adambieber Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 So my wife and I decided we want out of Iowa. I have some buddies from when I was in the army and they told me a bit about WA. Originally I wanted the Olympia/Lacey area but she want to go to a university so we decided the Seattle area. Is anyone in that general vicinity? Marysville etc? It'd be nice to meet some people out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedefiddle Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Good Morning, Lots of North West Blacksmith Association members (NWBA) http://blacksmith.org/ Check out the web-site, they have monthly get togethers in Longview Wash. a couple hours south of Seattle. I think that the Spring Conference will be at Longview. Seattle is 2 hours south of Vancouver B.C. Canada. Some call it the Pacific NorthWest (if you are in the U.S.). I live in Victoria, B.C. approx 100 miles as the crow flies from Seattle. Some people call it the Wet Coast, only for a few months though. Not much snow, maybe 1 week a year. Dew from the afternoon/evening on a cold day makes black-Ice. Not a good drink :> Some people complain of the "Damp Cold", cold is not below 0 degrees fahrenheit. I shouldn't be telling you all the good things, more people will come!! Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 10, 2013 Author Share Posted October 10, 2013 Oh most of what you mentioned is very much part of the reason we are moving there. That and my wife is Chinese and loves seafood and they have an AWESOME fish market (from my understanding) in Seattle, WA. I'm more of a meant and potatoes kinda guy myself. But there are also some listed ABS bladesmiths in seattle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyO Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Hello, and welcome. I agree with Neil, check out the NWBA, a very active group. As far as your concern about if there are any smiths in the area, I can think of at least a dozen. Also, if you're in Seattle, you'll be close to the Pratt Center which does a lot of classes. I'm not a bladesmith, but you'll be close to Bob Kramer and Dave Lisch, two of my favorite blade makers. As far as the dietary concerns, too bad you weren't already here as I just had 2 bulls put down last Friday... B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawno Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Best place on Earth unless you count all those other places. I'm about 250 miles away from Seattle. Inland Empire area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Hi there. I live in Duvall Wa (about 30 miles East of Seattle) and I'm an ABS JS. Dan Erickson, Tom Ferry, and Mike Rader all in the Seattle area. There are a bunch of other non ABS guys as well. The well known fish market (the one where they throw the fish) is not the place to shop, but I can show you some of the good spots. There is a huge Asian community here, not just Chinese. Check out the NWBA, Dave Lische has a big tool swapmeet at his shop in the Spring, it's a good place to get tied into the local folks. Give me a shout when you get here, it's always good to meet new metal folks. I've lived here most of my life, so I can point you to things you will need and want. removed many off site sales links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Been quite a few years since I lived out that way in Keyport Wa, but I'd go back in a heartbeat given a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 10, 2013 Author Share Posted October 10, 2013 We haven't bought a house yet but definitely have seen some we like and are still stuck in IA, but we will be there come spring. The fresh beef woulda been a welcome thing! I'm excited to find some one to teach me to smith. I know books are a help but it's experience and someone who knows what they are doing that I'm looking for If you'd be willing to show us around a bit Geoff that would be awesome! I've always wanted to get farther west. Iraq wasn't exactly what I had in mind.. <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Geist Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Been there a few times. Definitely one of America's best kept secrets. Is without a doubt the most picturesque state I've ever been to. Very beautiful place. Has not just lots of smithing activity but plenty of whatever might interest you. Is something for everybody there. Sounds like you'll be making a good move. * George * As an interesting aside to it check out a place called Point Roberts. Is a little piece of Washington that can only be gotten to by land through Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 We'd be happy to. I'm a transplant myself, though I've been here since '59. My Lady Wife is actually a native, born and bred. Let us know when you land. Geoff 425-844-0758 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyO Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I should have added, If you ever head to Mt Rainier at Paradise, drop me a line, you may be driving right past my house. I have 3 neighbors that are longtime smiths (40+ years each). All within about 8-9 miles out here. Out here that's close enough to be neighbors.... Good luck with the move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azmike Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 spent a summer there (everett) way back when (1969)---liked it alot, but have never been back. don't know how it would be for a place to retire (6 month to 1.5 years from now) may look into it----but tucson will be hard to beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 12, 2013 Author Share Posted October 12, 2013 George, you could go sailing to point roberts! :) Been there a few times. Definitely one of America's best kept secrets. Is without a doubt the most picturesque state I've ever been to. Very beautiful place. Has not just lots of smithing activity but plenty of whatever might interest you. Is something for everybody there. Sounds like you'll be making a good move. * George * As an interesting aside to it check out a place called Point Roberts. Is a little piece of Washington that can only be gotten to by land through Canada. Geoff, I have your number saved in my phone and will call when we need your help unloading the truck and moving furniture! :lol: We'd be happy to. I'm a transplant myself, though I've been here since '59. My Lady Wife is actually a native, born and bred. Let us know when you land. Geoff 425-844-0758 billyO I will do that. My wife and I will be the ones lost on the side of the road with the four ways goin'. :D I should have added, If you ever head to Mt Rainier at Paradise, drop me a line, you may be driving right past my house. I have 3 neighbors that are longtime smiths (40+ years each). All within about 8-9 miles out here. Out here that's close enough to be neighbors.... Good luck with the move. Mike I can't say I've ever been that far west or south but I DO understand the heat. Iraq has similar weather (so I've heard). I prefer the heat over the crazy cold myself. Gentlemen, I think we finally DID IT! We found a nice property (2.45 acres). It's a trailer but its cheap and it's our first home. Askin LOTS of questions about it before we do anything. And if we did take it we would pay cash money and buy it out right. No loan. Taxes seem fairly cheap ($1376 a year). It's quiet so I shouldn't bother too many people while pounding away on steel. The place is in Graham. By the by anyone in that area would be invited to a BBQ meet n greet (BYOB however as we don't drink). Be nice to have some friends fairly close by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyO Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Good luck with the purchase! Did my comment on the 3 smiths motivate the move close to Eatonville? I didn't even mention names.,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 12, 2013 Author Share Posted October 12, 2013 Good luck with the purchase! Did my comment on the 3 smiths motivate the move close to Eatonville? I didn't even mention names.,, Well to be honest we wanted to be fairly close to seattle and lacey and everything in between. We looked into Eatonville but couldn't find anything. We like the location. And yes as soon as I saw the 3 smiths you mentioned I thought "gotta meet them!" We wanted some country land we could farm a bit and raise some chickens, let our (future) dog run around and just overall be able to breathe! Our home (if we took it) would sit at the end of the road right next to the forest which would be awesome. Get to see some wildlife! I just hope not bear or cougar or bobcat..Don't want my chickens goin missing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 We're about 30 minutes from the main Microsoft campus. We have black tail deer, black bear, cougar, bob cat, coyote, fox, mink, weasels, hawks, eagles, owls, ravens, and that's just in the front pasture. If by "fairly close to Seattle and Lacey" you mean straight line distance, it's 60-70 miles. If by drive time, last Friday evening, headed south, it took us the best part of 2 hours to clear the lower edge of JBLM, and that is "normal" traffic, no accidents and dry pavement, on I5. Graham to Seattle (if by Seattle you mean the UW), I'm guessing that's a 2 hour commute, each way. I'm not trying to scare you, but Western Washington traffic is bad, pretty much all of the time. There are no good, fast, north/south routes. Is there something in Lacey that means that you need to be there? It's a fine place, but close to Seattle, not so much. If you get a chance to come out for a look, call me. We'd love to spend a day driving around and showing you the sights. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 12, 2013 Author Share Posted October 12, 2013 We're about 30 minutes from the main Microsoft campus. We have black tail deer, black bear, cougar, bob cat, coyote, fox, mink, weasels, hawks, eagles, owls, ravens, and that's just in the front pasture. If by "fairly close to Seattle and Lacey" you mean straight line distance, it's 60-70 miles. If by drive time, last Friday evening, headed south, it took us the best part of 2 hours to clear the lower edge of JBLM, and that is "normal" traffic, no accidents and dry pavement, on I5. Graham to Seattle (if by Seattle you mean the UW), I'm guessing that's a 2 hour commute, each way. I'm not trying to scare you, but Western Washington traffic is bad, pretty much all of the time. There are no good, fast, north/south routes. Is there something in Lacey that means that you need to be there? It's a fine place, but close to Seattle, not so much. If you get a chance to come out for a look, call me. We'd love to spend a day driving around and showing you the sights. Geoff I have a buddy from my time in the army that lives there. I think he could help me get work at the casino he works at. We were both MP (military police) so to me it's no different than working the road on Drum except I don't have to worry about pullin' a firearm on anyone. That was a bad time.. Wow 2 hours? I was expecting maybe an hour and a half. I have a wife to care for while she's in school as well as bills and cats. Just basic responsibilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyO Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 I just hope not bear or cougar or bobcat..Don't want my chickens goin missing.. I've seen bears near my property, heard of cougars, but most of my chickens get taken by coyotes or eagles. That's what I'd worry about. An enclosed coop is about the only way to guarantee safe chickens. I guess there's always new dangers whenever you move to a new place. If you're moving into Wildlife's neighborhood, you gotta play by their rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 13, 2013 Author Share Posted October 13, 2013 I've seen bears near my property, heard of cougars, but most of my chickens get taken by coyotes or eagles. That's what I'd worry about. An enclosed coop is about the only way to guarantee safe chickens. I guess there's always new dangers whenever you move to a new place. If you're moving into Wildlife's neighborhood, you gotta play by their rules. Yeah coyotes and eagles love chickens. I wonder if they'd be safe running around while I'm outside? I don't think coyotes are that brave, are they? And yeah I understand it's a different playground out in the backwoods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 Even in the city, you need to have them in a coop. My in laws have chickens in Seattle proper, and they lose birds to feral cats, dogs, coyotes, and especially, they've had problems with hawks (redtails, coopers and sharpshins) and raccoons, and of course, garden variety rats. We don't have chickens, because we have bird dogs, but you can't really avoid the wild animals. You must have wild life in Iowa, what do folks there do? Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 13, 2013 Author Share Posted October 13, 2013 Even in the city, you need to have them in a coop. My in laws have chickens in Seattle proper, and they lose birds to feral cats, dogs, coyotes, and especially, they've had problems with hawks (redtails, coopers and sharpshins) and raccoons, and of course, garden variety rats. We don't have chickens, because we have bird dogs, but you can't really avoid the wild animals. You must have wild life in Iowa, what do folks there do? Geoff I don't live in the country unfortunately. I used to live in the country when I lived in VA but the most we had were hawks and an occasional deer. But we also never kept chickens and our cats were indoor. And I'm not trying to avoid the wild. Just protect my future flock. I think a cockerel would help? I don't know. I've never kept them. I do know there are some folk that set traps for 'coons and coyotes and the like. But that doesn't always work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 I talked to my in-laws, since we don't keep chickens either. They said that they leave them out in the yard during the day, but lock them up at night. OTOH, they had a half grown chick snatched by a hawk right at their feet. Dogs can help, but nothing is 100%. One of our friends who lives a bit farther out than we do heard the chicken kicking up a fuss and ran out to find 2 Bald Eagles on top of the chicken coop trying to rip through the roof, and ignoring all four dogs. Fun in the country. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambieber Posted October 14, 2013 Author Share Posted October 14, 2013 I talked to my in-laws, since we don't keep chickens either. They said that they leave them out in the yard during the day, but lock them up at night. OTOH, they had a half grown chick snatched by a hawk right at their feet. Dogs can help, but nothing is 100%. One of our friends who lives a bit farther out than we do heard the chicken kicking up a fuss and ran out to find 2 Bald Eagles on top of the chicken coop trying to rip through the roof, and ignoring all four dogs. Fun in the country. Geoff By cockerel I mean a rooster. Not cocker spaniel! :) Though my wife Fay and I would like to get a boxer pup as a family dog. Wonder what one could do against something you're not allowed to kill legally? I knew a hawker (one who trains birds of prey to hunt for people) who had a red tail and the bird got spooked. Ended up on his head flapping and ripping up his scalp. My point bein' I don't fancy goin up to a thirty pound bird with razor sharp claws that's keen on tryin to get at my egg layers. I also don't wanna kill those beautiful birds. Tryin' to mitigate it before it happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Keyes Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Well, baldies are off limits. Hawks, too. Sometimes you just have to do what you need to, just keep it to yourself. My Lady Wife was once told by a Fish and Game warden that there was a cougar in the area, and if she had to protect her livestock, do what you have to do and not to call them afterwards. A rooster is just one more chicken, as far as an eagle is concerned, though a friend of mine was once chased around a house by a rhode island red rooster that was pretty fierce :) . We have a shotgun just to protect the horses and dogs, anyone who gets as far as us knows us, they're after beer or a meal. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.