Pictures of Trackrock Fall 2008

Great weekend! Charlie and I braved the gas shortages and made the trip to Blairsville for the Trackrock Hammer-in hosted by Carl Rechsteiner (CREX). We found plenty of gas, you just had to look a little harder for it in some places.

The Trackrock Campground is a fantastic piece of Georgia real-estate and the hospitality the Alexander’s extend would be hard to match anywhere. I try really hard to not miss one of these hammer-ins. There is such a vast amount of information wrapped up in the participants you can't help but learn something useful. I missed seeing some of the regulars that couldn't make it, but there were some people there for the first time that added to the crowd. Good friends, good food, hot forges and ringing anvils, just doesn't get much better.

Ruth working on some leather while Boone looks on.


Rick Lowe giving some pointers.



About five forges in a row. You can see three in the picture.



Dennis Bradley giving some tips on file work.



John Costa giving Scott a few pointers and staying out of the way.



This is what it is all about.



Charlie found a quiet spot to do a little carving on some stag for a handle.

__________________
Harry Mathews
Twin Blades
www.twinxblades.com

Have to totally agree with everything Harry said! Great weekend with a bunch of great people! Here's some more pictures of the folks and the event.

First one is Brother John Costa taking a much deserved break.



Carl is showing Joshua some fine points on the anvil. This young man gave us some super bagpipe music after lunch on Sat. He also made two very nice blades.



Another young fellow and his dad getting addicted to hot steel by Carl.



Finished knife and a very happy guy!



Mike Brown also gave a bunch of time helping teach.



Sandy and Harry sharing their thoughts.



Randy Scott took time and hoooked another victim into our craft.



Randy, Charlie, and Scott exchanging ideas.



Don Adams behind the forge hard at it.

__________________
Rick Lowe