Bloody Lake 2008 

 

This was our first year attending the Bloody Lake Rendezvous in Woodford, WI. Over the years we have had many friends try to talk us into attending this event. This year we decided that since it's only about an hour away we'd actually give it a try. For those that have never done this event before let me prepare you for some of the issues you may run across. First, it is held at the Black Hawk Memorial Park in Woodford, WI. This park is the actual site of one of the smaller skirmishes of the Black Hawk War. Thus, it is kind of in the middle of nowhere and hard to find. Ness and I got lost at one point and it took us a little bit longer to find the park than I anticipated. If this is your first time going, I'd recommend making sure you have really good directions written down.  

 

Also this is a first come, first serve event. They do not allow for the saving of spots. That means that if you are planning on camping with a large group of individuals, I'd suggest getting there early. The camp starts letting people set up on Tuesday. From what I hear is that it starts to fill up about Thursday night. Ness and I arrived on Friday evening and were lucky enough to find a spot next to some friends of ours. There was a lot of rain this year, so the ground was pretty marshy. I've heard conflicting stories about this. Some people say it's like that every year, others say it normally isn't that bad. As this is my first year, I really can't tell you how it was in the past, but this year it was soggy.  

 

As we didn't get there until Friday night, we missed the activities of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. By the time we arrived, most of the people were already well into the festivities... and their cups. Rumor has it that there is a video clip of some 1756 style pole dancing, but I can neither confirm... no deny the existence of said video.  

 

Saturday we were able to take a walk around and see what was out there. There were a lot of vendors, some were of high quality, others were pretty farbe. There were multiple food vendors, and there were some good ones. Which is always nice to know, nothing worse than relying on food vendors for meals only to find out there aren't any or the one that is there is a horrible cook.  

 

 

 

The weather was a little Chilly Saturday morning. We had forgotten the youngest's capote at home so we wrapped him in a blanket. Of course everyone just thought we were trying to tie him up. Yea, like we'd tie him that loosely if we wanted him to stay in one place! BTW, I would like to take this time to point out the wonderful World War 1 era Scottish Glengarry that Heikes is wearing in the picture. Yea, and he gives me grief over my proper Jacobite Blue Bonnet.  

 

The ONW Co. holds a meeting at this event. As I'm a new member and haven't been to too many meetings, I can't say for certain this is the largest one they have, but it was pretty big. There were a lot of members in attendance. They also elected a new company Booshway this year. Congratulations to Mike Makki for taking over the reigns of the company next year.  

 

There were a lot of games and competitions. Everything from woods walks to pie baking contests. But the real interesting competition was the after hours competition the ladies had back in camp. They played "Circle of Death". Actually it's called Threes, but any guy that has ever been involved knows it as Circle of Death. It was because of this wonderful game that we ended up with this lovely picture.  

 

 

 

Yea, that was one giant group hugs from the survivors of the game. Well our youngest didn't play, he just wanted some love too.  

 

The boy not wanting to miss out on the fun decided to start his own competition. Now we've always heard the phrase "Pissing contest", well the boy actually started one. When ever he went to use the tree line to pee, if someone he knew was there he'd "pee them for distance".  

 

 

 

There he is peeing for distance against Wil, and allegedly winning. I just want to know what kind of training his bladder has had for that kind of talent?  

 

Saturday night at the cabin they had musicians and free beer. The musicians weren't bad, and the beer was free. So you'll not hear any complaints from me. The best thing was that at the cabin I made a bet with Will's son Noah. If I get a picture of him wearing a blue bonnet in the next ten years, he has to pose as a Mortar Maiden, if I don't I have to wear a red coat for the weekend. The bet did not stipulate that he had to be sober, conscious or willing at the time of the photo, just that he would be wearing one. He even acknowledges those terms. Yea, that's what happens when you are under the influence of alcohol and trying to impress a pretty girl.  

 

Overall this was a great time. We are planning on getting out there earlier next year so we can join in all the activities and fun. I'm pretty sure this will be a regular event for us from this time on.  

 

Oh, and one last thing before I leave. I would like to make special mention that I was able to meet and spend some time with Wil's other son Max who was home from the Marines. I still want to know how he lost his underwear and knee breeches Friday night with out taking off his moccasins and leggings. It was nice meeting you Breechless.