Shining Times

“I defy the annals of chivalry to furnish the record of a life more wild and perilous than that of a Rocky Mountain trapper.”
–Francis Parkman

The life of a fur trapper is exhausting… and dangerous

It’s rendezvous time and all around the West reenactment organizations or “buckskinners” are finishing preparations for a shining time around the campfire. Participating in rendezvous has been a source of inspiration, frustration and some of the best times, I’ve known.

Everyone should have their own lodge

There are those who find recreating history to be odd, silly and maybe even just plain dumb or a waste of time and money. However, at rendezvous, I have learned more about history, men and nature then could ever be taught in either a class or boardroom.

We’re all on friendly terms here

The life of a mountain man or fur trapper was hard – there weren’t many that died of old age – because the very nature of their life brought them face to face with death on a regular basis. Of course for those that survived to tell the tales, these adventures became the stuff of legend.

Mountain men wear cool, handmade clothing

The tradition of a rendezvous grew out of a need for the trappers to exchange pelts for supplies, and quickly grew into a month long revelry with trappers, travelers, women, children, Indians and company men joining in.

Yes, there are women at rendezvous

Mountain Man, James Beckworth, claimed there was “mirth, songs, dancing shouting, trading, running, jumping, singing, racing, target-shooting, yarns, frolic, with all sorts of extravagances that white men or Indians could invent.”

No electronics… but kids still have fun

Today’s rendezvous are similar – we compete, we trade, we tell tall tales, we learn from each other and we have a good time. Conditions are primitive – no electronics, no RV’s, no refrigeration, no running water – and it’s easy to find yourself transported back in time, where things might have been simpler, but they certainly weren’t easier.

I’m a pretty good shot with my hand built black powder rifle

And yes, I handcrafted all my goods and clothing… from the brain tanned leather, to the beading and quillwork, along with my muzzleloader. What I didn’t make, I traded for, just as the original mountain men did.

So, are you ready for shining times around the campfire?

The Trade

The Trade
by Gale F. Trapp, 2012

The scene is typical of an early winter or late fall camp. The leaves are gone from the trees. The buffalo jerky, drying on the poles, hints of a recent hunt. But what else is happening here?

Is this a simple horse trade, or could there be romance in the brisk evening air? Is she, perhaps, inviting him to her lodge?

What does she have that he wants? Or, just maybe, is it that she wants something from him?

Could it be that the tribal elders directed him to pay in prairie currency for an unintended offence?

What do you think? I painted it… but even I do not know – for sure.

About the painting – acrylic on hardboard, 7”x9”. Available for purchase.

The Short Cut

“The Short Cut”
by Gale F. Trapp, 2012
Acrylic on board

“The Short Cut” captures the spirit of adventure that still existed in the early 20th century. Some would say that the driver of the 1916 Ford was foolhardy, but I say he just reflects the American determination that pushed against boundaries and ultimately tamed the West. The prospector not only represents the fading frontier but the challenges and changes faced by early settlers, while the background offers the viewer that feeling of utter desolation that was often the West.