The Long Hunter's Journal
The newsletter of the Utah ALRA
April 2006
Lieutenant's Message
We have several issues of great concern at the moment and I wish I had more time to write. I have been extremely busy with work and church duties and have neglected the Journal. Our May meeting is only a week a way and I am just getting this posted. I apologize for the delay. The first issue is the cause of the second issue. The first issue being that Weber County has presented me with a legal contract to sign for our usage of the fort. It requires among other things that we provide 125 hours of service and that we hold an insurance policy. They require that we provide proof of said insurance policy. We have located a company that will insure us, but the cost would be $500 a year. I have spoken to the National Organization and the bottom line is that we have to come up with the money locally. We have about $350 in our treasury at the moment and that represents this years dues plus a carry over from last year. I am not sure increasing our local dues is the best answer and I am exploring a couple of other options. I will possibly be sending out a letter with more information in the near future. I would welcome any advice or opinions on the subject. Please call me at 718-9982. Due to this issue, the Western National is up in the air at the moment until I can either sign or reject the contract. There is an opportunity in May to help present to elementary schools at the Fort that can earn us volunteer hours. Please contact me immediately if you can help. Thanks!
West Bountiful Elementary Colonial Fair
West Bountiful Elementary has contacted the Lieutenant again about doing the colonial fair. The date of the fair is May 17, 2006 and it runs all day. Gregg Hansen, Kirk Davis, and Grant & Kim Davis are planning on doing it and would appreciate in help others are willing to offer. The school has a great organization of parents and the kids had a fantastic time last year.
May 5-6th Trek
An overnight trek up a secluded valley in South Tintic Mountain will serve as the May meeting. From the parking area, the trek is up a narrow canyon with a gentle grade to the campsite perhaps a mile distance. This means, if you can't pack all you want on the first trip you can make a second with little effort. Tentatively, we will meet at the BLM gate at 5 p.m. However, if you can't make it, follow the road to the parking area and Steve Gish will meet you there at 6:30 pm to guide you to the camp site. Be sure to close the gate behind you. The road is OK for two-wheel drive vehicles providing the weather is good for several days in advance. Please let the Lieutenant or Steve Gish know by Thursday, May 4th if you plan to come Friday night. We can be notified by one of the following ways:
Grant - (801) 718-9982 cell or davis918@xmission.com Steve - (801) 302-0232 or sgish@networld.com
We will have a shooting range on Saturday morning at 10 am near the parking so if you can't make it Friday night you might want to attend Saturday.
Easter Rendezvous Report
The Utah Garrison of the American Long Rifle Association was asked by Weber County to present demonstrations at the Annual Easter Rendezvous at Fort Buenaventura. In exchange, free camping was provided. Volunteer hours were also earned by providing the demonstrations and will apply towards free monthly camping. While the weather perhaps lessoned public attendance, the following photos show the public found the demonstration informative.
Speaking of weather, for those of you who weren't able to attend, it did cause some concern. The Weber River came out if its banks and flooded several parking lots. It also backed up into the pond so much so that the pond flooded a campsite near the bridge. Other campsites received ground water. This prevented us from doing our demonstrations in front of our shelters. James Chandler and Steve Gish set a lean-to up similar to what a "backwoodsmen" or "long-hunter" might have erected. Canvas was used to cover the structure in lieu of branches and sod. The remaining demos were moved to the bank near the bridge.
Easter Rendezvous Pictures
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Upcoming Rendezvous
High Plains Regional Rendezvous. June 17 - 24, 2006 http://www.hprr.org/2006/index.htm Opening Ceremony: June 18, 7:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony: June 24, 11:00 a.m. Camp Open to Public June 17 & 18, 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Long-Term Closes June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Short Term hours June 18-24th, 8:00 - 9:30a.m. & 3:30 - 5:00p.m.
This site is located just 16 miles from the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, NE. If you haven't been to the Museum it's a" must see." They are just completing a new addition that will allow for a greater display of their artifacts. Grant, James and I had the opportunity to visit the Museum on our way back from the ALRA Nationals last March and it was well worth the somewhat out-of-the-way departure from our trip home.
The Museum offers a quarterly magazine that I find very interesting. It contains well-written articles with good documentation and many photographs. You can subscribe to it for $15.00 annually. Their address is: Museum of the Fur Trade, 6321 Highway 20, Chadron, NE 69337 or visit their web site at www.furtrade.org.
2006 Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous. July 8-16, 2006 Location: Creede, Colorado. This is a beautiful location with creeks and lakes at 9,000 feet with easy access to the site.
http://www.rockymntnatlrendz.com/rendezvous2006.html
South Fork 1st Annual Rendezvous August 18-20, 2006 This Rendezvous is in conjunction with the Ogden Corn Bust and will be held at the Ogden Canyon Meadows located 5 miles east of Huntsville, UT on Highway 39. The Rendezvous is sponsored by the Ogden Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2472. Booshway: Kash Johnson 435.793.4547. Sugundo: Mike Walker 801.776.6941.
American Heritage Festival September 14-17, 2006 This Rendezvous features groups representing the Military, Colonial, Mountain Man, Pioneer, 1880's Cowboy and Native Americans. It will be held in the Midvale City Park at 445 West 6th Ave. (7500 S.), Midvale, UT. Contact Carl Timmerman at 801.262.7288or Linda Allen at 801.261.1756. See www.livingtraditions.midvalecity.info.