Author: Samantha Schafer
Well, here we are stuck in the house, wishing we were outside. Instead, we are dreaming of being outside once the weather gets warmer. Some are busy planning trips that we don’t know if we can go on this summer. I am holding out for the fall.
So I spent a lot of my time listening to the news, hoping for the little glimmer of light that things are starting to get better. Then last night we get the news that the Federal Government will continue the guidelines another 30 days. Yikes!
Also listening to the talking heads on the box, they are trying to give hints on things to do while you are locked down in your house. One of those suggestions is to learn a new skill. I like this idea. I know they probably mean to learn a new language or how to prepare for the LSAT. Ugh, too much work for me. But I took it as learning something fun. So yesterday, I sat with YouTube and some cloth napkins and learn how to fold them into fun shapes for when we do get to have gatherings with friends and family again. (Thanks Chuck!) Not a skill that will help me find a new job in the future, but I had fun and my mind was occupied for a while.
I am sure you are all wondering, so what does this have to do with me. Well, let me tell you. I have helped teach the Beginning and Intermediate Backpack classes on and off for the past 10 years or so. One of the skills that we want to teach in these classes is how to tie different kinds of knots with the line that we insist that you carry in your overstuffed backpacks. Throughout my time at Solar, there have also been a few people that have tried to make this a stand-alone class. But knot tying seems to be the one skill to me of “Use It or Lose It”.
With all that said, I want to invite you all to join me in practicing your knot-tying skills. I will pick a new knot every couple of days and send out a link from AnimatedKnots.com for you all to try. All you have to do is get your rope out from the bottom of your pack, follow along with the instructions, and post pictures or videos of your finished knot! This will get us all something new to learn or practice an old skill. I cannot tell you how many times I forgot how to tie a knot in the backcountry. This is our chance to make it muscle memory.
If you are with me, here is our first knot. We always start with this one the Beginning Backpack Class, so I think it is a good one to start with here.
The Bowline Knot
https://www.animatedknots.com/bowline-knot
Be sure to read about the many uses and different variations of this knot below the animation pictures.
