I have a good sized metal shop and wood shop for a creative outlet and some extra money doing some custom work. I still like to forge steel just like they did 2000 years ago with a hammer and anvil. But I also have a new induction forge which is state of the art for heating metal up fast. Most of my projects are frontier and medieval knives, hatchets and tomahawks. I have a FB page with a gallery of many of my projects over the last few years. It keeps from spending too much time in front of the computer and TV.
It almost keeps me out of trouble most of the time.
I have been hiking and back packing since I was four and plan to do so until they drop my carcass into a casket. I climbed Mt Rainier back in 1982 and Mt St Helens in 1996. Once was enough for both of them. By the time I was 16 y/o I had an internal frame Jansport back pack, a new Peak 1 stove, gortex and polypropylene clothes and Kastinger boots. I was hardcore into it and still am. And 30 years later I still have the original gear and I am glad I paid the bucks for quality that will still be usable three decades later.
I look forward to visiting and networking with all of you here.
My mom always yelled "get out and play, but don't be late for dinner" I've been outside most of my life and eating good. 
sounds like an ideal working situation you've got yourself into, nice choice!!! I've always wanted to pound iron. I still have a metal garbage can filled with forge coal waiting for me to break away from stoves. I sold my forge that was minus the hand crank blower.....darn-it!!! Nice to have quality equipment, I'll agree on that. My Eddie Bauer down bag still serving well 
