Could use some Rendezvous encouragement


M

madmax

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I'm overwhelmed. My hat's off to you guys and gals that do the Vous'. This is my second and I'm kinda boggin' down in the last few days here. Hushnel really got me going last year and it was very easy to join in for a day or two with his loaners and mentoring. This time I'm in with my own mostly homemade stuff and I'm tired of sewing and treating tarps (peeeuuuu!) and tryin' to figure out what's "period correct" and "acceptable". I've made my "pretty much" Seminole/Creek historically correct mocs and "bed sheet" frocks. Anybody else ever feel like they're not anywhere near gonna fit in?
Thanks guys. Pics would really help me.
Tony
 
no pics, bro...but loads of best wishes, good will, and encouragement!

Enjoy what you can out of it....don't worry about the rest. Being outdoors is reward in itself. :)
 
I'm right there with ya bro. Just getting into the buckskinning scene, and while some gear from Bushcrafting will carry over. I have a ways to go!

Going to the Nebraska Muzzleloaders State Convention this weekend. And I know I won't fit in well, but at least I know a couple of the guys and have my foot in the door. I'm not sure I would go at all if I didn't know anyone.
 
skinning can be a lot of fun...Arrowolf got me into it.....Find a group that's not so critical,their out there....A lot of the groups will help, and even give you a lot of guidance
 
I've been using the word "rendesvous " pretty freely for any get together in the woods .
I assume from your post that there is a lot more to it . You have to be correct to the period I guess . Are there differant clubs for differant time periods in history etc .
 
riverjoe said:
I've been using the word "rendesvous " pretty freely for any get together in the woods .
I assume from your post that there is a lot more to it . You have to be correct to the period I guess . Are there differant clubs for differant time periods in history etc .
Click to expand...

they are, group I run with is pre 1860, fur trapper. You have long hunters and those that are colonial groups....
 
AlteredMentalStatus said:
skinning can be a lot of fun...Arrowolf got me into it.....Find a group that's not so critical,their out there....A lot of the groups will help, and even give you a lot of guidance
Click to expand...


Yes, I found this to be true also. Many groups are happy to find people who care about their interest. Others that are more "hard core" mainly attract the more experienced and authentic. Going to events and visiting different camps will usually allow you to find your niche.

Almost all such events have vendors who will be helpful in equipping you, for a price. Trading and making one's own gear is half the fun in that hobby, too.

In Illinois, Lincoln's New Salem...

http://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com/

...hosts a volunteer program with training and they will even "outfit" folks in period-appropriate clothing until they can acquire their own. Other historic sites like Fort de Chartres

http://www.ftdechartres.com/page/page/1396753.htm

specialize more in the French colonization period. They have a huge 'vous every year.

In Illinois, budgets have been cut and historic sites rely more on volunteers than ever before. Working with them will help you and the site as well.

It may be a similar situation in your area. Good luck!
 
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I'd say don't try to get everything "correct" all at once. Everyone starts out as a pilgrim. Focus on one aspect at a time. And there's no law which says you have to make everything yourself, especially when you are just getting started. Remember this is for fun, it's not a job.

You want pics, here you go:
http://www.talking-bear.com/galleryintro.htm
 
Thanks for that link Arrowolf!! I've already found some pictures of fellows I know!
 
We see Talking Bear around the Southwestern Rendezvous. I may actually attend some this year as it's gonna be in Nocona, TX on one of my club member's property.
 
madmax said:
Anybody else ever feel like they're not anywhere near gonna fit in?
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I sure know I wouldn't quite fit in. Oh well. If they kick you out you can always come hang out with me on the way back to the interstate. I'll have some beer and Spam ready just in case :dblthumb:
 
saintnick001 said:
I sure know I wouldn't quite fit in. Oh well. If they kick you out you can always come hang out with me on the way back to the interstate. I'll have some beer and Spam ready just in case :dblthumb:
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Ha ha. I might be hiding out in Hush and Deb's tent from the dog soldiers. Hope they don't catch me for a few days. Man I hope tihs linseed oil soaked tarp doesn't catch fire and burn down on top of me.:17:

...i'm so insecure...
 
Arrowolf said:
I'd say don't try to get everything "correct" all at once. Everyone starts out as a pilgrim. Focus on one aspect at a time. And there's no law which says you have to make everything yourself, especially when you are just getting started. Remember this is for fun, it's not a job.
Click to expand...

Arrowolf, you nailed it righ on the head!
 
MadMax,

Everyone has got to start somewhere. Do your research and only make/buy/use something that is right for the period. You only need a minimum amount of stuff to enjoy an event. Check out my gear picture and add apiece of canvas and you've got an 18th century outfit. Good luck brother and don't hesitate to pm me if you need help or encouragement.

camp2.jpg

gear1.jpg

Me at Pricketts Fort 1.jpg

Scott
 
By the way Max, let's see some pictures of what ya got so far!
 
Me in an ice storm at Comanche Peak in Glen Rose, TX, April, 07. It was my first time with the rock-knocker.

6685787011_8c7cc5b872.jpg
 
Some of the events are picky-er than others, some not, work your way up.

The "gray beards" like to kid the pilgrims, but everyone was there at one time or another, so the advice to start with a period in mind, then add gear/clothes for that period.

You can spend a lot of time and money mixing gear and clothes and not look right

I seen guys with nothing but a loin-cloth, hawk, knife, bag and pennsylvania 1760 +/- flinter walking around, and be correct in every way.

Or drive up with a camp in a trailer and not be period correct....Do your home work and research then work toward that.

Some of the best dressed re-enactors stayed in a motor home in the modern camp ground.

Some day, took us 20+ years, some one will come and ask if they can take a pic using your camp as a back drop......that's when you know you have arrived.

You will learn a lot along the way, and LOL, sometimes in self defense....but it IS supposed to be fun.
 
Thanks for the responses. I've got 2 sets of clothes, a poncho, and my homemade mocs. Tarp, rope, firewood, pot, irons, skillet, knife, and hawk. Going for food tonight. I just keep thinking about more stuff. A camp chair, water container (have gourd need bigger for camp), bowl, ...mule train to carry it all....

The research was alot of fun, but info doesn't just pop up on a Google search. I'm looking forward to learning alot more after I get down there Sat. You just can't beat the first hand exchanges.
 
Frances Sanders from Fort Downing Trading Company is a good person to deal with. She does custom seamstress work for re-enactors.Shes located in Old Town Florida... Nice lady good products, her and her husband have a limited quantity of little rondy items you may need such as clay pipes and etc.
Highlander
 
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