Posted by Joe Hinson on February 24, 2000 at 14:23:42:
In Reply to: Rendezvous with MB posted by Many Flags on February 24, 2000 at 04:45:36:
: At the Eastern Rendezvous 'bout five years ago, the one in WV, we held the opening ceremonies in the eve. As all the jawing came to an end, candles were passed 'round to light for those comrades who had passed on and could not make another Rendezvous. Davey Gunn stood beside me and as the flame was passed from one to another, he nudged me and said, "there's Wade, haven't seen him since last year when he camped with us." Now Wade is a true longhunter and trekker, he is a blonde DDL, and we have known him for years. I nudged Davey Gunn back and said, " who's that with him, those couple of lads?". In shock, Davey replied, "It's Mark Baker and a couple of his followers." Sure, 'nuff 'twas. The flame continued to be passed, Wade nodded to us in recognition, passed his flame to MB, and MB commenced to light my candle, then Davey Gunn's. 'Twas an honor and a moment to savor.
I too was at the Rendezvous at Aurora, WVa. Saw Mark there, sat with him for a spell while he autographed his new video that was just out, in front of CJ Wilde's store. I remember this Rend most because it was the last one I spent with a best friend. He was killed before the next Eastern and is still sorely missed by all who knew Him. At every Eastern since his bottle is passed and his name saluted. It is an honor to know Mark, it was an honor to know Russ .. it was a fine time..
I'll remember that Rend for the rest of My life..for Russ Briggs and all the others who are scouting ahead, in the biggest Trackless Forest of all.
Hope to see ya at this year's Eastern.
Joe Hinson