The weather stayed perfect at the annual Chimney Point Atlatl Contest (held at Mount Independence in Orwell for a second year due to bridge construction). The change in venue, coupled with flooding throughout Vermont and elsewhere led to less attendance than in previous years but we are all looking forward to 2012 when the contest should be back at Chimney Point! The new bridge is looking great!
Our next venue will be in Connecticut the weekend of September 30 to October 1 at the Friends of Hammonasset Festival See you there!
Following are some more photos of Vermont winners! (more to come after we figure out some technical problems!)

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It’s not too late to sign up for Friday’s atlatl making workshop at the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vt.
Robert Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl will present his atlatl-making workshop from noon to 5:00 p.m. The session includes making your own atlatl, making and fletching three field darts, and coaching on the use of your new equipment. Bob also will demonstrate modern construction techniques, flint-knapping, hafting stone points, and cordage making from natural materials.
This is Bob’s 16th year presenting his workshop in Vermont. Bob was featured in Vermont Public Television’s program, Outdoor Journal, in March 2008.
The workshop has been moved to Mount Independence from its traditional location at the Chimney Point State Historic Site, due the adjacent Lake Champlain Bridge construction project, which will be completed next spring.
A $65 fee covers all materials, instruction, and admission to the museum at Mount Independence. Pre-registration is required. To request a form or ask questions, please call 802-759-2412. Or, the registration form is available online at: www.historicvermont.org/chimneypoint/atlatl

The workshop is the first day of the three day 16th Annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship—September 16 to 18, a highlight of Vermont Archeology Month special events. After making your atlatl, compete on Saturday or Sunday.

Mount Independence is open daily, 9:30 to 5:00, through October 10. It is located at 497 Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersection of Vermont Routes 73 and 22A.

For more information about the Vermont State-Owned Historic Sites, visit: www.HistoricVermont.org/sites. Be part of the conversation and join the Vermont State Historic Sites on Facebook.

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The Thunderbird Atlatl staff will be at the Flint Ridge Knap near Brownsville, Ohio this Labor Day Weekend. Stop by and visit us!
We had a great time in Letchworth at the Stone Tool Technology Show! Looking forward to another great weekend. Check out the knapin link for more information www.flintridgeknapin.com
In upcoming weeks, we will be in Maine, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Connecticut. We will keep you posted!

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The Thunderbird Atlatl crew is back from the 40th Pennsic War. As usual, we had a great time at Pennsic! This year, there were two Atlatl Battles above the castle. Nearly 100 people took part in the two atlatl battles. There were over 60 people participating in the second battle on Thursday.
The weather for both nights was great as teams tried to discover who the other teams Shaman was. Atlatl battles at Pennsic are always a highlight of our summer and we look forward to continuing the tradition next year an in years to come!
We will be at the Stonetool Show at Letchworth the end of August and at Flint Ridge over Labor Day.

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From the moment we boarded the ferry in France to cross the channel into Dover, England, we knew we were in good hands with our English hosts! Steve Medlock texted us before we boarded the ferry and on our two hour trip across. As we left the ferry and entered on to English soil, Steve was waiting to lead us to the campground.
We arrived (after following Steve’s car through the English countryside and driving on the opposite of the road we were accustomed to!) after 11 p.m. to find a tent entirely set up for us with sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, a refrigerator with food in it, a stove, lights, flashlights and an United States flag flying in the front! The next day Bob met with Steve and a great group to offer a workshop. The workshop continued on Sunday. We can not thank our English hosts enough for their kind welcome and for preparing great accommodations.
Following the workshops, Steve transported us to airports, took us on tours around the countryside and helped us find items we needed. Thanks Steve. Steve and Neal (accompanied by his delightful 10-month-old daughter) gave us a great tour of Lewes on Wednesday, July 20. On Friday, Steve and his son, Chris, returned to the campsite and took down the tent and packed away the camping supplies with our son, Peter, and his friend, Chris. Peter and Chris left to start their Mongol Rally adventure During their trip, they will be demonstrating atlatls and hope to put on an atlatl contest in Mongolia at the end of their journey.

Atlatl Rattle
The Atlatl Rattle is this weekend July 21 to 24 in Hancock, NY. It’s a great event along the Delaware River. We will try to be there but might not be able to make it since we are just getting back from Europe. Have a great time! Ray Turner is a wonderful host.

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