Gathering Thank You Note

Guyon

Guyon

Biscuit Whisperer
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There's a pic thread with a few pics and lots of promises of more to come. However, I wanted to start an appreciation thread so that the thank-you's stand out. I am always amazed at the generosity at these Gatherings. I also am always impressed at the breadth and depth of knowledge at these things. Beckerheads are some damn smart folks in my estimation.

Number one thank-you goes to Ethan Becker who opens his home up the same way he'd open it to family. He defines hospitality and graciousness. Thanks also to folks who sent stuff via mail. The good folks at Ka-Bar, like John Stitt and Joe Bradley, sent a box of 1095 goodies for giveaway. GSO1962 sent meat. Lots of meat. Good golly meat. 710 sent along a bevy of t-shirts that were much appreciated during the giveaway. He also sent a passel of K-Barley sheaths that are going to be the next big thing in beer accessorizing. Gus provided some most excellent insulated cups and and an insulated growler (screw you Murph) for the giveaway. Dex handed me a firesteel and some stainless hardware, the latter already riding on a 16. As I was leaving, he "forced" me to put some boudin in my cooler. I tried to resist, but... well, no actually, I didn't resist. Murph and Gus plied me with new and interesting brews. Kay tucked a kit bag into my hands. Phillip passed out some kickass MRE's. Vik and SWMBO made soap and then handed it out. Derek taught folks about kydex bending and gave some out. Terrio was busy almost the entire Gathering tempting people with treats made by Mrs. Angie.

That reminds me. The food. Oh, the food. From Kay's vegetable soup to Dex's boudin to Ethan's MOTHER OF ALL PORK LOINS and cheese grits, there was no lack of delicious goodness.
There were even snails! Mutant ninja snails I tell you! I'm not sure anyone ate them, but I had a helluva time watching Crenshaw try to field dress one of them. :D

Anyway, thanks to everyone, even to gutsy and Derek for their questionable embraces. We'll always have Half Moon Ridge.
 
Another great Becker family reunion. Great to see old friends and make new ones. The generosity of Beckerheads is legendary and starts at the top. Ethan's gracious and genuine hospitality is amazing. He puts a lot into these things and loves every minute of it. Kabar always comes through and makes everyone feel the love with lots of steel and goodies. The folks that made the effort, spent their time and money to send wonderful gifts deserve many thanks. They caused many smiles and everyone raved about the gesture. It's a hell of a party and everyone that pitched in (present or not) deserves a huge thank you from all that were there. Big Fun indeed.
 
tradewater said:
Big Fun indeed.
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However, I'll add that people probably don't realize how much work goes into one of these things. Sustained eating, drinking, smiling, and laughing at this level of intensity takes a toll. Thanks to those who made the sacrifice.
 
Well said, gentlemen. It's the sort of thing that gives one a little faith in humanity.
 
First off, I've never been to a gathering, but I still want to say thanks. Mostly thanks to everyone that makes this place what it is (even the online version). The Becker Subforum has been one of the most active subforums here for some time, mostly due to these types of events, and the support and community that is built around them.

And I love knowing that Ethan stops by and comments on things that even us regular Joes post up.

Sounds like you guys had a great time :).
 
Yes, huge thanks to Ethan, who made certain that everyone felt at home and welcome, and that no one went hungry. His hospitality and generosity are second to none.

We a were also all appreciative of those who sent goodies for the giveaway. Stainless steel containers from Gus, knives from Ka-Bar, shirts and stickers from the 710.

I personally made off with a fair bit of loot as is usual at the gathering.

DSC00928_zpsa7115d88.jpg


Though I was disappointed that Todd did not have any Maguas to sell at the gathering, I did receive a shirt from him. Thanks, Todd, and I will be sure to wear it not cut it up for shop rags. Kay and Trade gave everyone a drawstring bag, which I'm certain will find its way into one of my packs or kits. I snagged a few stickers from 710, some of which are already attached to the door of my knife cabinet. Thanks to Dex, I have some slotted stainless hardware, which can be tightened with a Vic Farmer (I tested them already). The soap from Vic and his wife did not make it in the picture because I immediately took it to the shower and used it when I got home. Also the MRE from Rolled Edge was still in the cooler, but is much appreciated. I procured some of the sisal rope scraps from the rope cutting session (makes a great coal extender). I also managed to win a BK-16 in the giveaway. I also came home with a stove prototype that I hope to be able to post more about in the future.

Then there was the food, abundant and delicious. The meat from GSO1962, boudin that Dex brought and cooked, Kay's soup and fried pies, assorted snacks from Terrio, all the eggs and sausage and other meat that was brought by various attendees for our protein filled breakfasts, and of course the meals that Ethan prepared for us; all was eaten all was excellent.

Finally, there was the knowledge gained and laughs had, more than could possibly be quantified and listed in a forum post. From kydex bending and soap making to knife techniques and survival philosophy, the BeckerHeads have a great store of wisdom and generously share it.
 
Thanks need to go a lotta ways....... Julio's ( the 710) generosity is becoming legendary...... Gus and Christine's gifts were wonderful (I am quaffing coffee from one of the tumblers as I write)........ Dex brought enough Cajun Goodness to feed us all...... GSO1962 sent some great dried sausage(it will be part of my dinner tonight) and it really tickled my German Gene Package.....

My dear old Ma always said that the great gift to others is the gift of self and this is what brings me to the point of tears with the Beckerheads.........EVERYBODY at the gatherings gives of themselves........EVERYBODY!!!!!!...... When something needs be done, when somebody has a question, when somebody needs a hand it just happens....... I cannot tell you how many times the third hand I need just frigging APPEARS and, I see it with everyone else too....... I did not even have to do any dishes.....Kay and Laura just did it........ Wood needed to be unloaded, it just happened......... Fire happened ........ The shop got cleaned up..... I just got back from Beckerhead Camp and I had to do ZERO to make it well........... Tara gave a soap class, Terrio shared his vast knowledge, as did Vik and Chance........ Kay made a ton of her patent and very useful ditty bags and took none home........ Hawk shared boom, boom time and his most lovely grand daughter ........ I will be thanking Trade for the spit for a LOOOOOOONG tIme.........

I always used to say that when I gave a big party it was a gift to my friends and when I gave a small party it was a gift to me but this was a big party and I had such a good time I felt selfish .........SOOOOOOOOO.........THANK YOU and hurry back.....

E
 
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SaturatedShadow said:
fried pies
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I gained five pounds at the Gathering at least. I had a chocolate pie, a cherry pie, and an apple pie (I think). Missed the pineapple somehow.
Oh, and thanks again to Vik's wife for the beauty products. I definitely need them.

Mystery stove you say? Thanks to two other fellas as well.

8F7545EB-48F6-4BAA-B257-A8A94438245D_zpsmesdvqqa.jpg
 
I found a pineapple pie stuck to the bottom of the stove when we got home. I'll scrape it off and mail it.
 
Thanks to all who make these things the raging success they are -- especially whoever sacrificed that goat to appease the weather gods for once. :)
 
1066vik said:
...especially whoever sacrificed that goat to appease the weather gods for once. :)
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No kidding, it was so nice all weekend I never even bothered to unpack. Didn't need my sweater or tarp or nothin', just curled up next to the fire with my sleeping bag. :thumbup:
 
If I had to choose between celebrating my birthday or Christmas and going to a Beckerhead Gathering, I'd choose the Gathering every time :thumbup:
 
I'm just gonna run through a list of everyone to thank...

Ethan (for obvious reasons!)
Kabar (Also obvious reasons!)
Tradewater (for bringing Kay and being an overwhelming wealth of knowledge!)
Kay (The bags are awesome, the food is amazing, your generosity is legendary)
Chance and Laura (For showing shooting tips, bringing Remy, laughing at my jokes)
Vik (for the beer soap and classes)
Julio (for the Ka-Barley Holsters, shirts, stickers)
Greg (For your meat, it was amazing!)
Dex (for not setting your face on fire, boudain and BK-11CSM)

And everyone else that attended for making the gatherings a family reunion whether it's the first time there or the 8th time there.
 
If I leave anyone out, I'm sorry. These things always end up like an Oscar speech, I'll probably forget to name someone.

I'd like to thank Ethan for being such a gracious host as always and for showing us that it is possible for a Yankee to surpass Southern hospitality. I can't imagine opening up my home and property to a bunch of hooligans, but you sir do it with style and grace.
710 provided us with some awesome Ka-Barley holsters, very much appreciated. Not only that, but he donated a bunch of the newly designed Beckerhead shirts. I'm happy to report that my Dad walked away with one. He'd actually mentioned early on after seeing Biscuit's that he wanted one
Gus and Christine for braving customs and bringing us more of your fine Canadian libations.
Dex for being just awesome. The Boudin, snails, hardware, etc. You're a classy dude, even if you look a bit like an extra from "Lone Survivor".


I'll add more when I get to work, just wanted to throw this down before I forgot!
 
I'm kinda weird when it comes to thank you's just because I have a fear of them not sounding sincere when they are meant to be just the opposite. So, here it goes with my own twist.

First off, of coarse Ethan. Not only for all the obvious reasons everybody else mentioned but personally speaking I want to thank him for always leaving enough room in his compliments to me so I keep striving to do and be better. Also for being a huge inspiration to me as a well respected man in the business, but more importantly the inspiration he gives me as far as being a fantastic human being and a lesson to us all on how to treat people in general.

My list can go on and on about everyone that was there. A lot of people contributed a lot of time, effort, and goods that was all selflessly given away so everyone could have a good time. I thank all of the people that have been mentioned in the earlier post. But I want to thank everyone in general that was there. Most I knew, some I didn't. But all are friends now. I know of no place in the world where you can go and be so welcomed and in my case, supported and encouraged.

Thank you....All.
 
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First I'd like to thank Ethan. He is such a great person and a great host. He opens up his home, workshop, and awesome mountain top to us and also cooks us fabulous meals. What is really cool is the fact that he hangs out with us and is just a regular guy who just so happens to have extraordinary knife designs that we all love as well as many other successful accomplishments through out his life. Most people with this much success usually don't end up as nice or so kind hearted as our Uncle Ethan. He is one of a kind and it was such a pleasure to hang out with him once again.


T.M. Hunt- Thanks for hooking me up with more deer antler for my projects and also the metal for our top-secret project.
(Well, Terrio must have tapped our email cause I still can't believe he came up with the same Idea. lol Great Minds...........)
Also for helping me with the ginormous Snail project......... You disappeared a little half way thru but I blame Jerry for screwing things up. haha

Vik and Tara- Thank you both for the soap seminar and also the bar of beer soap! Can't wait to use it. Think it will do wonders for my beard.
Also thank you for the cool bonnie hat you gave me to cover up my bald head from the sun.
Oh, and that peach mead was fantastic! I will send you an empty bottle before the next gathering to fill up. :)

James Terrio- Thanks for the birch bark. And thank you for talking about business and products and all that stuff.
I have so much to learn and I really do appreciate any advice from people who have been in this business as long as you.
And thank your wife for all the treats! So good!

Murph- Thanks for eating that live scorpion! Made my day brother. And your Dad was a cool guy as well, thanks for bringing him.

Pong- Thanks for jumping in helping with the snails and boudin. It really did turn out to be a huge project.

Jerry and the Midnight salesman- Thanks for letting us use and test your stoves. Think we had it burning for 2 or 3 hours straight that one night.

Kay- Thank you for making the peach cobbler, it would never have come out as good if I would have done it over the fire. And thanks for the pies! OMG I ate too many. So good.
And thank you so much for the awesome bag, I will put it to good use for sure.

Tradewater- Thanks for bringing Kay.

Phillip- Thanks for the MRE's and the cigar. Smoked that bad boy on the way home.

Mike- Not sure if you get on the forums and read, but I wanted to thank you for what you showed me. It truly was a gift and I Sincerely appreciate it my friend. Good luck over seas.

Andrew- Thanks for being you. I so much enjoy hanging out with you and wish I lived closer to you guys.

Gunyon- haha- Thanks for the forty brother!

Hawk- Thanks for bringing those dimples! It was so awesome to see her enjoy herself out there and be so into learning to use a knife, make fire, and everything else she learned to do.

Derek- Thanks for the liner material and for not cutting me with all those knives you waved in my face. :D

Gus- Thanks for the stainless cup. I love double walled! Your dogs rock too. Will bring mine next time so they can mingle. Or try at least. lol

GSO- Thanks for the dried sausage! It was so good.

710- Thanks for the Awesome Stickers!


I know I probably left people out, please forgive me, so much happened that weekend that I can't remember some stuff at the movement.

I would like to thank everyone who was there for being such a great group of people, helping out, and being so generous to each other.

And thank you to everyone who looked at my work and gave me feedback on my designs and craftsmanship. Also the people who took my stuff home and those that showed interest. I thank you and appreciate you giving my work a chance.

My first trip up to TN, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not someone who really likes to hang out with lots of people, especially strangers. Kinda keep to myself and usually prefer to do things solo. I even try to get out of most family functions cause they all seem more like strangers than most of you. haha
But by the second day there It really did feel like I was hanging out with old friends and I had a great time.

This second trip I kinda knew what to expect and was really looking forward to seeing lots of you guys again. This time it actually felt like a huge family reunion. I can't wait till next year.

So to sum this up, It doesn't matter where you are from, how much money you make, what kind of job you have, how old you are, What outdoor experience you have, or anything else that usually divides groups in society. Seems that once you get to Becker mountain, all that crap is left behind and we are all equals, all friends, and all family.

Thank you.
 
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