Maine Primitive Gathering

The MPSS gathering was awesome. I walked from Wells up to the gathering, a short six mile hike out of town to a beautiful old farm. After registering and setting up my sleep area, I walked over and observed a guy skinning a fox which had been roadkill a few hours before. I walked over to the 'fire buddah' and learned how to make and use an Inuit strap drill, which I am now carrying around, y'know, just in case. I watched and learned a bit about flintknapping, starting with a piece of obsidian in my hand, leaving a nice little cut. That stuff is SHARP. My buddy Andy had shown up while I was working on the strap drill, and had introduced me to Other Andy, a friend of...Andrew's (of Florida). Too many Andys! I helped Other Andy rig his tarp.and we all hung out around the pit fire for the rest of the night, talking, swapping info, meeting new folks, etc.
Around 5am the rain started, and continued on and off all day. Despite this, my gear stayed mostly dry. I ate some communal breakfast, and spent Saturday 'networking', meeting friends, getting ideas, swapping stories.and learning. I picked up info on blacksmithing, edible foods, lactofermentation, trading, more flintknapping, how to build a hot propane forge, and a few other interesting skills. I also watched Bob butcher the alarm clock (whom I named Stew), a rooster which had been brought for that occasion. Stew was a good...chicken. And an even better Stew. There wa a potluck Saturday night, with some truly amazing meats (moose, elk, fox) as well as some spectacular food cooked over a fire. More hanging out around the fire, and I called in early, unable to find my flashlight or groundcloth. Naturally, I now have a leak in my Thermarest, but will be heading to EMS to get a patch.
Sunday saw the rain dissapear, and a mostly cloudy day turn to sun. Tomahawks, axes, knives, and the occasional child (kidding) were thrown at wooden targets, while I learned a lot more about flintknapping and cordage making. I helped out with a bit of the cleanup while grazing for hours on home made yoghurt, dumpstered sweet cake, fire cooked bacon, and other small nibble-able snacks.
Too soon came the closing circle. I picked up some good info about an Odwalla depot and a chocolate factory in RI, along with some open invites from folks to visit wherever. Everyone was super receptive to my method of travel, especially mixing technology, primitive skills, and sharing (hitching and couchsurfing). I c n't wait to return. I was also given some info on schools and possible apprentuce opportunities, which could be appealing when I want to learn and settle down a bit.
The four of us 'dirty travelers' (andy, myself, as well as adam and his girlfriend jess) were offered rides to portland the following morning (monday), with an offer to camp in Candi and Marks yard. Jess and Adam are travelling musicians, like Andy out on their first trip (adam has apparently traveled for a bit) and had fun entertraining the three children with music. Candi, Mark, Andy and I had a great disscussion on everything from politics to people, while we scarfed down pizza (perfect after a few days of camping). Mark showed me how to work a drystone, getting my knife razor sharp in the process. The following morning, among Numerous Thanks and apreciation, we got a lift to Portland, Maine.