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Taylor's Ride - In the News!

Taylor Tomlin's border to border period ride has a write-up in a Silver-City paper.

Below is an excerpt and a link to the full article.

Modern-day mountain men making their way to Canadian border

SILVER CITY - They were just passing through, the three buckskin-clad riders traveling on horseback along Route 35 in the Mimbres Valley on Tuesday afternoon, heading "short-term" for the Gila Hot Springs and "long-term" through the Grand Canyon to the Canadian border near Glacier Park.

Outfitted like mountain men of the past, complete with long guns and pack animals, they said they are riding for freedom and independence and they call themselves, with neither apology nor bravado, freedom riders.

"We're trying to hold onto the real America," explained 52-year-old Rick "Hawk" Hawkhurst of Montana. "Freedom and independence were the cornerstones of America. They were what this country was built on. And every law that's passed takes away more of our freedom and independence."

"The last time this type of border-to-border mountain man ride was done was 25 years ago," said 22-year-old Taylor Tomlin of Mineral, Texas. "We figure in another 20 years, what with more laws and more fences, a ride like this won't be possible."

More here.

Texas Free Trappers Rendezvous XII

Buckskinners,

Texas Free Trappers Rendezvous XII at the Dagger Ranch in La Vernia is coming up.

A flier, Schedule of Events, Events Planner and map are attached.

Competition is not mandatory. You can choose the events you want to enter. Each one has prizes to be awarded, the number of prizes will be bases on how many entrants there are, with a minimum of 5.

We hope to see old and new friends at our first rendezvous of 2010.

A few words on the potluck supper. TFT provides the meat dish. Buckskinners are asked to bring a dish to share. I suggest that the math works this way. If 10 families or camps brings a dish to serve 8 people there is enough to feed 80 people. This is far too much for the usual number of people eating. If we all bring a dish that will serve 4 to 6 there will be enough to feed 40 to 60. So don't think your individual contributions have to be large, nor do they have to be "home made". We always have a few first timers or guests that are invited to eat with us. Nobody will starve, but participation is requested.

Early camp setup will start about noon on Thursday. Compete on Friday and avoid what we hope will be a crowd.

We really need to grow in attendance in order to continue quality rendezvous.

2010 mandatory dues for the White Smoke Company of Buckskinners are due. Most of you know that the Fritztown Free Trappers' two annual rendezvous, the Texas Free Trappers' two annual rendezvous and the monthly black powder matches of the White Smoke Brigade are covered by the dues.

I hope I haven't left out anything important. Call or email me any time.

Watch yer back trail.....

Grey Wolf
830-935-3121
wolfbear@gvtc.com

Annual Boy Scout Winter Campout Rendezvous - 2/19-21/2010

Annual Boy Scout Winter Campout Rendezvous
February 19th, 20th, & 21st, 2010
Ola, Texas (near Kaufman)
Booshway~ Carl Martinez, Scout Master
Segundo ~ Brian Savage
For more info or directions please contact Susan Hall at rockinbranch@gmail.com or 903-340-1788

~ FREE CAMPING ~ no fees
~ FREE Hawk, Knife, Archery & Rifle Competition (if there's enough interest)
We have some really nice items to go on the prize blanket including a Green River Early Trade Knife & sheath, Hudson Bay Brass Tobacco / Firestarting Tin with magnifying glass, Throwing Hawks, Neck Knives and various other items.
~ FREE Meals ~ We handle all the cooking
~ Beautiful site ~ On 500+ acres of land that has been in the Shiels family since it was land granted to them by the State of Texas. Ask grandpa Shiels about the original deed. It states that the land was measured by the 'turn of the wagon wheel'.

Once again the Boy Scout Troop Leaders are inviting all who enjoy a good rendezvous to join them for their annual February campout. Last year we introduced the boys to the spirit of the 'vous with great response. They had a chance to forge a knife, make a possibles bag, learn fire starting and compete in the hawk, knife & black powder rifle competition. This is a chance for you to camp and show it off to boys who are eager to learn more about everything from your favorite tent styles to why you wear your jacket that way.

You won't be asked to do anything other than set up camp and enjoy the company. This will allow the boys to experience a more 'vous type atmosphere, hopefully opening their eyes a little wider to what a real vous would be like. Who knows, these boys may be the future of our 'vous. Don't get me wrong, those of you who would like to help, people are always needed to help with the various competitions. If you have one event that you
would like to help with or be in charge of, your help would be more than welcome.

This is truly a beautiful site with lots of trees, running water is available on site (and yes, it's good tasting) and firewood is on site and ready to burn. Heck, they're even gonna feed us for free! Breakfast, lunch and dinner! We've had a few who have helped in the past years that are returning to help, but with some going off to the service and others moving out of state, we are getting to a be a scarce few.

Heck, if it would churn up some interest, I would even have an award for 'Best Vous Camp'. It would be a chance for you to show off you best period camp. Just let me know, `cause if we have enough participation, I will come up with a really nice prize to give out. We will have selected Boy Scouts & Leaders judge.

I feel that it is an honor that these Boy Scout Troops have asked us to show them the ways of the mountainmen. These Troops are known for having their boys not just be scouts, but go on to earn their Eagle Scout honors as well. These boys are dedicated and want to learn so why not come on out and help us teach them the way things should be done…the mountain man way!

For more information please contact Susan Hall at 903-340-1788 or email her at: rockinbranch@gmail.com

To all you enterprising young men . . . HORSE BACK RIDE 2010

To all you enterprising young men…

This is a preliminary call for riders for the expedition to the Western National Rendezvous next year in Creede, CO. I have spoken to some of you about this already so you know roughly what is going on.

The ride will hopefully (Still finalizing and getting through the red tape) start at The Martinez Hacienda outside of Taos , NM . From there we will ride west to the Carson National Forest and then North to the Rio Grande National Forest and into Creede.

I'm am still fine tuning the route, I'll get you a copy of the maps when I'm finished with it. But the basics of the route I plan on taking is from Martinez Hacienda west either N or S around the Taos Indian Reservation( or possibly through it) crossing one of the two bridges(the south bridge has less traffic) over the gorge into Carson Nat'l Forest and riding N through Carson into the Rio Grande Nat'l Forest up through the South San Juan Wilderness area, following the Conejos River, over Stunner Pass just north of Platoro and then cutting back west on Park Creek and Beaver Creek towards South Fork and then heading NW towards Wagon Wheel Gap along the Rio Grande or maybe across Elk Mtn(if it is low enough to pass) and dropping down into Creede. The rendezvous site is sort of in the middle of the triangular area of Spar City , Creede, and Wagon Wheel Gap a couple of miles south of Marshall Park. I've backpacked all through that country and don't think that it will be too rough following the east side of the San Juans. All those places mentioned above should be on most NM and CO highway maps. And we will be in national forest for nearly the whole ride crossing only a few(maybe 5, and only crossing not riding along) paved roads. If things don't work out with the Hacienda, I am looking for an alternate start point in Carson Nat'l Forest,maybe somewhere around Madera . I'd like to start somewhere with historical significance but if we have to travel too long in populated areas or if it is just too difficult I will settle for just starting at one of the Nat'l Forest horse camps.

Look the maps over and let me know of any comments you may have.

I will send hwy and NPS map copies out to those who have a serious interest.

The ride is roughly 180 miles by highway, so I am estimating that the actual ride length as a crow flies will be between 150 and 170 miles. If we stay on schedule, don’t get lost or fearsome confused, and stick to trying to make 20-25 miles a day we can do it in around 7 days, I am planning on 8-10 to be safe. The rendezvous is July 10-18, you can find info about at

http://www.rockymnt natlrendz. com/rendezvous2006.html

I was at this vous the last time it was in Creede in 2006, it is the best event I have ever been to, as well as the best site I have ever been to. The way the camp is set up provides natural barriers between long term, short term, and the parking lot so that if you are in long term camp you never see anything modern other than one barb wire fence unless you go to the short term camp or parking lot. No roads, power lines, nothing. And the head waters of the Rio Grande cut through long term camp and there is fairly decent fishing on site. If you don’t go on the ride go to the rendezvous, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Horses have been the main set back so far, there are some of us who will be bringing personal mounts, but some of us, including me who will be traveling a long distance and will not easily or cheaply be able to do so, and I don’t suggest anyone from the flats bring their horses anyway as horses from the flats do not know how to behave and react in the Rockies. I am working on finding an outfitter to rent horses from and plan on having something definite by the end of January. I have a very positive lead that I will be checking into this week. Renting horses is going to cost between $500 and $800 for the ride, which will include delivery to the start point and pick up from the end point. I have also been offered use of horses from some friends however the number of those horses available are limited.

This ride WILL BE PRE 1840, so if you want to go make sure that your gear is appropriate, I will be providing a check list of gear you need to have for both you and your horse in the next round of information. If you would like to have any input in that list I’d be happy to have the help so speak up or forever hold your peace. I’m sure most of you currently have the gear that you need, but be prepared to purchase some items if you do not. This is not solely a mountain man ride, I’m not requiring anybody to be dressed in leathers, any clothing that is period will be allowed. There will also be some items that I don’t mind if you have but would rather you leave at home so we don’t have multiples. It will be COLD, not too cold but cold none the less, typical weather for that time of year is 30s and 40s at night and 70s in the day. Weather can be VERY unpredictable in the Rockies . We should be riding during the Monsoon season so once we hit the higher elevations it will rain most likely every day, but monsoon rains usually only last 30-90 minutes. And it is likely that we may catch some sleet, hail, or a small snow flurry. Guns and live ammunition are allowed in NP so we will carry them. You are all experienced and know what you can take and how much, so use your common sense.

There will be some gear that I will be providing for the ride out of my own pocket such as a shovel, axe, and I’d like to have a rain fly for every 3 men to use as a lean-to shelter. I will also be bringing my cell phone and a GPS just as a safety precaution as well as a modern pistol and I will allow two others to carry modern firearms. Anyone who would like to bring their phone do so, but they will not be allowed out of your saddle bags while riding, unless it is an emergency. Once we stop and make camp for the day, and only after we stop and make camp and your horse has been attended to may you go outside of camp and use your phone, unless as mentioned before it is an emergency. Cameras will be allowed anytime during the ride. And I suggest that everyone bring appropriate paper, journal, and pen or pencil so that you can record the trip as it progresses.

I would like to purchase all the food for the ride in one set so that there is no chance that someone forgets it or doesn’t have enough, or has something inappropriate. For now I have pinole, jerked meat (dog and mule ), rice, and some flour on the menu. I also expect to do some scavenging while on the trail. There will also probably be some hard tack in there somewhere. If you have any suggestions on food let me know. There will, hopefully, be a designated quarter master for the trip, he and I will gather and prepare staples. You will most likely have to provide you own bags for storing the food that we can’t get on the pack animal. I will let you know how many and what size bags you will need. Material and construction of the bags is optional, you can make them or buy them.

There will be a command structure for this ride, most of the positions will be voluntary and some not. I would like to have a quarter master, two captains, Booshway and Segundo. I will be in charge and the Booshway my Segundo will be the most experienced rider in the group which I will determine based on the qualities and experience of the participating riders. Whatever the Booshway or Segundo says goes during the ride, but there will be plenty of opportunity for input from everyone. In matters of safety, route, and travel the Booshway and Segundo will have final say, allowing for input from the brigade, but I WILL EXPECT everyone to respect the Booshway’s and Segundo’s decisions.

I would like to start the ride on July 3rd, camping at the Martinez Hacienda on the 2nd, and leaving at first light the next morning, so that we should arrive at the rendezvous one day on the first weekend.

I will be heading up to New Mexico and Colorado in early June to make preparations. I will also be going to the rendezvous site before the ride and setting up camps for all of us going on the ride. I will be bringing a wall tent and large pyramid tent. If you want to sleep out under the stars at the event that is fine, I will probably be staying in digger camp. However, we will have a place to go and stash gear if the weather turns bad, which at the last one there was some rain. If you would like for me to haul any gear that you would like to have at the vous but can’t take on the ride let me know and I will make arrangements to get it and take it up there with my gear and the camp.

You are welcome to stay at the rendezvous for as long as you like, I will be staying for the duration of the event, but I know many of you will not be able to stay as long so you decide on your departure dates. And keep in mind that there will be a registration fee for the rendezvous which can be found at the website listed above and I suggest you pre-register.

If you are interested in participating in this ride please contact me asap. There will be a limited number of slots, 8-10 riders max; I will open two alternate spots in case someone has to back out at the last minute. Do not be discouraged if you are not selected to go, as formerly mentioned there are a limited number of slots because of NPS regulations and any more than ten riders will be a handful. However, I plan on repeating variations of this ride in the future as I’ve heard that the Rendezvous will probably be cycling to Creede every two years so you can plan on the next one. There will be a deposit required for the food and horses that will be rented in the future so be prepared. Just to throw some tentative dates out, I would like to have all money in for food by April 15th and the horses deposit will probably be needed around mid March or mid April. Money for your part of the food will need to be paid in full by April 15th and the food is not going to be expensive. For the horses I will try to arrange a deposit of half in March or April and half when the horses are delivered to the start point. These dates are tentative and I will work with people on the money side, this is just an idea so that if you want to go you can be financially prepared. And remember these will be in addition to your travel expenses to and from, I suggest carpooling with other riders if possible.

I will have the next round of information on the ride, cost, required items, and checklist sent out by the end of January to mid February.

Feel free to pass this along.

Thanks and I look forward to riding with you,

Taylor Tomlin
empresariotomlin @ yahoo.com
(361) 319-2287

Townsend's Traveling Physician

The question invariably comes up about first aid kits for the pack or haversack on period events. Whether or not to carry modern medicine is up to the individual (personal prescriptions are always recommended), but being an EMT, I tend to err on the side of bringing modern medical gear (though hidden in period containers - marked clearly with a red cross).

Jason Townsend and Sons has come up with a period-correct medical kit that is just what the doctor ordered.

Check out the great video below . . .

New forums section added to buckskinning.org!

I wanted to drop everyone a line to invite them to join the new online forums I set-up on the website.

This is a new online messageboard/forums area for our club, as well as other buckskinners and friends who happen to stop by. For those who are new to this type of site, forums allow you to post information and pictures in an open format, where other registered users can reply/respond to your message. It's like having a conversation in writing. But the good part about a forum, is that all of the messages are archived, so you can read back (and search) on past topics. So if someone posts some good information on getting started in the hobby (like Patsy did on the email chain yesterday), a recipe, follow-up to an event, or a good tip - it is always available online. There is also a For Sale or Trade section where you can post items that you would like to sell or trade, or post about something you are looking for.

You can get to the forums by clicking here directly or by going to the website and clicking on "Campfire Forums" in the left-hand navigation section of any of the pages.

You need to first register for the forums, which helps prevent spam on the site. You can do this directly on the website and it's totally free. =)

Hope to see everyone there!

- Many Rifles

Upcoming Living History Events at Washington on the Brazos SHS

September 19th, 2009 -
Life at the Crossing- Rivers have always served as a lifeline for inland settlements and the relationship between the Brazos river and the town of Washington was no different. The town's very existence could be attributed to the crossing on the Brazos and the rise of Washington was definitely due to the river traffic that began in earnest in 1842. Oddly enough the downfall of Washington can also be linked to the river because of the towns' dependence on the traffic there and their resulting reluctance to try out the railroad.

This special program focuses on the importance of river traffic to the town of Washington. Living historians will set up a small interpretive camp at the overlook and will visit with the public about what took place at this crossing and others just like it. This program is on-going throughout the day.

October 16th-17th, 2009 -
Storytellin' at the Tavern- Once again the old Anson Jones kitchen will serve as the local tavern and the perfect setting for storytellin'. This time rather than merrymaking we will offer an hour long program of tale telling and yarn spinning in the finest tradition of the old time Texians. Visitors will settle in to a period setting after a brief introduction and the tale telling will begin. This is a special after hours program in keeping with the holiday season and will be offered two times per evening at 6PM and 7:30, on Friday and Saturday or per registration. Due to the nature of this type of program all attendees will be required to pre-register.

November 14th, 2009 -
Texas History Symposium- This one day history symposium will focus on the Texian War of Independence and the early republic period. Lead presenter for the symposium will be Dr. Richard Winders, curator of the Alamo and military historian and he will be joined by other noted Texas historians. Speakers will present sessions on military and social culture of the revolutionary and republic eras. This one day symposium will be held at Washington on the Brazos SHS.

December 12th, 2009 –
Christmas up in Washington- Experience the magic of the holiday season with a candlelight visit to Independence Hall, the Birthplace of Texas. Enjoy caroling in the Visitor Center while shopping for those special gifts. Afterwards, stroll down a candlelit trail to Independence Hall, and enjoy stories of Washington's past and learn how the residents of Washington would have celebrated the holiday season. Discover the holiday traditions at Washington on the Brazos….they just might become your traditions as well. Designed to coincide with Barrington Farm's event, this special program will be an ongoing experience from 6PM to 8PM.

January 16th, 2010 –
Passing through Washington- In 1836 David Crockett and four friends spent the night in Washington headed to Bexar to join the Texian forces gathered there. While in Washington the traveler's likely visited with recruits gathering in the area as a part of the ever growing Texas Army. Visitor's will get a chance to meet Crockett and some of his traveling companions as well as locals gathered to see the famous Bear Hunter and Politician and if the Col. is of mind(and he always is!), visitor's will be treated to some of his tall tales and hunting stories. This special program is on-going throughout the day.

February 27th-28th, 2010 –
Texas Independence Day- March 2nd, 1836 is one of, if not the most important dates in Texas history. The importance of that date is most relevant here at Washington on the Brazos SHS. Washington was the town where Texians declared independence from Mexico and as such is know as the Birthplace of Texas. Come out and spend the weekend visiting with us here at the park. Admission to the park is free and there will be folks demonstrating period crafts, food vendors from all over Texas, period music by local musicians and historic figures on hand to visit with you about the early days of Texas.

February 27th, 2010 –
Who were the Washington Guards?- While most Texans have heard of the garrison of the Alamo and Goliad and of Sam Houston's army at San Jacinto, most don't know that there was a militia unit raised right here in Washington during the revolution! In March of 1836, amidst the chaos of the revolution local citizens from Washington were formed into a volunteer unit to serve as part of Sam Houston's command. The Washington Guards did their duty acting as rear guard for the Runaway Scrape as well as participating in the battle of San Jacinto. Visitors will learn who these men were, what they were fighting for and what became of them after the revolution was over. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.

March 20th, 2010 -
Original Texas Women- An early visitor to Texas once remarked, "Whether she be handsome or homely, accomplished or otherwise, all women made their mark on Texas. " This program will share stories of the lives of early women settlers, who had connections with the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. They may have been spouses, children, or grandchildren of these early Texas patriots. Drop by Independence Hall and celebrate with us the lives of these original Texas Women. Designed to coincide with Barrington Farm's event, True Texas Women, this special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.

April 17th, 2010 –
Republic of Texas District Court Day- Washington hosted the district court during the later 1830's and into the early 1840's. Notable judge, ranger and Texian icon, R.M. Williamson presided over district court here in Washington during the republic era. It was also here in Washington that Commodore Moore came for his court martial after returning from his adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.

Now almost one hundred and seventy years later the district court will be returning to Washington. Court will convene in Convention Hall and will hear several cases, some based on historic cases while others will be created for the event. Participants in the case from the attorneys to the plaintiffs will be dressed in period clothing and will be conducting the trial based on mid 19th century law in the Republic. Visitors will be encouraged to sit in on the trials and if interested, serve as jurors.

May 15th, 2010 –
Rowdy Loafers and Upstanding Citizens- Texas is full of colorful characters from rough and ready frontiersmen to upstanding citizens. This special program focuses on the clothing and accessories of some of these male character types as well as their manners(or lack thereof), and habits. Visitors will not only get a chance to see what these characters looked like but will also be able to examine some of the typical garments and accessories worn and used by these men. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.

For more information call Washington on the Brazos SHS Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM at 936 878-2214 ext. 224.

Republic of Texas History Symposium 2009

November 14th, 2009 – Washington on the Brazos SHS

The Republic of Texas, A Social and Military History

Saturday, November 14th, Washington on the Brazos SHS and Star of the Republic Museum will host a one day symposium of Republic of Texas authors and scholars. Dr. Bruce Winders, noted military author of Mr. Polk's Army and curator of the Alamo will serve as the lead presenter and will be joined by Dr. Stephen Hardin, author of Texian Iliad a Military History of the Texas Revolution, and professor at McMurray University as well as by Dr. Paula Mitchell Marks author of Turn Your Eyes Toward Texas : Pioneers Sam and Mary Maverick and professor at St. Edward's College. Joining the symposium will be David Vickers, winner of the prestigious 2001 DRT Texas History Teacher of the Year award, Andrew Gray, researcher of McKinney and Williams and Scott McMahon, researcher of material culture of the Republic of Texas.

Each of the presenters will cover a different topic related to the social and military history of the republic. Registration for the symposium is $20 and includes a catered lunch. There will be a book signing during the midday break and the park giftshop will make available titles from the published presenters.

-Dr. Richard B. Winders Law and Order in the Republic of Texas – a look at the legal system of the Republic

-Dr. Paula M. Marks Women's Roles, Women's Challenges in the Republic – a look at the roles and challenges of women in the Republic

-Dr. Stephen L. Hardin Valor, Wisdom & Experience : Early Texas Ranger Captains and the Nature of Frontier Military Leadership – a look at early ranger captains and their roles in the Republic

-David Vickers Thicker Than Fiddlers in Hell - Popular Music in the Republic of Texas

-Andrew Gray Pretending to Be Patriotic (Without it being Offensive): Cotton, Speculation, and the Quest of McKinney, Williams & Co to Get out of Debt – the struggle of McKinney and Williams to recoup their losses after the revolution

-Scott McMahon Clothing the Texas Army – The dress and appearance of the Texas Army circa 1836-1839

For more information call Washington on the Brazos SHS Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM at 936 878-2214 ext. 224. Registration should be made out to the Washington on the Brazos SP Assoc. and can be mailed to ROT History Symposium PO Box 305, Washington, TX 77880.