In comparison to the rendezvous of the furtrade era, a modern 'voo is quite tame. Although we still buy, sell, and trade from either the trade blanket or from traders; and we throw tomahawks and knives; and shoot blackpowder muzzleloader rifles ... the wild, "crazy drunk" parties are of the past.
In those early days, white women and children were nonexistent, however, in later years, some did make an appearance at these events. The only women present were the wives and children of the various Indian tribes who would appear at the rendezvous site.
Today's rendezvous is a family affair with many activities planned for the women and children. What fun it is to see an entire family enjoy, share, and "live" history. Oh yes, that jug of "apple pie" is still available, but .....
One of our favorites times at a rendezvous is at night, when the visitors have gone home, and the campers are the only people sitting around campfires spinning a yarn or two, listening to the music played by the camp musicians and even singing those old songs if we know the words ... or just dreaming of those "shining times" that we will never see again. It must have been awesome .....
Keep yer powder dry, yer eye on the skyline, and watch yer topknot .....
