A wee bit of weather for tomorrow is expected but I just got email from Glen Lawson that this event is going to happen. I'm looking forward to the challenges presented. Whatever they may be!

The following is quoted from Glen's email to his list of Third Maine members:

Given the deteriorating weather predictions for this Saturday, the Willowbrook living history encampment event may be modified. Few, if any people will be camping on the site tonight (Friday). I encourage you not to. An event will still occur on Saturday because the museum has heavily advertised our presence for the day. Please be advised that the activities we do will be determined by the weather, so you should check the forcast tomorrow morning. If rain and wind are still predicted, plan on indoor interactions with visitors and static displays. The Music and others will have access to a ball room. If the forcast turns more favorable, bring canvas for tent displays if you wish. Outside drill and firing demos will occur only if the weather turns more favorable than is currently predicted. People who do decide to come out regardless of the weather should try to arrive by about 9:00 AM.

I say, "Sail on!"

--
Michael Johnson

What a great Maine Treasure the Willowbrook Museum Village is. You must see it to truely appreciate it.

I had never been to the museum, nor the town of Newfield, Maine for that matter. It's well out of the way and off the beaten path! I didn't take any time until late in the day to explore the grounds but I will plan a trip there with my family sometime in the future.

The carriage house has about thirty carriages, wagons, sleds and sleighs in it. Beautiful, well preserved and a pleasure to see. The Concord coach and the carousel are in extrordinary condition.

I didn't see much more this trip. I was busy drilling and talking with the public. But it's a lovely little valley. Plenty of spots for picnicing and leisurely strolling.

Despite earlier predictions, we had no rain all day. The sun came out as I was leaving. We had a great day!

--
Michael Johnson

I had a great time at Willowbrook, as well. Aside from being teased because I was the new guy (that was WHY I was being teased, wasn't it?) it was fun to finally have an opportunity to fire a volley from formation.

Some mental notes to myself (this stuff isn't written down anywhere...)

1. Have a full canteen at assembly inspection.

2. Have 2 full cartridge tins at assembly inspection.

3. Clean the grease out of the rifle, and have it well cleared BEFORE going to the event.

Also, I am consdiering putting together a black powder kit for repair emergencies, including a worm, long cleaning rod, patches, Q-Tips, pipe cleaners, etc.

The drill was a blast, and I am clearly looking forward to getting more training. The hints I received in formation during the manual of arms drill was very helpful.

Also, getting picked up by the back of my pants and being physically placed in the proper place for complicated formation calls was much more expeditious then me bumbling around trying to find that place by myself. And, it was done so "smoothly", I'll bet the people watching thought I was a real veteran!

I will, admit, however, that the wool pants "civil war wedgie" is strong incentive to learn the proper movements by myself.

:-)

I was happy that it turned out well for Willowbrook as well, despite the weather!