Hello Loghousenut!
You seem to be the wisest here and I always appreciate your good advice. I can't make the class this year but hope to attend in May 1916 if the class is available.
Amazing, my family is in support and say, "go for it." Hopefully after I take the class I can travel to someone's build site and help there for the experience because I will probably need help too. If anyone's interested, I just found a great book by Henry A. Mercer titled Ancient Carpenters' Tools. Amazon.com $17 - $20. Describes log building tools (axes, hatchets, draw knives etc.). This would help if you are looking for old tools at flea markets, antique stores, etc.
Have a good day!
Phil (hello NSA!)