We've been doing this a long time !

Winter Count Staff 2008 collodian photograph by Loch Wade.

Well, the trailers leave tomorrow for their trip south. If all goes well, we will be on site Wednesday and begin setting up. You're welcome to join us, although student services don't begin until Sunday dinner. The excitement is growing and people are still registering. Winter Count 2011 is just around the corner. Hope to see you there.

Check out the forecast for Winter Count.

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts:

Feb 12-18 Sunny; mild, then cold.

Sounds great to me.

Here's a sample of what's on the schedule so far.

Buckskin bags, knotless netting, felting, primitive pottery and firing, brain tanning, moccasin making, hunting skills, tracking and trapping, flintknapping, beadwork, bullroarers, flute making, finger weaving, rattles, cattail crafts, gourd crafting, knife sharpening and safety, bow-drill - hand-drill - mouth-drill - fire plow - fire saw - fire pistons, pump-drills, atlatls and darts, bows and arrows, blacksmithing, Sonoran plant life, medicinal plant uses, agave roast, knife and sheath making, drop spindles, roadkill, and much more.

DON'T MISS OUT!

Early Registration Ends

If you haven't registered yet, please let us know that you are coming, but plan to bring your registration information with you and pay at the gate. All forms for registration are available on-line. We'd still love to have you join us, so plan to check-in and register on-site starting at 10am on Sunday morning. There will be instructors doing demos and displaying projects all morning during registrations, so plan not to miss it. Intros will start about noon with a blanket fair, and class announcements start at 1pm.

NO CREDIT CARD?

If you know someone who does not use the internet or credit cards, please let them know we can accommodate them so long as they contact us in advance. We have a few people paying cash at the registration table and even a few bartering (in advance - don't just show up expecting to do that) for goods they have made. Our Work/Trade positions are full. Talk to us at the event if you would like to work next year or at Rabbitstick.

Let's Go Stone Age

We had a late run of about 80 registrations in the last couple of days - many returnees, and lots of excited first-timers are about to create a vibrant community in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Lots of skills, music, and good times. Please remember, this is a family-friendly event. Please leave the drugs, dogs and alcohol at home. Consider the fact that if you can't do without them for a few days, you might have a problem you need to deal with.

We're ready to head south!

When we woke up this morning it was -25˚ (-40˚ just up the road in Island Park). I shot this photo out the back door at 11am, and it was still below zero. Make plans now, if you haven't already, to join us in Arizona for few days of great instruction and friendship. Winter Count 2011 is just around the corner. Pack your tent, your fork and spoon, a good crafting knife, and meet us in Maricopa Feb 13. You won't regret it.