Top Five of Picketts Mill

[Steve Acker]

Each of us had a different experience at the event, from the Pioneer chopping down a tree to the the artillery putting one on us. Many of those experiences have been shared on different threads. As the fed commander guy I had some experiences that others may not have had a chance to enjoy. I share my top five.

1. The officers call when we made our plan for the last assault on Hazen's Hill. Two Reb prisoners were listening in as we made our plans for yet another flank attack. Each officer gave a report as to the situation on his front and from there we made our plans. When we finished I shot the prisoners a nod for I knew our plan was solid. Oh by the way taking the final position on Hazens was killer.

2. Seeing the pioneers sprint ahead of us as we formed the battalion Saturday evening. The congestion and confusion of different commands all doing their duty came to life at that moment.


3. On our return from the first attempt at the final Reb position and seeing pioneers have works already established. I saw one young pioneers sprinting, with a log half the size of him, up to the work, drop the log and sprint back for another all while the battalion was reforming for another go.


Having three bodies of troops in the field, to me, gave for a much richer experience. It didn't feel like a 100+ reenactors moving through a wood. When we came down to the creek to the sight of cavalry skirmishing and pioneers working it added another layer to the experience. A true immersive moment.

Finally and for me the coolest was how our battalion was able to extend a long line, put intense pressure on specific locations, take advanatage of opportunities, always have our flanks protected (by geopgraphy or men), and we worked together so well in a very fluid situation in those conditions.

I had a blast.

What were your top five?


Steve Acker

[GWHall]

In no particular order:

1) Hearing "crrrrreeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaak......THUMP" on the really huge tree that was cut in the morning when the Pioneers made obstructions on the trail.

2) Returning from canteen detail Saturday evening, being only 30 feet from camp when the fighting started. Dropped the canteens, got accoutrements on, grabbed my rifle and joined the counter attack with the rest of the Pioneers. Looking at the one Johnny alone behind small cover really close to us, and before I can react seeing that Nate Petersburg had already taken 3 giant running steps toward him with Craddock and many others close as well. That Johnny got out of there fast at that point.

3) Sunday morning, after the attack on the Federal right was repulsed and some more chopping, having Craddock say "10 minutes full marching order." At that point thinking I was about drained and didn't have much left. Shortly after, when the Federal attack kept pushing up the hill, still going, one foot in front of the other, going on and on, not sure where the energy to keep going was coming from.

4) Taking a rest in the original trenches on Saturday afternoon while we guarded prisoners.

5) Sunday towards the end when the other Federal companies were getting on line, having Craddock march us past. The sincere compliments from so many as we marched past were truly touching.

[blackhattertuck]

1. On saturday night five of us went down to Pumpkin Vine Creek and bathed by candle-light. Being hot and sweaty, the cool water bath was something I'll never forget. The experience was tempered by thinking about the soldiers who undoubtidly did the exact same thing.

2. The Pioneers on Saturday evening: The sound of axes and falling trees was simply amazing. It really put me into 1864 and was somthing I'd never seen at an event before.

3. Attacking: Sounds kind of general, I know, but this weekend gave me insight into two specific areas: How difficult it is to maintain momentum when all you want to do is rest, and how quickly a line breaks down into a gaggle in rough terrain.

4. The Suprise Attack: As I said on another post, I was on the pickett line, munching my crackers and pork, having taken off my traps to get comfortable. That was a mistake. The suprise and fear as I grabbed my things and vamoosed back to the line, while fleeting, was intense.

5. Seeing all my pards again.

[theknapsack]

1. The work. Manual labor is something that always gets my mind in the right place. I would have chopped trees down all night if I could have.

2. The taunting. During the second rebuttal of the flank by us Pioneers, we began to taunt the rebs, making crow sounds and obscene remarks. That really got me there.

3. The camaraderie. I have never seen a group of guys who are partly or mostly strangers like the pioneers were gel so well. It was VERY reminiscent of the original Pioneers, formed out of the entirety of the Army of the Cumberland, but ended up still becoming the best of friends, regardless of the great regional differences those men had. I made that historical note in my head and kept it there. We were so busy at the event that we were all messing around like we were the best of friends, but at the end of the event, we still didn't know eachother's names. That was really amazing.

4. On Saturday night my messmates and I within the Pioneers sang some songs (albeit that I forgot most of the tunes and lyrics) and then we read excerpts from a period copy of Edgar Allen Poe's short stories. That was cool.

5. I agree with Andy on this one, resting in the original trenches was really cool. I felt like I'd never slept better in my entire life.

I had a blast this weekend and it definitely is one of the best events that I personally have attended.

[Possum Stew]

In no particular order:


2) Returning from canteen detail Saturday evening, being only 30 feet from camp when the fighting started. Dropped the canteens, got accoutrements on, grabbed my rifle and joined the counter attack with the rest of the Pioneers. Looking at the one Johnny alone behind small cover really close to us, and before I can react seeing that Nate Petersburg had already taken 3 giant running steps toward him with Craddock and many others close as well. That Johnny got out of there fast at that point.

.

I was that last Johnny. After the assault stalled out, and I found what little cover I could; all I remember is seeing about five big 'ole Yanks in shirt sleeves come running out the works, yelling at the top of their lungs. Time to high tail it back. Thanks for the moment fellas.

[C.R. Henderson]

In no particular order...

1. That discussion with the other guys in my company on Friday night (whom I couldn't see because it was so dark) about the goings on at home, our concerns about family, and how bad we wanted to go home.

2. Jeering the pioneers while they were knee deep in the creek and the bath we rec'd afterward.

3. Calling out roll call during the weekend at various points and having some names without an answer. That was kind of real when I found gaps in the ranks. I would cuss the rebs at each of those.

4. Sharpening axes for the pioneers. I know those boys were tired and after seeing the conditions of a couple of their tools I understood why they were sweating. You can chop a tree with a butterknife but you're going to wear yourself out.

5. Building the works for our left flank- especially picket post #2. I found a rock pile and built the bottom half of stone and then piled the biggest deadfall I could find on top.

6.(If I may) Meeting so many new people- especially my new pards in Mess No. 1, Steve Acker, and Tom Klas.

[Bushrod Carter]

Wow, just five! This may be difficult.

1) Seeing 16 men, many who didn't know each other before the event, come together with a sense of purpose and determination – to do a job regardless of heat, blisters, short rations, or fatigue – all the while keeping a good attitude and ready to respond to any request or demand. PRICELESS.

2) Knowing that there was a battle going on Saturday afternoon but seeing NONE of it because we were too busy felling trees and building breastworks to notice what was happening. That is until, at dusk, after ten minutes of rest the Pioneers were ordered without ceremony or formation into battle – most wearing their leathers over bare chests and NONE with canteens, as ours were not back from a water run. And not a man flinched or hesitated.

3) Hearing the sounds of working axes, the creak and groan of falling trees, and the site and sound of a dozen men giving a rope all they had to move the base of an 80’ tree to coax it to finish falling away from the thick canopy of another tree.

4) I ordered two sections of the Pioneers into a creek to repair the ford while under fire. Seeing them nearly falter under that fire, I spied a carbine lying on the opposite side of the creek next to a dead cavalrymen who was face down in the creek. I stormed into the creek, grabbed the carbine and dove against a rise at the other side to work that carbine to support what was left of our dismounted cavalrymen on that side of the creek and my Pioneers working in the creek. All the while the poor dead cavalryman who was face down in the creek, and whose carbine I grabbed – Guy Musgrove - was about to drown because no one had thought or bothered to drag him out of the creek! Sorry, Guy!

5) Rekindling old friendships and making new friends.


After reflecting on the event I wrote this to a member of the Pioneers:

“That experience of being Pioneers lit a new flame in me. I have already forgot the heat, sore hands, and tired muscles and can only remember the shared experiences of difficulty that forged us into that awesome platoon. I looked at the photos that Pat Lewis shared of our group and I didn’t see a group of worn-out ready to go home civilians. I saw the whole platoon pulling on a rope together to bring down a stubborn tree… [then seeing] four men working at one time to cut it into head logs. I don’t remember the misery – only the shared hardships that created an esprit de corps that won’t soon be forgotten."

[IowaYank]

For me this was an interesting event. On Saturday morning starting out as Federal Cavalry, then changing uniform and working the cannon, gave me several perspectives from the event. But here are some of the highlights.

1. Working the cannon on Saturday afternoon. I did artillery for about five years before I started doing cavalry/infantry, but this was the most intense, realistic time I have been on a gun. Just seeing the Federal attack start to falter and breakup due to our firing down the middle of the road and the infantry in the breastworks was amazing. From my perspective it looked like the whole Federal army broke into a route at that point.

2. The woods completely being filled up with smoke during the same fight I spoke of in #1. Man cannons create a lot of smoke.

3. Saturday morning when we were Federal, rushing the fords twice was quite the rush. Sprinting through the creek and reaching the other side with our Spencers barking was pretty intense.

4. During the Saturday morning fight John Cleveland took a hit in the middle of the road. Seeing him in the middle of the road wounded and exposed to fire I knew we had to get him out of there. Scott Little and myself dragging him out of the middle of the road and to safety; seemed very real to me.

5. Finally getting to meet up and ride with the Critters. Great bunch of guys and cant wait to ride with them again.

[Paul Jerram]

A timely post from Mr. Acker, since I have spoken with a number of people this week since the event and we have also shared some of our favorite moments from last weekend, an event that left a mark on the memory that will be there for many years to come. I apologize that not every one of my "top five" are all necessarily "period moments", but yet, in a way, perhaps they are ...

1. Seeing a diverse company (Georgia, SC, Mess # 1 from Ohio) "gel" and come together so quickly, even starting on Friday evening when we first moved into our quarters for the evening. That included especially seeing my senior NCOs (Orderly Sgt. Owen - Chris Henderson & 2nd Sgt. Gustine - Joe Liechty) start working as a team from moment one, slipping into their period roles so easily and fluidly it was like they belonged there.

2. Sitting down by a tree by that ford crossing on the first day, with the Pioneers down in the creek, working on improving it ... and watching a number of my company slipping back into just being young men, completely absorbed with lobbing little dirt clods (ably supplied by me, I might add) and pine cones into the creek ahead of the gallant Pioneers. Roars of approval from the company when especially Cpl. Heath (Eric Tipton) and Sgt. Gustine managed to create a big splash or bait the Pioneers into coming closer when depositing their rocks. And, of course, looking back to see the hearty Pioneeers get their revenge on the hurlers, bathing and splashing them as they in turn crossed the ford!

3. Urging on the men in my company, up and alongside the road on Saturday evening, in front of that damned Yankee cannon ... seeing men naturally hold back in caution and seeing the "fear" in their tired and worn eyes.

4. Proudly looking down the line at my son on several occasions during the campaign and realizing how short a time (but still almost 19 years) - but how long a journey - it has been, since he and I started down the road in this "lifestyle". Just watching him do his duty ... and wondering how a man might have really felt under those circumstances had he been in such a terrible place with his son, or perhaps his brother.

5. Renewing old friendships and forging new ones.

Quite an event ...

Paul Jerram
formerly Capt. Russell B. Smith, Co. I., 29th Ohio

[Terry Sorchy]

Again boys Thanks to Tripp, Coley, Steve and all those that made New Hope Church so memorable.
The top five are:
1. Friday night, finding out we lost a few key players in our company but having just as talented men step up and fill those positions so well. Outstanding job boys.
2. The way our company worked together. Heck if it wernt for the different accents theycould have been from the same town in Ohio.
3. Marching down the road and having Col. Acker have us deploy to the right. Going to the right only to find out the ground dropped off to the creek below and looking across the creek to a ridge and seeing the johnnies dug in.
4. Having the Col. ask me to arrange and carry out a parlay for a prisoner exchange saturday night. Standing at the CS works still looking down the cannon barrel waiting for the exchange to take place.
5. The sound of the axes during the firing saturday and sunday and the site of the trees falling all around us and us making works from them. Oh yes, the sight of all those lilly white chests with accoutrements and trousers manning the firing line saturday night during the CS attack.
I could easily write 5 more but I will wait for another day.
Thanks All for a great experience.
All that were there I consider family.
Only crappy thing about the event: Got home feeling poorly only to find out late this week I have bronchial phenmonia. Sucks!:(
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Csayankee]

Great Event.... Thanks for the Fun...

1) Meeting up with Friends and meeting new ones.
2) Drinking too much water allowed me to view the first push on Saturday evening. Walking up and seeing the lines push against the Confed. Line and watching Pioneer Company chopping and making the breastworks was just too much to explain.
3) Following orders of Lt. Runyon and falling in on the road only to see a line of Confeds aiming down the line and watching Justin react when he realized it.
4) The Saturday Evening Confed attack without warning. I don't think I could have put my stuff on any faster, and watching Andy run back to the lines with his arms full.
5) Watching one brave soldier parley with the other line asking for a spot of tea and only to be ran back to the Fed line.

Overall a good event, next time will be in better shape.

[paulcalloway]

1 - That first moment of satiated curiosity when I realized those critters running across my face Friday night may well have been scorpions. Not something we see a lot of in Indiana.
2 - Running off the Confederates on Saturday and realizing the position we were in happened to be a pair of artillery redoubts left over from the reenactment at Pickett's Mill in '63. :rolleyes:
3 - Meeting some folks I've known only on the forum like Johnny Lloyd, Paul Jerram, Chris Henderson, Steve Acker, Guy Musgrove, etc.
4 - Sharing the ride (and the gas) down with some good friends... I doubt I'll ever forget the "Skittles" truck.
5 - Getting in a good jab at Justin as he went across the "Ferry/Fairy Crossing" on Saturday afternoon.

[Micah Trent]

Top 5:

1.) Resting in the actual redoubts which we took over on Saturday

2.) Being asked by our overall commanding officer to take one other individual and scout out the road ahead after we pushed the Rebs off after the first attack on Saturday. We went out only to find ourselves too far away from our own lines and was spotted. The fear of being captured was almost to become a reality. We got back safe however to report.

3.) The surprise Rebel attack while on picket duty. As mentioned in another thread, it was my "oh sh*t" moment of the event. And watching Adam Clark invite the Johnnies over for tea, only to eventually go over with a truce with a letter in hand. Next thing you know he is running away and being shot at. Classic!

4.) Bathing in the Pumkin Vine Creek. After a hard days work on Saturday, it was quite rewarding to cool off and refresh. It was ashame that I had to put one those stinking, sweaty, wreaked of "these need washed bad" clothes!

5.) Taking part in the final assault on Sunday morning. I don't know how we did it. For one company to stop and catch a breather, there was another right behind them pushing on and after a few minuets...join back in only to see this go on for a long period of time. I was drained, but I cannot imagine how the Rebs felt after continually falling back non stop, barely having time to stop and take a shot!

[TKlas]

Hi gents,

My top five for New Hope Church,

1.The battlefield is simply pristine and I am glad to have been able to participate in two events here in 2004 and now 2008. I hope the good people of Georgia realize what they have in their backyard. Each event had its own remarkable moments that my mess mates and I will relish for quite some time. Thanks again to the organizers of another fine event.

2.Seeing our federal commander lead the charge in the middle of the battalion several times during the assaults on Saturday and Sunday morning. It was inspiring to see how the men reacted to our commander’s enthusiasm!

3.The pioneers were first rate - a wonderful memory I will have of the event. Many thanks to Pat Craddock for putting such a dedicated group of men together. One of our best living history moments was the building of the works for our defense after our last engagement on Saturday. The chopping of axes and felling of large trees will be a site to long live on with me. One of the best lines of the weekend came later Saturday evening from a soldier in the federal ranks who was asked by a visitor, “Where is Captain Craddock?”, and it was exclaimed, “He is over there by the naked men.” Lt. Hudspeth, Orderly Sergeant Mc Bride, Sergeant Gerow, and myself all had a good chuckle over the hard working men in the Pioneers.

4.Having a great time meeting many new comrades and old chums at the event. It was a pleasure to meet Chris Henderson, Steve Ewing, Jerry Gauge and chat with many new faces. Also good to see Jim Butler, Paul Calloway, Pat Craddock, Mess #1, and many other chums again. I was impressed at the way everyone pulled together to make the event successful.

5.Among many excellent efforts during the event, Company E showed a habit to be in the thick of it on both flanks of the federal line. Captain Sorchy, Lt. Hudspeth, and Sgt.’s Mc Bride and Gerow did a wonderful job keeping both flanks secure by order of Captain Acker; splitting their platoon’s during our movements on Saturday. Every now and then I would check in with Adjutant Butler to see how the right wing was doing and Captain Sorchy’s platoon was always in the thick of it. Lt. Hudspeth’s platoon was active as well protecting our left flank several times during our movements on Saturday. Well done to the men of Company “E” covering a lot of ground for us.

I hope to see many of you at Marmaduke's Raid.

Tom

[JLHurst]

1. Allways first and foremost. Seeing old friends, and sharing a van with the best of them.

2. Charging the Pioneer's without taking a step! Kept the Feds thinking & heard
some pretty terrible things being shouted as we stood shaking trees, stomping around.

3. Getting the oppertunity as NCO for 32nd Ala.
(Thanks to Kiev, Pat, Brian big help guys!)

4. Blocking off the bridge near the creek. Everyone was tired but everyone didn't miss
the oppertunity to help a brother lift a tree.

5. Seeing Fed. troops at nearly every turn and knowing if I stoped running and help pushing our company that we'd be dead or captured. Knowing a bit more what it must have felt like for the confeds. acctually there.

[Jerry Gouge]

I had a great time, though having been out of action for a while the heat and exertion wore on me a mite. I think many of us could improve our authenticity by losing some weight and improving our physical conditioning, especially me.

1. Hooking up with old friends and meeting new ones (quite a few people that I did not recognize saying hello, hopefully I will either remember you next time or meet you again). Speaking with Coley Adair on Sunday morning as he is now retiring. Say it ain't so Coley...

2. Serving as staff cook (0kay I know this is lame but read the first entry). Cooked my first cobbler out of hard tack, dried apples and currants, rock sugar and water and a stew of dried beans rice, dried veggies and jerky, both seemed palatable to those you tasted them.

3. The fifing of young David French and the comraderie of same at the rear of the column. He was always piping a tune as our troops advanced to the fight.

4. Watching the attack Saturday mid-afternoon as the Rebs were first pinned in their works by "suppressing" fire and then flanked out of their possition and being in a position to watch for a change rather than being so far into the action that all I see is what is directly in front of me.

5. Watching the pioneers at work be it from building a ford of the stream, to building breastworks, to running to their muskets to shore up the right flank at the last moment on Sunday morning. Salute to you Mr. Craddock and Petersburg you guys did great!

Jerry Gouge

[Johnny Lloyd]

To all:

Yep, I changed my avatar again... change is good... :p

But I digress...

My Pickett's Mill top 5-

1) Being in "super platoon" (Co E., 2nd plt)- Announcer voice: "When that hill absolutely has to be taken, we're there when you need us... that's super platoon."

2) Seeing people for the first time... (amid e-mails, good to meet you finally too, Paul) as well as seeing old friends' faces from Palmetto Battalion, Vesuuuvius, Outpost.

3) Coming online with a catrtidge in my teeth, about to tear to load, and seeing that I'm in the middle of a road with a cannon barking down at me. I remember uttering to myself "Ya'll gotta be kidding me... we're up against THAT?!?"
Comrades falling on the ground and me high-tailing it outta there ensued... that was my "Oh scheisse" moment... :eek:

4) Watching the Pioneers work... darn good job, Marse Craddock and crew! You made me very tired watching you, gents.:rolleyes:;)

5) While resting on my gum blanket Sat. night, finding out in my Feb '64 copy of Harper's Weekly in an advertisement on the back page that (shockingly) bad breath was the "scourge of mankind"... yes gentlemen, amazingly not war, disease, starvation, or plague meant anything to mankind... it is, in fact, bad breath as our worst evil.
The breath remedy being sold also got rid of pimples too... hmmm, something makes me not want to ingest such an item that works just as well as an astringent. :sarcastic

As always, my chain-of-command Corporal Gobtop, Sgt Gutzke, Mr Acker and Mr. Sorchy were very able leaders... kudos :)


See you this month "At High Tide"
I remain -Johnny Lloyd

[Dale Beasley]

1. "Authentic-Type Ground" plus the creek, it really was a nice site.

2. Watching Craddocks Company work.

3. Working and seeing many good friends, and meeting and working with the boys from WI.

4. Working with a Commmand Group that knew how to "Shoot-Move-and Communicate"

5. Always and Always, the ride up and getting ready.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Top Five Eh?

5) Supporting and seeing my Comrades...

4) Sweating through my Domet Flannel Shirt and Fatigue Blouse, four times...

3) Reacting to the Cavalry on the Union Left... Damned Rebels...

2) Having my Comrade Brian returning to Co I's line after we thought he had been captured by the Rebel Cavalry...

1) Moving to the line in my shirt sleeves...

http://buzz-world.us/images/IMG00024.jpg

I'm the one loading my piece with the forage cap on...

[Steve Acker]

Any more photos anyone?

Steve Acker

[Johnny Lloyd]

Any more photos anyone?

Steve Acker

Wholeheartedly echo that, sir... I have a few I'll try to post, but they are not good... :)

-Johnny Lloyd

[Anna Allen]

Here are some pictures I got from the event. Most of them I tried to take discreetly... :rolleyes:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19516&l=b061f&id=501434524

Even the long drive through the night was a lot of fun. :)

[Jerry Gouge]

Captain Butler found a scorpion in his haversack on Satuday morning (birds of a feather...just kidding Jim).

I had never seen on in real life. I didn't even see Jim's little buddy at Pickett's Mill.

I am sitting here reading emails and about 10 minutes ago I heard a racket in the other room. I started to ignore it. Instead after another crash I got up and went to investigate. As I came up the hall I called out what was that noise. Teena my wife (lying on the sofa watching TV, hell no she ain't getting up) says I don't know, why don't you find out. Five feet behind the sofa where Teena was lying watching TV in our great room the cat was playing with a two inch brown scorpion. I grabbed the cat and handed it to Teena. Then I crushed the scorpion with a paper towel and put it, wounded, into the garbage disposal. That is the first time I have seen one in person and I have no idea how it got that far into the house. It is a new house so there are probably all sorts of things still remaining in the foundation that will eventually decide to come out. I cannot even imagine stepping on the dang thing and me walking around in my safe house bare footed.

Jerry

[Mtn.Guerilla]

Here are some pictures I got from the event. Most of them I tried to take discreetly... :rolleyes:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19516&l=b061f&id=501434524

Even the long drive through the night was a lot of fun. :)


Anna, thanks for the glimpse at the civilian side of life. I didn't get to see much of the ladies, except for a late night canteen detail on Friday. Ya'll appeared to be in an in-depth conversation at the dinner table, so we didn't interrupt. I agree I could definately live in that cabin as well,it's quit cozy. Myself and some pards stayed there after a drill in the spring. Now I now how those fella's got so dirty so fast !

[Anna Allen]

Glad you enjoyed the pics, Eric! Ya'll should have said hello anyway. ;) We really did have a fantastic time out there in the cabin. I'm still going through withdrawals. The cabin is fantastic and super cozy. I hope I get another chance to get out there again!

[Eric Tipton]

Anna, I'm just trying to figure out what you plan to do with that hammer. :tounge_sm

[AndrewMartin]

From the looks of it Eric............... Whatever she wants!;)

[Anna Allen]

From the looks of it Eric............... Whatever she wants!;)

Yeah, ya'll better watch your step... :eek: We women have to protect ourselves too. Next I'd like to learn how to shoot a gun. Our Tater buddies said they'd teach us, but haven't yet! :rolleyes:

[Micah Trent]

I agree with Andrew. I heard a psychologist say once that when a woman has a hammer...leave her be!

[Anna Allen]

I agree with Andrew. I heard a psychologist say once that when a woman has a hammer...leave her be!

haha. Well, to be technical, it's a hatchet I'm holding. :tounge_sm

[C.R. Henderson]

All the more reason to steer clear!:eek:

[Micah Trent]

haha. Well, to be technical, it's a hatchet I'm holding. :tounge_sm

GASP!!!
Okay, let me rephrase what I was typed earlier...I heard a psychologist says once that when you see a woman with a hatchet...either she means buisiness or your dead!:D
So I have to ask Anna, who got on your bad side.:confused_

[paulcalloway]

All the more reason to steer clear!:eek:

I'm with Chris on this one... a hammer is merely a bit of blunt force trauma - a hatchet can cleave you in twain. Fear the hatchet.

[GWHall]

Hmm, so there were two pioneer platoons at the event?

[C.R. Henderson]

Good thing I didn't get a hold of their's with that file, huh, Andy? We could really be in for it!

(Note to self.... Don't piss off women when they have anything in their hands... hatchets, hammers, shoes, an apple... you'll learn the hard way.:wink_smil)

[C.R. Henderson]

I'm with Chris on this one... a hammer is merely a bit of blunt force trauma - a hatchet can cleave you in twain. Fear the hatchet.

Remember Lizzie Borden!:eek:

[paulcalloway]

I finally got to the bottom of one of my top 5 "low-lights" from Picketts Mill. Namely, the revolting smell of the Bradford Pear trees as we were driving in.

http://www.tree-land.com/Images/BradfordPearMature.jpg

These had a "unique" smell to them... not very pleasing, in fact, a little disconcerting.

[AndrewMartin]

I finally got to the bottom of one of my top 5 "low-lights" from Picketts Mill. Namely, the revolting smell of the Bradford Pear trees as we were driving in.



These had a "unique" smell to them... not very pleasing, in fact, a little disconcerting.


HA-HA Paul,

You're crazy! I can still picture your facial expression when talking about it!

[Micah Trent]

These had a "unique" smell to them... not very pleasing, in fact, a little disconcerting.


I thought you and Runyon picked some up to take home and plant to remember that momentous occassion.:sick:

[Federal Bummer]

If she's got a hammer; get a helmet.

If she's got a hatchet; get a shield.

I usually don't worry about the weapon, it's the look in the eyes that tells me to run.

[JordanRicketts]

I thought you and Runyon picked some up to take home and plant to remember that momentous occassion.:sick:

I thought he was just smelling his hand?:cool:

[Johnny Lloyd]

If she's got a hammer; get a helmet.

If she's got a hatchet; get a shield.

I usually don't worry about the weapon, it's the look in the eyes that tells me to run.

Mr. Ewing... this ain't a medieval fest or a SCA event. :rolleyes::p

-Johnny Lloyd

[csabugler]

Paul, the smell of Bradford pear trees is not so bad, compared to the damage the berries will do to any vehicles that spend much time beneath them!! They will ruin paint!

[Josh]

I'd like to thank add my thanks Steve Acker, Terry Sorchy, and the staff of Co E. Events are made good by leadership. THANKS GUYS!

Golly!, there were more than five and I dunno if I can prioritize them, so here they be...

Upon selection for canteen duty I was asking around for canteens. I didn’t realize the “private” sitting in front of me was actually the commander. Horrified for not having employed any formalities, I wanted to run away.

Fighting off the Reb attack shirtless. The interesting mix of feeling quite naked and very angry at the Rebel audacity of attacking our works.

Hearing the cacophony of yelling & screaming, chopping of wood, crackle of marching through woods, and constant gunfire was down right exciting.

Getting hung up in a thicket in the final advance. I was off my feet suspended in it twice. It wouldn’t have been very nice to get shot hanging in mid air.

In that same thicket, looking around to see no one but me and the Lt. The feeling of being all alone and quite helpless as we had no idea where to go.

[Josh]

My apologies for my unsigned post. I got excited about sending in and forgot to activate my signature pref.
To be sure this time.
I am, most respectfully, Josh Fieldhouse