Rucker's Tavern Tales: OVPR Fall Rendezvous

Ah late October, time for the OVPR Fall Rendezvous! The weather was a bit chilly but otherwise it was Shining Times All Around!

My Lodge

There were fewer folks at this year’s fall Vous largely due to a scheduling conflict with the Southeastern National Rendezvous, but that sure didn’t stop the OVPR from being a 1st class fun event.

Some of My Lodge Neighbors

I ended up camped in an area I’s never setup in before. The usual lodge where I set mine was off at the Southeastern. Just across the way was a lodge of OVPR 1st timers, a father & 2 sons. They were very pleasant company and yours truly made sure they knew about the Sat. night camp feed, the music at Dulcimer Dave’s Marquee and the Special Non-alcoholic beverages available at the tavern. They had a grand time & I do believe OVPR will see them again.

The Blacksmith

I set up right across the road from the blacksmith. He prefers to camp in the woods were there is less wind to play havoc with his forge. He also fixed my lantern stands so my new lanterns fit them properly. If I decide I need any new ironware I know who I’ll see first.

Lew’s New Lodge

Lew also has a new lodge. Brock approved and a few of the OVPR lads built Lew a little weatherproof cabin . Its just big enough for a cot and a bit of floor space too. There’s hooks and some shelves for his gear. This will allow 80+ year old Lew to keep camping at the Vous, a situation all of us like.

The Vous Family Behind My Lodge

OK, I’ve like outdoor doings ever since I was too young to be outdoors doing by myself. So I really like Vous’ing families with kids doing the outdoors doings. If this family wasn’t having fun they sure were doing a very good imitation of sounding like they were having fun.

Another OVPR Family

Of course it doesn’t take 3 generations in one camp to be a Rendezvous Family. These folks run a very friendly camp too.

The TeePee Crown Returns

The TeePees were obvious by their absence during the last few OVPR Vous, but here they all were again back in full smoke-flapped grandeur.

A Rendezvous Cook of the Finest Kind

This camp also holds one of the best campfire chefs – I have never seen or smelled burned parched corn, half done jerky or any other such abomination in this camp. This fellow’s cooking could be served with ease at any number of dinners with pride.

Staying Warm Talking to Old Friends

There are various contests at Rendezvous but time spent with friends is more important than any contest score.

Art & His Matchlock Smoothbore Gun

Art usually runs the smoothbore range and he did so for this event. That’s his new matchlock going out for its first competitive event.

Peep’s Lodge

When the sun is almost gone & the wind is kicking up this is the place to be. They have the perfect combination of lodge setup and location to make for a very toasty camp. And it did get right brisk of an evening.

More Old Friends

Health situations can lay us all low, so it’s a double pleasure when friends who have been beset with health related stuff in their life get better and can return to OVPR. It was very very good to see these 2 ladies back in camp.

A New Trader for OVPR

Some of the regular Fall traders were of at the Southeastern, but this lady came to OVPR instead for the first time here ever. She had scented soaps and candles for sale, several of which followed me home after and appropriate exchange of letters of credit.

Blanket Trading Starts Early

Not all trading is done by traders on Traders Row. These 2 young traders were driving some very hard bargains under the watchful eye of their father.

Pumpkin Carving Family Style

The October chill didn’t impede the pumpkin carving. There were at least 14 carved pumpkins at various camps by Friday Morning.

The OVPR Signature Pumpkin

My Personal Favorite

Of course not everyone chooses to actually carve their pumpkin. These are just two fall arrangements which graced the camp.

Pumpkin Still Life

Mums with Lantern

I suppose Rendezvous means different things to different people but for me watching families having fun is a big part of why I keep coming back.

Lunch in Camp

Just Back from the Shooting Range

Da Urchins Improving the Camp

Twa Brothers Construction Company LTD

The Tavern didn’t open at night, it was too cold to play or even sing much unless you were in a heated marquee. But the Ladies Social on Saturday was its usual success.

Hootie Owl & His Barmaid

I’m not much for hard liquor but if Hootie had been serving Irish Coffee I’d certainly would have had some.

2 Ladies Dressed for the Social & the Cold

No rendezvous is a rendezvous without some guns and shooting. Plus hawk and knife throwing. And even some primitive archery tackle. Maybe even a skillet throwing contest.