Post by crawford on Feb 21, 2020 18:26:27 GMT -8
I've had a "lifey" session going on for the last little bit. Tonight I decided to do something simple that I enjoy and it led me to a simple realization about myself.
I have an affinity for early (think 1740-1820) flintlock weapons. I own a working replica of what would have been called in my area a "barn gun." These were very simply designed smoothbores that every home in my area would have had in the 1760s-early 1800s. They were no frills and generally used to protect livestock (hence the name).
With all that in mind, I went in to my den tonight to clean and inspect it. It is something that relaxes my mind and the simplicity of these early tools is something I always appreciate. As I looked across the room at some of my packing gear that I had out, I realized that I like both backpacking and simple early flintlocks for some of the same reasons. They are kit based, with one's accouterments varying based upon what each person desires. There is a minimalist approach to both. Both harken me back to a more "natural world." Each one is simple and yet requires some specialization to be fully enjoyed.
This wasn't a mind blowing set of thoughts, but it was something that I hadn't put together before. I suppose these two hobbies aren't so different and both fit the same parts of my personality. I'd assume most of us are the same way in that the backpacking thing fits in well with some of the other activities we enjoy.
I have an affinity for early (think 1740-1820) flintlock weapons. I own a working replica of what would have been called in my area a "barn gun." These were very simply designed smoothbores that every home in my area would have had in the 1760s-early 1800s. They were no frills and generally used to protect livestock (hence the name).
With all that in mind, I went in to my den tonight to clean and inspect it. It is something that relaxes my mind and the simplicity of these early tools is something I always appreciate. As I looked across the room at some of my packing gear that I had out, I realized that I like both backpacking and simple early flintlocks for some of the same reasons. They are kit based, with one's accouterments varying based upon what each person desires. There is a minimalist approach to both. Both harken me back to a more "natural world." Each one is simple and yet requires some specialization to be fully enjoyed.
This wasn't a mind blowing set of thoughts, but it was something that I hadn't put together before. I suppose these two hobbies aren't so different and both fit the same parts of my personality. I'd assume most of us are the same way in that the backpacking thing fits in well with some of the other activities we enjoy.
