Narramissic Farm Civil War Weekend

I found the best spot to sleep in all of my eleven years as a reenactor. The spot itself was solid! It was nestled between a few trees on a small rise, providing an optimal slope for sleeping. I carefully tied one side of the tent to the sturdy trees, while the other side was ingeniously held up by sticks I found in the woods, firmly staked into the ground. To ensure stability, I skillfully lashed a ridge beam to one of the trees and supported it with a post I had brought from home. And there it was: my cozy and meticulously crafted home for the weekend.

Now it was a beautiful spot, but walking from the main camp to our bivouac site was a hike…okay, it wasn’t awful, but a one way trek soaked my brogans, and risked a slip on the rock wall we had to climb over to reach the site. Still, despite the dangers and discomforts, I slept so well under this setup. 

Sergeant Hulsey (pictured here) assisted in documenting my living quarters. His shelter was much more simple, but also dry. It seems that every event I’ve participated in since the 160th Gettysburg has included heavy rain. Chickamauga is the exception. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed every event, rain or shine. Look at this guy looking all smouldery! Thanks for being a great friend, Dalton. You’re a great pard and road trip companion. 

If we were to make a 3rd Maine calendar, this would be for August…actually! That’s a great idea! I’ve had a great many ideas lately for reenacting. Dalton and I have been discussing a tintype business. It’s not quite film photography, but it would be just as fun, especially if we include civilian impressions and such. But we may ponder this possibility more in the future. Tell me you wouldn’t love a big tintype picture of your wedding?!

This may have been my last event for the season before I head up to Carrabassett Valley to teach. I’d like to attend one more weekend with the boys, but I won’t be carrying a rifle. I spoke with both Captain Bray and First Sergeant Pinette about my internal conflict when I attend events in gear and with my camera equipment. I’m torn because I want to capture it all, but I also want to participate. I did both at Narramissic. In the future, I intend to focus on one or the other so I can fully enjoy myself. At Fort McClary, I intend to join to film only. This decision to do one or the other (but not both) will improve events for me. I’m excited to make some content for this great group of people. And I look forward to future events with my friends!

Here’s a video I made with GoPro footage. More to come in the future…