Everyone, thanks for the useful comments. I couldn't believe this was my first post - I've been a "lurker" for a L O N G time - going w a y back, long before I even registered and I registered awhile ago as Chris'll tell ya. It's a great group of folks currently and in the past; people tend to drift away and, thankfully, return on occasion.
ironraven, I hail from northwestern Vt (Chittenden Cty, south of Burlington) but have experienced all "four corners" of the States (including some glorious years in Alaska). I've got some good friends with land near Eden (yup, too cute) that my son and I "practice" our skills on (mostly, "roughing" it with tent and campfire - enjoying the time spent outdoors). I noticed a "kindred" spirit existed here, from some of your threads and responses. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I wish I could participate more actively in these discussions but, like everyone else, work/kids/life take a big chunk of time. So, before I get too mushy, thanks to all for the responses and I'll always be reading everyone's posts and Chris and Doug's gems and adding a question or two at times. This is one of the best sites out there; or is that "out here".
VtHunter <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />