Mountain Man Rendezvous

A day or two after we arrived at Snow Mountain we noticed tipis being erected just down the hill from our campsite. When we went down to see what was going on, it turned out to be a Mountain Man Rendezvous.

The famous mountain man Jim Bridger (played by Rich) and Captain Eduard Berthoud (played by Joe), who explored and surveyed the area in the 1860's, welcomed us with open arms. They acted out many scenes from the early West to the great delight of the children.

We were invited into Mr. Bridger's tipi where he told us Native American legends. Maryallie is not smoking a peace pipe. She's fanning the fire.

There were skins and pelts hanging about the tipi and Mr. Bridger let the girls of all ages try them on. Allie is one glamorous Indian.

He even let us wear his hat.....

We spent lots of time over the next couple of days in their camp. One of the things we liked most was throwing the "hawks."

Joe was a very patient man. Thanks, Joe!

Even the target looked authentic. Judith is throwing something called a "mouse hawk."

By far the best hawk thrower in the family was Allie. On one hand I feel safe. On the other, I'm kind of afraid to go to sleep at night.

Later in the week more people began to show up, including some who made jewelry and clothing.

The highlight of our time with the mountain men was a ceremony in which Joe received his Indian name.

Rich and Joe both made us feel a part of their family. The Mountain Man Rendezvous was definitely one of the best things about our vacation.