Past meets present this weekend in Encampment

Full skirts swish across the lawn, the whirr of a spinning wheel and the whine of a fiddle bounce off the log buildings, all of this adding to the atmosphere that takes the visitor back to a time when human beings worked with their hands, and their heads to build a life in the wilds of Wyoming. Reenacting historical events and experiencing history hands-on is a terrific way to spend the day. Stepping back into the 19th century, nearly 200 years ago can be eye-opening.

Volunteers dress in period clothing and teach the public the old ways. The museum has all the buildings open so everyone can visit them and get a glimpse of days gone by. History comes to life through the efforts of Tim Nicklas, the director of GEM, and the many volunteers and staff that are dedicated to preserving history.

Just across the irrigation ditch white canvas flutters in the breeze, smoke from wood fires can be seen drifting across the pasture, and the crack boom of a percussion cap followed by the powder charging in a muzzleloader brings attendees into the 1840s Mountain Man Rendezvous. Clothing at the rendezvous is more primitive than at living history. Mountain men wearing their “skins” can also be seen in muslin or calico shirts and women in long skirts with belted shirts wander amongst teepees and canvas tents.

As the sun drops in the sky, the thwack of a tomahawk or a throwing knife resonates from the “hawk” blocks on the site’s west side. The crowds move toward the blocks to watch the competitions and heckle the competitors. Next the frying pans are hurled in the air, followed by the click, click of flint and steel in the fire-starting battle. Smoke billows up from small stacks of grass and twigs and cheers encourage the competitors to work harder at their task.

Although camping is allowed, water and wood are the responsibility of the camper, dogs must be leashed and other animals, including horses, mules or goats are allowed.

The Town of Encampment was christened Grand Encampment when the mountain men, trappers and other brave souls walked along the river into the canyons, and through the mountains to make a new life. The modern-day rendezvous is an opportunity for trading, just like in the old days, but it’s also a time to catch up with friends and hear the gossip. Kids are a huge focus of this event because they are the future. The skills, history and folklore of yesteryear will be lost if it isn’t passed down to the kids.