I have been honored to have attended several gatherings of 24 Hour Campfire members and their families. We have met, made friends, renewed old friendships, shot guns and the "breeze" (No BS! ), ate some great food prepared and served by the members, shared our lives and our opinions, and made great memories.

With that said, I, and my lovely bride, would like to host the First Annual 24 Hour Campfire East Texas Gathering at our humble ranch in East Texas over the first weekend in April, 2014.
That is Saturday and Sunday, April 5 & 6. As with the other Gatherings, I expect some folks will come in on Friday, the 4th and leave on Sunday, so there will be time to visit, shoot, eat, share, and maybe learn a bit more about each other.

This is a family event. We have had great times with the youngsters that have made the other Gatherings and we would like to continue sharing our love of guns, shooting, and fellowship with the younger generations.

We are out in the country about ten miles west of the big city of Gilmer, TX, roughly forty miles north of Tyler, TX. That puts us right at 100 miles west of Shreveport, LA, 100 miles East of Dallas, and smack dab in the middle of God's Country.

There are plenty of places to camp. We have two RV outlets, a 30 Amp and a 50 Amp (no blackwater dump, sorry), a full bathroom in it's own house in the yard, and a covered area for cooking.

There are two, one-acre + ponds here, stocked with Largemouth Bass & Bluegills if anyone would like to try their hand at catching a few.

Out in the back pasture, we will be able to shoot out to 400 yards, plus an area to shoot handguns & rimfires.
I have a round hay bale inside the fenced yard for shooting bows, but that doesn't mean folks can't try to lose their arrows out in the pastures, too.

At the other Gatherings we have had friendly firearms competitions and I would love to do that here.

The Prairie Dog Shoot has been a favorite, which is one shot, any caliber, any sights, from 200yds, cold bore, at a life-size standing prairie dog silhouette that has a 1/2" orange dot paster in the middle of the chest area. The closest to the center of that 1/2" dot wins.
I'd like to come up with some other competitions, maybe a handgun shoot (Paladin is automatically disqualified 'cause he's just too good.) JUST KIDDING!

How about a .30-40 Krag shoot? .32-20Win? BPCR? Longbows? Other ideas?

As with the other Gatherings, this is a potluck deal, relying on the attendees to chip in with food and beverages (alcoholic beverages are welcome) and with condiments, tableware, snacks, ice, etc...

Pat Powell(ltppowell) has said that he will come and grace us with his grilling expertise, Curdog4570 may be enticed to show us how catfish is really prepared, and I will show everyone how to eat.

These events are a great way to sit across a real campfire and talk face-to-face with the folks you have only known through this website, learning more about each other, and perhaps making new friends.

I hope you will join us.

I will ask Rick Bin to make this a "sticky".

Ed

Ed I think its awesome that you are putting this together. I wish I were able to make it to this one. Who knows there is a chance I might be a whole lot closer next year if you host one...


I can assure folks this... It will be a great time hosted by one of the finest guys I know.

No idea if it's feasible to make it at this time, but if it is I would love to.

Kent

I hope to make it Ed.

I noticed you said you had a 400 yard handgun range.

Where are you going to shoot the rifles?

Ed's hat just went up to a size 9 � and deservedly so.

Wiseguy.....

I guess we'll have to shoot them on the Handgun range.

I hope you can make it David!

Ed

Kent, It just won't seem right if you're not there, driving the Coleman stove(s)

I'm really looking forward to this. There are a BUNCH of fine folks here that I would love to shake hands, break bread, share a beverage and tales with.

Ed

Not quite, Ken. I just tried on that 7 1/4 Long Oval Resistol and it still fits.

I hope someone kidnaps you and drags you to this wing-ding.

Ed

Ed, this is a very kind and generous offer. I will try to make this work. I've been hoping to meet you, and some more of the Texas crew.

My sister married into Texas, and I've always enjoyed my visits everywhere in that great state.

My 10 year old niece gave this to me for Christmas... she laughed and laughed... I wear it everywhere.

I'll see if they have a size 9 and send it...

Make it happen! These Texicans will let anybody come here. They let me!

Ed

Another comedian...

Ed

Which'll still appear at the top of everybody's screen in AD 2114.

Ed!

Marking my calendar. Hoping to be there!

Bob

Great!

Ed

I always loved Central and Eastern Texas.

My main hope is that a good many new folks will come find-out first-hand how great these gatherings are.

I'm eager to see the pix.

Ed

It is on my calendar.
My two sons and I will be there.

Let me know if you need anything.

Dave

Does this invite include newbies? I have been hoping for a gathering close enough to attend.

No

Absolutely! Newbies, kids, old guys, beautiful women, heck, even a crusty ol' Coastie!
It should be a great time. I can guarantee you will meet some fine folks!

Ed

Looking forward to it Dave!

Ed

Oohhhh - c'mon Scott - everyone's a newbie at some point!
We NEED to break'em in right!

Mark

I WILL attempt it, Ed - might even bring the "keeper of the keys"

That would be great, Mark. You know you and your "Warden" are always welcome here.

Ed

Good time to have one in Tex.
Wind will help people like me shoot better.

Can bring a small 12v clay thrower if anyones going to bring a shotgun. Contest?

You better send and invite to the Mandela sign language guy if Curdog is going to be there, that deaf bastard....

Certainly! Paladin will probably use his 475 Linebaugh...

Ed

Curdog ain't deaf, he has selective hearing...

Ed

Curdog and I sat down and talked for a bit, neither of us can hear for chit... wish I knew what he said...

Kent

There WAS a picture of 4 of us "selective hearing" guys together - funny, we could understand each other very well - 'till the rest of you started yelling!

Mark

Definition of fortunate...

"Windy today, isn't it?"

"Nah, it's Thursday."

"Me too. Let's go get a drink."

Whadda ya mean, I stink? I showered this morning!

Ed

Mourning already?

An' y'ain't even had the shindig yet!

It's afternoon here, 'bout three pee emm, in fact.

Ed

Just peed an M in the snow.

Some talents die hard.

Ed, sounds like a great weekend. Put me down for a yes. Be afraid, prairie dog. Be very afraid.

Steve, you'll never regret that week-end!

Hope HugAJackass can make it, too.

And Sis Lynn.

Hatari, �

The mind boggles at the possibilities.

Outstanding! You finally get to meet "The Horse Whisperer"

Ed

Well Ed, I hadn't thought of the L500 on clays since I usually use the M41. However, I recently acquired a .470 NE that I would love to try out on clays and it shoots a .475 bullet so it might work.

Primitive bare bow competition would be good, and hawk tossing could work.

Splitting playing cards is also a possibility, and bowling pins at various ranges for off hand shooting is also some fun for handguns and rifles.

I may still have a half set of IHMSA .22LR handgun silhouettes. Those are usually a lot of fun for the kids at closer ranges as most reactive targets are.

David

When you start talking about "closer" ranges I get visions of two or three hundred yards...

Having those silhouettes available would be great.

Shooting at clay birds with rifles might not be such a good idea here. While there is a significant, tree covered, hill as a backstop, and about a mile 'til the next house behind that, it still makes me nervous just thinking about it.

Ed

OK, I'll skip the clays with a rifle but will bring it along in case someone wants to shoot it. Working three states from home has it's limitation so I may not have time to work up a proper load anyway.

David

Then is when he breaks out his 12 gauge Beretta (I think) and shoots one-handed. And usually runs 'em, too.

This I gotta see! NOT that I can compete with that level of shooting! Watching Paladin shoot thrown dimes out of the air with his Model 41 Smith and then do other magic tricks with a .41 and his Linebaugh was awe-inspiring.
Watching someone run clay birds one-handed would be right up there.

So, Bigbuck215, you gonna make the Gathering? Be an honor to shake your hand!

Ed

I'd like too make it, Ed, but that's a mighty long way from here. So I will see how things work out.

Thanks for the invite. Maybe.

maybe she can get me over my horse fear in a short course

I got an M40A1 from Mickey that can hit them half inch dots at 200, if'n I ain't drunk too much coffee first

Ed, think your neighbors would mind if we lit up that Mountain Howitzer on your range ?

If it transpires that I can get away, will bring a couple or three banks of the "Buffalo League" steel, and swingers.

Greg

I plan on making the drive up.

I plan on giving the neighbors fair warning that there are going to be many loud noises that weekend.

It would be a gift if you could be there!

Ed

If you didn't, my one feeling would be hurt.

Ed

Will try to make it happen, Se�or.

Count me in, too, plus my brother will probably come.

It would be fun to shoot a .470 Nitro, but not a .577. Not no way, not no how am I touching off one of those again.

Elmer referred to the "dirty, tooth-rattling jar" of the .577 Nitro. That's as close to one as I ever dared to get.

I ain't sayin' what's the biggest, nastiest, and meanest that I ever fired from the shoulder. Some boyhood foolishnesses are better kept private.

Great, Pat!

Ed

I've done a .505 Gibbs, a .600 NE, and a .600 Overkill. I don't really like the stuff that starts with a 6, and it sounds like the .577 is close enough for me. OTOH, I'm probably fool enough to try it two or three times, anyway.

That's practically in my neck of the woods. I'd love to attend that gathering. Are flintlocks welcome?

Ed,

I am going to try my best to make it. My oldest grandson is getting married the next weekend down in Devine, so I need to see what else might be going on in the intervening week. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Ben

Flintlocks are encouraged! I hope Birdwatcher and his lovely bride can make it. Birdy is another flintlock shooter.
I hope you can make it.

Ben, it will be great to see you again. I hope it works out.

Ed

One of the darkies whom Dad used to hunt with used a hand-me-down flintlock. Told Dad an interesting little tale about it.

The first time he shot it at a running rabbit, the priming charge sizzled ("jes' a-fryin'") in the pan. When he lowered the gun, wondering "What the � ?" it fired.

"So's long as she's a-fryin'," he said, "I holds 'er on 'em!"

Got a few, too, Dad said.

I shot Gunner's at the Campfire Hog Hunt. Huge, gorgeous rifle, a real privilege to handle & shoot it. And yes, it made my teeth hurt on the first shot. As I told the guys there, if an elephant was charging me, and the .577 was laying in front of me, I'd have to think about it for a bit...

Damn, and here I am down to only 3 flinters left in the arsenal.

Finally a gathering close enough for me to get to. I do believe I'll have to make my first appearance at one of these, and meet some of the great folks on here!!

Well, you'd better bring at least one with you!

Ed

I believe you're right! I have had a great time at every one I have been privileged to attend.

I hope you can make it.

Ed

I don't have any primitive bare bows, just a couple of longbows and several recurves. I do shoot cedar arrows!

We'll have to figure out how to set up a card-splitting deal.

From past experiences, folks just like to plink at reactive targets. If I can round up some more golf balls, we can string them up at distance, too, as we did at Quemado.

We should have a great time. I'm hoping we can round up some other folks to this part of the world, too. There's a bunch of folks from TX, OK, LA, and AR, not to mention the rest of the country that would add greatly to this shindig.

Ed

Ok then it's the fusil de chasse ! I'll try to remember it!

Sorry Ed, didn't mean to cause confusion by talking "primitive" bare bows, as in whittle sticks. I don't have any of those either. I was referring to long bows and recurves without sights regardless of composition, given that most of today's bows come complete with high and low range and locking hubs. I love cedar arrows.

I'll look into the card holder also. I've only done that once, and don't recall the set up as I was just shooting. I also have a passel of golf balls for targets.

If there's a bowling ally around, pins make fun off hand targets to 400 yards with whatever one wishes to shoot at them with. They're pretty durable as well, so clean up is easy.

David

I'll check on the bowling pins. Sounds like we could come up with more to do then one weekend will allow

Ed

Sounds like it is going to be a great time.

Hope to meet some of the folks that I missed when I didn't make Quemado last year.

Putting this on the calender. Sure hope I can make this one.

As far as my fish cooking recipe, I'm shy one of the ingredients. I clean out my freezer each quarter and start afresh. It ain't looking good.

The lake is at 17% capacity and falling. I went out yesterday with my fishing partner and we fished 2 hours without a bite. If this wind will lay after awhile, we'll try it again.

If the fishfry deal don't work, I'm thinking that lots of the attendees have probably not partaken of Prairie Dog gizzards.

Once you've discovered this delicacy. you'll forego the spectacular blowups in favor of head shots.

That, of course, is beyond the capability of "black rifle" shooters.

I was hanging back,sitt'n on the fence,if ya know what I mean...
If GTC brings that giant pea-shooter,I'll figger out a way to be there.
Plus... Pat really needs some adult supervision at times.

Falling fast is usually a problem but you do have them concentrated so you need to get busy. miles

Dynamite is harder and hard to come by. My buddy with the telephone died, and his widow had a yard sale without inviting me. Too damn cold to go a-seining.

It's just me and a Garcia.

I never guessed it would come to this.

If having a giant pea-shooter there is all it takes, I know how to fix that! Pat McManus told me how to do it in "Poof, No Eyebrows". I'm pretty sure I could scare up some old sewer pipe and a couple of pounds of black powder.

As to Pat needing adult supervision, he ain't the only one. Are you thinking of bringing an adult with you?

I would love to shake your hand, sir! I hope you can make it.

Ed

Ed, I plan on being there as well. Looking forward to it.

You're in the middle of ranching country! Did they run out of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel out there?
Do I have to think of everything?

Ed

Glad to see the plan coming together!

(It is, isn't it?)

Excellent! Glad to have you.

Ed

PLAN?!?! What do you mean, PLAN? NO body said anything about planning! That sounds like that other four-letter word, you know...work.



Yup, it sounds as if we are going to have a blast, With or without Greg's pea-shooter, although I would prefer he bring it. Opening and closing ceremonies and all that.

Ed

Ed,
I would love to make it. I do have that weekend off from work and it is a 4h drive or so from Houston. When you say families, ehat is the age range? We have a 4yo, a 2yo and a 4mo right now so I don't want to be the drag on the "non-planned-PLAN".
Tell me more

Didn't somebody down in that scruff o' the woods end-up with my old regatta cannon?

Nothing like Greg's, o' course.

Sponxx

My sons are 4 and 6. I plan on bringing them.

Planning????????? Is CCCC putting the plan together? Or is he staying in Quemado?

The age range is one day to 120 years. The shooting will be done a distance away from where most of the gathering will take place, so noise is not an issue.
We have had small kids here and will make sure that things and critters are kid-proof.
Our 3 nieces and one nephew from NC spent two weeks here last fall and they range from 4yoa to 14yoa.
You and your family will NOT be a drag on "The Plan", just the opposite, there will be something for everyone.
The yards around the houses are fenced, so the kids of all ages can't just wander off to the ponds or into the horse pasture.

For something different, my lovely bride would probably introduce the kids to the horses and let them finger-paint the horses and put feather and braids in their manes. The horses are used to it and kids seem to love it.
We are all about safety here and enjoying this slice of Heaven.

If past gatherings are any indication, most folks will be coming in starting Friday afternoon/evening and stay until Sunday.

I know of a couple who have said they are coming in earlier to help with getting set up and there will probably be some not wanting to leave. This pace has that effect on folks.

I do hope you can come and please, bring your family.

Ed

See what humongous shoes I have to fill?

Paul sure set the bar high, didn't he?

Ed

I may bring the notorious Grace with me.....I believe she has barter business to do with Brother Bart involving a leftie AR

That's great, Steve!

Ed

Ed, guys.
I am all for it, wife will probably be too since she grew up on a farm, and I know for sure the kids will enjoy it. They are not afraid of gunshot either, so that won't be a problem and love animals. I just don't want to drag the pace down with minding small children, it's one thing for me to deal with them, but shouldn't be everyone else's problem.
A lot will depend on them not being sick around that time and what my wife think about the whole deal, but I will try to convince her.
If we come, I will see to make some pisco sours... some members here got the chance to try some in the PINS trip in 2012. That was right after Miles was hit by a wave and lost half of the fish we had just finished filleting for making ceviche....

Heck, Wtxj even brought a blender with jumper cables to try some of this

Looks yummy!

There have been some small kids at the other Gatherings and the other "grownups" seemed to help look out for the kids along with the parents, so I don't see that being an issue.

The Gatherings I have attended have been more of a family reunion than a drinking/shooting fest, although there have been plenty of adult beverages and gunpowder consumed (at different times, of course).

We have electric outlets at the covered pavilion and next to the deck of the "Barn House", so we can use conventional blenders to keep folks in their favorite blended beverages.

Ed

Ed, my family and I are going to do our best to make it. Lots of folks in attendance that I'd be honored to share a fire with.

Mark,

You are on the short list of folks I need to shake hands with.
I hope your lovely bride and family can come, too.

Ed

I spoke with the boss, she said we're good to go

I'll see y'all there I expect.

Birdwatcher

Yahoo!

Ed

That wouldn't be the stuff from Chile, would it? Seems I had that a time or two while there and it was pretty good.

David

Yep.

for two tumblers of 'em �

4 cups ice cubes
1 cup pisco (grape brandy from Peru or Chile)
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup white sugar
1 egg white
aromatic bitters

Place ice cubes, pisco, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, and bitters in the bowl of a blender. Blend on high speed until finely pureed. Pour into two glasses and garnish with an additional dash of bitters.

I can do a little light babysitting, and have been known to change a diaper in an emergency. miles

You would have to bring that up! Somebody should have warned me about the ocean waves and I did catch a few more to replace the lost ones. The ceviche was good though. miles

I remember those

If I live to retirement, I shall move to Peru, become an alchoholic, and drink pisco sours all day...

("Si, vivo debajo de un Puente.")

Birdwatcher

Ouch party foul!
No it is not the stuff from Chile.
Pisco is a Peruvian grape brady distilled drink. It is called pisco because it originated in the city of the same name.

Chile has a different liquor that they also call pisco, trying to partake in the fame of the peruvian counterpart. They use different limes to make the drink too, but in Chile pisco is usually drank with Coca-Cola. In peru we drink it on its own, as pisco sour, maracuya (passion-fruit) sour, pisco appletini, etc.
Peru is fighting for the denomination of origin as a matter of fact, but sadly Chile has had better marketing of the product for many years. The actual Pisco sour drink was invented in the Bolivar hotel, in downtown Lima, Peru.
I can offer a dissertation on the subject of Pisco and the diversity of it, just based on the grapes it is done with, but I will save it for the gathering
I think there is a better offering of peruvian piscos nowadays, since what was available before wasn't that good. I bring mine from Peru.

Miles, I remember watching you go rinse the fish with your back to the ocean and thinking.... "hmmm that's unusual... I would never turn my back to the waves, I hope he doesn't get hit and lose the fish" next thing I see you getting hit and scrambling to recapture fish fillets. I must say that the troops stepped up and we caught more fish in 30 minutes than all weekend. I was filleting them while alive straight ON the hooks.
Mike, I know a few "puentes" that might be safer to live under.
I appreciate the offer to babysit and change diapers and my wife will probably take you up on it!
I hope this works.

Ceviche � that's that spicy South American sushi, isn't it? Fresh, raw fish?

Funny that you say that Steve. I,just today,have gathered up everything I need(minus the purple that's going on the lower but that's gonna happen late next week)to put this thing together.I even threw in a CMC trigger cuz she doesn't want to chip a nail with that crappy,standard AR trigger.
I'll slip you a pic when it's colored up and done.
One thing Steve... Don't tell any of your LSU brethren where you got this thing... I'm busy enough trying to make olive trees grow in southwest Texas... I'm not in the funky colored gun bidness.

My buddy had a live on boat down at San Carlos on the Baja, I'd go down and captain it while they spear fished. We'd make Ceviche as a salsa and eat it on tortilla chips. raw fish, lime juice, jalapeno, tomato, onion, cilantro... good boat food.

Kent

Yeah I know... Adult supervision may be needed a little more than I can bother with. That's why I might bring my son Brady. At sixteen,he's more mature than any of my friends... Doc Rocket included.
And I appreciate the warm invitation. I thought that we'd met before,no ? Hell... I don't remember where I peed last.

It can be made spicy or not, different people prepare it differently, but it is always white fish meat. However there is ceviche de conchas negras (black scallop ceviche) which is of course made with scallops and said to be very afrodisiac.

I made the freshest and lightest version:
fresh sliced and diced fish and key lime juice

You can add
aji limo (a type of peruvian chili pepper)
rocoto (hot hot red bell-sized chili pepper)
red onions
and a side of "choclo" (peruvian corn on the cob)
camote (sweet potato/yam)
The juice is called leche de tigre (tiger's milk) and is made by blending some fish with the key lime juice.
different seafood species can be added octopus, scallops, calamari.

Whoa! Didn't mean to jab you in the eye! Just kidding.

Figures Chile would claim pisco. I don't recall having it with Coke while there, just as a sour or neat, but that could have been due to the folks I was around.

I'll call the shrimp pimp before I head up there.

Evidence suggests they were connoisseurs of the good stuff, most likely peruvian pisco secretly infiltrated in Chile and drank as local... hahaha
despite the animosity between Peru and Chile (from a war 150yrs ago) I have no evil feelings, since my sister is married to a Chilean, lives in Chile. His family prefers peruvian pisco too, and had quite a good time in my wedding, when all the cocktails were pisco based, since my wife is from that region.

This was an awesome magazine ad saying, Chile say goodbye to Pisco.


by the way, the first saturday in february is National Pisco Sour day in Peru

Never had good ceviche while I was in Chile either. Matter of fact, I think it was ceviche that made me sick the very first night in Iquique. That made the trip to altitude even worse, but that's another story.

The best I can recall was made by a Peruvian fellow I went to school with in east Texas. He made it in the dorm room.

Bought fish in a local store (after going through a lot of trouble to get the right ones) and he did his thing. While the ceviche set "cooking", he took the head, fins, and backbone and made a soup he cooked on a hot plate. Didn't use a lot of stuff in either, but both were as good as I've had anywhere since.

Like I said, somebody should have warned me. The only other time I have had my feet in the ocean was Easter weekend in 1968, in St. Augustine, Fl. and it was so cold that I only got up to my knees. Four of us drove down from Ft. Gordon, Ga. for the weekend. miles

I have a bottle of pisco that a lady from Peru gifted me years ago. The grapes were grown inside the bottle, then the bottle was filled with pisco. Pretty cool looking, but I just keep it around for decoration. She brought me another bottle that I drank, tasted pretty much like moonshine. I'm sure it would have stripped the paint off your car if it were spilled on it.

Looks to be a very good group signing up Ed.

Anyone that turns their nose up at ceviche,ain't got the sense God gave a mule.

I have to.

Can't chew (no teeth).

Can't swallow (paralyzed throat).

Mules can generally do all right with both.

(without bein' taught)

Is Doctor Howell going?

no

The ever present dilema while hauling one of those substantial pieces is, "Do I tarp it,...or just let it hang out?"

Talkin' about the GUN,....you dirty minded ruffians !

Loading involves winching from the headache rack to the trail, and the muzzle is accordingly directed due aft during transit.

.....talk about discouraging tailgaters,.....it's a hands down winner, in that regard.

Attracts Highway Patrol types, too,.....and while ALL of my encounters have thus far been friendly, it's kinda' hard to GET anywhere when they're radioing ahead to their Buds, so's THEY can pull you over and check out your cool toy, and get the standard breifing on recreational artillery sports.

GTC

"Tarp" it with a "dead body."

Exactly what I was thinking. I hope more folks come, too.

I have PM'ed, emailed, and started a thread to Rick Bin to make this a "sticky" so it stays in front of more folks.

Ed

P.S. I also love Ceviche!

Scott, I wasn't planning to go � couldn't see how I possibly could. (Would hafta start hobbling awful early to make it 1,100 miles!)

If my staying home somehow inveigles you to take part, that's an even better reason for me to stay here and to continue to vegetate.

� You'd add a lot more to the gathering than I would.

� You'd get a lot more from the gathering than I would.

Go!

Have a ball with a wonderful bunch of your kind of folks!

Greg, I really hope you can make it, with or without the Mountain Howitzer.

Ed

Thanks for that!

It's always a delight to learn something from someone who really knows what he's talking about.

If pisco sours were a big thing to me, I'd push you to do a seminar, and I'd be right there in the front row, taking notes.

I used to tell my writers to keep in mind that no matter how much you know about a subject, there's somebody out there who knows something about it that you don't.

"Never was a hoss couldn't be rode � never was a rider couldn't be throwed."

Hey Sponxx

can you even buy pisco in the US?

I had the same question and used my Google-fu. Looks like the US distributor has several outlets in Dallas, but no where else, according to their website.

Ed

I've got a bottle of homemade stuff from around Concepcion, Chile that I brought back several years ago made by some folks who lived on the Rio Biobio and did the winery thing. I'll see if I can find it and bring it down with me.

Maybe someone who gets to Ed's place will turn out to be the Pisco Kid.

Would that be near Bane Lake??

Maybe.

You get that motorhome tuned up yet?

Ed

guess I better get the para 40 out of the safe and see if I remember how to shoot it.

I'm not knowing. I don't recall seeing a lake in that part of the country. On second thought, I don't recall seeing a lake anywhere in Chile. Spent most of my time down there in the Atacama desert, so water was a bit scarce.

I went with a Chilean friend who was from outside Los Angles. Stayed with him and his family for several days. None of them spoke a word of English and my Spanish at the time left much to be desired but we got by.

When we left his house to go see the friends on the river, I had no idea what we were doing or where we were going until we stopped. The Biobio is huge, like in Mississippi river huge, but faster.

An interesting trip, it was.

Yes, the 72 C30 is ready to go, as is the 70 GMC with Alaskan, as is the 72 C30 5th wheel hauler (just needs cosmetics) - been thinking about which would be best to take down to the AZ Roosevelt Lake gathering in late Feb. Hope I can make that one - the life reality reel runs on, and some of it is mind-concentrating right now.

Ed, excellent of you to host this at your place in April, and you are doing a fine job of causing folks to feel welcome.

All in Dallas seems, will check around see if pisco can be ordered a little closer to me. I'm several hours west of Dallas. Yes only 40 miles or so but heck of a lot of traffic. Then I have to get from Sproxx which brand etc.

#1 Son lives in Dallas. I'll see if he can't pick some up. He moonlights doing promos for liquor distributors and might know the distributor.

Ed

Great deal

Ed,

How wonderfully gracious of you and your wife to host such an event; I only wish I could attend. Perhaps we 'll cross paths one day soon.

Best,

Bob

" I had no idea what we were doing or where we were going".... .

Folks... David just described himself far better than I can.

Heck Gene, that's how I roll, but it looks like you already knew that!

Heck, he can't even make it 23 miles into the bustling Quemado metropolis!

How can anybody expect one of his rigs to make it all the way to east Texas?

If anything would make it, it would be one of these tough 40+ year-old Chevs or GMCs. But these forest roads can be formidable in winter, and I'm really OLD !!

Bob, I hope we can meet. You would have a great time with the folks who are going to be here.

Ed

Birds of a feather...

Ed

I thought Gene resembled that remark as well.

Good news, green light from wife. We plan to show up with the whoel troop. As mentioned before I will make some pisco sour and we can also try some straight up pisco. As far as the following

I will for sure bring a bottle or three of supply, but it might not be enough and maybe getting some online or stores might work. You may have noticed there are a bunch of brands and grape types, we can clear those details as we go.

That's great news!

If you could give a quick tutorial it would help me when I talk with my son about sourcing some pisco in Dallas.

Ed

Trader Joe's ( http://www.traderjoes.com/index.asp ) imports "Pisco of the Gods" from Peru.

There's a Trader Joe's in Dallas (2001 Greenville Avenue � 469-334-0614)

If it sloshes and will run downhill... it'll do to drink.

Is that a Bear Gryls quote?

Ed

Thanks, Ken, that's only about a mile from my son's place.

Ed

I will do my best to be there

Snake

Outstanding! This is shaping up to be a first class shindig!

I have to admit I was being selfish when I offered to host this as there are a lot of folks in this part of the world I have been wanting to meet and this might be a way to do it.

I know there are more folks who haven't committed yet and I'm hoping they will be here to put a face with the handle, to share food, drink, shooting, and fun.

Ed

Ed,
Just like wine and spirits, different grapes will give the drink different qualities.
"Acholado" is a blend of different grapes or musts, which gives the drink some variety of aromatic components to it. You have the pure ones, which depending on the grapes (classic ones being the Quebranta, Italia, Albilla, Torontel, Negra Corriente grapes) can be drier or sweeter to the palate.
Mosto Verde (Green must) is sweeter, since the distillation process is initiated when the fermentation or grapes is not complete, hence there are some sugars still present. It can be made of any kind of grape.
Any and all of them are great to drink on their own. I usually use the acholados for cocktails and save the pure ones for drinking straight, but that's me.

As far as what to choose it all depends on what you guys prefer. I would recommend some acholado for the pisco sour and maybe some quebranta (dryer) or italia grape type for trying straight (little shot glasses work, though you sip not gulp it). It can be mosto verde too, and that will have some more sweetness to it which the ladies may prefer.

Do you have the link to the distributor so I can recommend some?
Otherwise the following are trustworthy and good:
Gran Cruz, Cuatro Gallos, Vi�as de Oro, Biondi, Ocucaje, Viejo Tonel, (probably in that order). I realize there are many more offerings.
I will bring some of mine, which is Vi�as de Oro, but it might help to know what has been obtained so I won;t bring the same type and we can try the different types.

I thought that Brear Grylls only drinks his piss.
Pisco is crystal clear by the way... and packs a punch, warms you up, however does not scratch the throat... hmm maybe it's too fine of a drink for our resident crew

Trust me, we could use a little of the "finer" stuff in our lives. That is what we call a "hint".

As to a distributor, check out this place there in Houston;

SPECS

There are also three Trader Joe's in Houston;

LINK

And finally;

Pisco Porton

Perhaps what you are looking for is at one of those places.

Ed

Ed

There is a Specs and a Trader Joe's less than five miles from my house.

Let me know if I need to pick something up.

Dave

I have a Specs close by I'll check it when I get the chance.
Couldn't open the link to pisco porton or find what TJ offers, but accorsing to Ken it is "Pisco of the Gods" which is unknown to me.
I plan on providing a couple bottles from my own. How much more dare we talking about. I have no clue how many people are coming and planning on drinking. Pisco Sour requires more volume than drinking it on its own, I guess 8-12 glasses of pisco sour per bottle (I make it strong, but we can titrate). Of course we can also serve smaller shares, since it can be treacheous.

Ok, I'm just off 276 west of Quinlan. Directions please.

You're about 1 1/2 hours west of us.

PM inbound.

Ed

Dave,
I'll let you and Sponxx work out what we need since you guys are down there, if that's OK.

Ed

Pisco? What happened to that Slivowitz kick you guys had going?

It's a new year...

Grappa is next year's featured drink, followed by Jet-A.

Actually, we're trying to develop a little class. Think we'll succeed?

Ed

well, I could bring some shine back from Tennessee...

...I could mention Rebecca's Creek, too, but the Hug Hunt guys are gonna drink it all

LOL Tex, sounds like a helluva time Fellers, would like to make it if ya got the room, promise to be on my best behavior, I understand there will be Wimmens and Chirrens at this one.

Gunner

There WILL be Rebecca Creek here!

Is that a Freudian Slip..."Hug Hunt"???

Ed

Thanks for doing this Ed.

Im certainly going to try and make it.

Bill

There will always be room for you, my friend! Yes, this is a family affair, so no nude fire dances, sheep sharing ( not to be confused with sheep shearing ), or elephant walks.

Ed

, Thanks Ed. lol

Gunner

Great, Bill!

Ed

How 'bout snipe hunts?

Contest----what kind of contest?

Snipe hunts for the Chirrens, I'll have Wifey pack a dozen pillow cases.

Gunner

Got one planned.

Ed

Don't know about those synthetic Texans, but the crystalline specimens are past masters of the practical prank.

It's a surprise. No peeking.

Ed

The problem with pranks is the payback.

Ed

Snipe hunting is called "cazar gambusinos" or "Gamusina"...
However novice hunters can also be told to walk the night chanting "Gamusina ven al saco" (Gamusina come to the bag)

I'll see if I can't come up with my Alaskan Snipe calls. If not, I know where there are some reeds to make replacements with.

Hopefully, these Texican Snipes will respond to an Alaskan Snipe call.

Ed

Dad used to make neat little hawk calls with a piece of tin can and a rubber band. Don't have any tin snips, or I'd offer to gin-up a couple and send 'em along.

Probably not, but those old east Texas snipe hunters with their Long Toms are notoriously effective with their "sound shots"!

Kinda what I figured since Alaskan Snipe are more than twice the size of Texas Snipe. Don't know if a Texas Long Tom will be enough gun.

Ed

Think I'll just sit around the campfire and drink something.

I have a few questions.
What are the sleeping arrangements gonna be?
Do you have a bunk house?
Should we bring tents or plan to sleep where we fall?
You have as couple of RV spots but is there other places to park a travel trailer?
How are the skeeters there in April?

[quote]Brother Bart: I have a few questions.

What are the sleeping arrangements gonna be?
With whom would you wish to sleep?

Do you have a bunk house?
Yes, kinda - but its full of bunk.

Should we bring tents or plan to sleep where we fall?
Bring tents (how many?), but we'll expect you to just sleep where you fall.

You have as couple of RV spots but is there other places to park a travel trailer?
Yes - other places.

How are the skeeters there in April?
Agile, mobile and hostile. - and BIG.[/quote]

I'm bringing a tent. And earplugs. (for shooting and sleeping)

Yeah! Me too!!!!!

I'm planning on bringing a tent, and skeeter repellent.
"Off deep woods" is successful in the Peruvian rainforest were mosquitoes are the size of adult bats, so it works here too.
It wasn't successful when I was attacked by a swarm of blackwasps, but skeeters, it helped.

IN ADDITION;
We have a 15'x30' covered pavilion with electrical outlets and lights. I figure most of the cooking will be done there as that's where we keep our double burner propane cooker.
There are three bathrooms here, one in the Barn House, one in the "Little House" where we live, and we have a "Bath House" which is a full bath in it's own building in the middle of the yard.

For those who prefer more creature comforts, there are two hotels in Gilmer;
The Executive Inn & Suites
920 U.S. 271
Gilmer
(903) 843-6099
www.executiveinngilmertx.com

The Gilmer Inn
1018 U.S. 271
Gilmer
(903) 843-3033
www.gilmerinntx.com

We are about twelve miles west of Gilmer, roughly a fifteen-twenty minute drive from these hotels.
I will post the exact address and directions, to everyone who has indicated they are coming, in a group PM as we get closer to the dates.

Gilmer, TX, being the county seat of Upshur County, has a population if just under 5,000 , meaning we have a Walmart and a Brookshires Grocery store, as well as three to five Mexican Grocery stores, depending on the day of the week.
This is a damp county, so you have to drive about fifteen miles south to the bustling metropolis of Big Sandy, TX for adult beverages. If you do go to Big Sandy for adult beverages, save yourself time, money, and aggravation and go to Red's Liquors on US-80. Great selection, great knowledgeable folks working there, and they don't overprice everything.

Stay tuned! I'll post more details as we get closer. I HAVE asked Rick Bin to make this a sticky, but I think he's still on vacation. Maybe if he heard from some more folks, we could get this up front and everyone could stay informed.

I'm looking forward to this!!!

Ed

Shall I run a garden hose to your chair or do you have something a bit more sophisticated in mind?

Ed

Are you two planning on sleeping close together?

Ed

Why Ed! I barely know the man!!!! And he, I!

Ed, Looking at pictures of the Gilmer inn on their website and it looks like an old Best Western or Town House. Can you give us a recommendation? miles

Sure... . If that's the case, how did you guys know to bring earplugs for sleeping???

Ed

You gonna smell curry at either place.

Miles, I haven't stayed at either one and everyone who has visited us has stayed here. I know that both have been remodeled since we moved here in '05 and both seem to have the same number of vehicles parked there, with a slight edge to the Executive Inn & Suites.

Ed

I hope just at checkin. It is the same in Arkansas and I spent my life in Motels during the work week. miles

Ed

I was at Quemado a year or so ago.

I was happy I brought earplugs. I believe you were on the other end of the campground and there was serious snoring going on.

Of course, that might have been from some of those Arizona folks.

There it is! LOL! I can sleep thru all the Hurrah the camp and shennanigans that go on all night. Never bothered me! But snoring is another story! But usually I roll over on my good ear. Can't hear a thing outta my bad ear! LOL!

That's while the kids snipe hunt. Your not going to catch this guy running around looking for the fabled snipe.

Executive Inn & Suites is where I have stayed. Was OK, think it's a little more current. Used to go 4x4ing out that way. Must be real close to Ed's house.

I'll be in my tent/cot deal unless my wife decides to go. Then the 5th wheel will have new tires put on, clean it up etc. and bring it out. Lots of work.

i'm a taking my tent cot.

LOLing cause I will need to go knock some beach sand out of mine. Hope it hasn't rusted to much.

So you want us to go tag onto your thread way down at the bottom in system ask Ric a question area. Don't remember the real name of that area.

I remember where you were camped at, now. You were amongst the AZ crowd.
Miles and I had parked our trucks at the far end and thus missed the sinus serenade.

I'm with you guys, I can't sleep with someone else snoring within earshot. My snoring, on the other hand, doesn't seem to bother me.

Ed

Talk to webmaster--------------

They are not fabled. In fact, I'm pretty sure one ran past the front yard gate last night. Left tracks the size of T-Rex.

Ed

That's it! Thanks.

Ed

Sounds like bigfoot to me.

Bigfoot, Snipe, Yeti, T-Rex, Chupacabra, Unicorns...allie, allie, same, same. Different calibers required, but same rules of engagement apply.

No closed season, no limit, but you are required to notify TX Parks & Wildlife upon taking one.
Oh, I almost forgot, you have to leave proof of sex on the carcass, too.


Ed

Speaking of surf fishing and Campfire get togethers. anybody know how we can reach Mako25, Jeff?

Ed

Not me.
Last on line was April 24th, 2013.
Hope nothing major has happened to him. Nice guy

he's fine, just decided to spend his time other ways besides online.

Well good then, tell him hi from the coast guys.

I called and left him a voicemail message. I'm trying to get him to come to the Gathering, too.

Ed

Great
Glad RH was able to get you his phone number.

UP ^

Any suggestions for menu items? We should keep it fairly simple. I think.
I know from experience that the coffee pot(s) should be the first priority every morning and the rest is mere details.

Any food allergies? Any "must haves"?

All ideas and suggestions welcome!

Ed

i'll get some stuff from the shrimp pimp.

I'll grill 'em!

I can sleep most anywhere outside, but I'm guessing the 'skeeters are already in full effect around there by April.

We'll prob'ly use a regular screened-in tent this time around rather than a canvas lean-to.

Birdwatcher

I'm thinking of 2lbs. of beans cooked at my house on Thursday.
Then bring em down. They are ahhhh hot so I do hope you like hot.
Will also bring PPlates, plastic ware, etc. that kind of stuff.
Maybe cook a peach cobbler in dutch oven.

Ed your out working right?
Maybe the sticky will arrive someday.

I'm in NC right now, visiting my Mom. I haven't been out here to see her in a while and it was past time.

I would really like to see the sticky.

Does anyone know if there is a secret handshake or a payoff I need to make to get it done?

Ed

Don't know.
Maybe the Alabama boys will release their thread and we can take that spot. Lots of them up on sticky, so maybe one needs to go for us to get up on top.

Real glad your out visiting your mom. Good man

Oh, went to a auction. Was going to bid real hard on a Win 1895, 30/40. Wanted to bring it to this weekend.
Got there and it was the 30/06 instead.
Quit bidding right under $1,000. Some people really want something and price doesn't seem to matter. That old boy bought 5 old winchesters. Greedy or I'm poor.
bought a Colt police positive instead. 38 special
Will of course bring my Springfield 30/40.

Gotta spend time with my Mom

5' nuthin', 100 lbs of spitfire, brains, wit, patience and the love of God. Oh, and she's 83 years young.

I still think we need to have a. 30-40 Krag shoot, maybe make it a pre-WW I military caliber shoot.

What say you guys?

Ed

This'll work

I've got the uniform!!!! And several appropriate rifles!

Have the one 30/40 Krag, several 91/30 if they make the cut, one 6.5 x 55.

Went to a gun show few weeks ago, saw some cannons, little to bigger. Came real close to purchasing one. Then said no I can't get into something else no no no. Didn't buy one.

My Krag went to an uncle. Ruger #1's with iron sights, okay?

bump

We could get really picky and say only military rifles built before WW I, or go all the way and say any rifle chambered in a pre-WW I caliber, regardless of nationality.

That would include .30-06,.303Brit, 7.62x54R, 6.5x55, the Mannlicher-Schoenauer, the Lebels, the Mauser variants, the Spencers, US Gov Sharps cartridges, the Danish Rolling Block calibers, and a bunch more I can't recall right now.

I'd like to see a shoot with original rifles & replicas and another with any rifle but using original spec ammo.

Opinions?

Ed

Sounds good ED. Houston Pat, you can shoot my 30/40 or the 6.5 x 55. Both iron sights or peep site.
Ammo for the Russian is real cheap to buy and shoot. Another good one to bring.
I personal will not shoot reloads in my 30/40 for a while. Have to keep under 40,000 for safety.
Love for Gunner to bring his sharps.
Pat you can bring your brand new one so we can just look too.

Going to be fun guys, gals and kids.

guess i can use my remington hepburn 38-55, also have a early 1903 both with iron sites, # 1 in 405 win. or a really old 94 25-35 i have some ammo for.everything else i have has glass, sounds like fun to me. rio7

So, this means 7x57 too, right?

Only if you dress like a Spaniard or Boer!

How 'bout a Chilean?

IIRC, the Chilean Carbines came about around 1912. But the original Mauser rifles were 1895 models.

As to shooting reloads in a Krag, I have a T/C Contender Carbine and only shoot loads under 40K psi, following original specs.

Uncas killed that fine Kansas buck with it and plinking handloads that ran ~20K psi.

I wish I still had the Polish made Model 38 carbine in 7.62x54R.

Ed

As long as you don't forget the wine!

Paul

Are you planning on attending?

Dave

I'm hoping that he and his lovely bride can make the trip.

Ed

Does Maddy know?

Ed

Hey - I didn't say "Chileanita".

Actually, she knows that old 1895 Mauser rifle fairly well - first one I ever owned. Bought it in 1962 for $13 or so from Sears catalog - full military wood/length/etc. - and, as a pure novice, set about doing what they called "sporterizing" at that time. She watched (we only had one daughter then). What a raw adventure that was.

Hacksawed the barrel to the "best" length; somehow crowned the end; borrowed blocks and a torch and bent/reshaped the bolt; borrowed a jig and drilled/tapped for scope; had to buy and install a "low swing" safety; did my best to smooth the mil double hump trigger; cut down and finished the stock; installed a $5 Japanese scope; bought some Win 175 grain factory ammo; went out in October and shot a desert mule deer - my first hunt.

Here it still sits, with a better scope - but nothing else changed. All downhill from there.

Don't need too many more attendees and the campground will stretch out to where I can attend without having to drive anywhere.

It will be fun indeed

If I bring the .30-40 #1, ya'll just be careful picking up any funny looking ammo, with newfangled plastic tip bullets in them...'cause they're loaded for the Ruger, and they're absolutely, positively, not loaded for nice old Krags. Maybe not rolling blocks or 1895 Winchesters, either!

Same thing goes for the #1 .45-70, if I bring it

I may or may not have my Sharps by then, but it's a .45-90, as is my High Wall, so they are technically not military calibers. But my brother does have a Browning 1886 lightweight in .45-70.

....

How about a SMLE No. 4 Mk I? It actually has slight resistance, closing on the nogo headspace gauge.

Or an 03A3, my faux Sedgley. It will be fair, the slight barrel bulge will give me a slight disadvantage in the match

If the sharps is not in, how about just bring the new Ford so we can kick the tires etc. You need miles on it anyway. 50,000 and the motor will be broke in.

I'm still on the fence about buying a truck. I might just buy a Jeep like yours and keep the F150 for when I need to pull big stuff.

Cooks get special parking/camping privileges, so don't worry about that stuff.

I'm hoping for a great turnout. There's a bunch of folks I'd like to see in one spot.

Ed

Since we've discussed old firearms, how about another shoot, patched round balls over Holy Black? One shot, offhand, cold bore at 100 yards, closest to the center wins?

Another, BPCR, iron sights, any position, 400 yards, cold bore, one shot?

I guess we need to settle on what matches we will hold. I can sit here all day and come up with ideas.

Maybe a William Tell shoot with long bows or recurves? No sights, no releases, one arrow from 20 yards, at an apple?
A tie breaker would be to move back five yards at a time, sudden death?

Ed

I ain't no cook............. I just found an apron in the bar ditch, that's all.

Uh huh. Tell that to someone who hasn't eaten your cooking, 'cause that dog won't hunt here.

Ed

Well..... I confess to being the second best chili maker in the world. [ there's 10,000 tied for first place, but I'm in sole possession of the second spot]

Well if you go that route, be sure and get a Rubicon, 4 door model. Runs a lot smoother on the hwy, the 4 doors do (they are longer wheel base, smoother ride) and the locking axles will get you where you want to go. Check to see if the rear seat folds down, you will want that storage/hauling room. I pulled the back seat out of mine, only put it in once or twice for the grandkids and two trips to Colorado.
I'll be in my old F250 for the shoot at Eds.

Of course both my Hawkens need work. I was gonna ask Cross to fix them

How about pre-WWII bolt actions, in non-military calibers, with iron sights? Kaywoodie gots me fixed up, there...

thanks, yeah the Rubicon has some real good hardware on it, heavier duty front axle and transfer case, plus locking diffs & sway bar disconnect. The Red F150 did okay last year, but them mulies that Gene knows about live in darn rough places.

I wonder how many obscure categories we can come up with?

Sound like we could be shooting from "can see to can't see".

Ed

I'll bring some Pisco and I'll see if Adriana can make some of her alfajores or alfajor cake.
I can make some Lomo saltado, but we will need plentiful meat, large skillet/wok and strong fire.

dang that looks tasty

will pork & venison work?

Yes, it does look good! Too bad I'm allergic to Bell peppers!

I have some wild pork & venison to contribute.

We may be able to get another hog before then, too. They are tearing up my back pasture again.

Ed

OK,

Just got home.
One big jug of Rebbecca Creek wiskey imported from San Antonio I believe.

750 ml of pisco porton
Imported from PERU
43% ALC. by vol
Signed on the side by someone
For Doc. Sponxx to make up some kind of drinks.
Trip is shaping up. Cigars, sure but not this early. For the ones that like. Gum for the rest.

Wheredja find the Pisco?

"Becky" is a fine friend, indeed!

Ed

Wine/ liq. store in Fort Worth. Big store. Had from $13.00 to $29 or maybe $39 on the pisco. Have to bring the empty bottle back home for the wife. She wants it.

Not sure I can leave the "Becky" alone until April.

She's a tough one to ignore, that's for sure!

I've been working on a bottle of Woodford Reserve to help avoid touching the Rebecca Creek.

My lovely bride asked me today what all we needed for this shindig. She is really looking forward to it!

Hopefully, Rick Bin, SYSOP, or any hacker with skills can make this a sticky...hint, hint.

Ed

Have you tried the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? I had a dram at a distillery tour a few weeks ago.

Very tasty.

- Tom

I have not been so lucky.

Some folks just live better than others.

You bringing a bottle with you to the Gathering?

Ed

I will indeed bring a bottle of something. I'm definitely going to the March boar hunt, and I am trying to set things up for your gathering. Even if it's a short visit. I've met a few of you Texas boys from the 'Fire and want very much to meet some others.

Outstanding! I hope it comes together and you can make it.

Ed

Bump for Ed.

I just put the great city of Gilmer in my GPS and it says that it's going to take me over 8 hours to drive there. 376 miles from my house. That's gonna be a haul.

Pat,
you've had Lomo saltado! Venison backstraps or tenderloins work amazing.
Ed, we don't use bell peppers, but peruvian aji amarillo (another type of chili pepper).The red one is rocoto, which is a type of chili pepper. If you are allergic I can make it non spicy
Let me know about the hogs, I really want to shoot one
Wtxj, nver heard of Porton Pisco, but I will ask around, many times distiller's will name stuff differently for export.
shaping up nicely!

Sponxx, if I didn't have 29,000 pic on photobucket I would take a pic, put pic on the bucket and post. But as it is now they get lost as I download and end up in the cloud.
thinking a second account on photobucket may be the way to go.

Bart, it will be worth the time and effort!

Ed

TTT

Is there a confirmed list yet???

Not yet. I've been off the 'Fire a few days, work and play have been taking up all my time.

I will get a list up on this thread soon.

Ed

This one?

I coulda swore that thing was red the last time I saw it.

It still is red:



The new one was almost red, too, but the dealer claimed someone bought the red one on his lot. Of course, I still SEE the red one on his lot, so I don't know why the heck he didn't sell it to me

9 years ago, I was in North Carolina when I bought the red one. I still had a gold 1998. One day I had neighbors visiting and the lady, who was a very proper Southern Belle, asked, "why do you have two pickups?" I replied, "I'm single and prosperous, and can have two pickups if I want". Her husband laughed and said, "There you go!" and the wife turned, shook her finger at him, and said "you stop that right NOW!". I guess they'd had the same discussion

I'll probably clean up the 04; fix a couple things, and either sell it or trade it for a smaller 4x4

Nice. That one will do for a few years. Motor?

I thought you were on the hunt for a Jeep.

Nice truck anyway.

Ed, went to the farm so I could see if the 30/40 was going to blow up. Still have my face. No problems with it.
Now to get the 30/40 out to the range on a bench see what I can shoot with it.

That is good news! What did you do, have someone else shoot it?

I had an embarrassing time last weekend. I went hog hunting and MISSED a clear shot at a huge hog that was less than 100 yards away. I'm shooting my .458WM, with handloads that I used to hit pig silhouettes at 350 yards with, and I can't hit a 350lb+ hog standing broadside at less than 100 yards

Missed him clean. By the time I reloaded, he was in the brush and gone.

Went to the range the next morning and discovered that I had left the sight setting for 350 yards (it's an old Redfield aperture sight), not returning it to my usual 100 yard zero.
I was hitting almost 16" high at 100 yards.

Hunted the rest of the week and didn't get a shot at anything except a boar Javelina and I didn't take that as I was waiting for Hogzilla to show up.

You can bet I will have fresh handloads and be zero'ed in come the first of April!

Ed

Sounds like something I would have done (and have done)!

Brother backed away about 25 yards and I shot. Did have some safety glasses.

Shot it 4 times and it didn't blow up so I said all is good.
Sounds like you had a fun hunt. I just take my 223. Works for me.

The little stinker pig. They smell just like a skunk when skinning. Made my boys skin it out.

I should have taken Blue up on his offer to shoot his scoped rifle in the failing light, but no, I had to be hard headed and shoot my rifle.

I'm still waiting to blood that rifle.

Ed

3.5L twin turbo "Ecoboost". 3.73 gears w. electronic locking diff. 4x4, of course.

Didn't know Ford was putting lockers on the F150. Got stuck in a one wheel drive F150 back in the 90's out SW of Dryden, Tx. once. Took the men in green (BP) came out there and saved my butt. I was walking out. Wrecker to get me out and moving again.

Went into the Metroplex today to visit with #1 son and stopped at the new Spec's liquor store in Plano.

Picked up a bottle of Soldeica Pisco (Peruvian Pisco, of course ) in anticipation of Sponxx's masterpiece.

Ed

My lovely bride asked how many different shooting events we were going to have and then started making suggestions.

I'm thinking we need to settle on what we want to do. The time will most certainly fly by, so let's put our heads together and come up with some fun stuff.

Longbows/recurves

Prairie Dog Shoot

Pre-WWI Military Rifle Shoot

200yd .22LR Shoot

Handgun Shoot (Dueling Tree!)

BP Shoot

Clay Birds?


What say you folks?

Ed

One of these days, I may tell you � in private � what I first blooded it with. Mercy killing. No sport or satisfaction to it.

Let's just say for now that a 550-grain Ideal cast gas-check greatly over-penetrated � in the face and out the ass. As Jack McPhee said it, "went down like an armload of wet fish nets."

I'm hoping to build my own list of "over-penetration" stories.
I picked up some wheel weights a couple of weeks ago and need to get casting for it.

Ed

Ed.i have a dualing tree,and some other 550 steel swinger targets,i can bring a small pig,8-10" squares, and a turkey,and some handgun targets,what else do you need? how about a big bore shoot> would love to see every ones big bore rifles. rio7

I am eyeing a couple of different Ruger #1's, in .450 Nitro. They are a limited edition, with Circassian wood.

.458's and .416 Rigby #1's are fairly easy to find. And I already have a nice .45-70. The .450 Nitro #1's have "C" weight barrels. Which means they weigh only about 8 lbs, so I guess you can carry it all day, and stand to shoot it once per day

Blue, The Dueling Tree, a pig, a turkey, and a couple of 8"-10" swingers would be great. I'd hate to overload your trailer.

I'm all for a big bore shoot! Calibers starting with ".40" and up? 50 & 100 yards? Shooting for groups or something similar to the Prairie Dog Shoot? Maybe have a "Double Gun" Prairie Dog Shoot?

There HAS to be a BPCR shoot. I only have 400 yards, but perhaps we can come up with something challenging.

Ed

I guess you'll be really busy if you shoot all of your calibers at the Bog Bore Shoot!

Ed

Great, that means mixing for at least 3 bottles.

Think Sponxx will mind playing bartender?

My bar-tending skills are limited to opening wine bottles, beer cans and bottles, pouring shots, and my piece-de-resistance, a gin & tonic.

Ed

ED,between my pickup and trailer i wont have a problem hauling targets, will need some help unloading and setting them up where you want them. looking forward to visiting with everyone. rio7

Yes it's time. Will need to buy a 12 volt battery for the clay machine if we will use it.

Don't buy one just for this trip, I have one for my trolling motor that we can use.

Ed

Blue, setting them up won't be a problem. Thanks again for bringing them!

Ed

Well, be sure to charge it then. Looks like several real shotgunners will be there.
3 case of birds should do it. Maybe.
I'm thinking only pre 80's shotguns?
Thanks for the battery use Ed.
I'm thinking Sponxx will for sure be the bartender on his drinks. He's the only one who knows how.
Going to need a blender for sure. Sponxx is a really nice guy. Lots of energy (he's young and healthy).
Did some real good Doc's care on the beach with the young fellow who stuck the gaff deal into his arm. Had his bag on site with the correct stuff inside to stablize Alberts friend for the 2 hour drive into town.

I would like to see some more of the North Texas guys, who have not signed up, say heck ya I'll be there. Just a weekend trip. 180 mile, just show up after work, 9ish or so and have a great weekend shooting. Don't want to camp? Motels in town as has been stated.
Food, that will get worked out for sure. Fun that is already assured.
I'm going to get to meet several that I've wanted too for a while.

Ed what do you and others think about eggs in the mornings.
And little thin bread. I have a big pan that will hold 36 scrambled eggs at a time. Electric (if cooking area has 110 out there) or we can go gas cooker. Have one of each.

Sandwiches for lunch

Shrimp and steaks for Sat. nite meal. ??

We have a two-burner propane cooker plus a two-burner Coleman stove and a one-burner Coleman stove.
There is a fire-ring with a swing-away grate for cooking or keeping food/coffee warm and burning hot-dogs if so desired.

There is also a brick grill that we have never used that might be useful as well as two charcoal grills.

There IS 110VAC to the pavilion where I expect the cooking to take place, so we can hook up our 24cup coffee maker and blender(s).

Ed

BREAKFASTS; For both Saturday and Sunday mornings, eggs and/or pancakes would be great. Sausage and/or bacon/ham for us carnivores, too. Some folks just like breakfast pastries with coffee or tea and some like cereal. With several small kids here and a couple of fruit-aholics around, some bananas, strawberrys, etc would also be great.

LUNCHES; Sandwiches (cold cuts?) makes the most sense, with hot dogs/hamburgers available on the grills of someone is feeling ambitious. Chips, of course, and pickles. Again, fruit.

SUPPERS; Friday night & Saturday nights are wide open. LTPPOWELL has said that he would grace us with his cooking skills, so he needs to be in on the menus so he can decide what he might want to do.
For Saturday night, I like the idea of Shrimp & Steak, that begs the question of side dishes?

For Friday night, which MAY be a bit smaller crew, what about a fish-fry? Gene has the perfect cooker for it, even if the catfishing at his camp doesn't provide enough to feed all.
I also have a propane fish cooker.
We can always make folks go down to the ponds and catch their own supper...

I know that there will be some folks with dietary restrictions, so the earlier we know about them, the better we can adjust. No shame or embarrassment, food restrictions are part of life. Barbara and I both have our own.

Sounds like you have you place ready to go for this kind of event. Wow.
So all a person would have to do is bring a tent,(or motel it) chip in on food, bring lots of weapons, lots of ammo and have a great weekend finding out 24 hour campfire people are great to be around.
Guess we are going to have to have that campfire.
Chairs to sit in, bring one folks.
Woks for the eggs then, works great for large groups.
You say you have a bathroom out side? Anyone one in the group gets to use it? Nice set up Sir.
I'll bring one of those plastic white tables (small one) we can use for a bench plus a ground pad.
If I'm really good (this means remember too)I'll bring the dutch oven to cook a cobbler in Sat. night. Used to be pretty good at it. Not sure about today.

Yes, sounds good. Menu is a good place to start. Trying to Get both Pats to talk, and Gene and Bart and Roger, etc.

I can be there to make sure that Pat stays on task but I'm gonna need someone to make sure that I make sure. Ya know what I mean?
I'm always in when it comes to burning something on a smoker. Brisket,pork butt,whatever. It's a hell of a lot easier than grilling fifty steaks.

OK, I'll agree to try to keep you on task.
Large hunks like brisket and pork butt will certainly be easier than individual steaks! Boiling shrimp for that many will be pretty easy, too.

BTW, is chili a side dish???

Ed

I cannot eat food that is in any way deemed "healthly" or health food. I'm a finely tuned alcohol and cholesterol field machine. My healthy lifestyle is based on a pyramid of the five basic food groups; nicotine, caffeine, fat, salt, and sugar.

That is if I can make it. Things are still up in the air with mom. Little sis is down from Iowa. We've got all mom's stuff in order. They are doing the flower spray arrangement today. So now it's just spending some more good time with mom while she's still here!

Bob

kaywoodie - sorry to learn that you are living through this illness and anticipated loss of your mom. These can be difficult days. My thoughts are with you, and hope to be able to meet you at Ed's place.

Thanks! I certainly hope I can make it. But if I ain't there, y'all know why!

Y'all will have a great time!!!!!!

I guess I could make some. If that is,y'all would eat it.

Ed

Found out about the get-together from WP47, and want you to put my name in the hat.

I may not be able to get around too good, but just meeting everyone would be a hoot!

Now, no self-respecting coonass would let a get-together like this happen in the spring without crawfish. So ifin you dont care, I'll bring a couple of sacks and the cooker. Yall just bring your appetites and favorite beverage!

One of the best meals I ever had at a camp deal was LT>PAT's crawfish. He's a SEE Tex (southeasteast) guy you may not of ever met. You two will fit like two peas in a pod.

Are the dates,4th-5th & 6th(Fri,Sat & Sun) of April set in stone?

Excellent! Glad to have you, even if you hadn't offered the bugs! Not knowing the "coonass rules of etiquitte", does one need anything special to go with said crawfish?

Ed

Yes. That's the time when I know I'll be here and my bride won't do this by herself.

Ed

Glad to know that the dates were set early and not changed.
What do you have for a smoker/dead critter cooker?
I have a smoker that I can bring if needed.
I've been to and cooked at a few of these get togethers and would suggest that we get the menus set in stone. That includes meal times,side dishes and who's cooking/preparing what.
Pat an work well together because we've been cooking together for a few years.
The more help the better.
Lets start putting together the particulars.
I think you should start a list of who's committed to show up and what they plan to bring and cook.
Then let's plan the daily menus.
It would be best to do most of this through PM's to you or you could start a PM with everyone that's gonna cook and get it hashed out.
Just a suggestion.

Trust me, you do not want me cooking but I will bring near anything y'all want me to, with in reason. I can and will peel potato's, fetch beer ect. for the cooks, but no cooking. miles

I'm all for suggestions. I've put together more than a few potlatches (potlucks for the Cheechakos in the crowd) and hosted dozens at our place in AK, but I don't EVEN claim to know all there is and sometimes I fall asleep and forget what I DO know.

You're spot-on about getting menus and timetables set.

I will make another post here in a little bit regarding who I have coming so far, and that will give us an idea about numbers we'll need to feed.

I, and others, have repeatedly asked Rick Bin to make this a sticky and hope that he will as we are getting closer and I don't want for someone to miss out because they didn't have information about it.

Ed

Miles, I've seen you in action at a couple of these things and I KNOW you'll be in the thick of things.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again!

Ed

A sticky would be good but I'd prefer he un-sticky most of what's up there now.

I agree, but it's his & SYSOP's bidness... I just hope I haven't got them P.O.'ed at me about something.

I forgot to reply to your question about dead critter cookers. No, I don't have one that could cook up a bunch of brisket and/or pork butts.

Ed

Amen!

I just PM'd Rick about making this topic a sticky and un-stickying most of the others Ken. I even dropped your name so it will more than likely happen.

That's actually good. I'm better off cooking with my smoker cuz I'm used to it.
Ok... I'll bring my smoker and the wood unless you have abunch of dead pecan wood laying around.

Nope, just live pecan.

Ed

Hmmm, what a nice way to tell me to keep my big azz out of the way. miles

Not at all! I saw how much of a help you were at Quemado and was hoping you'd offer your services again!

Ed

Hey, using them big words confuses me!

Figure on doing the usual cookout. One cooker of straight crawfish and one cooker of crawfish, potatoes, and corn.

Nothing too fancy!

Since I'm gonna be moving slow and wont be staying the night, if possible, I'd like to cook the crawfish Sat. Say have them ready to eat about noon?

Just picking at you. You know that I will help any way that I can. miles

That works for me!

Ed

Them crawdads done got my mouth watering, and..... to answer Bart's question, I can [and have before] eat chili for breakfast.

And yeah, I've got a 4 gallon "Cajun cooker" if we want a fish fry. Or it can be used for deep trying a bunch of anything REAL quick.

I've timed myself before, and for cooking just the fish, it figures out to about 1 1/2 minutes per person. That sounds pretty fast, but if we have 60 head, some of the fish is gonna be an hour and a half old before it is eaten. Just something to think about.

I expect I can catch enough catfish between now and then if we want to have the Fish Fry, but I sure like the idea of Bart and Pat cooking beef and hog better. We can chip in buy the meat.

I'll go along with most anything that don't interfere with the crawdads and chili.

I can bring a couple of Dutch ovens as well.

Gotta have pinto beans, of course. I got a big enough pot for them and have been known to fix 'em pretty tasty.

Gene, are you planning on coming Friday or earlier? We could have a fish fry for Friday night as I know several folks coming in on Friday. Your fryer would be a big help regardless of when you get here.

I make a great pot of pintos, too, but mine aren't very fancy. Salt, smoked ham hocks, beans, and water.

Same recipe for Navy beans.

Ed

I can more than likely get there early enough on Friday to cook a mess of catfish for supper.

You got the right idea as far as keeping pintos simple, but salt pork is for pintos. ham hock is for Navy and butter beans.

And I do add a couple secret ingredients to a pot of beans.

You surely ain't - bein' a transplant and all - challenging a bred and born Texan to a bean cook off or you?

Dutch ovens make killer cornbread, too.

When it comes to pinto beans,less is better.
It doesn't seem like it was over twenty years ago but...Being young and struggling with two little kids makes sure that one can cook beans,rice,and cornbread very well.

Well, this event is coming off the Campfire Hog Hunt about 3 weeks prior, so I should have a pile of pork I can bring. Wilderness' sausage is very good, and I'm happy to bring some of that, if you folks like.

Gene, I think I can bring some peppers to go with them. miles

what are the dates again, i might fly to south Florida sometime in April to do some fishing.

Ed...Are there still openings for your gig and are there hotels nearby?

4th, 5th, and 6th. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


Gene, not being able to find salt pork that wasn't soaking in water in a plastic package, I use the ham hocks for pintos.
My Mom always made pintos with salt pork and they're my favorite.
What makes a Texan believe that their pinto beans are better than those of North Carolina heritage?

Ed

Bob, there most certainly are openings! Yes, there are two hotels in Gilmer. Somewhere, earlier in this thread, I posted the info on them.
I'd be tickled to death to have you here!

Ed

'cause we invented them. But we don't call 'em "pintos" among ourselves. We call 'em red beans. Or frioles, for the darker complexioned Texans.

Bob, Ben [Mudhen] used my 204 Ruger to win the PD shoot at Quemado using my pet load for it. It has not been fired since then and you are welcome to the exclusive use of it at Ed's place if you will come.

But this go-round you will have to compete with a lot more Texas shooters............ not that THAT means anything of course. You'll still be expected to win.

They kinda neglected to call my turn at Quemado out of fear of my 22 250 AI, so IT went unfired on that trip. It may get shot this time.

Gene, you waited 'til I invited Bob to mention that you were bringing your "Death Ray"?!?!

Sandbagging is considered poor form in some parts of the world!

If you let Bob shoot the .204 and you shoot your .22-250AI, is there any hope for us poor mortals? Is there a Champion out there that can save us from the incessant bragging that will follow the victory of one of your rifles?



Ed

So, Texicans know how to cook red beans / frijoles, other folks know how to cook pintos.

Ed

Anasazi... all others are second best...

Kent

Prove it. Show up here and cook a pot of them for us.

Ed

Maybe... you'd probably want elk tamales or some such also...

Kent

Well......... I am subject to bribery.

I realize that a good rifle is a must but if I recall correctly Ben was just barely edged out the year before by Jon toeshoes. miles

Well, yeah! Along with that fantastic Mole! Even if you stirred it with your booger picker.

Actually, just show up. I think we have the menus pretty well covered. If you wanted to help cook breakfast, I wouldn't turn you down. Someone has to cook the milk gravy.

Ed

Lucky for us, Jon is still overseas.
Katie, on the other hand might be able to come if I had a way of getting in touch with her.

Ed

Here is the list of attendees I have so far. The ones that are tentative I put a question mark next to. If I have missed anyone, please forgive me.
There are some folks that I wish would come that haven't chimed in yet. There's still time!
In no particular order;

BrotherBart (& son?)
curdog4570
kaywoodie ?
ltppowell
tdd4570 & 2 sons
gnnrsig40
Wtxj
SteveNO (& Grace?)
Paladin ?
stxhunter
Texncal
Texncal's Brother ?
prairie dog shooter
Big C
bcolorado ?
milespatton
RIO7
Slipsinker
Sponxx & family
HugAJackass & Family ?
Birdwatcher & Bride
crossfireoops ?
CCCC & Bride
Temmi
butchlambert1
gunner500
Oldman2003
TX270 ?
Isaac ?
Charlie Sisk
tmj10025?
Mystery Guest
websterparish47
DocRocket ?

Ed

YAHOO! We made it to a sticky!

Thank you, Rick!

Ed

And it'll be there until you're 95. Rick uses the stickum that Gorilla rejects as "too strong."

Anasazi beans wont grow worth a hoot around here, but then we are on alkaline black clay. OTOH Cherokee black beans (AKA Trail of Tears bean) grow like a house on fire.

Birdwatcher

Taking gobs of Dove Creek Anasazi beans to the AZ lake next week. Might be some left for Texas.

We all know how trustworthy Kent is.

Thanks Rick

Thats a big group Ed.

Probably some of the beans my cousin grows in Dove Creek. I haven't been up there in probably 10 years, looking forward to the beans amigo.

On the slight chance I can make it to Ed's I'll take some with.

Kent

I'll bring some boudin and check on the availability of crawfish. No promises of them though...depends on the rain.

I used to stop at Adobe Milling whenever I drove through Dove Creek while it was open. Always bought beans, whether I needed 'em or not. Have given away gobs and gobs.

Gave about twenty pounds of Anasazis to a pal whose wife then bought a bunch of cowboy sweat rags and made bean bags that she sold at the fair �

� then asked me for more beans!

(No � she didn't get any more.)

Miles - you are correct - Ben seems to be an expert with totally unfamiliar rifles - he came a very close second to Jon in 2012 using my .220 Swift - pushed me back to 3rd. Then, he won in 2013 with Gene's puny .204. Am thinking about lending Mudhen an erratic one next time.

I'll see the death ray, and raise a Princess...

That rifle can't shoot............. it's too purty.

And you know the PD Shoot is just ONE cold bore shot, groups be damned.

I'll only be bringing one cartridge for each rifle.

Don't worry about the bugs.
What are we gonna smoke?
I know that you liked that shoulder clot but I've only cooked one. I've cooked boo-koo briskets and think that's the way to go.

Bart...please resend to me by PM or regular email your new residential addy,if you don't mind.

Thanks.

Bob,

Hope you can make it!

Ed

Can't beat brisket. I got the clod on a whim.

I can't avoid DFW on my way to Ed's if you want a ride.

=========


Thank you Ed...and Gene.

I am close to settling a trial I have on Monday following your gathering. If I do, then I'll do my best to jump onboard. If case goes to trial, my weekend will be spent with folks far less desirable than the folks attending your party weekend.

I'll keep you posted.

Thank you, again.

I've got a two man tent...you don't need a hotel.

Thanks much,Pat.

Last time I saw you, you spent 3 days under your truck on a cot with Pete the dog. I'm glad you moved up big time Sir.

What old shotgun are you bringing?

Don't know. Somebody has got to bring guitars.

Maybe we can talk curdog4570 into bringing his. He plays AND writes songs.

Ed

Somebody has to. Mine got stolen.

Pretty good at it too. miles

Ed was drunk.

You must be deaf.

But.......... I will have room for the old Martin. It's survived quite a few guitar pullin's.

I'm glad to hear that. I will be looking forward to a hootenanny.

I've also got a real good OLD Yamaha acoustic that I'd sell at a good price if you're interested. Seein as how it may get stolen anyhow.

Bring it, if you have room.

OK

I'll try to remember to bring my full choke Model 11 A-5 look alike.
This for you and me and whomever to shoot.

My Dad left me his ancient A-5 that he picked up in Germany in 1963. It was very well worn at that time.

16ga, 2 9/16" chamber, unknown choke. I have several boxes of shells for it. I think it should get a workout, too.

Ed

I am, but I turned the volume way up on that disc that you gave me at Quemado. It kept me awake on the way home, but I wish you would pronounce your words a little better on the next one. I did enjoy it and will have it blasting on my trip west, starting tomorrow. miles

Thanks, Miles. A little hand held digital recorder has it's limitations.

And my voice and guitar playing have a lot more.

I'll try to do better next time, or maybe furnish a transcript.

You will get me killed, trying to read a transcript while driving. miles

ED, i have one more week of quail hunting and the season will be over, i will try to catch up then.rio7

Thanks, Blue. I know you'll have your hands full with after-season clean up, too.

BTW, if you see J.D. around, remind him of the Gathering. I invited him and he seemed interested, but he wasn't sure about his schedule.

Ed

Looks like things are coming together!

Oldman2003 has graciously offered a crawfish lunch for Saturday, Bart & Pat are going to smoke something ( WTH is clot? ) for supper Saturday night, Roger said he was going to check with the Shrimp Pimp before he left Corpus, so Pat can add those to the feast, and we have a tentative breakfast menu of...food. Maybe Bart's chili. There will definitely be beans.

Gene and Pat are going to serenade us with their git-tars to either aid digestion or chase way evil spirits, your pick. (pun intended )

Sponxx is going to show off his bartending skills, my lovely bride is going to rid a certain attorney-type of his equine related distress, there will be gun trading, show & tell, show & don't tell ( ), fly-fishing, tall tales told, pictures taken, and kids taught how to emulate grownups.

Oh, and shooting. Lots and lots of shooting. Archery, rifles, pistols (revolvers, too), shotguns, and BB guns.

Get your best excuses, reasons, lies, and qualifiers ready for the competitions, I'd hate to have someone just flat-out miss for nothing!

Still a lot of details to come, still a bunch of folks I'd like to see join us as I know they would add to the fellowship and get a lot out of it at the same time.

Ed

A CLOT is a big assed cut of meat from the front shoulder of a beeve(I think).
Ok... Who's gonna bring the brisket?
I'm bringing the smoker and the cook'n wood. I don't mind picking up a big brisket from Bolner's in SanAntonio because them folks have outstanding meat and I love their Fiesta Brand spices. They are the ones that make that pinto bean seasoning that I really like. I remember a few people that wanted that bean seasoning but I don't remember who. I'll bring a few extra bottles for anyone that don't have any in their local grocery stores.
Or someone else can pick a brisket up if y'all know a good butcher.

Ain't a clot the same thing they call a tri-tip these days????

If I can make it, I'll bring my French harp (harmonica to you young whippersnappers) and Mebbe a penny whistle.

And I'll sing.

Ed

Inspiring all the dogs for miles around.

I thought you were deaf! You heard me singing, didn't you!

I promise to sing solo. So lo nobody can hear me....

Normally I sing tenor. Ten or eleven miles from dogs and small children.

Ed

I may reconsider my participation if I gotta put up with bad sing'n...

Why of course!!!!

That can be mitigated with good whiskey...

Ed

I can't be bribed with whiskey... But some Sailor Jerry's rum and a set of earplugs will get me there.

I got the brisket cuz.

OK, we'll see what we can find. Maybe you and Wtxj will have to go sit on the dock and commiserate whilst we mere mortals keep the vampires, goblins, and chupacabras away with our caterwauling.

Ed

You guys just worry about whiskey and chiken livers. Me an Curdog will worry about entertainment.

Y'all know any Johnny Cash? How about Willie?
Can we at least make requests?

Ed

No.

Please don't. You don't know what is in the can of worms that you are trying to open.

PANTERA \m/

I have some becky Creek and Pesco for the drinking.
Clay machine, 4 cases of clays.
Case of some kind of cheap 12 gauge shells.
Going to bring some paper goods, plastic stuff to eat with.
And maybe my glasses so I can see.

You sure?
You've been to Bolner's and have cooked some of their steaks and brisket.
Where are you gonna get the brisket?

You have no idea what I could possibly make happen with one phone call.

If your mouth is in the same place it's always been and your hand have never left your wrists, why do you need glasses? Trust us, we'll only serve the best food and drink and the three second rule only applies to food spills inside the house.

I'll fire up a group PM as soon as we get a firm grasp on who all is coming so we can get a list of who is bringing what. Once a PM is started we cannot add anyone and I'd hate to leave someone out.

Ed

Fire the group PM up. If someone hasn't jumped in by now,they probably ain't gonna be involved anyway.

Generally after one song I get lots of requests.......... all for the same thing.

Ed, throw me on the PM, if I can't make it I'll remove myself.

Headed up in the morning to get ready for our get together here in Az this weekend, we'll miss ya buddy.

Kent

Man this thread sure makes me homesick ,nothing like a Texas get together.Love Alaska,but don't nobody really know how to do it up here.They can get drunked up real good.

Robert's Meat Market. "You can beat our prices, but you can't beat our meat.".

What sides should we be thinking about for lunch & dinners? Coleslaw? Potatoes of some sort? Rice? I make a mean Pico De Gallo, mild or wild.

Ed

I have 20 lbs of rice of some kind in a big sack. Bought it month or so ago. Happy to bring that.
Missed your glasses comment yesterday. You remember needing excuses for the shooting.
45 years I have had contacts. May now be back in glasses for a long while (rest of life). Good excuse right. Hope to have current (new) by April. See what the doc says.

I can make my potato salad.
It's what my family has been making for three or four generations. One of Pat's buddies helped me out with it a couple of years ago and made it better. Which is amazing because I thought it was perfect before.

Gotta have some red beans.

Red beans it is! I'm thinking some cornbread needs to accompany this feast along with the obligatory white bread.

I know some folks like their cornbread sweet and others not. What do y'all think?

Ed

Sweet? Yuck.

What he said. miles

Carrie-Style Corn Bread

2 cups coarsely ground yellow corn meal
1 egg
� cup shortening (bacon drippings, preferably) or peanut oil
2 to 2� cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs baking powder
0 tsp sugar (imperative!)
��1 cup fine bacon bits (optional Ken Howell touch)

Heat the oven to 375� to 450� F while you mix the batter.

Heat 1 or 2 Tbs of the shortening or oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet until it smokes (if it�s peanut oil, it won�t smoke).

Stir the egg, the bacon fat or oil, the milk, the salt, the baking powder, and the bacon bits into the corn meal until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the hot skillet. If the skillet is as hot as it should be, the edges and the bottom of the batter begin to sizzle, crinkle, and turn brown immediately.

Bake about 15 to 20 minutes at 375� to 450� F until the top is dark golden brown and speckled. (Bacon bits will add to the speckling.)

Turn the bread onto a plate � slide it back into the skillet � and bake it until the bottom is as brown as the top.

Quarter the bread, then serve the quarters hot. (Carrie always did.)

Slit a quarter open horizontally with your table knife, lay the top back � and you�ll have to use another knife to butter it. (Or you can, as my grandfather did, quench the hot knife in your iced tea!) The hot knife cuts butter easily but then won�t carry a pat of butter away from the butter dish.

Just buttered, with any main course � or with genuine, pure ribbon-cane syrup� � or with honey � this is eatin� too good for kings!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

�No, not sorghum or blackstrap, and certainly not cut with corn syrup!

Makes my mouth water just reading that, Ken!

I'm in the "no sugar" camp, but I know some folks are. Maybe I'll bake a pan of Jiffy mix for the sugar crowd.

Ed

That'd be three of us.

One reason that cornbread goes so well with red beans is that neither benefit from little gourmet touches.

I like sweet corn bread

Does that mean you are going to honor us with your presence?

Ed

Me too, with certain things, just not beans and BBQ.

I'd love to but don't think I can make it this go round and I do love TX!

I do must still have some yankee stuck in me

It's worth a few miles of driving to get real, genuine, stone-ground yellow corn meal.

Store-boughten stuff just ain't as good, somehow.

Brookshire's grocery here has fresh, genuine stone-ground cornmeal. It's all I use to make cornbread or to cook with. It comes from a grist mill that ONLY mills corn the old-fashioned way.

Ed

Somehow, I was pretty confident that down there, the good stuff would be close-by and easy to find. Just keep the sugar out of it. Maple syrup is an OK alternative to ribbon-cane syrup after the bread comes out of the oven. But NO sugar in the batter!

Me too. My kids loved it when I made Jiffy cornbread when they were little. I guess it just grew on me.

A truer statement has never been posted here.

Thanks for the invitation Ed.
I wish I could make it.
SWMBO has other plans.

I wish you could make it, too.

Don't give up, plans can always change.

Ed

OK, the shooting challenges look like this;

The "Elk Hunt".
Labarr has come up with some 24" x 36" Elk Silhouette targets and a great challenge. The course of fire is;
Stage one, STANDING ONLY, NO SUPPORTS: At 150 yd, rifle butt on foot, round in chamber, two shots only, no practice, 15 seconds max. A red spotter is zero, all score is distance from individual orange dot on your target.

Stage two, since you shot so pooooooorly at the first stage, would be at max practical range (350 yards), one shot, prone, off a stuffed pack [as your elk is descending into the worst black timber you have ever seen, and probably will ever see]. Every body would use the same pack, no practice rounds. Only real elk calibers, 7 mm min dia, at least 7-08 in size [270's ok for those with a strong feminine side ].
Shots will be measured from the center of the orange dots and lowest aggregate distance for the three shots will be the winner.

Prairie Dog Shoot
One shot, cold bore, any caliber, any sights, any position, 200 yards at a 1/2" orange dot on a life-size prairie dog silhouette. Closest shot to the center of the dot wins.

Handgun Duel
RIO7 is bringing a dueling tree for a handgun shoot off. For those who have never used one, it is a way for two people to shoot at steel "flags", the first one to push all of their flags to the other side of the post wins.

"William Tell Shoot"
Traditional Archery, bare bows only, no sights or releases. One arrow at an apple 30 yards away. I couldn't find anyone to volunteer to put the apple on their head, so we'll have to pretend.

"Red Ryder Challenge"
Five shots from a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun at five hanging golf balls at 20 yards. Most balls hit wins. Sudden Death shoot-off in case of a tie.

Shotguns I'll leave that to you scattergunners to suggest a challenge. I just shoot at birds. And miss.

We'll also have some steel targets to ring for those who love to plink, and there has been discussion of a 200yard .22lr shoot.

For the BPCR Crew, I believe that RIO7 is bringing a full-size Hog Silhouette that could be placed at 400 yards. What say you about one shot, cold bore?

Finally, time permitting, we will have a Military Rifle Shoot. Pre-WWI military rifle, issue sights, 200 yards, best five shot group wins.

There are two ponds here, both just over an acre, two aluminum boats, and plenty of bass & bluegills that are very hungry.

Between the food, shooting, fishing, and fellowship, we should have a full weekend!

Can't wait!

Ed