Posted by MMMMarcia, KKKKatie, SSSSteve on June 20, 2001 at 09:34:30:
Hi-ho, Mohicanland! While you were talking, three entered the fort late last night...weary, footsore, but happy, happy campers! Kate & I, with Grapeshot Ramrod (alias Steve) in tow, decided to stay an extra day in Mohicanland, as saying goodbye to the mountains AND the people in ONE morning is just TOO hard! We had a lovely time wandering the streets of Chimney Rock, checking out the stores and the swimming pool, and of course, having yet one more meal at the infamous Tiki Lounge. We ended up leaving around noon on Tuesday, so we didn't get back until midnight last night, and poor Grapeshot has another three hours to go this morning.
But enough of THAT...on to more important stuff...the MOST EXCELLENT FOURTH AND FINAL GATHERING!!! Surely the best ever, until we have the FIFTH AND FINAL Gathering. (Hope you newbies who were alarmed over this issue are beginning to catch on!) What can I say that hasn't been said! This event was absolutely the best one ever! Yes, there were a few eensy weensy glitches here and there, but nothing that came close to spoiling the overall event, thanks to the ability of every Gatherer to be flexible...and I DO MEAN flexible! I have screaming muscles that will NEVER be the same again!
Many of you have already posted your thanks to the extra-special people who worked so hard to make this Gathering come together, but I would like to add my own words of appreciation, as well. Rich & Elaine, without you guys, none of this would have ever taken place. Who'd-a thunk way back then, eh? Not only do we have this wonderful get-together to look forward to each year, but we have the chance to come back and share our memories & experiences with those who might not be able to join us. The Board is our haven in times of trouble, but our absolute joy when we have things like this to share. Thanks so much for the site, the Board, and the work you put into the Gathering.
A very special thanks to my traveling companion and dear friend, Miss Katie! What a joy to have her here with me for the second year! Every time I see what a tremendous amount of work and care goes into her pet project, Ariel's Cabin, I am amazed! Where she finds the time and energy, I have no idea, unless it is simply that she has so much love to give that she manages to make it all happen, no matter how long it takes, no matter how far she has to go to accomplish it. She's one of the best things ever to happen to me and to all connected with Mohicanland! And for those who wondered at the "Take no prisoners" form of bantering she and I often indulge in, let me just say that it means only that we are the best of friends. At least, SOME say that's the way of it...namely ME...and since she's staying another month this year, I have to assume she feels the same. Kate, God bless you!
I would also like to say a VERY SPECIAL thanks to one of the sweetest people in Mohicanland, Diana Strickland. Folks, if you haven't found this out on your own, let me tell you that Diana is the most generous and kind person you could ever hope to find. She is ALWAYS there when you need a friend, and the FIRST to volunteer when a project is being undertaken. She has one of the busiest schedules of anyone I've ever known, and I truly don't know where she finds the time, but she does! His Majesty, King George the Second, is very grateful for your support, Gadget Girl! For the record, the wonderful Magua flags were Diana's gift to all of us this year. She bought all the materials and found the time, somehow, to make each and every one of them to add a special touch to our caravan. (Diana, weren't we supposed to return the flagpoles to you? I have three with me.)Kisses and Hugs to you, my friend!
Lady Ann!! My, my, my! What can I say? All the wonderful gifts you HANDMADE and donated to the raffle & Ariel's cabin! All the fine Mohicanland cookbooks you assembled & had printed for souvenirs!! All the pretty little horses you had waiting for us at Cedar Creek!! All the DEE-LICIOUS food you had heaped and piled on the tables for our dining pleasure!! AND all the work you put into arranging our evening's entertainment...WOW! Those Hildebrands were something to hear AND meet! All I can say is, YOU GO, GIRL!!! Thanks so much for helping make this Gathering so much fun! Can't wait to see what you'll be thinking up for the NEXT final Gathering!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the most EXCITING, THRILLING, and downright "Be-Still-My-Heart" things to happen during the entire Gathering: UNCLE QUASI showed up!!! Yeeehaaaa! What a Party Animal! You folks who didn't get down to the Encampment to meet the MacWilliams clan just don't know what you missed!! Who can forget the campfires? Who can forget the bawdy songs & stories? Who can forget the PING????? Ummmm-ummmmmm, GOOD! Thanks to all the Chroniclers who contributed to such a special addition to this Gathering! You were great fun, and next year, we hope to meet the fifth member of your group. You WILL be back, right???
Now...what to say about someone whose alter-ego calls himself Grapeshot Ramrod (a name that makes the Red-haired wench positively SHIVER!)? Sassy & Miss Katie were really using their noodles when they decided to tow him along for the ride! A strapping young man such as himself makes for a great traveling companion, most especially when he is graced with a wonderful sense of humor and adventcha! I'm thinking if I'm not careful, I'll have to adopt ANOTHER son soon!! Steve, my friend, you made Kate and I laugh SEW many times with your very timely & appropriate comments over our "walkie-talkies," especially as we were wending our way home last night! That VERY LONG journey was really lightened by your always cheerful attitude...not to mention your Rugged Good Looks, Handsome Stranger! ;o)
And last, for the moment anyway, a heartfelt 143 and "I miss you both, already!" to my Adopted White Son, Eric Hurley, and his beautiful bride, Sharon. Two sweeter people never walked the face of this earth, I'm convinced! Eric, I know I'm going to have to fight with Ellen for your affections from now on, but I think you have enough love to share, so I'm not going to worry in that regard. As always, you give so much of yourself to see that everyone not only enjoys the basics of each Gathering, but even gets to see and do things that they would never imagine they could accomplish. I know from my OWN experience just how special that is! I wish I could give you another hug around the neck right this minute! Sharon, you two exhibit so much love for each other that being around you is an inspiration to all the rest of us every time we see you. And no matter WHICH one of you designed the t-shirts, GREAT JOB!!! They get better every year!! May you always be as happy together as you are now. _\../ FOREVER!!!
On a note that may be interesting to some, and was EXTREMELY exciting to MOI (just ask Katie how loud I screamed), a COYOTE ran across the road right in front of our car as we travelled through South Carolina! Yes, you read right! I have been hearing for years how many have moved back into the south, but this was the first time I ever saw one, and it just MADE my trip home! It was a special gift to keep our spirits up as we left all the fun behind, and as Steve taught us to say, Namaste! The Master of Life is GOOD!
And FINALLY, Magua of the Twisted Heart...go in pax!! You will always be our Favorite Villain!!
Love to all! I miss you already!
MMMMarcia
PS...will have pictures later on today...wooooooohooooooooo!