By The Light Of The Moon: The 1960s rendezvous era brought a lot of “stuff” into the marketplace. Everything from the dreaded “priming horn” to “trekking lanterns”. Not to be a hypocrite, as honesty is the best policy, I have been known to carry one from time to time. The one I have carried is tin that folds and holds a small candle. However, I have stopped carrying it as I work to maintain my period correct impression.
The reason I choose to stay as period correct as possible is
that my goal is to do things just as they did with only what we know they
carried. From everything I have read, generally, they carried very little
compared to what we carry and “think they carried.”
During our Ashley’s Return trip, we did not carry candles and
did not need them. When trekking on foot, horse or some form of boat you will
travel from sunup to sundown and by the time you are done you are out of
energy. A good fire will suffice to give you all the light you need to set up
your bedroll or enjoy a good pipe while telling lies. If you really need to do
some sort of repair to your gear, simply stop early for the day and use
sunlight.
For me, it is all about, less is more, as I have stated
before in these trekking articles. A lot of people pack “stuff” thinking they
will get something done at night. One example is a main spring vice that people
like to carry. I own one, have used it a couple times in my shop, but in all
the miles and days I have logged on the ground I have never needed it in the
woods, or even carried it.
Remember, for the fur trappers most outfits had a blacksmith
with them to do repairs. Longhunters probably did not carry gun parts or do
repairs in the woods that often, but I can’t really defend that statement, it
is just an opinion until I research it more. Also, they were not out as long as
the fur trappers of the 1830s. I would be afraid to work on my lock at night by
simple candlelight. One lost screw and you have a fancy club!
If you really need light, build a teepee style fire as it
gives off the most light and is better than a small candle. Also, back then
walking around the woods with a candle would be quite the beacon to jeopardize
security.
This month’s challenge: Next time you take to the woods leave
that “trekking lantern” or candle behind and stop early if you need light or
use the light of a fire. Quite frankly, I think you will soon learn that the
lantern and candle are not necessary. Less is more. The picture shows about all
I do in camp after building a fire and cooking a meal!
As spring nears it is time to get your packs ready, make your plans to get into the woods and I hope to see you around a fire.
Written by Gerry "Lucky" Messmer. Reprinted with permission from the author.
Code: trk01 glm01