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- Oct 8, 2001
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(To be completed in parts)
Montana Trip - 6/22 - 6/29 2008
Six months ago, I committed to go to this hammer-in, based upon the overwhelmingly positive reactions of past attendees, and upon Josh's powerful preparations. I am REALLY glad I made this initiative.
As an aside, I have been wishing for years to visit family in Vancouver Canada, as my wife Susan's father and grandmother live there. We hadn't been out there since before my 5-yr-old Trevor was born. Montana isn't all that far from Vancouver. Hmmmm.......
We flew to Seattle on sunday, arriving at 5:30pm. By 6 we were driving a large rented 'Nissan Quest' minivan 2 hours up to Vancouver. Passports secured, we crossed without fanfare. We spent the next day and a half visiting family and enjoying the Vancouver downtown waterfront (Her dad owns a nice sailboat). Vancouver is making large preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics and there is much getting built. A superb host city by all measures.
Because of jet lag Trevor was up at 5am on tuesday. I got up with him and we scooted out of the house to drive to a ferry terminal to watch a VERY large ferry get loaded with tractor trailers and cars/people, heading to Vancouver Island and Victoria BC. We only watched the 7am departure and it was great fun (especially finding lost pennies in the ferry terminal - what treasures!
)
Departing on tuesday morning, we took off on an eastward journey through the Canadian rockies via route 3. It was not the quickest route and that was exactly my wish. For the next three days we meandered through Canada and the US, finding Missoula on thursday evening.
The drive and the wilderness for those three days was as memorable as I have enjoyed anywhere. Nirvana for an urban dweller. We stayed and ate at Mom & Pop restaurants and motels, and stayed at Osoyoos and Kettle Falls, both in Canada. We found playgrounds, playmates, kookie antique stores, natural food deli's, old barns, rusted cars, fantastic smells, rocky brooks with water so clean it tasted better than my tap water, and more stuff. This was the Vacation portion of my trip, and I needed it. Mission accomplished.
Arriving in Missoula, I had already taken advantage of Josh's recommended car rental service (which saved me OVER $600 from my best internet price!!!!), so we booked at Ruby's Motel. At $75 per night (special ABS price) this wonderful modern facility had a heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi, free wifi, a running brook in the back yard, and a full complimentary hot buffet breakfast every morning. We were stunned at the amenities and great service. There was nothing but good vibes coming at us!
On Friday we drove to the ranch, and met Josh and Jodi along with their kids and pets (Trevor's playmates for most of the weekend). Jodi's warmth and helpfulness were as open as the countryside we were surrounded by. Josh's ranch is in a valley, and there was green mountains in both directions. We were told this was a special place and I will restate the obvious: It IS!
Josh had prepared a spot in his garage for me with two long tables, and I was able to set up my previously shipped studio as I needed. During the next two days I kept the studio running, and offered tips on my setup to anyone who watched and had queries. I also gave the attendees a special rate, if there was a need for a portfolio shots--which was recommended by Josh and others. As it turns out I stayed fairly busy throughout the entire weekend providing photographs.
Cut back to Friday evening, and I was invited to attend the small maker's show, hosted at 'L.A. Design' art gallery in Missoula. An incredibly upscale gallery, we were surrounded by comfortable couches and tables, superb western paintings, and a delicious dinner. A fitting locale for the qualty of the work of the four makers who were on this year's list. Each maker had at least four pieces and, as has been done before, there were four maker boxes and a lottery system of tickets deposited in each one.
I was only able to individually shoot a small portion of the knives being offered, and I am certain Buddy or Keith or others shot an overview of the table to see. I came to this event with little intention of making a purchase, but I got caught in the opportunity and selected only one ticket for a wonderful lockback by Larry Fuegen. Damascus bowie blade, engraved silver bolsters, killer mammoth scales, and a fileworked backspine with a touch of gold on the lockback bar. This knife was talkin' to me! As luck had been following me around, I was chosen for this wonder out of six other tickets. Gulp.....
I talked with Larry, and the more he described it the more it was valid. (The folder was $3100). Alas, after ten minutes of retrospection, and with a family in tow, I decided I had jumped the gun. I privately talked to Larry that we should move down the list. He was plenty aware of my needs, and was happy that he did not have a collector with buyer's remorse. Someone else was happier still.
As I drove back from this show I saw 1800ft Mt. Sentinal, right behind the University of Montana, with a trail leading up to the top. There is a GIGANTIC 'M' up 620 ft from the base and leading up to it is a switchback trail that is a staple of the Missoula athletes and adventurous fitness buffs. Want more 'fun'? Follow the M trail all the way up to the top, but don't count on switchbacks to ease the load....
(Yes those little specks are people....!)
Next morning at 6:00am, I was stretching in the base parking lot, ready to go. After five days of lazy driving and eating I needed a wakeup call. I am fairly fit, and am used to aerobic pressing. It is 1 and 3/4 miles to the top. I was not to be dissappointed; exactly 43'58" from departure, I stepped onto the top clearing. (Not that I am conscious about exact times or anything. I passed the 'M' at the 14-minute mark.) The climb was always steadily hard, and sometimes teeth-clenching, but I never rested. Better to take the pace down than stop, has always been my method. Coming down is not aerobic, but the quads and knees are in braking tension all the way. I am still sore. This was a literal highpoint of my vacation as well!
Back at the site, I was impressed with how well-thought-out Josh had prepared. There were giant tents to shield the attendees during the seminars (It was over 90* both days), and each instructor had a headset with amplification to speak to the crowd without having to strain. Josh also had a video camera and a 40" BIG screen showing the detail work of the instructors, zooming right in on the close work for all to see. Really made the experience worthy and without disappointments that these type of seminars sometimes bring. I had the pleasure of meeting countless makers, collectors, and notable knife people.
(To be continued.....)
Coop
Montana Trip - 6/22 - 6/29 2008
Six months ago, I committed to go to this hammer-in, based upon the overwhelmingly positive reactions of past attendees, and upon Josh's powerful preparations. I am REALLY glad I made this initiative.
As an aside, I have been wishing for years to visit family in Vancouver Canada, as my wife Susan's father and grandmother live there. We hadn't been out there since before my 5-yr-old Trevor was born. Montana isn't all that far from Vancouver. Hmmmm.......
We flew to Seattle on sunday, arriving at 5:30pm. By 6 we were driving a large rented 'Nissan Quest' minivan 2 hours up to Vancouver. Passports secured, we crossed without fanfare. We spent the next day and a half visiting family and enjoying the Vancouver downtown waterfront (Her dad owns a nice sailboat). Vancouver is making large preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics and there is much getting built. A superb host city by all measures.
Because of jet lag Trevor was up at 5am on tuesday. I got up with him and we scooted out of the house to drive to a ferry terminal to watch a VERY large ferry get loaded with tractor trailers and cars/people, heading to Vancouver Island and Victoria BC. We only watched the 7am departure and it was great fun (especially finding lost pennies in the ferry terminal - what treasures!
)Departing on tuesday morning, we took off on an eastward journey through the Canadian rockies via route 3. It was not the quickest route and that was exactly my wish. For the next three days we meandered through Canada and the US, finding Missoula on thursday evening.
The drive and the wilderness for those three days was as memorable as I have enjoyed anywhere. Nirvana for an urban dweller. We stayed and ate at Mom & Pop restaurants and motels, and stayed at Osoyoos and Kettle Falls, both in Canada. We found playgrounds, playmates, kookie antique stores, natural food deli's, old barns, rusted cars, fantastic smells, rocky brooks with water so clean it tasted better than my tap water, and more stuff. This was the Vacation portion of my trip, and I needed it. Mission accomplished.
Arriving in Missoula, I had already taken advantage of Josh's recommended car rental service (which saved me OVER $600 from my best internet price!!!!), so we booked at Ruby's Motel. At $75 per night (special ABS price) this wonderful modern facility had a heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi, free wifi, a running brook in the back yard, and a full complimentary hot buffet breakfast every morning. We were stunned at the amenities and great service. There was nothing but good vibes coming at us!
On Friday we drove to the ranch, and met Josh and Jodi along with their kids and pets (Trevor's playmates for most of the weekend). Jodi's warmth and helpfulness were as open as the countryside we were surrounded by. Josh's ranch is in a valley, and there was green mountains in both directions. We were told this was a special place and I will restate the obvious: It IS!
Josh had prepared a spot in his garage for me with two long tables, and I was able to set up my previously shipped studio as I needed. During the next two days I kept the studio running, and offered tips on my setup to anyone who watched and had queries. I also gave the attendees a special rate, if there was a need for a portfolio shots--which was recommended by Josh and others. As it turns out I stayed fairly busy throughout the entire weekend providing photographs.
Cut back to Friday evening, and I was invited to attend the small maker's show, hosted at 'L.A. Design' art gallery in Missoula. An incredibly upscale gallery, we were surrounded by comfortable couches and tables, superb western paintings, and a delicious dinner. A fitting locale for the qualty of the work of the four makers who were on this year's list. Each maker had at least four pieces and, as has been done before, there were four maker boxes and a lottery system of tickets deposited in each one.
I was only able to individually shoot a small portion of the knives being offered, and I am certain Buddy or Keith or others shot an overview of the table to see. I came to this event with little intention of making a purchase, but I got caught in the opportunity and selected only one ticket for a wonderful lockback by Larry Fuegen. Damascus bowie blade, engraved silver bolsters, killer mammoth scales, and a fileworked backspine with a touch of gold on the lockback bar. This knife was talkin' to me! As luck had been following me around, I was chosen for this wonder out of six other tickets. Gulp.....
I talked with Larry, and the more he described it the more it was valid. (The folder was $3100). Alas, after ten minutes of retrospection, and with a family in tow, I decided I had jumped the gun. I privately talked to Larry that we should move down the list. He was plenty aware of my needs, and was happy that he did not have a collector with buyer's remorse. Someone else was happier still.
As I drove back from this show I saw 1800ft Mt. Sentinal, right behind the University of Montana, with a trail leading up to the top. There is a GIGANTIC 'M' up 620 ft from the base and leading up to it is a switchback trail that is a staple of the Missoula athletes and adventurous fitness buffs. Want more 'fun'? Follow the M trail all the way up to the top, but don't count on switchbacks to ease the load....
(Yes those little specks are people....!)
Next morning at 6:00am, I was stretching in the base parking lot, ready to go. After five days of lazy driving and eating I needed a wakeup call. I am fairly fit, and am used to aerobic pressing. It is 1 and 3/4 miles to the top. I was not to be dissappointed; exactly 43'58" from departure, I stepped onto the top clearing. (Not that I am conscious about exact times or anything.
I passed the 'M' at the 14-minute mark.) The climb was always steadily hard, and sometimes teeth-clenching, but I never rested. Better to take the pace down than stop, has always been my method. Coming down is not aerobic, but the quads and knees are in braking tension all the way. I am still sore. This was a literal highpoint of my vacation as well!Back at the site, I was impressed with how well-thought-out Josh had prepared. There were giant tents to shield the attendees during the seminars (It was over 90* both days), and each instructor had a headset with amplification to speak to the crowd without having to strain. Josh also had a video camera and a 40" BIG screen showing the detail work of the instructors, zooming right in on the close work for all to see. Really made the experience worthy and without disappointments that these type of seminars sometimes bring. I had the pleasure of meeting countless makers, collectors, and notable knife people.
(To be continued.....)
Coop
Last edited:
At the Saturday dinner, I showed a slideshow of completely unedited images of the various knives and inset photos. Most could not understand how they could be improved further with editing. (Thats the benefit of getting it right the first time with good lighting.)
