We have just returned from a trading trip, one that took us to a Mountain Man Rendezvous!
I think we represented ourselves pretty damn well.
My sons fired black powder rifles, for the first time, in competition (we usually use modern rifles or arrows) and they both did well. My middle son took third and I believe my oldest son took 4th, in their classes. My oldest daughter also did well shooting a rifle.
We did not bring our bows, so we did not compete in that tournament, nor did we in the knife throwing and tomahawk portion due to a combination of weather and mis-communication.
Two of my daughters won the talent show with a duet of "Siul a Run," beating out their old man's attempt at singing "The Green Grass of Home." We were all asked to perform again at the closing night feast and council fire. My oldest girl sang a ribald humor song but I declined.
My sons also were recognized and awarded for their efforts as "dog robbers" around the encampment. It is nice to have children that are welcomed by people, as opposed to having the sort of kids people dread to have around. Nice words were also spoken as praise for the family's primitive attire, as most first timers, pilgrims as they are called, come to their first event in the wrong clothes.
This was our first time at this particular Rendezvous (and the first time ever for a lot of the family,) and it went terrific, except for a drunk lawyer running over our trade goods on a day when trucks weren't allowed in camp anyway.
We participated in a variety of trading and various activities. Despite the near constant rain, a good time was had by all. I was glad. I enjoyed Rendezvous as a kid, myself, and it was great to see the kids and grand kids enjoy it also.
My tribal brother has been going to this Rendezvous for many years and it was fun to accompany him this year.
This particular Rendezvous is already on our schedule for next year.
Well, back to getting gear ready for the next one, a Pioneer festival!
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