The Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous (RMNR) is an annual celebration of life on the pre-1840 American Western frontier. It is part re-enactment and part living history, based on the fur-trade rendezvous held in the Rocky Mountains.
There were many who brought various instruments to play throughout the day to the people passing by to the trade market. Everyone in their own world, in their own time. It was lovely to hear all the instruments I do not hear on a normal basis. There was a wonderful jammin' band later that evening where people gathered around a fire to sing and dance. It was brilliant.
Many people passed the time by making beautiful bead necklaces and showing off their beautiful, tedious work to others around the camp.
Everyone dressed in a variety of pre 1940's apparel... this is just a highlight of what we saw. Everyone was extremely friendly and loved having their picture taken, for the most part. Everyone had a story to tell.
One moment of sweet goodness was meeting the "Pickle Lady." She brings manna from heaven in small jars filled with pickles. Her bread and butter pickles are such sweet nectar, an ambrosia you will want for all your sandwiches. When we finally came to the last pickle from last year's pickle jar we poured the pickle juice into small bowls to dip our sandwiches in such a delicacy. We knew we would have to make a visit to the "Pickle Lady."
These fabulous pickles from the pickle-angel-lady were opened immediatly upon our return to our camp and everyone had sandwiches made with such great love.
After partaking of such deliciousness, we sat back satisfied for a moment.
During our brief moment of relaxation a friend from the neighboring camp brought us a baby ducklet to take care of and supposedly take home. I immediately named and feel in love with our little friend. We called him Darkwing Duck = male and Abigale = female. We went with the traditional duck names, it felt naturual right away. Everyone loved our little duckling.
However, I must report, the little guy did not make it through the night without his mother, but he was loved by all during his last day of life. I just know he is in a better place, a ducky-duck heaven I am sure.
There was an opening ceremony one evening around 7:00 p.m. where announcements were made about the "how to" and "where to" around camp. There were going to be some interesting activities; including, shooting, tomahawk throwing, bead workshops, plays, music, pot lucks, trading, horse camp, etc. etc.
While attending the meeting I got to hold a precious puppy.
in which the puppy belonged to this guy:
As the meeting was taking place and I was not distracted long by the puppy (pictured above). I took some photos of people around us and it was a beautiful evening.
After the opening ceremonies we headed back to our site for a delicious dutch oven dinner and once again we took photographs around our site. The gangs all here and so fresh.
Basically what it comes down to... you need:
One loin cloth.
a case of the moccasins.
and one tin mug: "here's looking at you kid."
This expression actually comes from the glass bottom of the mug.
Rendezvous was a treat and I wish we could have stayed longer, and participated in the activities, but what we did get to experience, is something to remember. I would love to go again next year, and for many years after that.
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