Holcomb Valley, CA, August 30, 2014 – In the early 1800s, thousands of mountain men roamed the wilderness and marked trails on the American frontier west of the Mississippi river. They were often isolated in the winter months, so they adopted Native American survival techniques and when the spring thaw came, they’d rendezvous to trade supplies, gamble and hold shooting competitions.
The Big Horn Mountain Men is a present-day organization that promotes camping, archery, and cooking skills. Every year, they sponsor a rendezvous in the Holcomb Valley. This year, their primitive camp will be set up through September 7. Participants wear period costume, including the leather clothes and moccasins common to the era.
Rendezvous events include Hawk and Knife throwing, Bow and Arrow shooting, and Fire Starting Contests with Flint and Steel. There are also kids’ activities, basket weaving and wool spinning.
The Rendezvous is open to the public this Labor Day Weekend at the Holcomb Valley Scout Ranch, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Day visitors are welcome with/or without period dress, and scouts in uniform are admitted free. For a trip back into time this Saturday, Sunday or Monday, access the camp via Polique Canyon Road in Fawnskin.
