GTG at Backwoods Savage's place. Property within the red lines. Middle red line would be where it would actually take place. Okay fellas, many have prompted me at various times and hints have been thrown out. I received another one recently. I've been very ill for the past month but this gives one time to think. So, I did my best to get the thinker working and got it in at least first gear and even was brave enough to ask my wife about this. This is not something that could be done right away but would be a future project, probably sometime in 2016. Probably a Saturday-Sunday affair. But when? Spring can be great and for that I would like late March or very early April. Mid or late May could be possible also. We would not have to be very concerned with mud here as we have very little problems with it. The worst is on the road coming in! We are on yellow sand so water usually goes away quickly but we do have a few springs but they are easy to avoid. Other possible times would be December but we'd have to work around muzzle loader deer season on that one and it could not be too close to Christmas as that should be family time for all. So that would no doubt mean something like the first weekend of December. January is a possibility but then we never know about snow, ice (God forbid) and that terrible cold which can come in January and usually also brings some high winds. One other possibility would be sometime during the summer but this might be difficult as families tend to take vacations then and there is much else going on. But we'd be open to it. 1. Let's get some kind of an idea if there really is interest. 2. How many people likely would attend? 3. When would be your preference for a date? 4. What kind of activities would you like to have? I have some ideas and just to scatter them, we'd probably have some rolls and donuts in the mornings. My wife has committed to something special for treats for all that will be prepared at a bon fire. We do not drink coffee here so would ask someone else to take on that responsibility. What to eat? Would we have grills for grilling some meat? Chili? Tube steak? Other goodies?! What to drink? We would probably supply a couple tubs to keep cold drinks in. Naturally a standing rule would be no alcohol until a set time late in the day but soft drinks and things like gatorade and plain water should be available during daytime hours. We would no doubt rent some type of large tent or covering in case of rain. We'd also rent one of the portable johns as the gathering would be a ways from the house and the Mrs might not like everyone going in and out of the house all day either. What about activities? We could get a few logs out ahead of time for those who like to test their saws making cookies. We would have a splitter so everyone could learn the proper way of splitting firewood. Someone else might even bring their splitter so we'd be able to test a couple of them. We could have a wood stacking demonstration. Perhaps even sort of a short seminar by someone like Scotty on the proper method of felling and bucking trees. I might even ahead of time fell a tree and make sure to hang it. Then we could cut that down to show how it is done. Maybe a couple of them so we can even bring them down with atv and winch or tractor and chain. How about a log pull? That is, by hand. No motors allowed. Have, say, an 8' small log and pull it from point A to point B. This would be the only speed contest as speed has no place when cutting trees or bucking logs. I'm sure other things will be thought of. So there you have it guys. Please voice your ideas and if you would attend. PS. I thought of PapaDave when I wrote the title. Who are interested rather than who is interested.
I'd definitely be interested in attending. I've been looking for a gtg to be closer to the Midwest, and it would be a great thing for all to go to.
I do believe there will be on in Illinois sometime this spring. Wish I could tell you who but you can do a search.
Dennis I would love to attend, it would be great if we could make this an event to get you a lot of wood split. You have been a great help to everyone here and other forums. That would be a great way to thank you for all the help you have given.
Well Dennis, I've been hoping either you or someone else in the area would suggest this. I'd probably come fairly early and stay until evening, then drive home, but then again, you never know what next year will bring. I voted maybe, just because Bev's dad is here and I'd need to make sure it wouldn't be too much for her to be alone for the day with him. I wonder how many would be willing to bring a dish. Depending on the number of people, I might be willing to make some pies for the occasion. I'd hate for all this to fall on yours and Judy's shoulders. I'd bet we could load you up with a whole bunch of Ash by the time all is said and done (maybe I could even take home a couple splits to try out). I'd be very interested in some of those activities, and meeting a bunch of like-minded people.
Its sounds like a lot of fun to me. Its very hard to commit, with kids and their sports and activities taking many of our weekends. But if i could make it, i would come, and be happy to bring a dish to pass. My wife makes some awesome desserts!
I'm in......without question! Maybe I could come a day or so early and help set up (as well as get a prime camping location, lol) I could do a climbing and felling demonstration, maybe do some demos on wood-fired cooking, etc. You let me know when, buddy, and I'll make plans to be there......
Im interested I would love to see you and your wife again. Plus Ive never been to Michigan and since youre looking at this for the long term that gives me plenty of time for consideration.
Well when it happens , we'll need a lot of pictures for us that can't be there. Having fun for a good cause, can't beat that
That's what I'm thinking. And of course we'd bring food. There's enough planning of events like this for the host to have to think of everything.
If I manage to make it, I'll bring the DSLR, and a laptop to upload on the spot....or, as soon I could get hooked to Dennis' wifi. Seven so far (maybe), not including the hosts. Where's the rest of us Michiganderanians?
I would guess you're about 3 hours or so from Dennis and Judy. I'll let Backwoods Savage pass on his particular location info. I'm about that far North of their place, but I don't know the exact location.
Wonder how much wood could be split (vertically of course) with endless rounds rolling to your before you wear out ? Would be fun to take turns siting & splitting while the saw & haul group are bringing in the rounds. Hope Dennis is healed enough to drive the ATV with the trailer attached. I'm getting all excited & won't even be able to be there.
