Second practice making cordage

I was out, actually with the intent of foraging for this coming weeks food needs, but got side-tracked. I was right by the river, which really drowned out any sound of traffic, I love when that happens. Again, I used the same type of reed grass, like my first try.

The picture shows the three twisted pieces I patiently twisted together. It isn't the ideal cordage material, because one end is thicker than the other. From just these few tries i find that too stiff or too thin a material doesn't work as easily. It does work, but it takes times and for me the sound of the rushing water helped.

I say this here, i have never braided anything in my many years of life...until today. I had looked at the steps in a knotting book (which i didn't have with me, but really didn't need either). With my three cords I wondered how to start, then remembered that knotting the three ends together was the way to go. I used the fingers on my left hand to hold the knotted end, while I moved the three strands over each other and my left thumb to help keep the left cord taut.

Below is the finished product, i have to say it came out pretty good. I think the next step for cordage, is to be able to splice short pieces together and then braid them. Once i can splice I'll move on.

3 braid cordage

Three days.

I'll start off by saying that I wish i had pictures to share, for the last three days. I did have my camera with me(except for today), none of the pictures I took were that postable(postable, as opposed to postal).

My first day off, i went on a hike into a section of park, I had passed i don't know how many times over the years. I wondered if there was a way I could get to the open field, so i grabbed the packs, with my edbile plant books and camera and headed off. At first i didn't see a path, but found a bridle path led along where i was trying to go. I followed the bridle path for a bit, then scurried up this hill. At that point, I wished there weren't a busy road for miles, because i would have enjoyed the peace of the woods so much more. On I went, just to the edge of where the woods opened up at the beginning of the field. I had to turn around, after walking around, trying to find a way across the thick mud or the small stream that blocked my way. i will be back, the best areas are those less trampled by humans.

Second out...I decided to take on a hike I had wondered about, it would be a challenge with the high temperatures we've had here. It was more deer path than human path, but not impossible for a determined soul. Along the way i passed a few fisherman who had found a place away from the other holiday groups. After that I was up and down, through foliage and across slate -like rock. I kept my eye out for deer the whole time, eventually I did see some but don't have the pictures to share. I have to say, where the path led me, would be a great place to camp(as long as the rangers didn't catch you).

Then there's today, out doing errandsbefore i have to go back to work tomorrow. I didn't have my camera, just my books. I found a small Raspberry patch, but the fruit wasn't ripe. I was walkig around at different spots on the park, referring to my books, trying to find Lamb's Quarters and Nettle. I did find some similiar plants in the same family, but left them for now. I really want to forage what i "need" for the week and nothing else.

That kind of goes without saying, if you know Chicory grows along one road, you don't pull it out by the roots. I twisted some Daylily blooms off today, but left the plant intact. I have my eye on Wild carrot and some huge Thistle, those i will harvest in the coming weeks. I found some really good information on prepping acorns, that adds to what the books tell me.

I've found that it can be a little frustating trying to learn so much, stay safe and enjoy the journey. It is the same for every new skill we try to learn, that says alot about the human race. We are quick to give up and go for convenience, that same mindset that tells us, we should spend money to gain everything we need to survive.