It is a cold, rainy, miserable day here in western Washington. I am sequestered in my den, which is not a bad place to be. The walls have numerous pictures of great archery friends that I have had for the last 68 years. It's nice to sit in the comforts of my warm snuggery and meditate on past friends and events. On one wall is a photo of Ron Hoiland, who was endowed with a spirit of traditional archery in every fiber of his body.
Ron loved shooting his Hill-style longbows. He was also a master of making Hill-style broadhead arrow points.
What a pleasure it was to go to some remote, old stump-fields with him and spend time killing stumps, having great fun, and telling our lies to each other.
I hope that you have esteemed buddies, like Ron, to enrich your memories when you too are sequestered to your den on a cold, miserable day!
You're welcome Fred. This is from a 35mm color slide that Carolyn let me take for scanning. I'll be going back next week. We sit outside on her patio with masks of course.
Thanks for the picture jaz (it brings back good memories). The first recurve composite bow I ever shot was a Corky bow. I also shot with him a couple of times on the old Gold Gulch field range.
Fred, as you know, my "past events" only span the better part of the past decade. Instead, I have the collected culmination of other people's events that spans several decades.
This past week I added a bit more when I discovered Corky Johnson's widow, Carolyn, and their son, Craig, living just a few miles from my home. I spent an afternoon with them both looking at pictures and hearing stories about Corky. It was a good day.
Here's Corky in his shop clamping up his most recent creation.
Fred, I remember the great visit with you and Steve Gorr at our camp at Denton Hill many years ago when you fellows came to the camp my buddy Roger and I had and you joined us in a fish fry. That was a memorable evening filled with great tales and good fellowship. I only regret that I didn't have sense enough to get some pictures!
We have a rainy season in Florida as well. When it's raining outside I like to take advantage of that time to build arrows and smell the wonderful aroma of POC shafts.
While I have only been on this longbow trail for 12 years, I have some fond memories of days afield. My friend and archery mentor, Nate Steen, while we were hunting mule deer one day not far from home.
Camp in the mountains to the North of Ketchum, ID. Bowhunting and trout fishing camp. Even had a visit from Two4hooking and his brother one night! This is the place where I feed my soul!
Fred
My den walls are filled with archery gear, great momentos of past trips, and photos of old and new archery friends. It's a place to remember the many adventures in the forests and streams. Probably my favorite spot is the couch beside the bookcase where adventure awaits...lol
Deno