Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Calling All Hamletonians & Wannabees: Meet At the Upper Cabin June 28 & 29

 That's right. We are giving it another go on June 28 & 29 2013. All Hamletonians, B&Os and any other assorted reprobates are invited to attend. If you have questions about the campout or if you want to comment on my blog-

Click here to take survey

You ever try to get the guys back together for old time's sake? For years, some of the reprobates from college met every once in a while for a camp out or a canoe trip. Memorable trips down the James River where it's narrow below Charlottesville or perhaps camping at the rustic yet perfect Upper Cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains meant long days of portaging the canoe over shallow stretches (of which, on the James, there are many) along with late nights playing cards, smoking Camels and sipping Obnoxious Gobbler (also known as Wild Turkey). I'd often come back to work on Mondays looking pretty beaten up. But despite the wear and tear on an increasingly middle-aged body, I enjoyed the time away and came away with some great memories. There was the time when we camped in the middle of the James on tiny Dog Island. It was great until the heavy rains came. We cobbled tarps together, made a make-do tent and resumed partying. The River certainly rose but we made out OK. What about good ol' Spew who would get into great wrestling matches with his brother or the time he took off his drawers and threw them into the camp fire. -Violated some air pollution laws on that canoe trip. And of course we did the prerequisite smoking, fishing, shooting, bragging and cussing all along the way. In short, every once in a while we checked off items from The List of Things Dudes Do. Every year, though, it seems to get harder to pull these trips off. Conflicting schedules, family and work responsibilities make getting 'the full roster' seem impossible sometimes. However, THIS year appears different. 'The Jaguar' (he doesn't drive Jaguars, he drives only SNAABs) has risen to the occasion and lined up some fine accomodations, shooting sports and other diversions so it promises to be great. Here are some shots of much younger Hamletonian Campers on long ago outings.

Remember when you could open up a Bean catalogue and get all of that made in the U.S.A. gear?

That's me bugging the dog. The lab remained unimpressed. The Dogs of the Campout were always the stars of the show and were honored guests.'Phineas', 'Blackie', 'Ace' and the rest were always the best behaved. That year, we held it at my famiy's property on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. I posed drinking Tobasco out of the bottle and ruined the picture, I was told. -So, I cropped myself out of that one. Ah, 'The Old Man's' truck. -Not my father's truck mind you. But the guy driving it is nicknamed The Old Man. -Ironically, he is now the youngest looking one among us.

44 comments:

Bucky Buford said...

Bucky is away with the family that week, regrets!

Anonymous said...

Will Bucky Buford be there?

Anonymous said...

That's a tough looking crew -- bet most of them must be in prison now.

Trailer Trad said...

Bucky,

I thought that WE were family!

Russian Trader said...

Will there be activies at this event such as chasing of greased pig?

Russian Trader said...

How much for old truck? I need dependable vehicle for mother-in-law.

Bucky Buford said...

greased pigs? I thought there was a prohibition on bringing dates?

Earl Buford said...

When will survey results be released?

Pine Plains Weekender said...

Will sherpas be available to carry my gear? I plan on bringing a 5lb. can of corn to replace the one left in the James River nearly two decades ago.

James Ewell Brown Stuart IV said...

If Mildred is coming, I ain't. That woman has done me wrong too many times. And her grandma did my great-grandpa wrong, too.

The Ghost of Felix Rohatyn said...

I'd be interesting in attanding these festivities. Will my driver be able to make it up the hill?

Estonian Negotiator said...

I will spend one night with Mildred in vintage Swiss military sleeping bag that Mr. Trad has in his collection in exchange for one ride in that old truck that belongs to Old Man person.

I will sire a child with Mildred if that ride includes two corn dogs with Guinness wholegrain mustard, a six pack of PBR, and a frozen Charleston Chew.

If I see that sneaky Russian anywhere in sight, the deal is off.

Louis Freeh said...

If I come, do I need to wear a fanny pack? I have several, I just need to know if it's a requirement.

Russian Trader said...

I predict that survey results will reveal great demand for postings by Russian Trader.

Pine Plains Weekender said...

I'd actually like to meet the great-grandchild of JEB Stuart. Is it possible that he's really coming on this trip?

A Train to BK said...

Is anyone from north of the Mason-Dixon Line on this trip? Also wll there be bacon?

Anonymous said...

Russian Trader's comments are interesting, but I prefer the wit and wisdom of Uncle Cletus.

Uncle Cletus said...

Much obliged.

Russian Trader said...

Anonymous commenter -- you are wrong and aurvey results, when revealed, will show great and extensive demand for more insightful commentary from Russian Trader!

Eustace Buford said...

You gonna hace croquet or lawn tennis at this hootenanny?

Russian Trader said...

Estonian Negotiator should not resubmit comments, which are always very crazy.

Wife of Russian Trader said...

Виктор would like to know if you will have accordion at these festivities. Thank you very much.

Russian Trader said...

I have been told of survey results now, which show that 78% of responders (only 5 being family members) believe that more comments from Russian Trader would be good for blog readership. Also 86% are in favor of accordion sing-along at campout

Earl Buford said...

I'm starting a write-in campaign to get Bucky to attend this thing. Heck, he's already going to be in the Old Dominion!

Trailer Trad said...

Prospective Campout Attendees,

I can see from the comments that anticipation for the campout is building to a fever pitch.

Please channel that enthusiasm toward thinking about how to conjur up Jim Dandy for the event.

Trailer Trad said...

Russian Trader,

There will be continuos screenings of the classic American slapstick comedy 'Deliverence' all weekend.

Anonymous said...

who is the douche with the poor muzzle discipline?

Estonian Negotiator said...

Estonian Trader has warned against censorship in the past. He and his friends (Mildred & Bill Sessions, amongst others) will now take their business elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:40: You'll need to be more specific.

Trailer Trad said...

These strongarm tactics smack of the Eastern European mob. I have a shipping container load of counterfeit Lady Gaga dvds that can make this all go away...

Earl Buford said...

Excellent news -- Dr. Bucky Buford, PhD will be joining the campout. Double the order of whiskey, firecrackers, and shotgun shells!

ObamaCare Enforcement Officer #5981 said...

Please be advised that photos of smoking tobacco are not permitted on the interweb any longer.

Anonymous said...

Is that guy in the trucker hat coming to this shindig?

A Train to BK said...

I'd like to buy that trucker hat -- very cool.

Jonas Cubbage, III said...

Not sure if that's true or not, but I sure hope he's bringing some Billy Beer! That was some good brew!

Bo Buford said...

Is there a TV at this place? The season finale of Duck Dynasty may be on then.

Bluford said...

Where do I find the application form for this here hootenanny? Aldo will there be gluten free snacks?

Red Hook Skinny Jeans Co. said...

That guy with the trucker hat was way ahead of his time; I didn't know people in the '80s were that hip. Unless....he was actually a trucker.....

Anonymous said...

There gonna be gamblin', drinkin' or tobaccy products at this thing?

Trailer Trad said...

Anon 12:25

Yes, yes and yes. And all of which will be done in a poor and amateurish manner.

P. Onca Palustris said...

Jaguar Records is pleased to announce that each attendee will get complimentary copies of "Campfire Songs from Catalpa" and "Ham Ho Time Machine" on vinyl.

Bo Buford said...

Can I get my copies on 8-track?

Anonymous said...

Hey, what ever happened with the survey? I suggested a coupon for a free pizza, but nothing has shown up in the mail yet.

Earl Buford said...

Four words: Less Bjork/More Skynyrd.