Rabbitstick-WinterCount

2012-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

This clip features our buddy Tom Laskowsky of the Midwest Native Skills Institute, and addresses some of the issues encountered when using primitive skills in a modern world.

The Art of Self-Reliance

Backtracks came from the notion of pairing primitive technology with modern survival skills. Today that union is beginning to be called "bushcraft." At our skills events - Winter Count and Rabbitstick, we are focusing more and more on the use of the outdoors as a survival resource. We also look at how the insights and attitudes one gains from a structured survival experience might empower people in the event of a real disaster.

Our new Homespun track, that is now a part of our primitive skills schedule, has evolved from the expanding interest of participants in skills that allow everyone freedom and independence. Learning skills that might allow a life free of the grid has the potential for all of us to examine where we are and how we can improve our relationship to technology in general.

2011-12-21T16:20:00.000-08:00

Making Grass Rope With Kids

Grass ropes are a fun and easy activity for any group of people, from adults to kids as young as 7 or 8 years old. Building the rope requires teamwork and cooperation. Testing the strength of the rope through games of tug-o-war is an opportunity for great camaraderie and raucous competition. All can be accomplished in less than an hour. Rabbitstick and Winter Count are a great place for kids of all ages to learn primitive skills.

At this year's Rabbitstick Rendezvous Tom Elpel of Pony, Montana taught a class on making grass ropes, as shown in the video below. Be sure to look for his Grass Ropes article in the Fall 2011 Bulletin of Primitive Technology.

2011-12-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Revisit this 1o minute slide show from Rabbitstick 2010. This will give you a pretty good idea what a Backtracks Primitive Skills Gathering is all about.

Christian Noble Production

2011-12-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

WINTER COUNT -AZ
February 12-18
RABBITSTICK - ID
September 9-15
(Go to backtracks.net for full details)

Also - WOODSMOKE - ID
July 8-14, 2012
(see what's up at http://campandtrailblog.blogspot.com)

2011-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

JOIN US AT
WINTER COUNT AND RABBITSICK 2012 !

2011-12-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

A photo from ca.1990: Left - David Wescott, center - Dick Jamison, right - Larry Dean Olsen. The genealogy of skills traditions is an important thing to remember.

A Genealogy of Skills Traditions

In 1988, Larry Dean Olsen (author of Outdoor Survival Skills and founder of the Woodsmoke Journal in the late 70s) gave us permission to use the Rabbit Stick name to reinvent this unique teaching and learning experience. Rabbit Stick Rendezvous had been discontinued after the 1978 event, so our reissue of the new event as Rabbitstick after 20 years marked the reintroduction of an important part of the contemporary primitive skills movement. 2012 marks our 25^th year of hosting this nationally recognized gathering (For information visit us at backtracks.net).

In 1979, Dick and Linda Jamison (authors and creators of the acclaimed Woodsmoke books and video series) took over as hosts and called their event the Woodsmoke Rendezvous. In 1982 the name was changed to the Woodsmoke Primitive Living Conference, and was discontinued shortly after that. Last year, we approached the Jamison’s asking permission to use theWoodsmoke name for our newest skills gathering. They not only granted permission, but promised that if health issues would allow, they would join us at the new gathering. 2012 will mark 30 years since a Woodsmoke gathering has been held. If you're interested in Bushcraft or Classic Camping Skills, make sure you don’t miss this important anniversary event July 8-14, 2012 (For information click on the Camp and Trail X button in the column at right).

2011-12-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

WINTER COUNT 2012
February 12-18, 2012
What a way to start off your New Year.
Don't miss it !
Register early and save at -
backtracks.net

2011-08-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Rabbitstick 24 is on its way!!

Keep up-to-date about all of the plans for this years Rabbitstick, and count down along with us. Our early registrations are coming in fast, so we plan on having a great turn out. Remember, early registration ends September 1 and the late fee of $75 goes into affect. Register early and save.

Rabbitstick 2011 reminder postcards are in the mail.

2011-08-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

A portion of last years camp as seen from the air.

Come to Idaho and escape the heat.....

It's been an amazing year - record snowfall and a winter that seemed to last forever, a spring that didn't arrive until June, and now an incredible late summer explosion of premier weather accompanied by displays of wildflowers and cool temps. The Rabbitstick site is hosting its usual display of summer foliage and wildlife after being under spring floods for a long time.

We are now getting ready to host Rabbitstick 2011 - that's #24 to be exact. Tell your friends to plan on joining us for another great year of skills, music and fun.

2011-08-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

JUST 3 AND 1/2 WEEKS LEFT TO REGISTER EARLY

Pass along to this information to anyone planning to attend. Our late registration fee is $75, making late registrations $350 (still a bargain at the price).

2011-02-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-02-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the forecast for Winter Count.

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts:

Feb 12-18 Sunny; mild, then cold.

Sounds great to me.

2011-02-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-02-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-02-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

Early Registration Ends Soon!

We have been experiencing our usual rush of last minute calls and on-line registrations for this year's Winter Count early-bird price. We will accept registrations postmarked Feb. 1, and the PayPal price will hold until midnight Tuesday. So, if you aren't registered yet, get it done as soon as possible.

Please Note: If you register after the early rate changes, or you intend to register at the gate, please let us know you are coming so we can plan food and instructor amounts. We want to make sure we have plenty of classes for everyone. Be sure to let us know your plans. Thanks!

2011-01-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Count isn't just for those who wear buckskin. There are lots of people who use primitive skills to work with a broad range of participants. The Elemental Awareness boys will be there to put on a desert skate contest and archery blanket shoot. Great for the kids who love to roll.

Here's another link to a more current video from Elemental Awareness' last visit to Winter Count found at the Element Skateboards site. Shred On!
Video Link: http://www.elementskateboards.com/audiovisual/elementtv-122.html

Be sure to be there.

2011-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Sunrise over Winter Count camp, 2010.

How’s everyone?

Sorry for the delay in responding to everyone’s e-mails for the past couple of weeks, but we’ve been out of the office. I had the chance to go to MN and take a Traditional Norwegian Ski Making workshop. When I got back, I spent a week in the Tetons conducting a training for the local university (-14˚ last Thursday), so we're ready for a bit of warm weather.

My ski blanks fresh from the mold - before shaping.

Now we’re back in the saddle and getting ready for Winter Count. Registrations are coming in at a record pace, and staff are checking in, making this years event another exciting event...Lots of anticipation. Word is the Arizona weather is spectacular, but we still need to plan for anything.

2011-01-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Check out what it's like to be at a primitive skills gathering. Here's footage from Rabbitstick 2010. The scenes would be the same at Winter Count, but not quite as green. (Note - double clicking on the movie will take you to YouTube for a full-frame version).

Join Us!

2011-01-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Winter Count staff of 2010 invites you to join us in Arizona

for a week of amazing sharing and learning.

Don't miss another year - it'll be great!

2011-01-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - The Countdown Has Begun - 38 Days to go!

Remember, early registration ends Feb 1., and tuition goes up to $350.

So register early, and save!

2010-11-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

The Rabbitstick Staff for 2010 says -

Come join us in 2011!

Buttoning up for Winter

It's been a little over a month since Rabbitstick ended, and we have had an amazing Indian Summer after the freeze we got just prior to opening day. But, snow hit yesterday, and forced us back into the office for some computer time.

We missed you at Rabbitstick 23. We hope to see you at Winter Count 17 in February, or again next fall at Rabbitstick 24.

2010-11-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Rabbitstick Goes To The Movies

Great footage from Rabbitstick 2010. If you ever wondered what goes on at a Backtracks Primitive Skills Conference, here's a short peek (a 10 minute clip) at what you might expect to see. Thanks Christian Noble for making us look so good.

Until I can figure out how to upload it to this blog, you'll have to go to YouTube and type in "Rabbitstick 2010" to see the 1o minute movie.

2010-09-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

RABBITSTICK MORNINGS AND RABBITSTICK NIGHTS

Chad Hafer Photos

The frost is on the pumpkins - literally. Last night the gardens at the Backtracks HQ at Thomson Farm froze solid, so now we can focus on Rabbitstick. The gates are open at our Henry's Fork site, and instructors are arriving at record pace.

We already have over 150 classes scheduled, and more instructor cards coming in daily. We should easily hit our 40-50 classes per day average. Right now we have 83 instructors confirmed, so if you can't find something to do while you're here, you're in the wrong place.

Rabbitstick is the premier attraction for teachers of primitive skills to gather from all over the world.

Don't miss out on this amazing week of instruction and just plain good times. Join us on a trip back to the stone age.

Backtracks - Keeping Traditions Alive !

2010-08-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Kids morning trade blanket.
Bring some crafts and other cool stuff, and get set to trade.

Good morning sunshine.

D-DAY

September 1 will be the last day for early registration. We have a seen a rush of last-minute registrations the past 2 days, and so we will hold the early rate through the 1st for those who like to push the limits (We'll change the PayPal registration rate Wednesday night). Enrollments are ahead of last year, so we are looking at another great turnout. Staff are checking in and the class schedule is filling up fast.

It's definitely feeling like Rabbitstick weather. We have gone from record high temps and afternoon monsoon rains to cool temps and clear chilly nights. Fall is just around the corner, and so is Rabbitstick. Bring it on!!!

2010-08-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

We've been experiencing an unusual summer with high temps which create strong winds and monsoon rains in the afternoons. We're also cooling off a bit at night, meaning that Rabbitstick is right around the corner. In fact the Almanac says, "Sept. 9-12 - Sunny north, rain to snow south: 13-19 Sunny, turning warm. 20-26 Showers, then sunny, seasonable. This follows the pattern that we see each year pretty closely.

Our response to everyone who asks what to expect weather-wise is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Anything can happen, and usually does. We can go from 85˚ to hail in a single day. Mornings are usually cool, and evenings comfortable.

So, pack your gear and join us for a few days in the stone age. Sept. 12-18, 2010. Staff Camp will run Friday and Saturday, but gates will be open for staff set-up starting Tuesday Sept. 7.

SEE YOU THERE !!

2010-08-12T21:27:00.001-07:00

Get Ready To Learn !

2009 Rabbistick Staff

Rabbistick has attracted some of the best instructors in all areas of primitive technology. Many have been teaching with us for over 20 years, and return year after year with amazing new and exciting things to share.

Some of the staff that have checked-in so far for this year:

George Michaud - Moccasins, Brain-Tanned Pelts, Trapping

Steve Watts - ABO101, Turkey Calls, Blanket Pins

Myron Cretney - Cattail Crafts, Animal Processing

Lynx Vilden - Many Wonderous Things

Larry Kinsell - Flintknapping

Albert Abril -

Tom Cartwright - Tracking, Trapping, Round Braiding

Cameron Green - Rawhide crafts, Animal Processing

Buck Windsor - Cooking with Stones, Hominy Making

Joe Bigley - Knife and Sheath Making

And that's just for starters. There are usually about 30-40 classes a day to choose from, so you'll stay busy and be worn out by the end of the week.

2010-08-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wildlife In Camp

Our camp is in the middle of over 450 acres of private wildlife preserve. The site is home to coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, skunks, weasels, moose, white tail and mule deer, foxes and more. The bird population is healthy as well and hundreds of nesting migratory birds are regular visitors. There is a large turkey, owl, hawk and eagle population as well. The site is not a park. It is a wild location in close proximity to town, but wild none the less. Fishing (with a valid license) is also pretty good just out of camp.

2010-08-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Lynx's display of goods from the Four Seasons Projects held each year in Washington.

Registration Forms Corrected

Many of you have notified us that the PayPal rates were incorrect. Those are now corrected. As of tomorrow, the Backtracks website info will also have been updated so it is current. Please let people you know who plan to attend this year that our late/gate fee has gone up to $50 from $25 last year, and will go up to $75 next year. We feel that raising our general admission is unfair to those who plan ahead to attend, and extra expenses should be shouldered by those who create them. We hope this will encourage people to commit early, and if not, it helps to offset rising expenses without having to pass it on to our regular attendees.

2010-08-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Bringing It All Home !

Cameron Green leading the game processing workshop at Rabbitstick 2009.

Many of the skills we include at Rabbitstick are new to most folks, but one that always gets people's attention is the game processing workshop. In a society where meat comes from the butcher in a styrofoam package with plastic wrapping, the entire process of the struggle between life and death becomes sanitized beyond recognition. Learn to be accountable for where your food comes from. Be a part of a workshop that will process the entire animal and minimize waste of this valuable resource. We have 3 top instructors ready to help you navigate this most important set of skills.

2010-08-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Rabbitstick is for kids of all ages.

We've lots of contact recently from people who would like to attend Rabbitstick for the first time and don't know what to expect. This is unusual since most people come after having talked with friends who have been before, so they get a pretty good picture of what goes on. There are a number of ads and articles out right now that have attracted some attention, but don't explain who should be at Rabbitstick 24.

Rabbitstick is for everyone, regardless of skill level. There are classes and teachers that can relate to you on a variety of levels. Don't worry about how much you bring to the event. You will take away far more than you ever expected, even if you're a novice or an expert. Everyone has something to learn, and Rabbitstick staff have a huge amount to share. Join us.

2010-08-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

40 Days Until Rabbitstick Begins

28 days left for early registration

Over 30 classes each day are taught. Skills are instructed by great teachers and cover everything from basic to advanced levels so just about everyone can learn something new.

2010-08-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Larry Dean Olsen (in the middle on the left) at Rabbitstick 1988.

Larry Dean Olsen, author of Outdoor Survival Skills and originator of the Rabbit Stick Rendezvous in 1978, will be in attendance at this years Rabbitstick for a few days. I just spoke with him and he confirmed that he will join us for this 24th annual event. Bring your copies of OSS and have Larry autograph one. It is still a landmark publication in the field of primitive skills, and you should take a minute and get to know the man. - Wescott

2010-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Skin-On-Frame Kayak Course

Backtracks will once again be hosting a kayak building workshop September 2-11 at our barn in Teton, Idaho. Enrollments are limited. Check out last years course at our November 4, 2009 blog post (Click on "2009" to the right). There is a video of the 10-day course compressed to about a minute. Anyone who has made a boat with us in the past is invited to join us on a post-course paddle into spectacular Leigh Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Contact us for details.

- Wescott

2010-08-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the stone age !

Rabbitstick Countdown

Rabbitsick 24

September 12-18, 2010

Early Registration $275

Late Registration is now $325

208-359-2400

backtracks.net

Headed To Winter Count

2010-02-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Well, the trailers are packed, the snow has subsided, and we're headed south for a few weeks of fun in the sun. So, pack your grip, shove the old man and kids into the flivver and join us in Arizona for great times at Winter Count 16. Don't miss it. We hope to see you there.

"Home" takes on many incarnations at Winter Count

Good Food, Great Music, Incredible Teachers

2010-02-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Winter Count #16 - February 14-20, 2010
Join us for the 1st great gathering of the year!
You can still sign up on line until Feb 10.

If you might have been aware, there are some new gatherings happening on the local level. Each year we see a bit more action and some amazing skills being taught across the country. We support them all and encourage you to attend . We also want to let you know that Winter Count and Rabbitstick (The "Mother Church") are national gatherings that attract both teachers and students from around the world. If you can get to one or both this year, you will never regret it.

Good Food

We will have some fine food vendors on site this year who will be serving lunches. Be sure to check them out. Bring your own cooler for lunches and drinks if you plan to stay focused on classes all day.

Great Music

Every night, somewhere in camp you can hear great music. The camp is full of incredible musicians and lots of us who want to be. So, grab your instrument, pull up a stump and join the bangin' and sangin'. Or, pull up a chair, wrap up in a capote, and be entertained until the fire dies out.

Incredible Teachers

Come and sit, learn and practice with master teachers. These people are more than practitioners. Winter Count and Rabbitstick staff are amazingly gifted teachers. They share their knowledge and skill unselfishly. You can build on your own skill level at a rate you never though possible, because you're getting in a few days what has taken these teachers years to master and boil down to most essential principles for you to learn.

Join us in Keeping Traditions Alive !
Go to backtracks.net for details.

2010-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

2 Weeks To Go!

Early registration has ended, so if you plan to attend, please sign up today and help us plan by letting us know you will be there. On-line registration will end Feb 10, so if you want to sign up after that, drop us a note so we know you're coming, and simply register when you get there.
The last word from AZ is that they have had record rains, and it is still fairly wet. We go on in spite of the weather, so plan your gear accordingly. The foto of the buckskin class from the January 25 post shows how green it can get there when the rains come - that was about 4 years ago. Lets hope the desert is in bloom when we get there.
If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact the office at 208-359-2400 or e-mail at backtracks905@gmail.com.
We hope to see you there. The Wescotts

2010-01-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

Lots of things to see and do at Winter Count 16.
February 14-20, 2010 - Sign-up today on-line! Visit backtracks.net and find out more about Winter Count.

The buckskin clothing symposium is for everyone. This is a workshop where you can pick the brains of those who sew and wear buckskin clothing. Tailoring ideas, patterns, stitching methods and much more can be learned in this informal setting conducted by Winter Count staff.

Trade blankets are held on a couple of nights, so bring your homemade crafts, raw materials, and other primitive treasures to share with the other traders. It's a night not to be missed.

The bulletin board is where the daily action begins. Each day new classes are posted and sign-ups happen. Over 30 classes a day take place from 9am to 5pm. We currently have over 70 staff confirmed to teach this year, so there will be plenty of outstanding instructional options to choose from.

A finger weaving class teaches the basic method of turning fiber strands into functional art.

Most classes are hands-on and practical. You can finish lots of small projects or tackle more complex skills like bow making, primitive process pottery or braintanning that will take you from start to finish.

The "ABO MART" is the camp outlet for treasures you can purchase from camp artisans and take home to share with friends.

2010-01-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

1 Week Left For Early Registration

Sorry for no post last week. I just got back from 6 days of winter camping in the Tetons. It was snowy but warm (that's relative - 18 degrees vs -28 on my December campout). February 1st is the last day to take advantage of the early registration price of $275. After the 1st, the price goes up to $300. We still need you to sign up in advance even after the late registration starts. We have lots of things to plan for in advance, and being able to count on a realistic number makes things go a whole lot easier. Make plans today to join us at Winter Count 16. Register on-line at backtracks.net, or call us at the backtracks office at 208-359-2400 today. Don't wait!

Greg Nunn will be teaching flintknapping. Here is a display of some of his Danish daggers, bifaces and blade cores. Impressive work, as well as his DVD.

2010-01-10T16:08:00.001-08:00

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS FEB 1.
Save $25 and register on-line today!

Sunrise over Winter Count

It's 0˚ and clear as a bell in Idaho today. It's also 70˚ and sunny in Arizona. Where would you rather be? Honestly, I love the change in seasons and there's nothing more beautiful than a blanket of new snow on a cold clear day. But by Feb 14, I'll be ready for a break from the daily cold, and we're expected to have fine weather for Winter Count 16. Check out the Almanac report for the week (click on image below). How can you pass up a forecast like that. Make plans to join us in the beautiful desert, and sign up to attend Winter Count today.

2010-01-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Lynx's Halflinger, Christy, carried her through a few stone age adventures. A pad saddle, rawhide packs and a brain-tanned buffalo hide make her ready for the trip.

Getting To Winter Count

It's always exciting to see who comes to our gatherings and how they find there way there. I can remember one year passing Matt Graham on a bicycle as he pedaled his way from Phoenix to Maricopa. He had walked cross-country from Boulder, Utah to Phoenix, AZ (that means he had to cross the Grand Canyon on foot) and picked up a girl's 3-speed bike at a garage sale in Phoenix to finish his trip. We've had people arrive via horseback, motorhome, even a pedal and sail-powered sea kayak. Vehicles powered by biodiesel, cooking oil, and solar have made it to the site. We had a couple of Germans traveling around the world on recumbent bicycles hear about us and stop by. They were communicating with school kids in Germany via satellite technology, and beamed a rockin' drum session to them halfway around the world. So, you have no excuses for not coming. Where there's a will, there's a way. Be there!

Sunny Baba has created some spectacular wagons and cars for his trips south. This one is from our 2003 event.

Star Kompost's bike sports willow panniers.

Wolf's latest homemade "rat rod" made quite the scene.

Even the neighbors stop by to show off their favorite flivver.

2009-12-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Morning Announcements - Winter Count 2009

Happy Solstice. We hope this post finds everyone well and excited for a new year. We have 45 days before Winter Count 16 takes place in Arizona. We are looking forward to a large crowd, loads of instructors and great weather. You need to join us. Last year, Winter Count was larger than Rabbitstick making it the largest gathering of primitive skills enthusiasts in the country. The mid-winter break is great for everyone living in the snow belt, and gives us a chance to visit our cold-challenged friends to the south.

If you plan to attend as an instructor, class cards and a staff letter are on their way to you now. If you are coming as a participant and you haven't signed up yet, go to the Backtracks home page and sign up on-line today. Don't wait. Signing up in advance lets us plan better for the event, making it better for everyone - so let us know if you're coming. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions - you can do it by phone or e-mail. Hope to hear from you soon. Wescott

2010 Events

2009-11-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Put these dates on your calendar -
Winter Count #16 - - - Feb. 14-20, 2010
Rabbitstick #23 - - - - Sept. 12-18, 2010

Join us for a week of quality skills instruction, stories and music, and great company. You're invited to come get to know us and engage in our unique brand of tradition. Help us to keep these traditions alive. - Wescott

Opening day at Winter Count 2009, Maricopa, Arizona

Skin-On-Frame-Workshop

2009-11-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Through the efforts of longtime supported Kiliii Yu, we finally made a kayak class happen. It's odd that such an inland location was the site of a sea kayak course. I have to admit, the outcome was worth the effort. Three beautiful boats were built in 10 days and then paddled at the base of the Teton range on one of the premier backcountry lakes in this part of the country- Leigh Lake - in Grand Teton National Park.

You can see the entire class at is progressed in a one minute time-lapse video produced by Kiliii.

If you would like to attend a course yourself, let us know as we are planning another one for just prior to next years gathering to be held at the Backtracks shop at Thomson Farm. Contact me at the Backtracks website or post a comment here. - Wescott

Rabbitstick- Winter Count

2009-11-04T10:11:00.001-08:00

The 2009 Rabbitstick Instructional Staff -

90+ great teachers and mentors of the oldways.

Of all that goes on in primitive technology,

Rabbitstick is the "Mother Church."

Steve Watts

Welcome to our blog !

Well, we have learned that trying to interface with the cyberworld using sticks and rocks will probably not work out. We have been lucky in that our gatherings can still focus on the traditional ways of passing on knowledge and skill, but I guess it's time to make the big step toward connecting with our Backtracks supporters through our latest effort - the RS-WC blog. After 25+ years of operating in the stone age, this is more of a giant leap than a step.

The purpose of this blog is keep everyone up to date on what's happening at Backtracks* in a more timely manner. It's interesting to note that a group so fascinated with primitive skills is easier to contact through the internet than any other way - trying to maintain a current mailing list is a nightmare, and cellphone numbers change or land-lines don't exist at all for many (by definition, our homes are mobile, but are cars aren't). We are doing this as a sort of "thank you" for the efforts of so many people that make our events unique and exciting. Our plan is to post event reports, updates and information for both instructional staff and participants who attend our gatherings. Our website - backtracks.net - will still function, but we hope this spot will keep you connected with more current updates.

The field of primitive living skills is alive, well and growing because of the interest and support of people such as yourself. We still get calls everyday from someone who says "I thought I was the only one out there who did this stuff. It's great to find out that I'm neither crazy or alone." Welcome to the world of Rabbitstick. - Wescott

*Note we are also maintaining blogs that focus on our other projects - Classic Camping, Society of Primitive Technology, and Thomson Farm - URLs will be available soon.