Rendezvous at Rowdy Creek

Laura, Tony, Pia & John

Rendezvous is a weeklong blackpowder event, focusing primarily on the mountain man era of European colonization of North America. There are a few Colonials, like us, but there are far more buckskin jackets than tricorns.

There are various blackpowder activities each day, including some competitions. There's a straightforward open-air target shoot and a course through the woods with targets. There's also tomahawk throwing and who knows what else. Participants look best when in period costume, but it isn't required.

Near the road is a modern camp, where nylon tents and RVs are allowed. Merchants' Row is also out in the realm of the modern. Further into the woods is the Primitive Camp, where everything showing is period. By true mountain man standards, most of the camps are anything but primitive. For one thing, just about everyone had a tent rather than just a piece of oilcloth to wrap in at night. I'd guess that most camps, with tables and chairs, and even wood stoves and beds more resembled a settler's camp. But they looked great.



I went daytripping yesterday with John and Pia. We later met with Tony and his gaggle of young-uns & friends, and later with Mary & Doug. Rendezvous was relaxing. For us it was primarily a costumed swap meet, cruising through Merchants' Row 2 or 3 times. There were lots of blackpowder rifles & supplies, knives, leather and trade beads to be had. I picked up some more gear for my own camp: a ceramic jug, a leather bottle/canteen, a firkin ( sort of barrel) and some feast gear.

We had a picnic at George & Marilyn's camp - an older couple whom John & Pia befriended in '07. Very nice people, and the only Colonials in camp. They had new hammock-cots which they showed off to us. Members of the Siren crew will probably be making some of these before long.

We said hello to a 3-generation family whom John and Pia had met when they camped in 2007. This family had a very impressive camp. The two moms keep the family fed like kings, complete with cinnamon rolls at breakfast and pie at supper. They even had a bunk bed for the kids. If ever they lose their home, they'll probably make do quite well in a tent.



I wasn't in photography mode, so failed to document most of the attractions. Sorry. However, John & Pia's photos from 2007 can be seen here.

I think I'll go camping at Rendezvous next year. Relaxed costume camping. Maybe even painting, or at least arty photo-taking.