Building Another Shelter

So today, I felt like going on a light hike. I went to the spot that Cloak and I have designated as our "camp" in the forest. It's quite a nice area.

On with the shelter making.

I wanted to do a tent style debris shelter that was large enough to accommodate at least 2 people.

I started by making the frame. During this process I had the trouble of f***ing up and was unfortunate to have one of the logs fall on my head... it didn't feel very good.



Here is a pic of one of the support triangles.



I made several fail safes to the design that I did. Because there is tension on the overhanging branch (it wants to fling away from the trunk of the tree), I placed a large log in front of it. Then I tied a piece of paracord around that log and the tree trunk. Next, are two logs to keep the tension of paracord tight. If the overhanging branch happens to fall, it will happen to fall on the paracord and the logs placing tension on the cord.



As you can see, it's going to be quite large.



This was about as far as I got on the frame. I didn't have much time as I went in the evening and was out for about 2 hours. Not really enough time to do much. It got dark enough that I needed to use the flash on the camera.

As far as the frame goes, it feels pretty sturdy. The next few days are gonna be pretty windy. Let's see how it holds up.

Once Cloak gets back, we're gonna finish it.

It really sucked not having Cloak helping me out to make the shelter. I wouldn't have had one of the stupid logs fall on top of my head! My head's still in pain!!!!

BTW, for the teens around here...





















NINJA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Haha, love the last picture. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Living up to our age well.

Man I cant wait to get out there and run around in your woods <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Much more beutifful than Ohio.

Wait... when you coming to OR? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

EXCELLENT! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> hahaha now I see how you're doing it, it wasn't totally clear on the phone. Yes, we can def. make that work once i get back. Its an ideal local too, but I fear it may get in the way of our throwing-knife range <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. Oh well. When we put the other uprights saplings, lets leave the branchs attached on one side so we'll have something to weave the debris into. I also want to try stringing up that field hammock that i bought.

Very cool stuff brother, makes me sad to be stuck in a hotel in downtown seattle. Not such in the way of primative living. In fact, the only thing thats primative around here is the internet, which had a hard time dealing with those pics <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

nice job!

p.s. i'm coming home early (on friday afternoon rather than late friday night) so we can plan on early sat. morning

p.p.s. is your head okay?

Sweet.

Glad to here you'll be out of the city early.

And yes, my head is o.k., though, I've got one of 'em large bumps on my head. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I can still do math and chop stuff, so we're good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I could hitch hike out there.
My dad told me today that when he was my age he hitchhiked to florda on $29 and slept on the beach.
That was the 70's though.

Oh... heheheheh

My history teacher hitched a ride from Portland to Los Angeles in his earlier days. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

But, you should do a formal visit. Go skiing or kayaking or something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I would love to go kayaking, Ohio rivers are lame.

Me, you, and Cloak could go off the grid for a week or two and hunt and live off the land.
Like in to the wild but with 3 guys that actually know what they are doing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hahaha yep, we've got an ex-teacher that was a vietnam vet, and has so many crazy hitch-hiking stories. He's hilarious. He's getting on in his 70's, and still crazy fit and lean. But yeah, he hitched cross-country

not a good idea now though, esp. cuz its mostly illegal, i believe

But yeah, OR is a nice plcae to visit, unless you're a fan of warm oceans. But as for mountains, rainforests, and deserts... we've got plenty

Sharp, i have to ask, where is your sig-line from? is it some inside joke I'm not remembering.

our sig lines should be

"ALUMINUM!"

No, Mag 22 wanted me to do the the line when I asked *cough* excuse me... when I ordered EMF to eat a Cookie's and Cream Clif Bar. PSK thread.

And yes we should change our sig line to "ALUMINUM!!!!!!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

or "Do you know what the f*** you can do with an aluminums tube?... ALUMINUM!!!!!!!!!!"

or

"Are you sure, are you sure...now I can't believe you m*********ers. RIDUCULOUS!!!!!!"

or

"Cradle of ****ing civilization!!"

or

TV: So what's the handle made of... aluminum??

TC: Yea, yea, aluminum.

(looks at eachother)

Both: ALUMINUM!!!!!!!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
must be a inside joke but I assume you are talking about the handle on you Nimravus

I assume, that I'm a loser and need some friends dude.
I keep forgetting all my inside jokes with my friends!!
man!
I need to get some new ones...

ahhh!
dude it's freaking 2 O'clock!

anyways, nice pics, and that shelter looks awesome!
it's nice and big.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
good job.

I'm bored and wide awake.
I had mountain dew for the first time in like 2 years tonight and I am wired.

i've never seen so many knives on one leg.......and their good one too!!!!

Nope, good guess though, Mac. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />



EMF,

Yea... Yellow Cake... f***ing right....

As for the shelter, I hope it holds up until this Saturday. Cloak and I are going to finish it.


N1,

Isn't a Ninja suppose to have a lot of sharp and pointy objects around his body? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

How far is this spot from your house man?

The entrance is about half a mile from my house.

Our spot is probably half mile or a mile in.

So from my house... not that far. It's within walking distance. 30-40 min or so...

I honestly never measured the distance or timed my self. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Cool.
Deffinatly want to make it out there sometime in the next few years. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Of course I have to read up on the biomes flora and fauna.

Whats the big national parks out there?

You're going to need more knives, Sharp!



This pic cracks me up. Nice work. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That pic is worthy of a WhichDawg photto chopping <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Mac,

You should plan a trip now.

I guess the main forest that Cloak and I go to is Forest Park. I'm not sure what national parks there are that are near me. Forest Park spans pretty far.

HD,

Just wait... just wait... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The photo is hilarious, but personally I still think it's a rather sweet picture.

I don't know what WD would do. Cut me out and place me in a dark oil refinery in the middle of the ocean? Heheh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I can see the headline now....
Three heavyly armed teens in military gear and knives have been spotted outside forest park <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Right. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Except, there would be no headline....

Ahhh....
because we are ninjas right
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Exactly <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm having Jeff make a rig for my DF like yours.
OD kydex and everything, maybe we could be doing inverted drops with our FFBM/DF rigs on
Cloak needs to get himself a choppa

Hey now, hey now,

The RTAK-II counts as a chopper, and it works [censored] well too. I just happen not to carry it on my waist anymore, its strapped to my pack. I also carry a hatchet, which counts as well.

As for national parks, there is only one in Oregon: Crater Lake National Park
http://www.nps.gov/crla/

Thats in southern Oregon. But don't think that just because we only have one national park that there ain't no forest elsewhere. I think one reason that there are so few national parks is because the timber industry has such a huge lobby at the state capitol in salem.

p.s. Sharp, i'm in Portland now, we came home a full day early <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

ITS SO GOOD TO HAVE MY KNIVES BACK! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Yea,

Both Cloak and I have RTAKs... well, I guess He still does and I use to have one.

But, they work very well as chopper/machetes. They are very quick and light in the hand and very good for limbing trees. I loved mine... until I lost it. Now, I'm just left with my FBM.

I need another FBM, a DF, and a Hatchet.

I just realized how many dogs are in oregon.
WD, dice, you and you

USED to have a RTAK?

Yea.... I had one then went knife throwing and lost it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

sharp nice knives, I see you have several good knives I do not have. I have built a shelter before. it is good stuff to do.

dice aint in oregon

Like I said a few days ago, Cloak and I are were going to finish our shelter.

We did that today. A whole heck load of chopping... I meant a lot of chopping.

In fact we did so much chopping that took a Clif Bar Break. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />



Next we needed to chop some more wood.

Cloak found a good sized dead branch. He needed to climb up the tree to chop it down.



Here he goes chopping...





After chopping we set up more logs onto the frame.

Here's Cloak setting one up.



Almost finished setting up the logs.



After finding enough logs to place against the frame, we started to put foliage to cover the shelter.



We also happened to have made a side entrance.



The shelter was finally finished. It was rather comfortable and very spacious. I had a good amount of head room and enough room to fit at least 6-8 people, maybe more.

The weather was still spontaneous. Good thing Cloak brought a tarp. We were able to keep all of our gear out of the rain, snow, and hail.

Alright, I suppose I ought to add my pictures. We had a really great time...I mean what more could you want: good clif bars, and good company!
I drove Sharp to the neighborhood grocer to buy bread for our lunches, and he set to work preparing PB&J sandwiches with the proper tools....


After that, we set off! The Shelter's frame was nicely set up upon my arrival, so we set to work.


Keep in mind that we harvested only dead wood to preserve the forest around us


We chopped mostly but we brought down several 4-5 inch logs with our tiny leatherman saws, just to prove we could! We would saw around the periphery, and then rock the log back and forth till it snapped.

The triumphant leathermans!


More finishing up


Some of the finished thatching


Afterwards, there was a lot of clean knives and sharpening. The end results:

RMD: still sharp, didn't see heavy use
RTAK-II: surprisingly, it was still shaving by the end of the day. I use this blade really hard. I chopped a lot of logs with it, and collected lots of leafy plants with it. This latter process involved slicing through the stem, and then the blade would bury itself in the ground. Still it needed little in the way of sharpening.
Ranger RD7: This knife wasn't sharp to begin with, and the edge held up alright. I reprofiled it a bit, but its still no where near as sharp as the other knives. and, even with the patina, it still got a number of rust spots. 5160 is one of these steels that just WANTS to rust. Anyway, despite all this it still chopped well and served my needs just fine

Nice pics, Cloak.

"Don't drop that ****. Just Don't drop that ****, yea... Pray to God, don't drop that ****. ****ing right..." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

alright!
let me in on these insiders...
please!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

great job on the shelter guys, it looks pretty big.
how waterproof is it?
it seems like it rains quite a bit down there.

cloak, once you get that rd7's edge how you like it, and thin it out and sharpen it, you will be thrilled.
it makes such a huge difference and the rds hold their edge very well.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I am in the process of reprofiling my RD6 now. It seems to be about 50+ degrees and I want it to be around 40 so I can use my sharpmaker on it. The problem is that this would take forever with the SM and the largest angle on my Lansky, which cuts a lot faster, is 30 degrees. Since I am the suck at freehand, I guess I'll have to wait until I get some rougher stones for the SM. Maybe I should just send it back to Justin since I screwed the tip up anyway.

emf,

Hahaha not sure why sharp keeps quotes inside jokes to you; that dynamic is something of an inside joke between you two. But anyway, as for the RD7, how did you thin out the edge? I tried with a coarse stone and it did something, maybe i just need to work it a bit more.

But yeah, i agree StabbyJoe, those edges insanely thick. About 2" of edge from the belly to the tip are basically blunt also. I may just send it back to him to sharpen, or capable forum member here.

You guys use leathermans aye.
I'm suprised, I have busted more leathermans then I could tell you.
Mostly s30v charges.
I use powerlocks and vics now.

Did you try to get them repaired under the warranty? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Yep, I have busted two s30v charges, and one juice ex6.
I also lost a surge.
I'm just unlucky with leathermans.
I wonder how long my sog powerlock will last.

Did they fix them? I always try to not be too hard on Leathermans as expensive as they are and unsure if they’ll say the use was “reasonable” or not. Usually if it’s a tough job, I use one of my Craftsman ones because I know they’ll trade it for a new with no trouble.

Nope, I sent them in and they sent me a new one atleast with the charge.
They were really messed up.

what did you do to them?

and lol sharp, so I really dooo have an inside joke...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I thin mine out with some 120 grit sand paper and a soft backing.
you have to use the backing of your choice, one thats not too flexible (than the edge will still be really thick an at a sharp angle.
I think firm will be best for alot of metal removal.
(and keeping the convex edge)

also, you can start with 220 grit if you want too.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

you just have to look down the knife edge and find the thick spots and work them down, while still keeping the edge consistent, it's most likley not just the edge that needs some regrinding at the belly area of the knife.
I didn't even thin my edge alot, (I have an rd() cause I wanted it to still be thick, and it's amazing how well it still chops, even with the dull thick edge I have on it.

I just got done chopping a bunch of trees and spliting them and right now it's almost on the same level (of performance) as my DFLE (though still noticebly behind) with the edge it has.


anyways, I hope you find what works for you, but I'll tell you you're probably better off sending it to a skilled forum member if you don't fell like spending ALOT of time thinning the edge out.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cloak,

I've got two thing to say: "Yellow cake..." "****ing right...." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Mac,

Seems odd that you would break a multi tool. Did you bend the pliers and just tore them out? As Cloak told me, the oval shape of the head is built for strength.

My Charge seems pretty solid, a little wiggly when closed, but that how most :eathermans are, I'm guessing. Pliers seem fairly strong as well.

EMF,

Clif bars man.. clif bars.

Have you eaten your first clif bar? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

If not... EAT IT!!!!!!!

i love clif brs bit nnot as much as tiger milk bars

i did eat it, it was pretty good.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I think I'll get some if I plan on doing ANYTHING in the woods.
(hopefully!!!)

Pliers broke through the handle.
I must have very strong hands.

Itxploded,

Tiger's milk are good, but they really don't do much. Kinda like eating a candy bar. Clif bar's can keep me going for quite some time.

EMF,

Good, good, good,...

Get more and send some to me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Mac,

That's quite odd. Titanium is suppose to be very strong. Maybe you got a dud.

I compared my plier head to Cloaks Surge plier head. They are about the same. I don't know what will happen to mine. It will get used quite heavily.

I played with the SOG multi-tool today, the compound leverage system is pretty sweet. I kinda like the powerlock with the v-cutter. Might have to get one in the future. Also, one thing I really liked was how smooth the multi tool was.

Sharp - i love those last 2 pictures man... makes for a killer icon... great photo editting too... tons of steel on your legs and back there.. i like it. a man can never have too many knives!!! especially pieces of INIF and SR77 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Reconseed. My Nikon can do editing right on the camera, neat little feature. Though the type of photo formatting that it uses up a lot of memory.

I need two AK-47s to make a even funnier pictures. (anyone willing to donate a Busse AK-47? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

yeah i have those as snacks mainly then clif bars to geet the energy in

Sharp - u and Cloak are just like me when it comes to your love for knives and being outdoors. If I had a busse AK, id send it to you guys. i dont though. sorry man

That's ok Reconseed. It's still great to hear that and thanks for the support. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

We'll have to get one sometime, sometime in the future, we will get one. The Forest...BEWARE!!!!!

It's for sure that were still gonna be doing a lot of outdoor activities and posting it on the forums. We'll manage with what we have. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

lol!
"we'll manage with what we have"

...
you make that sound like you DON'T have an ffbm!!!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You could send us your DFLE for a while. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Then we'll manage with what we have. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

lol
I highly doubt that'd outchop your FFBM!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I bet it would.

I have high doubts, too (HD kinda already showed that). Though I might be able to generate enough power to as well as the FBM. (Though I must say 23 chops through a 5 inch thick log is pretty darn impressive and would be hard to beat... unless I had a chainsaw <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Though I've always wanted to use a Res-C chopper. I would maybe have a Busse Basic 9 or so if they weren't so [censored] expensive, hard to find, and made of MINFI.

Also, I lost my RTAK, so the DFLE would replace that.

In an endurance race, the DF would win.

ahhhh.
mac makes a good point...

(OMG!!!!!!
ME AND MAC AGREED ON SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I'm sure you'd tire with an ffbm long before you did with a DFCG.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I don't know about the endurance race. I've been able to chop for pretty darn long with my FBM with out getting tired. (Then again, 8-9 years of swim team does help)

I'd probably just keep swinging both and won't really care when I get tired. Though the RES-C would probably absorb a good amount of shock and I would fell more comfortable in the hand for prolong chopping. Though I really can't complain with the FBM 'cause I could probably get through most the stuff in half the amount of chops most big knives need. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Swim team, ha. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hey sharp your a ninja, what do you think of....
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=12&idproduct=114

http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/apparel%20main/ranger_hoodie.htm

They dont have the ranger hoodie in my size in green right now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

... real ninjas don't reveal their identity...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well we dont know sharps or cloaks real names.

still...
just too much their saying...
phony!!
(phonie? [SP?])

hua wha?

and its phony btw

Hahaha I'm glad I've cultivated the same ninja rep...

As for the links that mac. posted, I'm a huge fan of TAD gear...except for the price. Too much $$$$ for a guy like me. Thats not to say they're not worth the money-- far from it. My only problem with the ranger hoodie, though I love the design, is that fleece attracts dirt, burrs, and other debris like none other! Since my playground up in southern Washington ("the gorge") is covered in burrs, fleece is not an option. I do need a new softshell rather badly though. A cheaper alternative is this one

http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-tactical-sabre-jacket.html

and its actually waterproof.. though, not as nice or cool, and only available in black, navy, and tan

I don't know, I just love the culture at TAD gear, it fits me perfectly: Technical outdoors gear, with a slight tactical aura

Watchu talkin' 'bout tad gear.

NINJA IT OUT!!!!!

http://www.allcombat.com/ninjauniform.html (God d***, this must be the funniest site I've seen)

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The ranger hoodie is good.

I'd much prefer the Stealth series or the Predator. I guess better materials. Sharkskin and Hardshell.

If you can find the Nike Softshell that I have, go for it. They are extremely light and very comfortable. I really like them. Sadly as Nike goes, their light and thin soft shell (don't get fooled by the thinness, I've been in pretty harsh winds with nothing but the Nike jacket, and my entire torso/chest/neck was completely un-phased) they go for about $200.

If you want a cheap waterproof jacket look at Black Diamond. I've got a softshell that is completely waterproof that was only $50.

Are you sure you don't just like Nike because they're the home town team? And even though I couldn't put my finger on it earlier, it all makes sense now: Sharp is a swimmer - I knew I liked him! Mac bashes swimmers - I knew...

Back to clothing... I've been really impressed with Mountain Hardware stuff. By far the most duarble outdoor clothing I own is MH.

Yeah Mountain Hardware is great, although thats local to the Portland Area also since Mountain Hardware is owned by Columbia Sportswear. So I guess I might have a bias to that especially since my mom works for Columbia Sportswear.

No I've always like Nike. Good stuff but overpriced is my only problem. I have boughten a ton of shoes from Nike. I have like 3-4 pairs of Jordans (2, 18.5, 19, and maybe some other series, they are all worn out and non existent, I don't collect shoes!!! ), a pair of Air Vicks (suede, man... suede... also worn out and non-existent), 1 pair of Monster Shocks (in decent condition), 1 pair of TL3 Shocks, and probably some other Nikes that I've forgotten about.

For the time being I'm wearing Pumas. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

(Not to mention my Dad has like 3-4 pairs of different Air 360s, WTF?!?!?!)


<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Have you questioned if I was a swimmer before?

And Mac shouldn't be bashing on swimmers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Especially me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


MH makes some very good out door gear. I currently don't own anything from them, though. Mostly because I don't like fleece jackets.

I also like Marmot. I would were my Marmot Gravity Jacket... if it wasn't in dark blue. They don't come in earth tone colors. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

What are you talking about Mac, I now Sharps name <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
As far as jackets go, Carharrt all the way!
Although recently they have products made in Mexico <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

my friend is on the swim team.
it does get you in shape...
and you do look like a swim team kind of person.
I'd like to see mac swim a few miles... then see what he has to say.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

(jk)

jackets...
no clue.
I shop at
www.zambooie.com

.. for the most part.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I can swim a few miles, I am a strong swimmer.

I swim in the middle of lake erie all the time.

Its just I wouldnt join the swim team. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I can pull (with a pull- buoy) a mile in about 14-15 minutes maybe less. I quit swimming about a year ago.

I hate distance swimming and meets took up all my weekends.


Cloak,

Man, I seen like..uhh.. an orange... his aura or what ever, I seen it... giveittomenow!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

ha!
..
man... I used to swim like...
13 laps in my little 3' deep pool!
that thing was like 12 feet across too!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
lol

yeah dude... I just felt like siding with sharp in hopes I'd catch you at something you weren't good at... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
if you want the truth.


<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> (notice the use of new smileys)


.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm not good at spelling or baseball or basketball or electronics.

Odd that this shelter building thread has become something not involving the building of shelters....

man... I can kinda spell... if I don't type to fast.
electronics??
maybe if I have directions...
alright good!
I have some knowledge now.
I will become the best speller and electronic (basketball and baseball aren't my thing) wizz I can!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Let's be serious for a second. 14*60/16.5 = <51 seconds per 100 for a 1650. I don't think so, even pulling. FYI, 14:27 is the NCAA record for the 1650. My guess is that you pull a mile in roughly 20 minutes.

I can pull a mile in one on calm seas.....














....on a jetski <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for catching that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

It was a 1000 that I did in that time.

A mile would tame me 20 minutes.

It's actually been quite a while since I've been anywhere near a pool. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I just found this thread; nice shelter!
It's been awhile since I have built one. Having a wife has sort of unprimitived our outdoor experiences a bit.

We had, at one time, planned on building a huge hooch on our property in PA, but it never got beyond the planning stage.
We did make a pretty cool tree-house thing, modeled after the old toy planet-of-the-apes treehouse that they sold for the action figures back in the day.

Roo,

You should get some pics of the tree-house. I'm sure you could modify it a little more to make it a more accommodable shelter.

Have you seen our trapping thread?

Mr. Sharp,
I am actually going to the land o' the treehouse this upcoming week.
I shall take photos.
My wife actually came up with a ladder for it, so she can get into it easily. We purposely made it difficult to enter, to make repelling boarders an easier task.
In the back of our property, qwe set up a paracord and poncho hooch maybe 20 years ago, to see how long it would last until it fell apart from neglect. I havn't checked it out in maybe 2 years; I will get some photos of that, as well.

No, I have not seen the trapping thread, yet. Man traps, I hope?

Roo,

Awesome Roo, I can't wait to see this. I've always wanted a tree house since I was little.

I never got to ever making one cause I frequently moved. Now, I'm situated in OR but I don't have a massive tree to build one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Here's the link to trap making and semi-chop off.

Cloak and I also made another shelter here.

Have fun at the treehouse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

hahaha I always arrive late to these little chats.

I'm with Mac on this one, I can't spell, hit a baseball, or shoot hoops to save my life.

No gentlemen, football (soccer) is my game. It really builds your endurance and agility, which comes in very handy for the light hiking that Sharp and I do. In fitness terms, soccer boils down to being REALLY tired, and then forcing yourself to sprint again. Our coach's main job outside the team is leading backpacking trips for a youth outdoors non-profit, and he swears by soccer as a life saver on strenuous hikes. After hiking 14 hours straight down the middle of a large stream (see my avatar) for the first time, I'm inclined to agree with him.

Hehehe I'm formulating a grand unified theory of sharp vs. macgregor's personality, and it involves them being fundamentally similar <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />, but different enough in the minor details to result in frequent arguement

where am I cloak???
I know, I know... don't even tell me.
I can't even say what I probably SEEM like, on a family forum like this one so... I won't.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I liked football... I'm awesome on the D line...
but anyways... I can't remember the last time I did anything cardio related so.. I need to get in shape before I hit the woods! (if I ever get out into some woods!)
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Right Cloak,

I'm forming my own TOET. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Also, I suck at running an anything that has to do with land endurance. In the water, I'm pretty darn good. On land, call me "The Tortoise." (and don't you dare go to TMNT!!!!!!! I will slay you!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Hahaha, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Wheres that rolling on the floor laughing smilie when you need it?

Speaking of shelters.
My mom got me one of these $300 Cantona tants for my birthday.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MIL2165-66669-593.html

http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productid=16392&TabID=1287&CatID=1298
^Theres my new tent at retail price.

A little late, but nice shelter guys. I wish I had a place like that nearby as my "playground".

Mac, Happy Birthday! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Since this pertains to shelter making...

Cloak, dude, we gotta see if we can make a more practical shelter next time out in the woods. May take this one down, just the log frame and keep the beam up (good place to hang gear and stuff).

There's quite a good amount of random dirt and debris around the are. You know the pine stump that we got the fatwood, a little bit further down, where we set up the macro-scale deadfall, there's a log or maybe it's just a pile of debris that we could use.

That or we could try finishing the one in the Gorge during the fall.