Day 1 of Gathering 2008 can only be summed up in one word: WOW! What an incredible day! So many sights, impressions, memories, where to start? How about first thing this morning... our visit to the movie scenes at Biltmore was great. Here is the group near the burial ground scene:
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And in front of the bridge to "Albany":
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Listening to our guide Patricia at "Albany":
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Lori, Ariel, and Kyle at Biltmore House...what an amazing family!
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Enjoying a wonderful dinner at Spirits on the River, where we were joined by Soldier #2:
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And a Gathering Surprise!!!!!! We couldn't believe it when Dennis Banks (Ongewasgone, LOTM) arrived! We had heard he was in the area, but had no idea he would drop in to meet us. What a great surprise!! Mr. Banks was very gracious in sharing his memories of the filming and also talked about some current and upcoming projects. He took the time to speak with several of us and signed autographs, too!
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So overall a very good start to the Gathering. Perfect weather, too: mid-70's and low humidity. I really wish you all could be with us, but it's nice to know you are thinking of us and we are thinking of you too! Tomorrow it's Chimney Rock and Manor Inn. Hopefully the courier will make it through tomorrow night with a dispatch.
Thanks for the replies, everyone. Theresa, we miss you too! We thought of so many of you today on the cliffs at Chimney Rock. There were times when I thought I'd look up and see Rich ahead of me on the trail, or a Sweetser sister, or Clabert, or Vince. Those of you who have Gathered before but not this time are definitely missed! Here is part of our group at Chimney Rock:
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Enjoying a picnic lunch at the top of the falls:
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Soldier #2 demonstrates where he was cleaning his weapon outside Webb's Headquarters when Duncan's carriage pulls up. Yeah, the portico wasn't there in the movie.
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Relaxing in Webb's headquarters:
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And just when we thought it couldn't get any better:
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Ok... what am I still doing up? I have to be up for sunrise. Good night!
Thanks for the update Steph. Better get some sleep there girl. Tomorrow is sunrise isn't it. *goes to check program guide* Yup that was the activity I was just about guaranteed to miss.
There are easier things in life then trying to find a good guy..... Nailing jelly to a tree for example.
Wow! Soldier #2...you look mah-valeous! I'm putting on one of my Gathering T-shirts right now...maybe it'll help me feel like I'm there a little bit. Steph...I'd love to come up in the fall and do a non-Gathering. If Claude and I can muster up the funds, *see gas prices*, we may do that. Y'all have fun!
Theresa, YES, do come up in the fall, just let me know. I bet Diana would come meet up with us, don't you? Ok... been gone since 3am and just now getting in, so here are just a few quick pics of today:
Sunrise... barely made it via the detour but here it is:
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On the trail to the Top of the World: Image Insert: 83.79 KB
Once, we were here:
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Soldier #2 explains the Magua ambush tree location:
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...and the lake and fort scenes:
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Yep, he talked until dark! Thank you Soldier #2! And thanks to all those who hung in there for the whole grueling but fun day. Tomorrow it's Dupont then Blue Ridge Motion Pictures Studio, and maybe a surprise? Stay tuned...
Ok, apparently there are still problems with the board and some messages disappeared. I will re-post the pics from Saturday and hopefully Jayne will re-post hers as well.
Hey Stephanie! These are great pictures. We are expecting a little granddaughter in September and when things settle down a bit from that, we might consider getting there. Claude has several vacation days and we love those mountains, especially in the fall. If it works out, I'll definitely let you know. Glad you guys had a Great Gathering!
How exciting, Theresa! I know you can't wait for her to get here. We missed you a lot during the Gathering. Do let me know if you can make it up here for a mini-Gathering. Ok, here are a few shots from Sunday:
Tracking the war party in Pisgah National Forest: Image Insert: 58.63 KB
Fitz, Robbie, April, Conrad, and Michael in period clothing: Image Insert: 60.16 KB
Nancy buys raffle tickets from Kay:
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Kyle takes a shot:
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Conrad gets ready to fire:
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Ariel's Auction coordinator Patrick with assistant Tammy and Ariel: Image Insert: 49.55 KB
Tired at the end of the day, Ariel takes a nap while Matthew holds her:
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I'm sure more pics will be posted soon... there were lots of cameras flashing during this Gathering! Thanks to everyone who made it great, all who helped, all who showed up, and especially our special guests Dennis Banks, Lori, Kyle, & Ariel Boutette, Curtis Gaston, and Eric Hurley. I'll try to work on a Gathering Gallery page with Rich once I get more pictures ready.
One more pic I should post. Kay presented me with a little gift that was so perfect. Years ago I somehow acquired the nickname "Smurf" and it stuck with me for a long time. Now, only a few people call me that but I chose it as my avatar on this board. So, after many long tiring days of hiking (in a red shirt I might add), I was given this Hiker Smurf by Kay:
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Kay, thank you for the good laugh! Now, if I can only figure out how to make it my avatar.
Steph, The only difference between the hiker smurf and you is that I never saw you sweat and you hiked more than anybody in the group!!! I am glad that you like it. I just wish that I could do more to let you know how much you are loved and appreciated!!!
Love, Kay
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
Disclaimer: the Massacre Valley sign is fake!!! I made it using an online sign generator. Someone during the Gathering mentioned that they thought the Massacre Valley area either had become or would soon become a housing development, and Nancy commented that she hoped they changed the name of it first. It just struck me funny and I could just imagine the sign... and was able to create one online. Yeah, pretty sick sense of humor.
Well, you definitely had me fooled!!! I was thinking, 'Who in the world is dumb enough to actually name a housing development, Massacre Valley???" Good one Steph, and we love you, warped sense of humor and all!!!
Love, Kay
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
Thanks, Kay! I love you too! I was telling your son how much I still love that necklace you made for me by special order a few years ago. I wear it a LOT, and always think of you when I put it on. I love the necklace itself, but the fact that you made it makes it even more special.
Oh my goodness!!! I know that they didn't actually name it Massacre Valley!!! Nope, wouldn't live there!!! Too many looneys in this world!!!
Love, Kay
Sorry Kay, I didn't mean to freak you out with that! I just thought that it was very clever of Stephanie to make the sign....someone said that there was a housing development where Massacre Valley had been filmed, and the joke evolved.... we joked that the development was down the road from Huron Village. Stephanie said she'd live on George Road. I wanted the "Cameron's Cabin" model home......and so on....!
Sorry Kay, I didn't mean to freak you out with that! I just thought that it was very clever of Stephanie to make the sign....someone said that there was a housing development where Massacre Valley had been filmed, and the joke evolved.... we joked that the development was down the road from Huron Village. Stephanie said she'd live on George Road. I wanted the "Cameron's Cabin" model home......and so on....!
You can see how gullible I am!!! I am surprised that my son didn't know that it was a fake though because he claims he can tell if anything has been tampered with. His excuse would be that he only glanced at it and he was trying to get ready for work. Nancy, I have your bracelet fixed. I just need to get it in the mail. I will try to do that either today or tomorrow. Steph, I am glad that you still wear your necklace. It was fun to make it, but I have been so busy with work, I haven't done anything lately, except for a few bracelets that I made for the raffle. I keep coming back to this thread so that I can look at the pictures of all of the wonderful people that made up our Gathering this year and I just love the picture of Matthew and Ariel. It is my very favorite!!!
Love, Kay
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
Wow! Did I miss out on many new Gathering events or what ?!? Good to see many familiar faces as well as some new. Guess I will be listening to the LOTM soundtrack on my iPod. Looking forward to 2010...
![The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]](images/wwwboard.gif "The Mohican Board! [Bumppo's Redux!]")
Dispatch from the Frontier
Posted - June 19 2008 : 12:46:12 AM
