Middle Earth Ranger Forum

Outing
My fiancé and I had a few awesome days of modern camping at Farish Rec. Area on Rampart Range. I also got in a bit of Ranger trekking.
The plan was to move for a few hours up into the national forest, find a location to set up a camp site, then scout the area. Seeing weather approaching sooner than expected I found a spot to still work shelter options and do a short scouting around my site. I located a few good vantage points for observing trail intersections then found a shallow bowl away from any trail where a got in a bit of stump shooting.
At the site I set up and tore down the tarp several times. Used a plow point, coffin, and a low A-frame.
Mountain weather! I had the plow point set up when I realized I was about to get slammed as the dark blue clouds were boiling over the ridgeline.
I started breaking down the shelter and strapping up the ruck for movement as heavy rain hit so fast that my fletchings got wet before I got the cover over the arrows and the quiver strapped on the ruck.
Decided to take a direct route back to camp with a few good slips and slides moving down one steep ridge. Reality of non-lugged soles. Moved fast for almost an hour working my way back to the base camp (modern site). Of course, the rain had immediately turned to hail…. fun.
I was drenched by the time I made it back to the modern camp site. Icy slush was already building up on the tent.
Same load out in the ruck; four days of rations, water, wool tunic & pants, socks, cook kit, repair kit, tarp, blanket, ground cloth, shelter kit, med kit, water filter, rope, and light cordage. Bow and quiver.
Not a long trek but a good one.
Lessons learned:
Longer utility cords in shelter kit. 10’ rather than 6’.
Smaller tarp.
Current tarp is 9x9. I need to make an 8x8 or even a 7 1/2x7 1/2. There will be times when the larger tarp is necessary but for most travels, a smaller tarp will work fine.
All my gear was recently inspected, cleaned, and the leather treated. I can’t stress enough how important that is.

Awesome

I'm curious about your boots (they look fantastic) Are they a mod? It looks like a modern sole.

Tom_Ranger wrote: ↑Thu Jun 15, 2023 6:20 am I'm curious about your boots (they look fantastic) Are they a mod? It looks like a modern sole.

Hey Tom, I made these boots some time ago, early in my Rangering days.
The soles are modern, although based on what I'm seeing with the natural soles on some boots, mine have far less traction.
These were a huge undertaking and I figured I'd never be able to replicate them. Everything I was reading at the time led me to believe that if I went with a leather sole, the boots might get destroyed.
My longest outing was 6 days, 5 nights, spring in Germany, so the boots stayed wet most of the time.
I THINK they could be re-soled? Maybe. I'd have to find a really competent cobbler as I can't risk damaging the midsole.

Awesome kit and amazing outing

Inspiring pictures and a very useful trek report. As always, thanks for sharing!

Thanks Iodo, Desert Loon.

Looks like a grand time out.

I've said it elsewhere but this is really inspirational stuff.

I can't express how impressive I think it is that you've come back into the hobby after so long and are still at the top of your game for kit, skills and ability to tie it all into an authentic portrayal. Keep going man, I'll catch up eventually.

Eofor wrote: ↑Sun Aug 06, 2023 2:38 am I've said it elsewhere but this is really inspirational stuff.

I can't express how impressive I think it is that you've come back into the hobby after so long and are still at the top of your game for kit, skills and ability to tie it all into an authentic portrayal. Keep going man, I'll catch up eventually.

Eofor, thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much your words mean. When you asked me the other day who would have made the jacket for Tirandur, you sparked something. Often now I find myself thinking of, who would Tirandur be, and why.

A Mayer wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 12:31 am Often now I find myself thinking of, who would Tirandur be, and why.

This is the difference between re-creation, re-enactment, LARP and Cosplay.... At least in my mind, I think I might go start another thread rather then hijack this one.

A Mayer wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 12:31 am Eofor, thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much your words mean.

I need a few more miles under my belt before I feel worth of such praise. Thankfully my auto immune disease seems to be in retreat, I've been crafting and am back in the gym building my strength and fitness back up. Pack walks start next month.

Eofor wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 12:39 pm
I need a few more miles under my belt before I feel worth of such praise. Thankfully my auto immune disease seems to be in retreat, I've been crafting and am back in the gym building my strength and fitness back up. Pack walks start next month.

Glad to hear it, Eofor! Keep us updated on the journey, if only so we can cheer your progress from afar!