When is PeeWee going to be speaking? Can we invite people who aren't camping with us to hear his presentation? My dad is really interested but is most likely not staying at the park.
We haven't designated when Pee Wee will speak, but I think he can make that choice. It may depend on if we have entertainment at the rally, and it would likely be the night that he isn't speaking. Of course...he could speak both nights, and knowing Mr. Wee, he is always available to answer questions when asked.
Doing some more research, I think that turning around at Fort Defiance would be a good idea. There is a big loop, it is a historic site, and could provide for an excellent photo op.
In the spirit of the 59 Caravan, I thought it would be nostalgic to have a military security element. Pee Wee told me about armed escorts along rough parts of the over 14,000 mile journey.
I contacted the Army National Guard armory located in Cairo, IL and spoke with the facility manager. The sergeant who just happens to be the same rank as myself was very receptive to leading us through Cairo with his HMMVW or (Humvee) down to Fort Defiance, and back out of Cairo. I thanked the good sergeant, and will keep his information on speed dial for when our plans are more in place.
I just RSVP'd , which by the way is on the rally calendar here. If I can't get the 10th & 11th off, I'll roll in Friday evening late. But better late than never.
Those covered bridge shots are really nice. Do you think our Airstreams will fit through them?
The covered bridge is not enroute to or from the destination, but isn't terribly too far from Cape. I can check it out when I make a visit to Cape soon, and take a measurement of the height.
I have contacted the local African culture center to see if we can have an African drum or dance troupe give us a taste of what the original caravaners may have experienced during their travels.
Here are two pics of mine dancers. When various groups of miners come to work in the deep gold mines in the Rand, they entertain themselves on their day off by dance competition.
Of note are the men in the black clothing. Look at their boots. They are world reknown as the "Gum Boot" dancers.
__________________ "Keep the road straight, the sky clear, the glass full, good friends and the laughter loud!", Pee Wee
A good question. Probably not related to rubber plantations in the Belgian Congo and King Leopold.
The "Gumboot Dancers" are a high profile in the world of ethnic dancing.
Here is a little history I found.
Gumboot dancing was born in the gold mines of South Africa at the height of the migrant labour system and during the oppressive Apartheid Pass Laws.
The mine workers were not free to move around at will and were separated from their families for long periods of time. At best, working in the mines was a long, hard, repetitive toil. At worst, the men would be taken chained into the mines and shackled at their work stations in almost total darkness.
The floors of the mines were often flooded, with poor or non-existent drainage. For the miners, hours of standing up to their knees in infected waters brought on skin ulcers, foot problems and consequent lost work time. The bosses discovered that providing gumboots (Wellington boots) to the workers was cheaper than attempting to drain the mines. This created the miners uniform, consisting of heavy black Wellington boots, jeans, bare chest and bandannas to absorb eye-stinging sweat.
The workers were forbidden to speak, and as a result created a means of communication, essentially their own unique form of Morse Code. By slapping their gumboots and rattling their ankle chains, the enslaved workers sent messages to each other in the darkness. From this came an entertainment, as the miners evolved their percussive sounds and movements into a unique dance form and used it to entertain each other during their free time.
Gumboot dancing has developed into a working class, South African art form with a universal appeal. The dancers expand upon traditional steps, with the addition of contemporary movement, music and song. Extremely physical, the dancing serves as a cathartic release, celebrating the body as an instrument, and the richness and complexities of South African culture.
__________________ "Keep the road straight, the sky clear, the glass full, good friends and the laughter loud!", Pee Wee
I have not received my work schedule for September but if I'm able I would love to attend! Cough... cough...I may be feeling sick already. I'll check with 94tri and see if he is interested as well.
This is awesome. I hope that y'all do this when I get back and get my trailer on the road......in the mean time I'll be looking for some great pictures.
I finally achieved a convoluted trade of work hours and days. I probably got the raw end of the deal workwise, but who cares. Now I've got the travel time off I need and will make it to the caravan on Friday.
This is awesome. I hope that y'all do this when I get back and get my trailer on the road......in the mean time I'll be looking for some great pictures.
Oops, sorry Brian. It was really insensitive of me to post so gleefully when you'll be stuck in Guam (said while still grinning from ear to ear ). I really do wish you could be there. I promise lots of pics.
I finally achieved a convoluted trade of work hours and days. I probably got the raw end of the deal workwise, but who cares. Now I've got the travel time off I need and will make it to the caravan on Friday.
Can't wait!
WOOT WOOT!!!!! Dacia's going to make it for the entire trip! Now I can give you your water hose back
Maybe you can transport Pee Wee with you up to the Wilds since it is the following weekend
I spoke with the park owner today and there is another rally booked for the weekend we are there, but not very big. He is asking them to let us have the Rec Center for our activities. If they say no, I have inquired about getting an open air tent ala the Cherry Blossoms rally for us to hold our events in. I think the weather will be nice for some evenings under the big top.
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. I'll check with 94tri and see if he is interested as well. 
I made a deal with the devil . . . 
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