 Rocky Ridge Road, Goldendale, WA 98620, (509)773-6461, or email: HYPERLINK "mailto:feather@gorge.net" feather@gorge.net .
Second Annual Western Oregon Knap-In, Illahee Flats, Oregon, May 27 thru June 4 (This is not a PSK event) Jim Hopper and Brad Baughman will be hosting the Second Annual Western Oregon Knap-In at Illahee Flats, Oregon from May 27 through June 4. 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 47at 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) 496-0211, or e-mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:bbb7707@yahoo.com" bbb7707@yahoo.com
REPORTS:
Moses Lake Knap-In, Moses Lake , Washington, September 2 through 4, Labor Day Weekend By: Bill and Judy Thomas Everything appeared perfect for Cal Calvert’s knap-in that he hosted at his home in Moses Lake. Since Cal has now retired, he planned the event, including the Saturday potluck. Adele, his wife, had broken a bone or two in her foot exercising, so she left it to him. Cal, you did a good job! You made sure the weather for the knap-in remained perfect for all of the days that everyone was camped in your back yard. Oh sure, there was a little wind during the potluck that attempted to scatter the paper plates and yes, it did nothing for the ladies with their hair, but it was still perfect.
We were good friends with a common desire to gather and make points and to share our knapping talents with newcomers. Missing were Joan and Richard Urata and his talent for stone pipe making, who opted to see their new grandchild. Missing also was Cal’s straw cowboy hat that he wore at the knap-in last year. We came from Lynden, Everett, Seattle area, Olympia, Goldendale, Richland, Cheney, Spokane, and even Boise. Most of all of the ‘regulars’ were there, including knappers and friends in the Moses Lake area. We also had two local young men, brothers still in high school, that showed their talents, both in learning to knap and also to inform us old-timers on which of Nature’s plants are edible. The older brother also told of his 29 day adventure into the wilds off of the Columbia River and into the Clockum area, where he lived off the land and managed to survive quite well. (Apparently, fear is not a factor for him.) Now, that’s a ‘rite of passage’ somewhere that we’re sure none of us could accomplish.
Our Saturday potluck caught most of the ladies by surprise by coming a little early. So, those foods that they were going to prepare were saved until the next day, making a second potluck. Goldendale knapper, Ed Thomas, made his now famous ‘Shipwreck Stew’ and the ladies filled in new food and leftovers around it. Potlucks are just a nice way for both men and wives (if they got’um) to all get together and relax and talk. Adele joined us both times on her golf-cart transportation because she couldn’t walk the distance on her cast. By using the cart, she was able to bring her homemade ice cream with her for us all to enjoy.
We knapped, some even went on an ‘artifact hunt’ and the ladies visited and hit the garage sales and thrift stores. We came in trailers, campers, motor homes, cars and pickups. Cal, thanks for getting up with the chickens to be sure to greet those early risers. And we had a few that always started early, gently waking the rest of us with the constant sound of boppers hitting rock of some sort while they percussion flaked. Sort of like an alarm clock to rouse the rest of the guys and get them up for the day. A community point was made and signed by all and presented to Cal as a memento for his gracious hosting of another good knap-in. A donation can was also out for those of us who would want to express thanks for the good food, electricity for trailers and campers and especially for the portable toilet to make life easier - I don’t think a single lady used Cal’s wood outhouse with the half door. Strange . . .
MAYBE OF INTEREST:
Website for Artifact and Archeological Books This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. Go to: HYPERLINK http://www.hothemhouse.com/ http://www.hothemhouse.com/ .
Public Land Access By Ed Thomas These organizations are trying to keep public lands accessible for public use. If you plan to dig rocks for knapping, help these organizations out. Get involved!!
This is the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies web page. I believe this group to be the main oversight group that all rockhound/knapping organizations should be affiliated with. HYPERLINK "http://www.amfed.org/region.htm"http://www.amfed.org/region.htm
This is the ALAA website that Steve Berggren was referring to. HYPERLINK "http://www.amerlands.org/"http://www.amerlands.org/ American Land Rights Association. HYPERLINK http://www.landrights.org http://www.landrights.org
TARP There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chatroom. 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 debitage. HYPERLINK http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp .
Knappers-R-Us Here’s another e-group for knappers: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/
Flintknappers Digest Another Egroup called flintknapper’s Digest: HYPERLINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/ 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. HYPERLINK http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/ http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/
Lithic Artist Guild A new organization whos goal is to promote flintknappers to the collectors and the public. For a fee, flintknappers can have their points displayed in the Lithic Artist Journal. Their website is: HYPERLINK "http://www.lithicartistsguild.com" www.lithicartistsguild.com .
SPALLS - Rich Urata
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