At the July WOTLM wood cutting and meeting at Cedar Station it was
decided the WOTLMs would make a return trip to R.C., and amass an
assault on the hill. We were to meet at the downtown Leota party store
at 11:00 Friday the 15th. At the appointed time some of us were there
and some stragglers put in their appearance some time later. We arrived
at the Leota trail head at noon. Some of the brothers had to get
dressed, but eventually we started the trek to the secret spot. The
river had been a bit high and there were some spots filled with water
and some large muddy bogs. :-( Most of us managed to negotiate the
morass and arrive at the river bank in good condition by walking on logs
or down brush to keep our feet dry. However, Gucci somehow managed to
lose his balance and fall off his log and fell flat down in the bog. If
you have ever seen a horse struggling to extricate itself from a mud bog
you can imagine how he struggled. Like a struggling horse he required
help, although a rope wasn't required to get him upright.
We had four newcomers, Tim, Steve, Brad, and his friend black lab Sadie,
so after the box was uncovered they made their medallions.
Jim Hall had written a short history of R.C. that was read by Lord
Calvin as Jim was unable to attend due to illness, and then the bottle
was opened.
Passing of the bottle along with thoughts and toasts being made by those
of us that were there was done. After the refilling and sealing of the
bottle it was placed back in the box along with the history placed in
another sealed bottle. Medallions were placed inside and all was buried
again. The trip back out was rather uneventful with only Steve going
into the bog. Clear to his knees. BUT, he was able to keep his balance
and remained upright! :-) We then prepared for our assault on the HILL.
We arrived at camp in better shape after visiting the Cove that we have
many times in the past. I believe that it was due to having twelve of us
to uncover, open, and drink the bottle. However we DID arrive well and
happy! :-)
There were twelve fellows there when we arrived (7 camps) so the
population more than doubled when we twelve plus Sadie arrived.
The afternoon was spent setting up camps and then the usual
telling of brave deeds, hard shots, that had been made and other tales
of valor since we had last been together. Which of course was helped
along with the consuming of the usual liquid refreshment, plus a
special bottle which was sent along with Britt by his lovely wife Susie.
Then off to bed.
Saturday morning dawned overcast and cloudy, and some of the smarter
fellows started their shooting. Some of us wisely waited for the sun
came out to brighten up the day. Which of course didn=92t happen. Some
of us shot in the afternoon and of course before I had taken first shot
the sky opened up. It rained SO hard that my rifle wouldn't go off. I
stood under Gucci's fly until it let up and then I had such a hang fire
that I missed my shingle taking my luck shot.
After the events were over for the weekend the WOTLM bunch wound up with
part of the winnings and of course all won a pick off the prize blanket.
Even as poor as I shot I wound up with a very nice small belt knife and
matching sheath. :-) lucky me.
BUT, the big winner was Ama Goos A-rook Better known as Bull Chris
Caine, who is
KING OF THE RIVER Good shooting Bull!
The candle shoot was won by Brad who did the deed and beat Tim using
Tim's own rifle.
Good job Brad.
Steve dominated the hawk match by walking up just as it was winding
down, and by his throwing skill forced every one back one notch.
Winner Steve. Way to go Steve!
Saturday evening turned out to be a much quieter affair than the
previous night. Campfires, a bottle or two were opened and consumed
along with a bottle of the good Drs. Apple Pie to commemorate Lord
Calvin's birthday. Forty eight years, Happy birthday Cal.
In conclusion the rain came down HARD, but not for long. Nights were
cool for good sleeping, and the mosquitos, and bugs weren't bad at
all.
Until next time
Respectfully submitted.
Trapper John
