2022 Trip SW – Day 2 (around Wichita) – Saturday, April 23rd
Woke up quite early and couldn't get back to sleep, so dressed in my reenacting uniform and headed for Cowtown. This is a living history museum (similar to Missouri Town and Shoal Creek in the KC area, Stuhr Village in Grand Island, etc.) comprised of buildings relocated from other parts of the area and depicting an 1870s terminus of the cattle drives. Our camp was next to an old trapper's cabin, discovered when a later structure incorporated/protected it. For more info on it, see https://oldcowtown.org/.
After breakfast & roll call, it was time for drill. It was also time for the long threatened rain to move in. Nothing like extensive drilling, under arms, with water running down our musket barrels! Our captain, though an experienced reenactor, was carrying the saber for the first time. To add to the pressure he must have felt, the mostly veteran ranks included four current or former captains and a former colonel, each of whom enjoyed the opportunity to carry the musket and mutter the correct commands under his breath.
After drill (and wiping down our weapons), we lolled around the camp or went exploring the town. The boardwalks echoed satisfyingly to the sound of our heel plates. I had a bratwurst at the saloon, which was out of sarsaparilla – something about 'supply chain issues.'
About 1215 we started getting ready for the 1 PM battle, an exercise in the highly authentic activity known as Stand and Wait. The battle started with cannon fire and extended and generally ineffective skirmisher action. The infantry finally advanced, the ineffective fire at maybe 30 yard range found no targets, so I decided to 'take a hit' gently and lie down for a while, at least until 'resurrection.'
After the battle it was idle time, the sun was out, and heat/humidity increased. I was getting overheated, so it was back to the motels – I had work to do (after a cool shower and a giant quesadilla). I will forgo the Sunday battle.
Sandra's Uncle Murray will not be in Las Cruces when I am.There being no need to stay there 3 nights, I replanned the trip, cancelled some room nights and rescheduled others. I will visit Canyon de Chelly on the 28th rather than on our 45th Anniversary, April 30th. Instead, I'll celebrate the date at Capulin Volcano, another of our favorite spots.
Some comments on the motel, the Wichita West. As I said, it's undergoing some sorely needed renovations. The bed was comfy, the room was clean, TV had lots of channels, and shower had plenty of water pressure. The place is quite short on electrical outlets and the walls do little to muffle conversations in neighboring rooms. It has a small kitchen, but no light over the prep/washing/cooking area. One hopes these problems will be remedied.
For the day 12.4 miles, 320.1 for the trip. Sunday night in Greensburg, via US-54.
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