Jim Keffer is producing this issue of SPALLS.  Please contact Jim Keffer for questions, comments and future additions to SPALLS.  Cover art created by Dave Rauschenberg.

This will be my First issue of SPALLS as editor and publisher.  Hopefully I’ll be able to uphold the high standards set by my predecessors.  SPALLS, as well as lots of other great information, can found our new website at www.PugetSoundKnappers.com - check it out!  Send comments, suggestions, advice and information to: jckeffer@comcast.net. 

I encourage everyone to get out and knap, attend our knap-ins and encourage others with an interest in knapping to join the Puget Sound Knappers Association.

SPALLS Distribution

Distribution of SPALLS is available to any vial Email or Snail Mail (USPS). Many of the PSK knappers with only snail-mail address are not receiving SPALLS.  For those of you that are receiving SPALLS via e-mail, please notify these snail-mail knappers to send a letter with their mailing address to:

 James Keffer

 23811 NE 14th

Sammamish, WA

98074.  Year 2011

THE POLICY IS: If you send your e-mail address, your snail-mail address and phone number to Jim Keffer at jckeffer@comcast.net there is no charge for SPALLS.   If you do not have an e-mail address and want SPALLS by snail-mail, you must send a mailing address – a donation or a self-addressed stamped envelope to cover the cost of printing and postage is appreciated.

If you, or someone you know, have an e-mail address and did not receive SPALLS in December, e-mail your address to Jim Keffer.  I have several unverified email address at this time.  If you have received a verification email from me please reply - I needs the updates!

SPAM PROTECTION:

Several of our subscribers have not been getting the SPALLS issue via e-mail.  Please check your SPAM protection.  I think that some of your SPAM protection is eliminating the SPALLS message.  One of the checks for SPAM is the number of multiple issues from the sender.  If your protection checks this, the SPALLS message will be tagged as SPAM.  In some cases, the message is only tagged. In others, the message is deleted.  Subscribers to “hotmail”, some of the hotmail accounts bounce SPALLS because of server space.  Be sure to empty your server often.

NEXT SPALLS ISSUE:

The next SPALLS issue will be in June, 2011.  Weather’s great, go to the knap-ins!

UPCOMING EVENTS - 2011:

Glass Bu ttes Gathering, Glass Buttes, Oregon, March 19 - March 27

Here in the Northwest it's the largest, longest, oldest, and coldest running knap-in. The term "hardcore" suddenly springs to mind. It's very aboriginal, very warm-hearted abo's in what can be a very COLD setting. I best repeat that in case you missed it - that's C-O-L-D!! (you have been warned....) Even at that I haven't missed one in a dozen + years. It's always been a "high energy / cabin fever breaker / icebreaker / start of the season" event. (couple hundred people or so..) A lot of things are always going on and it's always busy and it's always laid back (?). Also, if you have other interests in all the
other aboriginal skill sets: food/fire/water/tanning/cordage/herbs/basketry/etcetcetc. - this is one of the best for networking/sharing/learning. Again, the weather is THE wildcard for this event – true to form, the weather at last year’s event kept up to its reputation for which this Knap-in has been famous for...  Steve Alleley and Mick Hill have taken over responsibility from Jim Riggs. For more information give Mick a call or send him an email: (360)-493-8439 or michaelhill30@gmail.com   Pictures say it all! - check out the last couple years at Roadkills site (KnapIn Pics) at: http://www.neoanderthal.com/index.html

Cabela's Spring Great Outdoor Days Seminars & Events – March 19th and 20th

The PSK as been invited to participate in this event.  Cabelas is located at 1600 Gateway Blvd, Lacey, WA.

Directions:

Telephone:3602523500

GPS Co-ordinates:
47.0657
-122.7845

From Seattle (approx 58 miles):

1.      Southbound I-5 to Exit 111.

2.      Turn right onto Marvin Rd North.

3.      Go to second round-about (.5 miles).

4.      Turn left through round-about onto Britton Parkway NE.

5.      On Britton Parkway turn left on to Gateway Blvd.

6.      Go to Cabela’s - .4 miles.

From Portland (approx 117 miles):

1.      Northbound I-5 to Exit 111.

2.      Turn left onto Marvin Rd North.

3.      Go over I-5 to second round-about (.7 miles).

4.      Turn left through round-about onto Britton Parkway NE.

5.      On Britton Parkway turn left on to Gateway Blvd.

6.      Go to Cabela’s - .4 miles.

Rich Russell will be the point of contact (Richru1@yahoo.com), (253) 631-3115)

19th Annual Goldendale Knap-In, Goldendale, Washington, May 20th  thru 22nd.

Ed and Loretta Thomas will again be hosting their ninth Annual Knap-In at "Thomas Hollow", near Goldendale, WA. from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Their property lies about 5 miles East of Goldendale. This will be their 9th Annual K/I at this location and 10th overall.

There is a "walk-through" Archery Range about their property that contains 15 targets and, possibly, a new moving target. Really great for stretching after sitting and Knapping for awhile, also quite relaxing!  The usual fun games will be going on, such as Goat Rock events, etc. There will be a fund raising Auction, a Raffle and maybe a knapping contest or two to help cover expenses, as we did in past years.

There will be a hand-washing facility and Sani-Cans available.  Those folks wishing to camp can do so on the property, as there is plenty of room.

This knap-in is dependent on getting enough volunteers to help out.  Volunteers are needed at least a day or two early to get things squared away.  If you plan to attend and can come early please let Ed or Jim Keffer know as soon as possible. 

DIRECTIONS:

Goldendale, WA, is on Hwy 97 in S. Central Washington approximately 70 miles S. of Yakima and 12 miles N. of Biggs, OR (on the Columbia River).  Exit Hwy 97 at the N. Exit into Goldendale. Travel S. about 2-1/2 blocks on Broadway to Bickleton Hwy Exit on left (East). There is an AIMEE’S ATTIC store sign at this intersection. Turn East, under Hwy 97 and travel approx. 4-1/2 miles to intersection of Willis Rd (on the Rt.). Across from Willis Rd is Pumphouse Rd (new Pumphouse Road sign on post at corner). Turn N. on to Pumphouse Rd and travel approx. 1/2 mile to intersection of Rocky Ridge Rd on the left. Turn left to Rocky Ridge Rd and go to 2nd driveway on left (about 1/3rd mile). This is the place. Signs will be posted for the K/I at intersections!

Please observe 15 MPH speed limit on Pumphouse and Rocky Ridge Roads!

Please note; Dealers and Vendors absolutely must contact the hosts for permission to participate. This has to be done by May 1st for authorization to attend!

For more information, contact:  Ed and Loretta Thomas, 40 Rocky Ridge Road, Goldendale, WA 98620, (509)773-6461, e-mail feather@hughes.net.

Seventh Annual Western Oregon Knap-In, Illahee Flats, Oregon, May 28th June 5th.

Jim Hopper and Brad Baughman will be hosting the Seventh Annual Western Oregon Knap-In at Illahee Flats, Oregon from May 28 through June 5.  There is no charge for camping and porta potties will be provided.  There is plenty of room for any type of vehicle parking and camping.  Illahee Flats is a traditional abo gathering area, so bring your tarps so we don’t contaminate the area with modern debitage.  Also, bring your knapping chairs.  Bring your fishing rods.  There are several good lakes close by as well as the river.  Dry Creek Store is only 2 miles away and has gas and a deli.

Directions:

From I-5, take highway 138 east (towards Diamond Lake/Crater Lake ) to mp 47 at Dry Creek Store.  Go just past Dry Creek Store and turn left (north) on a gravel forest service road.  Go about 2 miles, then turn to the right at the Illahee Flats sign.  There is a RV Park with showers and full hook-ups at Dry Creek with plenty of space.  For more information, contact: Brad Baughman at (541) 459-4313, or e-mail: bbb7707@yahoo.com

The Bitterroot Valley Knap-In, Larry Creek campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, June 30 thru July 5.

Joan and Richard Urata will be hosting the first Bitterroot Valley Knap-In at the Larry Creek campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Bitterroot Valley, Montana, from Thursday, June 30 thru Tuesday, July 5.  We will be there from noon Thursday thru noon Tuesday.  As with all PSK knap-ins, everything is free.  This is a family event. There is a paved parking lot for RV’s (no hookups) and vehicles.  There will be lots of room for tents under the trees or under the stars. Forest Service restricts RV’s to 30 ft and vehicles need to stay in the parking lot – camp gear will need to be carried a short distance to your campsite.   This is BEAR country so tenters should bring a long rope to hang your food up in the trees, or leave them in your vehicles.  There will be a pot luck dinner Saturday evening with the hosts providing the main dish.  This will be a PSK group area with trees providing about 75% shade where we will be gathering and tenting.  There is a 50 X 50 yard open area for an archery/atlatl range and tents.  There is a large supermarket 6 miles away and restaurants 6 to 8 miles away in Stevensville and a motel 15 miles away in Lolo.  For more details on amenities contact Richard & Joan.  If you have an RV over 30 ft contact us for alternative parking in the Bitterroot.

Directions:

Drive to Missoula, Montana, on interstate 90.  Take exit 101 and head south on Reserve Street (also designated Hwy 93) to Hamilton.  Turn right on Brooks street (also designated hwy 93).  You will pass 2 towns, Lolo and Florence.  Turn right onto Bass Creek Road, 0.6 miles south of mile post 71 to Bass Creek Recreation area.  Go 2 miles into Bass Creek Recreation area then turn right to Larry Creek campground group area.  Go 1 mile on gravel road to our group camp ground.  You will pass a parking lot for day users on your right.  For more information contact Joan or Richard at (406) 360-1752, or e-mail: richurata@cybernet1.com.

Fort Knapadonia Knap-In, Whidbey Island, Washington,  August 16 through 22.

Joe Higgins will host the Fort Knapadonia Knap-In in August.  He promises to have a full schedule of events – archery target shoots, 2-inch Goat, 10-speed, etc, etc, and don’t forget – making arrowheads and blades.  There will be water available, electricity,  port-a-potties, and lots of room for camping and RVing.  Women and families are welcomed and encouraged to attend!  There are plenty of garage sales and stores for shopping.

You are welcomed there as early as Monday, August 16, with most of the activities on 20, 21 and 22. 

In addition to the usual great knappers knapping, plentiful rock and great weather, there will be FISHING! (Check out the reports on the Ft. Knapadonia 2009 & 2010 on the website under ‘Events’ or ‘Spalls Dec 2009’).

The salmon run is predicted to be a RECORD this year.  Two years ago a similar record run of salmon made it up the Skagit River to spawn.  This ‘escapement’, the adult salmon that made it past the commercial fishermen, past the sport fishermen and finally past the Native American fisherman, to spawn was one of the largest in recorded history, leading fisheries biologist to expect unprecedented returns in 2011.  As with 2009, we expect to be able to catch daily limits (each day of the Knap-in) of Pink Salmon.  Fresh out of the water and onto the Grill! – nothing better! And it’s only a 5 minute walk to the beach from Ft. Knapadonia!

All that is required is a Washington Fishing License/Punch Card – non-residents may purchase a 3-day license ($28.91) or a 5-day license ($33.27).  All that is needed is a suitable spinning rod/reel with 8lb – 12lb line and some 1-1/2 oz  to 2 oz PINK buzz bombs (usually available at the Oak Harbor Walmart or Ace Hardware).  For more information go to Washington Department of Fish and Game/Licenses.

Directions:

To get to the knap-in - drive north past Seattle about 70 miles on Interstate 5.  Take the 230 off-ramp to highway 20 and go west toward Anacortes.  Take highway 20 turn off to Deception Pass.  Go past Deception Pass about 2 miles and turn right (west) on Banta Road.  Follow the signs from Banta Road to the knap-in.  There are stores and restaurants/fast foods in the area.  Contact Joe Higgins at (360) 720-1076 or (360) 675-4943 for more information on fishing and the knap-in.

Bakersfield Monthly Knap-In, Bakersfield, California

(This is not a PSK Event)

A monthly knap-in is held on the first Sunday of every month.  The one-day event goes from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Hart Memorial Park.  The park is eight miles northeast of Bakersfield on the Alfred Harrell Highway.  Knappers meet at the East end of the park. 

Directions:

While on highway 58, east of Bakersfield, take the Comanche exit and turn to the north.  Comanche curves around 5 to 6 miles and dead ends into highway 178. Turn north on 178 (right) then a quick left (less then 1/4 mile) onto Alfred Harrell highway. Alfred Harrell 7-8 miles goes into Hart Park.   The knap-in is 100 yards or so from the entrance on the right hand side of the park.  For more information contact Gary Pickett at: Home: (661) 392-7729, Cell: (661) 444-6163, e-mail:  air-o-head@webtv.net. 

Reports:

PSK Rock Cabelas - Cabela’s Knap-in Report

The PSK (Richard Urata, Mick Hill and Jim Keffer) were contacted by Arlen Veleke, Events Coordinator at Cabelas in Lacey, WA in November 2010.  Arlen had been looking for flintknappers to put on a knapping event at the store for two years.  He’d almost given up after not being able to locate any knappers.  Once he contacted us I informed Arlen that there were over 250 active knappers in the PSK and at least 75 within a 2 hour drive of his Cabelas store.  I assured him that if they hosted a knap-in, we have at least 6-8 knappers attend.

Master knapper and Lacey resident Mick Hill took over coordinating with Cabelas and set a date of January 22nd and 23rd for the event.  As the word got out via email and the PSK Website we started to see more and more interest. 

When Saturday the 22nd rolled around PSK members started to show up at 8:00 in the morning and began setting up.  Cabela’s furnished 8 – 10 banquet tables a couple dozen chairs, which we set up just inside the entrance.  As soon as we were set up, displays organized and chairs arranged, we started knapping.  By noon we had about 16 PSK members knapping and probably 20 attended during the weekend.  Those who attended that I was able to remember were:

Jim Keffer                         Jim Smith

Jim Miller                          Donn Paris

Tom Appelhans                Mick Hill

Dave Robertson              Dave Rauschenberg

Webb Hammond             Rich Russell

Dana Anderson              Nathan Bailey

Rory Linden                     Preston Stanke

Dee Boyer                     Scott Williams

This was to be a ‘mutually beneficial’ event.  It was intended to help bring people/potential customers into Cabelas and to help the Puget Sound Knappers promote knapping and our association.  While people don’t come to Cabelas to by flintknapping associated products (they don’t carry any), they did come to see the knapping!  They received dozens of call and emails from people before the event and had quite a few people come just for the event – judging by the number of new knappers we signed up and the number of folds that spent time watching – more than just a few!  From both Cabelas and the PSK perspective, we both accomplished our goals!

Literally hundreds of people stopped by and looked at the displays, watched the knapping and asked questions.  More than a few came in a tried their hand at knapping!  We have folks from six years old to sixty years old, men and women in all shapes, sizes and colors!  IT WAS A BLAST.  We gave away about 100 points to kids that stopped by and showed an interest.

We decided to fill a display case for Cabelas with points knapped at the event.  By the end of the weekend the case was filled with at least a dozen points by master knappers Jim Miller, Mich Hill, Dave Rauschenberg, Webb Hammond, Jim Smith and Dana Anderson.  (I apologize for not remembering everyone who contributed and for not taking a photo of the display – hopefully Arlen will send us a photo).

The Cabelas knap-in was significant in a numbers other ways. 

We signed up about 25 new members, many of whom were already knappers, though most were ‘noobies’.

The return of Master Knapper Webb Hammond, absent for several years, who managed to sneak away from his work for a weekend of knapping (we look forward to seeing Webb at more knap-ins),

 It was also notable for the interest it generated with the public.  The Tacoma ‘New Tribune’ and the Olympia ‘Olympian’ newspapers ran an announce about the event and that really helped get the word out.  The original reporter now plans to do an article on Flintknapping and the Puget Sound Knappers!

All-in-all, it was a great experience.  We learned some lessons which will make attending future events at Cabelas even more enjoyable. 

We have been invited back in March (Cabela's Spring Great Outdoor Days Seminars & Events – the 19th and 20th) and again in April for the Boy Scout Jamboree (date to be announced).

 For more on the Cabelas Knap-in, including photos, visit the Website: PSK ROCKS CABELAS

Winter Break/Cabin Fever Knap-in Report

This year’s Winter Break/Cabin Fever Knap-in was a resounding success!  Although only a one day event, the turnout was high, with eighteen knappers attending, including some from Idaho, Canada and Oregon!

It was high energy. Concentrated knapping – fueled by co-hosts Jim Dennis’ homemade venison chili!  And while it was cold and damp out, typical for this time of year in northwest Washington, the wood stove and knapping activity kept the place toasty!

Harvey Hughett, Harley Slade, Jim Keffer and other provided plenty of free rock, with Harvey giving away two boxes of slabs from rock he obtained in a 27 state rock collecting trip last year.  Too many varieties to enumerate but his contribution included rock from Craig Ratzat’s quarry. 

There were a number of fine points/blades produced out of some pretty nice rock – Flint Ridge flint, Oregon Opal, Jasper and Obsidian, and several varieties of agate.

Like the last few knap-ins, new members continue to join the PSK.  Not just ‘noobies’ at knapping but experienced knappers new to the PSK.  Larry Parr, a student of Jim Miller, attended his first knap-in and Tim Kropf and Jason Patterson, new members at the recent Cabelas’ Knap-in got to meet more of the founding members like Joe Higgins, Dave Pehling and Joe Greenwell.

Attendees:

Mick and Holly Hill                                         Jim Keffer

Jim Smith                                                       Jim Miller

Jim Dennis                                                     Rich Russell

Dave and Mrs. Pehling                                 Phil Kirschner

Joe Higgins                                                   Tim Kropf

Joe Greenwell                                               Jason Patterson

Ken Kendall                                                   Larry Parr

Tom Appelhans                                             Harvey Hughett ( Moscow, ID)

Harley Slade and his Mom Anja ( British Columbia)

Garret Romaine ( Beaverton, OR)

Welcome to our New PSK Members :

New Members December 2010

Justin Moore – Minden, NV

Eric Barnett – Sandpoint, ID

Emmor Nile – Salem, OR

Richard & Judy Pettersen – Kalispell, MT

Stan Norgaard – Lolo, MT

Justin Deacon – Columbus, MT

Elbert Hill – Des Moines, WA

Cody Redman – Livingston, MT

Mich – Bellingham, WA

Nathan Bailey – Port Orchard, WA

Kyle – Kettle Falls, WA

New Members January 2011

Hari Heath - Santa, ID
Nathan Baily - Port Orchard, WA
Scott S. Williams - Tumwater, WA

Grady Bowen – Utah

Dave Robertson – a welcome BACK – Graham, WA

Paul Daigneault – Tacoma, WA

Chris Chisholm - Puyallup WA

Craig Spaniel - Kennewick, WA

Dee Boyer - Edgewood, WA

Frank Cerniwey - Olympia, WA

Gene Fagerness - Chehalis, WA

Hal Thornburg - Tenino, WA

James Sawaya - Tacoma, WA

Jason Patterson - Snohomish, WA

Jerry Kropf -

Kai Ropp - Seattle, WA

Kenneth V Labrec - Olympia, WA

Lara Gaasland-Tatro - Olympia, WA

Markimoho Wortman - Olympia, WA

Matt Tuttle - Elma, WA

Nick Mackelwich - Chehalis, WA

Paul Daigneault - Tacoma, WA

Ramiro Alonso - Puyallup, WA

Rey Prieto – Lakewood, WA

Robin (Rob) F Torner - Lacey, WA

Stephen P. West - Tacoma, WA

Steve Thomas – Seattle, WA

Tim Kropf - Spanaway, WA

Tyler Travis - Olympia, WA

Warrin Bauer – Olympia, WA

Willis Littke - Fall City, WA

Garret Romaine - Portland, Oregon

New Members February 2011

Mike Roberts – Elma, WA

Larry Parr – Lynnwood, WA

Come join us at the upcoming Spring/Summer Knap-ins and don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Update on the Website

Since going live the last week in September 2010, we’ve made quite a few additions to the website.  These additions include Member Art Galleries, ‘How’-To’ articles, new member listings, and over 100 photos of PSK Members.  We also added lots of information on rock collecting in Washington and Oregon. I’ll try and keep the rules and regulation current and accurate but can not guarantee either.  Please check with the appropriate agencies for updates.

 A special thanks to Tom Sterling for all of his invaluable help in creating and maintaining the website!

Note:  we do not put ‘hotlink’ email addresses on the site to prevent spam.  You’ll have to type in email address you see on the site.  Please do not redistribute the email addresses of our Knap-in hosts without permission.

As of Feb 6th, the website has had over 3,200 unique visitors, many who have visited more than once as evident by the more than 300,000 hits!  This has created new awareness of both the Puget Sound Knappers Association and knapping in general and has contributed to recruiting a significant number of new members – almost 60 since November! 

We encourage every member to register their ‘knapper mark’, submit a photo of themselves, contribute to the ‘How-To’ section and send in photo of their knapping/Paleo Art.  If you submit photos of your art I will create an Art Gallery in your name! 

Also, take a look at the ‘scatter map’.  This map show approximately where PSK member reside.  It is intended to help identify areas where there are enough knappers to organize new knap-ins.  If you want to help organize a knap-in and would like to contact others in your area, let me know and I will try to facilitate getting people together.  It looks like the Moses Lake Knap-in will not be in our future and the same goes for the Goldendale Knap-in.  We would very much like to organized replacement knap-ins in the Central Washington area.

Members can Advertise Their Products

The Puget Sound Knappers website now features a section for members to advertise, for free, flintknapping/Paleo art for sale/trade or barter.   The member will be provided an area to display their art (for sale/trade or barter) and their contact information – but no prices. 

 Commercial advertisers will be provided with a section for their links and the description of what their site offers.  No advertising per se, but a link provided for the benefit of our members.

Website Funding

We’ve decided to not allow ‘pop-up’ advertising or paid advertising on the website.  Instead we’ll be relying on donations by members to support the site and cover the cost of the hosting company.  Donations will be collected at future Knap-ins or can be made by contacting the webmaster: reefer@pugetsoundknappers.com.

Rock Collecting Regulations Links:

WA and Oregon Rock Collecting Guide - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/rock_collecting_Guide_WA-OR.html

BLM Glass Buttes Handout - http://pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/BLM_Glass_Buttes_Handout_4-09.html

MAYBE OF INTEREST:

Website for Artifact and Archeological Books

This website has Artifact and Archeological Books and Videos for sale. 

Go to: http://www.hothemhouse.com/.

TARP

There is a flint forum where knappers can participate by posting and reading messages and/or going into the chat room.  It may be of interest as knapping information is passed back and forth via messages.  It is called TARP – you know, the thing you put on the ground to collect the debitage.     http://www.egroups.com/group/thetarp  . 

Knappers-R-Us

Here’s another e-group for knappers:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Knappers-R-Us/

Flintknappers Digest

Another Egroup called flintknapper’s Digest:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flintknappingdigest/

Lithic Casting Lab

For anyone who wants to replicate certain styles of points (Flake patterns, thickness, convexity, length, and width), you can purchase castings of artifacts from Lithic Casting Lab.  http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/ 

Paleo Planet

Primitive Technology discussions, including flintknapping.  www.PaleoPlanet.net. 

SPALLS

James C. Keffer

23811 NE 14th St

Sammamish, WA 98074