Historic Strides

Some of the simplest gear can not only make a difference in the comfort during a Trek but is downright indespensible.

For instance the simple “tie”. This particular tie is made from the left over fabric used to make the canvas outer hudfat shells, bags, rainflies, and other gear. It’s really nothing more than a strip of durable fabric that has been folded and sewn. However, it is easier to make than rope, and is more readily attachable (sewn to) fabric items as well.

So far, we’ve made approximately 20 of these ties and find uses for more every time we do trial runs with our gear.

There’s something romantic or idealic about setting off into the wilderness with only the gear you can carry on your back. And that’s made even more intense by the idea that I’d be doing that with “primitive” equipment.

However, that’s not the smart thing to do (and friendly company is fun too!). So, I’ll be bringing along some close and trusted friends.

Sarah - Top on the list is my wife, who will also be our safety back up. She’ll be the only member of the party using modern equipment, but she’ll also be the person with the first aid kit.

Sydney - Sydney is our youngest daughter. She had only two questions when asked if she wanted to Trek with us. “Do I have to wear a dress?” and “How many weapons can I carry?!” We did end up making a concession and she will be allowed to wear trews if she makes them herself. As for the weapons, she’ll have her junior archery license and will be allowed to carry and use as many weapons as she wants.

Joe - Joey has participated off and on in re-enacting and has a tremendous wealth of knowledge in woodwork, particularly bow making. Many of us will be carry bows that were made by him, guided to completion with his knowledge or made after he taught us how.

Richard - AKA “Raffan” is a founding member of Wolves of Wodan and has been on several “Primitive Treks” in the past. In fact, much of the equipment we’ll be using is modeled after his research.

DJ & Amy - Both are founding members of Ancient Celtic Clans and wholeheartedly signed up when asked if they would be interested in walking on a Primitive Trek.

Samantha & Casey - (Daughters of DJ & Amy) They too were very excited to go on the Primitive Trek. They are also assisting in the construction of their equipment.

Ron - A blacksmith and skilled in many other arts, Ron will be equipped as one of the latest time periods in our group, a 1590’s highlander.

Well, it’d be dishonest of me to say I was all set, physically, to pick up my gear and hit the trails for Historic Strides. In fact, setting the Columbus Day weekend was only partly driven by the need to have time to make the equipment. I also need time to get back into shape.

Back in the mid-1990’s I was at my peak. I was in my mid 20’s, weighed 160-165 pounds and was mountain biking and rock climbing during the week and was doing extended climbs and bike trails every-other weekend. But that was almost 15 years ago.

Today, I work at a desk job and weigh almost 210 pounds. While that is still (barely) in the acceptable range for my height, it also means I’m carrying around 50 pounds of fat (probably the weight of the backpack I will be carrying) on a body that has reduced muscle and aerobic capacity.

This blog section will chronicle my attempts to get ready for the Historic Strides Trek.