Day camping trip - Waterloo Rec. Area, MI

kgd · May 31, 2009

Saturday, Becky and I took a trip to Waterloo State Recreation Area in Michigan and camped there the night. It is about 1 h drive from my home and ever since Brian Andrews introducing me to the area back in Feb, I've been itching to get back.

On the way there we stopped by Brian's house and picked up a modified Snow & Neely camp axe that I bought from him. Brian whipped this one up in no time after ordering the modified axe from him. I was surprised he was willing to make sure I'd get an axe in time for my trip.

The axe is very nicely finished, with a two tone wood grain (on this one) that didn't quite show up in this photo. The axe is lighter than I expected it to be and that is good. It is a great size for a backpack. Balance is very nice and Brian's modifications do make it sale through wood during chopping. I had oak hardwood with me, most of it pre-split so unfortunately, I haven't really put this thing to the test yet. When I do, I'll certainly provide a more detailed review of it.

Below is our campsite. We chose to camp near the horseman's area. It was just so much less crowded compared to the lake sites. The wineeying of the horses just added charm to the camping trip too.

After setting up the tent, we took a 5 mile hike that was just perfect. It was about 3 h, bugs weren't too bad and the lush scenery was a pleasant difference from Feb.

11x11x · May 31, 2009

awesome, what size is that snow and neally axe?

kgd · May 31, 2009

We took a break at the look out area and I tried picking up a few bits of rocks to see if I could get them to spark with the flint and steel. I was able to quickly find some nice little sparkers that worked.

Becky was sporting the osage orange Breeden kat knife. She didn't have a belt, but we used the carbiner dangler trick and it worked like a charm!

I didn't exactly pull too much water out of this guy, maybe 4 or 5 drips....

kgd · May 31, 2009

Back at camp. I did a little fire making. I used the flint and steel method and one of the new little striking rocks I found. Oh, but first things first.

Undoing the twine..

About three strikes and a spark was caught

Now for a little batoning action. I know, I know, I have a brand new axe right there and here I am Batoning a Breeden knife to make kindling - what gives? Well, to tell the truth, for the small kindling, I like batoning better. More controlled and easier to do. I'm saving the axe for the bigger stuff!

Once, I had my fire all nicely going, I then got up it did my goofy little fire dance....My wife claimed she caught me here in my ultimate geeky pose....

kgd · May 31, 2009

Becky was jealous of all the knife play and decided to grab my Breeden, she has her own, but she grabbed mine and whittled a bit..

For dinner we roasted some feta/spinach chicken sausages and ate them on Pitas.

I sat back to my cigar and beer, Becky had her red wine. It was a nice a relaxing night. Chilled down to about 6oC at night. Perfect sleeping for the outdoors.

kgd · May 31, 2009

11x11x said:
awesome, what size is that snow and neally axe?

The axe model is the Hudson Bay camp axe with modifications from Brian Andrews. It has a 1 3/4 lb head and 23" hickory handle.

Brian grinds out the sides by the eye so that the head is more aerodynamic when pushing through wood. He removes the coating on the face of the axe and puts a mean convex edge on it. He also treats the handle with linseed oil.

It really is a beauty. I have a 19" fiskars which I thought this was going to team up with, but there isn't much of a weight difference. I have a feeling that for the most part this axe is going to be replacing the little fiskars. It is a great upgrade and price why in between a wetterlings and gransfor's bruks.

Mentor · May 31, 2009

Hard to imagine a better way to spend a day off! Hiking, fire-making, knife play, good food, good company, an IPA and a cigar. :thumbup:

Are you going to leave that S&N handle as-is, or do you plan to drop a stain or finish on it?

All the best,

- Mike

tonym · May 31, 2009

Great pics Ken! I have one of those axes by Brian. It chops and splits very well!

I wish I wasn't stuck here at work, and could get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having here today....

Well, atleast I have your pics.

BarberFobic1992 · May 31, 2009

looks like a fun time, great choice in blades as well :thumbup:

Hassilov · May 31, 2009

Nice photos!

ZombaiO · May 31, 2009

Great pics !
Looks like you've had a great time !

AJ · May 31, 2009

I live about 20 minutes from Waterloo Rec Area. It's an amazing place. So close to cities and civilization, and yet, still remote wilderness. Some great squirrel and grouse hunting to be had in that area.

Sounds like you had a great trip. Maybe the next time folks plan a trip there we can meet up again. Hope to make the next gathering!

AJ

milani74 · May 31, 2009

Great pics kgd!

Bige610 · May 31, 2009

nice i think i might have to head out to waterloo sometime. and i love that axe

Brian Andrews · May 31, 2009

Nice pictures Ken! I knew you would take some good ones there.

Nice beer too. I used to go to ABC quite a bit, but don't buy there stuff from stores anymore. We have some good breweries around here. If you are ever over again, we will have to hit some of them up.

Of course, a camp out at waterloo sounds like it would be a good idea too.

B

kgd · May 31, 2009

Yes we will have to figure out the next trip up Brian and AJ. The park is a great resource right in our backyards. I often think to myself after taking trips like this, why don't I do this more often? The actual cost of the trip is less then what I would have spent had I stayed home on Saturday and I feel like I actually had a good stress breaker for the week ahead.

Anyhow, reminder to all. The camping trips don't necessarily have to be the 8 h drive out to the wilds. They can be the 1 hr drives to somewhat remote spots and enjoy the woods for the little things. The Rustic cabins under less intimidating seasons (compared to winter as in Feb) would make a hell of a good gathering and there are enough members these parts to really fill one of those cabins up. If we could all just get out asses out of our so called important schedules and plan a weekend!

(all that said - June is dead for me....how about the last week of July

)

DOC-CANADA · May 31, 2009

Hey k, some nice pictures there - looks like you had a good time.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Where's the bow drill? (anybody can use flint and steel

)
2. I see Becky has her bug jacket on. Is she the smart one?

3. You seem to be including a picture of Dame's Rocket in your recent posts, is that your signature flower?

Doc

ROCK6 · May 31, 2009

Looks like a great trip kgd...love that Brian-modified axe! I love that area up there!

ROCK6

kgd · May 31, 2009

DOC-CANADA said:
Hey k, some nice pictures there - looks like you had a good time.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Where's the bow drill? (anybody can use flint and steel )
2. I see Becky has her bug jacket on. Is she the smart one?
3. You seem to be including a picture of Dame's Rocket in your recent posts, is that your signature flower?

Doc

You know doc, I actually brought the bow and some pieces of cottonwood to do the drill. Then I came back from the hike and I got more interested in drinking beer.....I don't know......de-motivated I guess. So I made fire the easy way

However, I did use a rock I found on the trail rather than the flint. That ought to stand for something!

I'm less bothered by the skeeters then Becky. Plus I wore a long sleeve shirt and she wore a short sleeve one. She is the smarter one, though, that is true.

So I come out the hike and I get asked, "is that a rocket in your pocket", says the dame. I reply 'No, its a hardened carbon steel striker'

DOC-CANADA · May 31, 2009

kgd said:
You know doc, I actually brought the bow and some pieces of cottonwood to do the drill. Then I came back from the hike and I got more interested in drinking beer.....I don't know......de-motivated I guess. So I made fire the easy way However, I did use a rock I found on the trail rather than the flint. That ought to stand for something! fair enough

I'm less bothered by the skeeters then Becky. Plus I wore a long sleeve shirt and she wore a short sleeve one. She is the smarter one, though, that is true., You passed that test just fine.

So I come out the hike and I get asked, "is that a rocket in your pocket", says the dame. I reply 'No, its a hardened carbon steel striker'

Moderators, is there a 'groan' smilie available?

Doc