Westside Pirate Crew Sierra shindig

[762 shooter]

A number of hte Westside Pirate Crew got together this past weekend to have a good time and hone skills. And hone drinking skills.
When we get together fun is a foregone conclusion.
Me on the first night around the camp fire.

Rowdy revelry.

One of our members giving a dissertation on the fine points of the slingshot.

One of our sponsors is Survival Resources. http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/
They really came through with lots of goodies for this trip. Everybody got something. They have a great site and an excellent selection of gear. Their customer service is second to none!

Knife content. Did someone need a knife?
Look closely, there are lots of knife makers represented on that stump.
My Battle Mistress and Hell razor are difficult to see. Vec hawks and eco hawks figure rather prominently don't they?

The infamous Johnbar. He hates watermelons.

Mrs. Shooter and my Rawk Hawk.

Westside Pirate events are more than the average person can handle.
It was epic, ahem, glorious...

 

[mtnfolk mike]

awesome pics.. definitely looks like a blast.. i am going to have to check it out one of these days..
Matt(oakietree) had sent me an email a few weeks ago about this get-together, but we had way too much going on... maybe next time..

 

[kgd]

Looks like a great time. Always love the get togethers and meets!

 

[762 shooter]

Hmm, how'd that happen?

 

[Oakietree]

Sorry all for the late report I have been busy since getting home.

What a GLORIOUS time! My wife and I spent a long time trying to research every tiny little campspot in the Sierras trying to find a spot that was just right. It wouldn't have been hard to improve on last years location, but after all the shit talking, this year's spot had to be good or else I was going to hear about it. Then Johnbar suggested Utica Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest. He said he thought it would meet our needs perfectly. Besides, I could always blame Johnbar if it didn't.

Utica Reservoir is a beautiful little lake surrounded by various conifers and large granite boulders. There are no motorized vessels allowed which makes it ideal to kayak and canoe. The lake winds its way through the wilderness with uncountable islands and inlets that would make perfect remote camp sites. The best part, at least if you like to swim, is that the lake had to be over 70 degrees. I never would have expected that at 7000ft. The water was so clean and refreshing it felt life giving. I was told that some of us quickly reverted to the age 12 upon entering the water, but I blame the lake and its magickal properties.

We set up camp about a 30 second walk to the lake. We had a huge camping area with plenty of shade and trees to hang hammocks and tarps. There was even enough flat ground for Fgod's tent. EdgeEd brought boxes of manicured firewood that kept the fire going through the whole weekend. Some people left early and some came late but through out the weekend the camaraderie was outstanding as usual. It was great having camp filled with kids and dogs. Of course we hoisted the Survival Resources banner

On Saturday EdgeEd gave an entertaining and informative presentation on the pocket catapult or slingshot. He covered history, band shape, pocket size, attachment methods, body designs, ammo selection, range and effectiveness amongst other things.

After the class everyone had the opportunity to assemble a catapult of their own complete with ammo.

As for Friday night's campfire I can only say "I do not recall". Its not on my passport, so no one can prove anything.

Saturday night we had a glorious dinner of salmon, abalone, steak, ribs, BBQ chicken, fresh garden grown potatoes, and corn on the cob. All cooked on the open fire. I think there are some pics somewhere maybe someone can post them. Everyone was stuffed.

I think the WPC will definitely be returning to Utica Reservoir. I would love to do a boat-in campout there. Our campground was beautiful but I think the lake only got better from there. We could easily take over a small island or some remote cove. I have a broken canoe that I will be fixing for such outings.

A big thanks goes out to all my brethren who made it this past weekend. Those WPC who weren't able to attend were truly missed and I hope to see you soon. I would also like to thank all the other attendees who were a great pleasure to have in camp.

Mostly I would like to thank John and Denise McCann of Survival Resources. They graciously gifted the Pirates an amazing assortment of items, and shipped them all the way across the country despite next to no notice of the event. What unbeatable customer service and support for the outdoor community!

Westside is the best side!

Matt