Five Days Of Amazing

Two weekends ago was the 149th Anniversary Gettysburg re-enactment. Stephen and I, a whole group of friends, and his regiment, the 2nd Texas, of course had to participate. It was the very first Gettysburg re-enactment that I had ever been to, and the first time I had been to Gettysburg since I was four. It was amazingly EPIC.

I tried so many new things, and conquered some fears, and learned a whole bunch. I think the best thing I realized is that if you're willing to go all-out authentic, things get a lot easier!!! They really knew what they were doing back then! I'll also have to admit that it was absolutely perfect to spend five straight days with my Man. I mean, honestly, who wouldn't love that? And, it was so nice to have very little schedule, and very little stress. A great vacation, although we definitely did not come back "rested".

In fact, we actually came back slightly ill.....just a little cold, and no voices. But, it was totally worth it. I got to sleep in a tent on an old military cot, and Stephen went campaigner style, sleeping outside under the stars with just a ground cloth and a few blankets. We ate many a meal prepared over the fire, walked everywhere, and drank gallons of water to counteract the heat!! Gosh, you never realize how precious ice is until you're drinking sun-heated water half the time!

However, so much went down that I could never hope to detail  it all. So, as usual, here's a quick look through some pictures.

Getting ready to drive down on Thursday....do I look a little out of place, maybe?

Beginning the long trek down sutler row on Friday morning:

Listening to the 2nd South Caroline String Band:

Enjoying some ice cream and the shade of a tree downtown:

The 2nd Texas Dismounted Cavalry during the afternoon battle on Friday:

Up at Little Round Top on Friday night:

Looking down on Devil's Den:

Getting the fire started Saturday morning, with a new little buddy who copied Stephen's every move:

Trying a new hairstyle:

Writing in my journal....I even used an old fashioned pen and ink set:

Loading the pistol for battle...Crisco yumminess!

All suited up and ready to fight:

Hanging out in the "kitchen":

Weapons inspection:

Being given a "pep-talk"........"Today is THE DAY!!"

Excited to be fighting:

And they're off!

Cavalry  battling:

Playing "nurse" to my worn-out Soldier:

Cleaning guns and hanging out with friends:

My horribly messy tent/closet:

Ready for the dance Saturday night:

These five guys together are an absolute riot:

 The 2nd South Carolina String Band at the dance:

Resting before the battle on Sunday:

 Getting ready to move in:

Cavalry:

Enjoying each other's company after the battle....and no, this was not posed:

Devil's Den Sunday night:

Only my Love can get such good pictures of me:

Looking back at Little Round Top:

Enjoying the rocks:

Packed up and ready to leave on Monday:

It was sad to leave....half way home, I was ready to just turn around and head back to Gettysburg. It was weird coming back to modern life; thankfully, we had another re-enactment the very next weekend to keep us going. But that, folks, is another post for another day!