Today John & I made a "quick dash" up to the North Georgia Mountains to spend some times with some great folks, gain tips on blacksmithing, and enjoying the view.

Trackrock is absolutely beautiful. The day started out overcast, foggy, and dreary.
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/dreary_start.jpg
But by afternoon the weather was cool, clear, and dry.

Warm fellowship
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/warm_fellowship.jpg
and hot forges
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/hot_forge.jpg
made the trip worth it.
And Mrs. "Crex" once again threw together a great meal for those on hand
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/good_food.jpg
And folks the best part is family is welcome. John & I have been to Trackrock twice now, and both times we have been very impressed that young folks are there showing a great interest in this craft. We also are very appreciative of the men taking time out of their "play day" to spend time and help shape the lives of these young folks.
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/young_students.jpg
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/young_people.jpg
And some even share their "treasures" by "gifting" them to a young guy---making it a day they will never forget.
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/treasures.jpg
It also is a place that future plans are discussed
http://www.poythresscustomknives.com/images/trackrock/future_plans.jpg
Oh, and the best part----if you are looking for somewhere to go for a family outing for tomorrow (Sunday), they guys will still be there firing up the forges and pounding the steel. Go out and join them--you will be glad you did.

Mrs Joan,

Thanks for the pictures! I really wish I could have gone. Hopefully, I'll make the Fall hammer-in. Trackrock is a wonderful campground and well worth the trip.

Pam

I had a ball---Think I will have papers drawn up to adopt all that were there---- ---Sandy---

Hey Sandy,

Don't forget about Mark, Deb and me!

Pam

Hey, Pam------Can not adopt you young lady-----did that last fall at the hammer/in---- Pop (aka Sandy)

:D

Pam

Don't worry Pam, we didn't leave anybody out of the "ear burning" sessions, especially you "no-shows". We missed all of you guys.
Joan - thanks for posting all the pictures, and better yet for coming up and bringing John with you and the dessert! See you guys in a couple of weeks.

To set the record straight - the past Trackrock Hammer-ins got to feast on Deb William's wonderfull brunswick stew. You just have to look around at the crowd and you can see that neither Deb nor Karen tend to let the participants go undernourished! I want to personally thank them both for all they do to support us boys while we play with hammers and fire.

The young aproned camo man wailing away is 8 year old Coby and he completed his very first knife. We managed to get it HT'd, finished and ready for sharpening before the day was out. He is now officially the youngest member of F.O.O.S.R.K. (we are an elite bunch of hammerheads for sure!). He made his dad bring him all the way down from Severville, TN just to participate, a very focused and determined young man!

Just a quick note to correct a misnomer (mine), Cody prefers to be known by his middle name Tyler. So Tyler it is.