After setting up my display I was approached by a 71 year old woman who with great enthusiasm announced that she was a Prepper and was actively making provisions for potential natural disasters or other catastrophic events. I listened as she shared the variety of activities she did in this pursuit. I asked her if she had ever made a fire using a ferro rod and she replied “no”, so I asked her if she would like to learn how, to which she enthusiastically replied “yes!”.

I pulled out one of my ferro/mag bars and showed her the construction and purpose of the design and then demonstrated the technique of pulling the rod out from under the striker to keep the sparks centered on the tinder and thus not disturbing the tinder pile by using the opposite approach of striking down the rod with the striker. I handed the device to the woman and had her take a few practice sparks. We learned that this larger ferro/mag bar was an asset because of her arthritic condition and enabled her to hold it well enough for the task.

She had success on the first strike! It’s moments like this that make these events so rewarding. She was able to walk away with a new skill that now helps her to be better prepared. It’s also refreshing to see the festival craftsmen demonstrate their skills so that we can become better prepared too.

Although my survival skills span both modern and primitive, I chose to demonstrate the primitive skills throughout the day to compliment the historic air set by the teepee. My initial demonstration was given to a group of Boy Scouts using the bow and spindle fire method to start the campfire for the day. A little later I was excited to demonstrate flint knapping for the first time. for this craft I showed the traditional tools used by indigenous peoples, but I also showed the counter-part tools made of modern materials.

I always enjoy meeting folks who stop to chat. I have often learned new things that often turn into articles that I post. As usual, I try to replicate or apply what I learn from others to validate it and add insights for clarification. Although W. Kerr Scott Reservoir has only one 50th Anniversary, they offer great programs and provide wonderful facilities for organizations and individuals throughout the year. You can learn more at: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/wkscott/index.htm

Several streets are blocked off for this event. Survivaltek was located on the West end of Main Street on the lower level parking area where I was able to set up the Teepee and displays of survival crafts and products. Of course, firecraft demos were on the agenda as well as baking fish in clay. I over-heard many country folk who recognized the “rabbit gum” or live box trap on display. I also met other enthusiasts who shared their personal experiences. Meanwhile, I’m taking notes and adding to my knowledge base which I enjoy sharing with my website visitors and newsletter subscribers. If you’re in the area next year about this time, stop by Applefest and look for the Teepee…

Last Winter I bought a used Cheyenne style teepee for such an event as this, however, it had one foot in the grave and was riddled with mildew. After several treatments with a special fabric-safe cleaner and a high pressure washer, it has been suitably restored for display. I also preserved a deer hide which I stretched out on a frame. So, if you plan to attend Merlefest this year, look for the teepee and deer hide frame appearing in the adjacent photo and stop by my booth. I would be delighted to meet you. The sound of Bluegrass combined with the aroma of campfire will be a great memory in the making. I’ll fill you in on the details in my next blog.