A few weeks back I recounted Clan Cornelius’s Astoria raid, and I made mention of an aspect of the operation that remained classified. That’s because I wanted this particular piece of plunder in hand before I crowed about it. I didn’t expect it to take SIX WEEKS to get it done — but that’s Oregon for ya in the year of 2023. Here’s the … [Read more...] about Call Me ‘Many Hoops’
Working The Trapline — Ramblers & Spooks
From the Stuff That Works File: I never intended to become a walking billboard for 5.11 Tactical, but, well... here we are. Thing is, if you like to bang around hard in the outdoors, you’d be hard-pressed to find better-designed or more durable gear. The first item of theirs that I picked up was a push-pack — a modern-day possibles bag that is … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — Ramblers & Spooks
Roll On, Cowboys
Andy Hedges has one of the best job descriptions around. He calls himself a Cowboy Songster. The “songster” tradition dates back to the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, sort of a “modern” iteration of the minstrel trade. Black and White musicians alike shared a repertoire of story songs and ballads like Frankie & Johnny. The songster … [Read more...] about Roll On, Cowboys
The Ghost & The Darkness In Walnut And Steel
Spencer Dutton and his ravishing (and ravished) fiancé Alexandra look to be leaving Africa for Montana after Episode 4 of 1923. I shall miss the Africa storyline, and its magnificent landscapes, but, well... a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, and Spencer is needed at the Yellowstone. Nevertheless, dreams of Africa are always welcome … [Read more...] about The Ghost & The Darkness In Walnut And Steel
Wheellocks & Stone Projectile Points
Native hunters used stone projectile points 16,000 years ago on what is now Nez Perce land in Idaho. The points resemble points found in Japan. How cool is this? CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University archaeologists have uncovered projectile points in Idaho that are thousands of years older than any previously found in the Americas, … [Read more...] about Wheellocks & Stone Projectile Points
The Great Desert Raid
We dropped down on the desert Left that storm behind Four more hours we’re in Vegas Traffic and freeway signs — Ian Tyson, The Steeldust Line Lady Marilyn and I conducted an epic lightning raid over the weekend into what is right now the Biggest Cowtown in America. Las Vegas. Yep. It’s the National Finals Rodeo, and Vegas rolls out the … [Read more...] about The Great Desert Raid
Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — Sleigh Gun
The season’s upon us. Soon, Badass Santa will climb into his sleigh and soar into the night sky on his magical mission to bring trade goods to the world. Surely, Badass Santa is packing a Sleigh Gun. Oh, yes, there is such a thing — a large-bore muzzleloader cut down to the perfect size to manage in a sleigh. Here’s a collection of Swedish … [Read more...] about Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — Sleigh Gun
Working The Trapline — Chewed Balls, The Furiosa & The Great Highland Pipes
The army is in great spirits, and full of rage and ferocity at the rebellious rascals, who both poisoned and chewed the musket balls, in order to make them the more fatal. — Lt. John Waller, British 2nd Marine Battalion, Bunker Hill What now? Chewed musket balls? Yes, this was a thing — though what kind if thing it actually was is still a bit of … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — Chewed Balls, The Furiosa & The Great Highland Pipes
Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — The Edward Marshall Rifle
“It is doubtful whether any other firearm in existence has shed so much human blood as this old rifle.” — W.W.H. Davis, Bucks County Historical Society If you ever have a yearning to follow obscure tracks into dense thickets where you might get turned around and lost for days (or weeks, or years) at a time, you could do worse than … [Read more...] about Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — The Edward Marshall Rifle
Working The Trapline — Zulu Game Of Thrones
There is a game of thrones afoot in South Africa, as the newly inaugurated Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini faces challenges to his succession. The new King hunted and killed a lion in a ceremonial rite of his ascension — but it was probably the easiest aspect of his journey. From Unherd.com: The 48-year-old King is already in trouble. He is … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — Zulu Game Of Thrones
