36-hour vs. week long

[Campjacksonboy]

Some of you were at BGR and one (If not both) of the Red River Campaigns.
If so feel free to add comments below for the folks that are new to this.
After two days the event will continue but will you be ready?

Unlike the typical event the various commands will be completely self sufficient living out of haversacks and wagons. Things like rations are covered and water will come out of creeks. However some have never been to an event of this scale. What should they add to their kit? It was suggested that I remind people of the usefulness of things like period tooth brushes, soap, and Toilet Paper.

Besides the blanket, uniform, musket, and accutrements there are other things that should be brought. Even the period sources mention cleanliness as a sign of a good soldier. One might want to consider throwing some lye soap into the knapsack. Last time I checked Fall Creek had period toothbrushes with the bone handle. Toilet paper was mentioned as a must have but that can disintigrate easily. I suggest scraps of old cotton such as muslin. It tears easily is still useful when wet and is still biodegradeable, albeit, the process is a little slower. In addition the muslin can also be used for cleaning muskets.

You will need to clean muskets. Said cotten cloth will also come in handy cleaning muskets as each soldier will want to clean his musket daily.
A worm with cloth on the end of a ramrod will suffice. Although enfields have that nifty hole at the business end of the ramrod. For rust that white campfire ash does wonders keeping muskets bright. A good musket cleaning kit ought to include a nipple wrench, screw driver, cone pick, cleaning patches, and worm (if practical). Enfield cleaning tools also have a small compartment for oil.

Regarding shelter neither army will have tents as seen at static camps. However a good oil cloth, floor cloth, painted canvass or gum blanket will prove wonders keeping the rain off when sleeping. If you don't have one yet a 4-5' x 7' piece of painted canvass will work wonders. I once laid under one in the middle of an open field during a thunderstorm and stayed perfectly dry. Its well worth its weight.

Socks have been mentioned before. Three pair wool and three pair cotton will keep one well set for the week so that every man will always have at least one dry pair of socks.
I'm sure there's more but I have to teach now.
Frank

[Gallo de Cielo]

The good Baron, Bard of Athens, leader of the Aufmuth Legion, and founder of the shreiking whistle mess, is spot-on with his post.

When other events end, Piney Woods will be in its second day- with three more yet ahead. No parking lot nearby. No ability to change what you are carrying, add something, leave something.

Carry some scrap light rag material for cleaning your rifle and for cleaning the business end of your colon barrel.

If you've "conditioned" for this event by doing nothing, watching TV and drinking cokes, we'll likely be scraping you off the ground on the second morning or watching you get trucked off in shame. Get your butt in gear and be ready. Better to be over-prepared physically than under-prepared.

Lastly I'll mention that folks will need to buck-up mentally. It might be wonderful weather. It might rain. It might be cold. It might be hot. It's likely it'll be a mix of all that. Part of soldiering means standing watch, doing duties that you might prefer to avoid, and standing with your comrades in arms. No lone rangers. No balking or shirking. If you are not prepared to follow the requests of your commanders and NCO's keep your ass at home.

As Holler has said in another thread- a month from today we'll be doing this for real.

Registration numbers look excellent. If you are nursing things out until the deadlines, get your forms and funds in!

The Yeti, the Whistle, Dick Taylor's Ghost, Tom, myself, and all the rest of the Ground Hornets look forward to soldiering with like-minded folks at Into the Piney Woods.

Regards,

[AZReenactor]

One item not mentioned that many fellows found invaluable at BGR is a small container of foot and crotch powder. Corn starch is the main ingredient in these and baby powder and works well to deal with the itches and rashes on feet and nether regions that are likely to appear on fellows not used to being hot, dirty, sweaty, and damp for days on end.

Fellows who had it last time were glad of it and those who didn't mentioned that crushed hard tack or corn meal just didn't work the same. ;-)

[Campjacksonboy]

...Wool Keeps its insulation qualities when wet. A wool shirt may be handy as will a wool sleeping cap.

Any medications ie: insulin put in a poke sack. Have it when needed.

mole skin might be a good thing to have too. Somebody out of 200 men and civilians will get blisters.
Frank

[Mcouioui]

Think by Mess,
Had the necessary for start a good night camp fire, dry matches in a good period conditioning, cloth dipped into the candle wax or the small candles part, by example.
Transport with you the minimum for living, share the charge by Mess, not necessary one frying pan, a boiler, an axe, car, etc. By guy.
One guy will carry the frying pan, other one the boiler, car, etc. For two, three or four guys. Make collective, be a good company, a good Mess, a good companions in the listening yourself and your comrades, and we shall be a great regiment I do not doubt.
For the soap, why not, but no razor, you will have not time for that I think, divide accessories by Mess.
For the toothbrush, I have not, if has apples in the rations, that works well to wash teeth, otherwise finger with the white ash, that also works.
Think as we told it to you change socks, don’t sleep the wet feet, think night cap or camp.
In the BGR, we have they warmly days and cold at nights, but effectively, every weather are possible and all in the same day also…
If you have some coffee in grain, instead of trying to crush him at the bottom of your car with your bayonet, put in a small bag, find a stone or an stump as supports and knock with the back of an axe.
I deliver there, my personal analysis in my relation with my Mess, it is my opinion, it is always debatable… ;)

[Big Whisky]

I can't add to whats been said about supplies, but don't forget to bring the right attitude. I was surprised at both RR2 and BGR at the men who quit after one day. They did not even make it to the hard part. If you can get past the 3rd full day you can finish the whole damn thing.
Get it in your mind now. You won't be an individual, you will be part of a team. If you quit early, all your friends will have to work harder to cover for you.
Get your head straight and your ass will follow. I've seen weak, fat stubborn men keep up with athletes.
Frank J Marek

[NewHopeChurch]

I actually keep reproduction CS banknotes for my toilet paper...:tounge_sm

[stx]

Thanks for posting all the suggestions. This is my first campainger event and it's good to find out the tricks to surviving the event. Two years ago I suffered a knee injury and after surgury decided to give up sports, so needless to say I've gotten a little out of shape. However, the last couple months, partly to get ready for IPW and partly just to be healthier, I've changed my eating habits and started working out more to get in shape. Hopefully I'll be ready to go by next month. Any other suggestions would be great, and I know from talking to Will and Mr. Comer I'll be with a great group of guys (the only thing I'm not looking forward to is 28 hours total in a car, but I'm sure someone has it worse)

[unclefrank]

Jonathan has a great idea about using Rebel bank notes as TP. I've got a bunch of those myself, but it may feel a bit rough when applied to my tender backside. Too bad we are not retreating, we could leave a nice trail of "used" backnotes for the Rebs to find and follow! :eek:

[Mcouioui]

I like very much this idea too, I adopt it, Houra for CS banknotes... :)

[Johnny Lloyd]

Troy- You totally read my mind... I thought about crotch powder last night as I was reviewing/packing my gear. Anyone have a period label for crotch powder that they are willing to put-up on this thread or under the Material Culture Help Group in ths social groups?

All the best- Johnny Lloyd :wink_smil

[PogueMahone]

Remind me not to shake hands with anyone at the event that looks like they've been baking bread.

Lubricate the pistons, not chalk the stick.

gald-free for 10 years,

[unclefrank]

After a few days, most of our hands will have seen worse uses! :rolleyes:

[Silas]

Speaking from experience learned at Banks, there are streams all over the place. No one is expected to be as clean at Piney Woods as they would be at home, but there are few valid reasons why folks cannot wash the face and hands once a day. To me, that's the big difference between this event and the usual weekend events. One can go without bathing at the usual events. Same for changes of clothes. However, a long event like this requires some forethought. A simple task like taking a couple minutes every day to wash or a few minutes to wash a pair of socks will make a world of difference in one's ability to withstand the entire week. A little effort at normalcy goes a long, long way.

[Old Reb]

While bathing leisurely in the bayous just remember you will also be drinking that same water.

[Horace]

I have not run across a period crotch powder label anywhere.
By the way, MC Oui Oui says he's bringing a car.

When you hear my engine revving, hell will be upon you.
Quand tu ecoute la bruit de mon engine, l'enfer arrive.

[Mcouioui]

The french car I hope? :D

[Mcouioui]

I have just understood the joke :confused_:tounge_sm
I wanted to say Cup, I know not why I have write Car, because even in French we say Quart and not Car, it is the fault of my son with his film at which he looks twice a day, Car.:cry_smile:D
In French we name that a inattention fault...:confused_

[Auld Pelty]

Fred Baker has the best advice. If you are close enough to hear Captain Tucker's whistle, you'd better be wearing SCBA or you will be a very sick man. Five days of combat fatigue, cheap whiskey and a high protein diet can be lethal.

[Old Reb]

Fergus,
Did we untie Captain Tucker from that tree when he was with us a few weeks ago on our Kisatchie trek? I can't remember.

[Auld Pelty]

Fergus,
Did we untie Captain Tucker from that tree when he was with us a few weeks ago on our Kisatchie trek? I can't remember.

Good question Tom. He was hugging the tree last time I saw him.

[PogueMahone]

It is funny to me that so many "authentic campaigners" are suddenly having a crotch powder crisis.

Like a shark smells blood from miles away, the Bayou Yeti smells Gold Bond (c) across the Piney Woods and seeks his prey while they sleep. But it isn't hunger that fuels his drive, it is a fetish. Beware the crotch sniffing Yeti.

:p

[Silas]

Never purchased a container of the stuff in my life. I agree that the sky does seem to be falling about the absolute need for Gold Bond.

The next big thing to be discussed will be chemical preventative measures against a particular, common, blood sucking, creepy crawlie.

[MO-Pard]

Speaking from experience learned at Banks, there are streams all over the place. No one is expected to be as clean at Piney Woods as they would be at home, but there are few valid reasons why folks cannot wash the face and hands once a day. To me, that's the big difference between this event and the usual weekend events. One can go without bathing at the usual events. Same for changes of clothes. However, a long event like this requires some forethought. A simple task like taking a couple minutes every day to wash or a few minutes to wash a pair of socks will make a world of difference in one's ability to withstand the entire week. A little effort at normalcy goes a long, long way.

When was there actually time for this?

I don't know of anyone in our company who had the time or energy. After the marching stopped, the real work of logistical rations, water details, gathering enough firewood for the night, cooking, eating, posting/standing picket duty....and hopefully some sleep; one was too tired and it was too dark/cold to care.

Just saying, don't everyone count on it......

....just bring deoderant and fresh clothes for the ride home.

[western reb]

....just bring deoderant and fresh clothes for the ride home.

Sound advice and one that will be practiced as 4 of us from California will be driving straight back following the conclusion of the event.

[Silas]

There is time aplenty. You just need to recognize the opportunites and seize them. With just a little effort, you can feel tons better than just leaving the grime on.

As far as times, I remember three times at Banks. One was after the forced march and battle when we cut off the Feds. We had about an hour's wait by a stream. I took advantage of the stop and washed two pairs of socks plus myself. Felt like a million bucks. Another was the following day when we were in the burnt zone after our coldest night in the field. There was a stream a short distance to the rear. The final one was the last night in the field at the same crossing where your company engaged in a firefight.

I didn't want to wash at all. I, too, was tired, but I felt as refreshed afterwards as if I had consumed a steaming cup of strong coffee. When I feel refreshed, I tend to go farther and have a less grumpy attitude. That's just my take. I know my pards like it when I'm less grumpy.

Seems to me that this very topic is mentioned in Kautz (http://books.google.com/books?id=jHgDAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage#PPA252,M1)and Butterfield (http://books.google.com/books?id=PbFnZw89T-gC&printsec=toc&source=gbs_summary_r#PPA57,M1). If you've got a canteen, you can get clean. Or be funky. It's your choice.

[Auld Pelty]

I washed my nads and buttocks upstream from the Feds and then peed in it. That's what soldiers do when they are not doing those other things Jay was talking about.

[PogueMahone]

Just a suggestion for those travelling long distances home ...

You can google for state parks with campgrounds along your route of travel. Most will have bathrooms and showers. I've done this when travelling alone. With a carload, you will attract attention, so you should probably pay for a campsite and be a registered visitor. Cost is usually around $20. Trust me, the $20 is worth not smelling each other all the way home, getting a clean toilet to use at your leisure, and having a chance to check for ticks before they get entrenched.

[Charles Heath]

The next big thing to be discussed will be chemical preventative measures against a particular, common, blood sucking, creepy crawlie.

Surely you can put off the IRS until April 15th. :p

[MO-Pard]

There is time aplenty. You just need to recognize the opportunites and seize them. With just a little effort, you can feel tons better than just leaving the grime on.

As far as times, I remember three times at Banks. One was after the forced march and battle when we cut off the Feds. We had about an hour's wait by a stream. I took advantage of the stop and washed two pairs of socks plus myself. Felt like a million bucks. Another was the following day when we were in the burnt zone after our coldest night in the field. There was a stream a short distance to the rear. The final one was the last night in the field at the same crossing where your company engaged in a firefight.

I didn't want to wash at all. I, too, was tired, but I felt as refreshed afterwards as if I had consumed a steaming cup of strong coffee. When I feel refreshed, I tend to go farther and have a less grumpy attitude. That's just my take. I know my pards like it when I'm less grumpy.

Seems to me that this very topic is mentioned in Kautz (http://books.google.com/books?id=jHgDAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage#PPA252,M1)and Butterfield (http://books.google.com/books?id=PbFnZw89T-gC&printsec=toc&source=gbs_summary_r#PPA57,M1). If you've got a canteen, you can get clean. Or be funky. It's your choice.

Of the times you mentioned, I recall water details and guarding prisoners ironically.

At any rate, if you personally actually had the time, then bully for you. I am only saying there were more important things to get done in my (and those in my company I am aware of) opinions. And that includes any chance to savor any chance for much-needed rest/sleep. Personally, for me and am some others, it doesn't affect drive or attitude and is the farthest concern from the mind. Myself and clothes start out clean, and although I may splash water on my face or dump a canteen over my head, I know I am going to get dirty. To me though, it's like the rule of eating barbeque, "Just Clean up when you're through," lol. Personally, in 'real life', I love to be clean and think anyone would be rather surprised with that "look", lol. But I have extra shirts and socks I can switch out of and I may drag it through a creek as we pass, but I may not or may not be able to. I guess the long and short of it is, new guys, if you have time and safety out of range of enemy pickets, anyone is certainly welcome to if that is how you best choose to expend your non-marching, non-fatigue time. For me, it (BGR & now Piney), took me down to the basics and made me decide what was really important to me to survive and keep moving day after day. I am sure if this event were like 2 weeks there would be a time in there I would hopefully been better able to safely do some 'warshing', but with the extra shirts and socks, I think I can get by and will probably concentrate on other aspects during the waning light and breaks in pursuit. Nothing wrong with wanting to be clean-just saying there were more important things to do for us, it doesn't bother/affect me and if I am butt-tired & have to be up in three hours to oversee picket duty, before another hard march in the morning....I am eating and taking advantage of a little sleep. And of course, even that sleep isn't guaranteed:wink_smil

To each his own....

[LibertyHallVols]

The next big thing to be discussed will be chemical preventative measures against a particular, common, blood sucking, creepy crawlie.

Do tell, Silas. If you're talking about anything like the Vicksburg chiggers, forget it! I'll stay home!! :wink_smil Back in '07, those li'l bastards chewed to pieces from the waist down! :cry_smile

[gilham]

Sound advice and one that will be practiced as 4 of us from California will be driving straight back following the conclusion of the event.

Dan I am curling up in the backseat next to you.