Hello, all! I've been a fan of ETS for quite awhile but just recently started perusing the forums. So far this seems to be the best site of its kind on the web. I'm basically a sane, rational person with no interest in radical politics or wacky survivalism, so most of the forums out there wear thin pretty quickly. This place feels much better.

About me: I'm a long-time but (sadly) lapsed hunter and fisherman. I enjoy hiking and camping but have done very little of it over the last ten years. A couple summers ago I caught the bug again but most of my trips have been been car camping in the summer. My goal is to work my way back up to hiking and overnight trips again.

I'm almost 41 and spent most of my life working as a chef until returning to school a couple years ago. Juggling full time school and full time work cuts into my free time, but during the summer I have time for little "adventures" every couple weeks.

I hope to learn a lot about wilderness survival from all of you!

Welcome aboard.

Hi there Phaedrus! I was once the new kid on the block, The people here are fantastic and are willing to help you with Anything!! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I have!

Speaking of which, I never really introduced myself to ETS. Sorry if i take your thread, hope you dont mind.

My name is Randy Sybert, Im 16, I am a sophomore in highschool and i enjoy drawing, designing things (blueprint wise) Im currently juggling between a Flashlight and an awesome firestarter. Wink Wink on the flashlight!! I also enjoy hiking and Love Morel hunting!! I know Quite a bit about survival and preparedness for my age but nothing compared to everyone on here!

Welcome to the fire, Phaedrus! Hope we can make it worth your time.

So tell me, are you a fan of motorcycle repair?

-Blast, also juggling time.

Haha, no...but a very big fan of the book. It was the book that got me interested in philosophy. That led to Nietzsche, Kant, Camus and various other troublemakers!

Howdy.

Hello and welcome to the fire stay a while.

Lee

Hi there, You and I have a lot in common. And thanks for bringing some books worthy of (re-)reading to my attention. Welcome

Sybert7777: Welcome to you too.

One of the things I enjoy most at this site is the great diversity of age, gender and location. It makes for a great collective knowledge base and offers different perspectives on a lot of subjects.


A funny paradox is although I fully agree to keep politics out of this forum, about the only internet forum where such discussions could be worth our time is probably with folks at ETS...

Welcome, I am sure you will enjoy your time with the group.

Pete

Welcome, Phaedrus.

I'm interested in the car camping cuisine of a professional chef!

What are your favorite camp dishes?

Welcome aboard, Paedrus!

Most excellent! You'll be an interesting addition around the fire.

If you liked Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance you should check out The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav sometime.

-Blast

Hi new guy!

*sniffs* hmmm... Thought something smelled better than normal when I came in here. If it tastes as good as it smells, I say we don't eat this new guy.

Greetings from the North Star State and welcome to the fire. I am a big fan of black-iron cooking. I am also the best venison chili chef on this forum, as everyone here will attest to by their envious denials.

Byrd_Huntr I would never deny you are the best Venison chef on the board.

Mike

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I look forward to learning from you all, maybe even gettin' that venison chile recipe!

Hi Phaedrus,

If you are interested in talking about survival and not interested in talking politics then I welcome you warmly!!!!

Mike, a clever response indeed. I have decided to entrust you with an original copy of my secret recipe.

The writing is a little small but, looks delicious

Mike

Cool! Like everyone, I have my political opinions, but (IMOHO) opinions are also like @$$holes- we all have 'em and they all stink! Things get unnecessarily messy and overheated when politics is inserted into the mix, or at least that's what I've found in my near-decade of serving as a moderator at a couple of different forums. Nope, I'm gonna stick to camping, hiking, first-aid and survival. Well, with maybe a few minor digressions into cooking and/or Japanese cutlery!

Welcome to the group.

I use this great forum as a source of advice and reference.

If you ask a good question you'll get a response beyond your expectations.

Stay tuned to Doug's blogs and product reviews.

All the best,

Blake
www.outdoorquest.biz