Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

[BrianHicks]

We did a walkthrough this past weekend of some of the areas that we'll be using up at LBL.

We covered 11 miles of the trails on Saturday. You can see the pictures posted below.

This will not be a static event. Each opposing side should be prepared to cover between 14 to 20 miles during the course of the weekend. I hope everyone will be in good enough physical condition to stay with the columns.

In March it will be cool, if not cold. The foliage will be down, and the green will have faded. Right now the ground foliage limits line of site through the woods, but it will open up quite a bit as winter takes hold and the leaves fall.

[unclefrank]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

Looks good!

[BenjaminLDavis]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

What about ticks? Won't have to worry 'bout no gallinippers,
but will the durn ticks be awake and hungry?

If you have never been to LBL, it is a grand big bit of land for an event.
And I have no doubt Mr. Hicks and his comrades will have some great
ideas for this one. I will be there, in blue; Poague will ride with me, he
will be in jeancloth. And the ticks can sleep on for a few weeks after
we have left.

[elcid01]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

Brian,
THanks for posting the pics, looks like it will be a challenge to use the terrain as its affords both cover and concealment, along with open fields of fire. Best of both worlds, looking forward to the challenges you and the planners will provide for the leadership and Men of both sides..

[BrianHicks]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

Skip,

One of the unique challenges will be the Commanders lack of knowledge pertaining to routes, direction of travel, objectives, etc.

As you know, we'll deliver to the commanders, pre-dawn on Saturday Morning, written orders from Brigade HQ which will provide you the opportunity to determine your march routes, your spread of troops, your time table to reach and carry out whatever orders the higher ups have assigned to you, etc. The orders will be in keeping with the historical narrative for this event, ie. pre-Bentonville as the Confederates are trying to consolidate, and the Federals are trying to interdict their consolidation efforts.

We will also have additional orders from higher HQ prepared for delivery to the column commanders, which will be delivered when necessary.

[trippcor]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

Brian,
I am looking forward to this one. It will be both physically and mentally challenging. It will be interesting to see how this former sailor does against one of the Army's best and brightest. I really like the use of specific orders and goals for each side to keep things in a historical perspective and to add some realism for everyone. Throwing additional orders at us in the middle of things will keep Skip and I on our toes.

Glad we have Bummers this year to help us all get in shape for this one or in some of our cases I should say get a little less shape.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Backwaters 1865 SITE WALKTHROUGH

Going back up tomorrow (Saturday, 17 October) for another walkthrough of a different area. Hoping to cover about 10 miles or so. The weather should be nice and chilly at step off. Hopefully it will remain a rain free day. I plan on taking, and posting a few more pictures.