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All,
For those of firm constitution, direct your browsers to the event website at www.banksgrandretreat.com
Within the "Updates" link you'll find a shortcut to images of the event site.
Tom Yearby and myself, ably assisted by District Archaeologist Geoff Lehmann, conducted a site walk on Thursday, November 16. The line of march was solidified, bivouac points marked, and other details firmed up.
The images show the trail which will be our route of march. It resembles a frontier road in the mid-1800's very closely- wide enough to get a column of men and a wagon down but not much larger. Bayou crossings, washouts, and other snags will keep everyone busy with pioneering duties. We believe that will measurably improve folks' experiences. I've included an image of one of the thousands of pine trees which cover the area- that pine is somewhere in the vacinity of 90 feet.
We hope the images will give you all a sense of what the trail looks like and an idea of the area in general. During the days that the men in blue and grey walked that land, it was known as "the howling wilderness." In that regard, not much has changed. We'll be as removed from modernity as one can get.
What the images CAN'T capture is the lay of the land. Though one doesn't conjur images of hills when they think of Louisiana, the Kisatchie Forest is surprisingly hilly. There will be a great deal of "up-down." Having spent a day there, Mr. Yearby and myself can vouch for the fact that only the fittest will make it. This will be a physically trying event. You'll be called upon to do things you don't often do. Those elements are intentional.
We will post additional information soon regarding physical expectations but I'll conclude by saying- start preparing. A mile on a treadmill won't cut it. You need to be prepared to move all day with a pack and still be competent as a soldier. The advice posted by Mr. Biddle, himself a US Army officer, is well worth reviewing. That info can be found in the longer BGR thread within this same area of the AC.
Registrations are steadily coming in. This is an event for hardy types. Gear is important but don't let a fear of not meeting the standards hold you back. My guess is that what you have in your closet will suffice. If not, we'll get you squared away with what you need.
Kind regards,
For those of firm constitution, direct your browsers to the event website at www.banksgrandretreat.com
Within the "Updates" link you'll find a shortcut to images of the event site.
Tom Yearby and myself, ably assisted by District Archaeologist Geoff Lehmann, conducted a site walk on Thursday, November 16. The line of march was solidified, bivouac points marked, and other details firmed up.
The images show the trail which will be our route of march. It resembles a frontier road in the mid-1800's very closely- wide enough to get a column of men and a wagon down but not much larger. Bayou crossings, washouts, and other snags will keep everyone busy with pioneering duties. We believe that will measurably improve folks' experiences. I've included an image of one of the thousands of pine trees which cover the area- that pine is somewhere in the vacinity of 90 feet.
We hope the images will give you all a sense of what the trail looks like and an idea of the area in general. During the days that the men in blue and grey walked that land, it was known as "the howling wilderness." In that regard, not much has changed. We'll be as removed from modernity as one can get.
What the images CAN'T capture is the lay of the land. Though one doesn't conjur images of hills when they think of Louisiana, the Kisatchie Forest is surprisingly hilly. There will be a great deal of "up-down." Having spent a day there, Mr. Yearby and myself can vouch for the fact that only the fittest will make it. This will be a physically trying event. You'll be called upon to do things you don't often do. Those elements are intentional.
We will post additional information soon regarding physical expectations but I'll conclude by saying- start preparing. A mile on a treadmill won't cut it. You need to be prepared to move all day with a pack and still be competent as a soldier. The advice posted by Mr. Biddle, himself a US Army officer, is well worth reviewing. That info can be found in the longer BGR thread within this same area of the AC.
Registrations are steadily coming in. This is an event for hardy types. Gear is important but don't let a fear of not meeting the standards hold you back. My guess is that what you have in your closet will suffice. If not, we'll get you squared away with what you need.
Kind regards,
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