Making Gifts for the Holidays: Part 1

Shopping is out, making is in.

STILTS: not just for clowns.

This video shows a quick and easy way to get up on stilts, fast.

Here is a recipe for extra fancy stilts with shoes attached. Probably for a more advanced "stilter". Via the Internet Juggling Database, high grade stilts.
Try this video if you are a more visual learner. Make Stilts.

And you say you DIY...

On May 21, 1968, Proenneke arrived at his new place of retirement at Twin Lakes (a different cabin than shown below). He remained at Twin Lakes for the next 16 months, when he left to go home for a spell to visit relatives and secure more supplies. He returned to the lakes in the following spring and remained there for most of the next 30 years, coming to the lower 48 only occasionally to be with his family.

The actual location on the Upper Twin Lake, Alaska is at coordinates: 
60° 38′ 59″ N, 153° 48′ 38″ W                         


Please take a moment to see the beginning of Dick Proenneke's video "Alone in the Wilderness". His ability to flourish and build his cabin in the wilderness is astounding. He only uses hand tools! This is a true gem for anyone interested in preserving a simple life. You can see more episodes on YouTube, or buy the complete set at www.dickproenneke.com.