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Crossroads, the village

I am a born cynic, and I have to say, I arrived Friday only to find I could not find my way in. Whos fault, mine of course, I didnt pick up the directions, made many assumptions, all wrong, but finally Steve managed to guide me in. I was already thinking what I have allowed Steve to talk me into? I expected this all to go wrong, it was appearing to be heading that way?

However, as the day progressed and the village took shape, not quite in any of the directions we anticipated, you turned your back and someone else had set up, and not always where you wanted. We adapted, many familiar and new faces arrived, some I have heard of, some I knew, but gradually the village had a community, all asking instructions, questions, directions, none of which I felt qualified to answer. People were appearing that none of us had anticipated, and more than I ever would have thought.

By Saturday morning we had, at a guess a village of 16 or 17 tents. Two Dry Goods, Saloon, Coffee Shop, Post Office, Seamstress, Laundry, School House, Solders Eatery, Poker Den, Telegraph Office, a wondering Tin-Smith, an itinerant Banjo player and a bunch of cut-throat looking Slave Catchers. The population, again at a guess, must have numbered at the height about nearly 30 souls.

Saturday was the high spot, I guess mainly due to the rain, with plenty of visitors coming and going. With only one exception all Union visitors kept to the rules that I saw. Done deliberate, but at whos loss? Business was brisk all day, plenty of interest. Naturally the evening started well, and pretty soon Abe Linkhorn came out as soon as the Banja struck up. Saturday night was good, with much community singing and good spirit as I am sure all will agree.

It is sad to say that the rain that started about 03.30 that morning put the mockers on an otherwise brilliant event. For my own part, mainly about 06.00, did I remember when we last used the large tent, and the consequences of that Sunday was quiet as we all watched the rain, and eventually the event slid, along with my tent, into a wet and sodden mess.

For my part, I think the initial idea of a village is still good, and all those that gave it a go have proved that. It is thanks to those that gave it that go that we got this far. One thing proved is it needed someone to direct it, (I did not set out to be its leader, I was aware of treading on others toes, and did not want to offend), and Steve had worries enough, dealing with the military side.

My thanks to in particular to May for her company, Gill for the banja, CiviRich for bringing Mr. Linkhorn, SoSkAn civilians, Lazyjacks, and others as well as all our friends from the ACWS who made it such a magical weekend.

It is still raining up here by the way?

Well, did it work?         Should it be done again?