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I will be away over the next week. July 30th through August 3rd. I am going to be an adult leader with my Son's scout troop at Scout camp.



I will not have any internet access out in the sticks. I hope all of my VR friends have a freat week!



Look for a report on the week's activities when I get home.

On Saturday I went to a Civil war reenactment at a state park in New Jersey. I belong to the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry reenactment group.



It was a great weekend for a reenactment. Beautiful blue skys, a nice breeze and highs in the low 80s.Perfect weather for dressing up in wool in the middle of July.



We inadvertantly got a taste of what it really must have been like to be under the command of the many incompetent officers that the Union had during the civil war. We were scheduled to have a "Dress Parade" at 9:30 in the morning. At around 9:15 the various companies started getting ready. We got on our uniforms and equipment, had our weapons safety inspected, formed up in our Company Streets and marched to the Parade Field. We the stood there for about 20 minutes. It seemed that the senior officeres thought the Parade was to be at 10:00. After they told us that we needed to be in line for the "real" dress Parade at 2:00PM we were dismissed.



Most of the day we just hung out in camp and B.S.ed. We entertained the various sectators who were touring the camps. We had some great conversations with several spectators who were very knowledgable regarding Civil War history. We answered a bunch of questions...including the ones we always get that make us want to scream..."Is that a REAL gun?" "Did you SLEEP in those tents?" and the all-time best..."Are you going to EAT that food?" GRR!



At 2:00 we got all geard up again and marched on over to the Parade Field. We all lined up looking spiffy. The Commanding Officer ran us through the manual of Arms and the fifes and drums marched back and forth in front of the battalion. Then we were dismissed until we had to form up for the battle. Maybe it looks cool to the spectators, but it's just a pain in the ass to the "troops".



At 4:00 we formed up again for the Battle. We found out that the 3 companies of U.S.Volunteers that we are part of were getting the "honor" of being the main force of the Federal force. This meant we got to march 2 miles to get ourselves in the right position for the battle...the other side of a fiield about a quarter mile from the Parade Field! After our 2 mile march we got to stand around for 20 minutes while first the Artillery and then the Cavalry started the battle. Eventually we marched out onto the field and formed a battle line in good order. We started off with a full battalion volley which was very impressive, next we fired by comapny for several volleys and then went to independant fire. We advanced several times, pushing back the Confederates.About this time it wa obvious that we should start taking casualties if the battle was to look realistic to the spectators. As my barrell was getting a bit too hot for comfort, I decided to "take a hit". I shot my musket and then waited for the other side to shoot towards me. I fell, greviously wounded, to a nice soft patch of grass taking care not to land on any of my gear. I learned early in my reenacting career to NEVER die, just get wounded! If you die you have to stay still. If you are wounded you can move around and watch the rest of the battle.



Soon after I was "wounded" the Union troops started taking more and more "hits". Before long, they were withdrawing from the field as they were pushed into the woods by the Rebels.



On Suday the Union gets to win the battle! Sadly I had too much to do at home today so I could not be part of the great victory!

Our damned car blew a head gasket...and it sounds like some other crap is wrong with it. So..new engine? The car really isn't worth what it would cost to put in a new engine so now we have to buy a car!



GRRR.