Congrats, @CBoling!
What are y'all up to?
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Thank you, @xmark and @5-StringPilgrim !
I’m at Keesler AFB now for Tech School to learn my job. For Air Force, we don’t have “MOS”; we call them AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Code). My AFSC is Weather Specialist.
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Jodi and I will be leaving tomorrow morning for Milwaukee Wisconsin to team up with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief to assist with the flood victims. It has been reported there are 1800 requests for assistance. We will return Thursday.
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Godspeed, y’all!
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Not been doing much of late. On new medication which makes me want to nap all the time, not that I am complaining. Just can’t seem to motivate myself to do any banjer pickin.
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As a middle child, I’ve always enjoyed living with the concept that, “There are no rules, just loose guidelines”. The four exceptions are: 1. When treating patients. 2. When aircraft, fixed wing or rotary. 3. Running a boat. 4. Walking about in bear country. Bear spray or firearm take your pick. Never carry both. My preferences: Hand gun. 44mag with 325 grain hard cast lead bullet, 10 mm with 220 grain hard cast lead bullet, .45 ACP with Buffalo Bore 255 grain hard cast bullet. My go to rifle in big bear country is a Marlin 1895 45-70 with 450 grain hard cast lead bullets. Load em hot and practice, practice, practice. Just like learning Banjo back up.
Keep turning the crank.
J
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Good, solid advice. I’ve been packing the 10mm with 220gr Underwood hard cast…the Glock 10mm really points and shoots naturally, and yes, practice drawing/firing is key.
I’m heading into the edge of Grizz country in Idaho in a couple weeks. It was in the same place that I got into some bear “trouble” a few years ago, but from black bears interestingly. I had 5 of them surround me, acting aggressively. It was the only day I didn’t carry a pistol (of course). I had one that kept approaching with no fear. Ended up shooting him with my bow at about 15 yards, thankfully made a perfect shot that planted him (more luck than skill).
When I reported the bear to Idaho Wildlife Dept, they said the black bear behavior was due to grizz activity in the area and that black bears were acting much more aggressive and in groups.
I’m interested to hear your philosophy of not carrying both spray/pistol, @jrhine62. I assume it’s because you won’t have a choice when the time comes which would cause a time delay?
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Hey Ben, It’s nice to be back in the loop again. The past nine months have been a bit of a challenge. Black bears…Lots of folks seem to think they’re warm and cuddly. On an annual basis they maim far more people the Grizzly and Brown bears.
Your assumption is correct; when a bear is “coming” you generally will not have the time to decide which protective measure to yank. The challenge with bear spray is basically the same as with a hand gun; Most folks don’t practice pulling it from the holster and deploying the spray.
I’ve been very fortunate in that with all the time I’ve spent in the woods, I’ve never had to defend myself or others from a bear or lion encounter. Good luck with your upcoming elk hunt. Keep your nose in the wind and your head on a swivel.
Grace to you and the family,
Jeffrey
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Glad to hear from you again, Doc! Still would love to come up and see you sometime.
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May and June are great for King Salmon. Late July and August are best for Silver Salmon. Halibut can be picked up anytime. Just keep in mind that anytime after August 1st our fishing will be interrupted if a buck shows up in the beach. Having a shoot from the boat permit is a wonderful thing.
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Creepy! Glad that wasn’t me. I’m from West TN don’t see any of 'em in these woods!
Sorry to hear that Archie. That kind of “tired” can be frustrating. Man, I am just having a hard time being motivated at all on Banjo right now. Esp with the repetition of learning NEW. Working on 9 P. Hammer. Hearing def good things I have advanced on but wow. Not feeling as “fun” right now. Do not know if it is just the heat or jus, been playing every day for an hour or more all summer blues. Felt like I needed a change so I veered back towards Guitar again and…yea nope. LOL Even extra coffee and Earl Grey just ain’t gettin’ it done. I still pick up my 5 string RK everyday but feeling more like I am just going through the motions to keep my investment alive. 
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So I am back into study mode again, I just had to find a goal to help me get over the doldrums. Mike Harding provided the solution. Basic solo and backup lessons for Angel Band. I am not a big fan of Mike’s teaching method but these lessons helped me climb out of the rut and get back on track. So credit where credit is due and I am grateful to Mike for helping me get over my mental block.
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I purchased his banjo Forked Deer lesson while I patiently wait for Ben’s version. Good resource to fall back on.
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I like it…great idea.
Headed out early tomorrow for the 26 hour drive to Idaho for archery elk season. Those who know Wild Bill from camps, he and I will be in the mountains for about 8 days. I’ve got some killer lessons lined up for y’all, and a big thanks to @Michael_Mark for helping me publish the content while I’m away!
That being said, y’all play nice on the forum while I’m away…no worries there, of course. Make new folks feel welcome, encourage the downtrodden, and celebrate the wins. Oh, and pray I’m able to fill the freezer!
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Have fun! We’re off to play a festival in Illinois this weekend and then going to IBMA from there. We also got all the final masters of our new album done today!! 
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I did Mike Hedding for my 1yr on banjo. Until I found Banjo ben… I can Sympathize.
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He does the job but it’s difficult to understand what he says half the time. 
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