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Post by Tricia on Sept 27, 2006 21:10:51 GMT -6
All--
Curious. What do you all think of this title? I'm quite entranced by the book; one quite gets the feeling of seeing unfamiliar and undiscovered lands completely anew.
A fascinating read!
--LMC
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Post by bubbabod on Sept 30, 2006 13:59:19 GMT -6
I think the book was very aptly named. I wasn't too interested in Custer's Black Hills expedition until I attended the LBHA seminar in Rapid City last year and took the day trip with Paul and about 80 others. I had ordered the book before the trip, so actually exploring the sites with Paul narrating and taking us to some of the sites was outstanding. What I also enjoyed about the book was each picture or the text gives the exact location of the sites, lattitude and longitude. I spent a couple hours playing around with Google Earth, finding the locations using his book and looking at the sites with a bird's eye view. I'm glad I have the time to take for such endeavors. Paul is a wonderful guy who spent months if not a couple years putting this thing together, finding the exact spots and photographing them and sharing them with us. I found his work to be similar to Where Custer Fell and then and now pictures. Loved both books.
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Post by Tricia on Oct 2, 2006 12:54:22 GMT -6
Absolutely, Bubbabod--
And I love how the book is essentially a compilation of primary source materials. The only thing I haven't liked is the lack of an index. There is a bibliography and endnotes, but for those of you who don't take notes whilst reading, this narrative will make you do so. But apart from that, it is a great look at how a regiment moves along ...
One also starts feeling quite sorry for those with the wagon train and rear guard. GAC would often reach camp in the early, early afternoon, only to have the teamsters arrive well after midnight!
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Post by harpskiddie on May 18, 2007 19:26:45 GMT -6
I just received my copy of this book, and have had a chance to merely skim the pages. What a marvelous job of research these two have done. The photos are amazing. This will last me for a while, and makes me wish I could retrace their steps .
Gordie,
it's partner found, and partner lost; and it's hell to pay when the fiddler stops -it's closin' time.....
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Post by bubbabod on May 18, 2007 20:35:42 GMT -6
Harpskiddle, I think you or anyone can retrace their steps with Paul as a guide, assuming there is a group put together, for a fee, of course. If the few places we visited with Paul two years is an example of any tour he might lead, it would be worth it. Now, this isn't something he does all the time, but I asked him about leading people around to visit the places, and he told me if he had time, he would do it. I'm not trying to put words in Paul's mouth or speaking for him, but it might be possible.
As for what kind of shape one must be in, that's another question. But i'd love to see those places.
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Post by Treasuredude on May 19, 2007 5:58:44 GMT -6
Harpskiddle, I think you or anyone can retrace their steps with Paul as a guide, assuming there is a group put together, for a fee, of course. If the few places we visited with Paul two years is an example of any tour he might lead, it would be worth it. Now, this isn't something he does all the time, but I asked him about leading people around to visit the places, and he told me if he had time, he would do it. I'm not trying to put words in Paul's mouth or speaking for him, but it might be possible. As for what kind of shape one must be in, that's another question. But i'd love to see those places. I was with bubbabod on that tour in 2005. He is right, it was a great time. As I live not too far from the Black Hills, I go out there quite a bit. Many of the picture sites in the book are right off the road. Highway 385 through the Black Hills follows much of Custer's route. The expedition's main camp is now an RV park. There are about 5 or 6 photo sites that are all located within this area. The photo site of the champagne party is now someone's backyard. There is a drawing taken from Winchell's notebook that shows an outcropping of rocks along the Hills. He labeled this the 'Buckhorn Range'. We stopped to eat on the tour at Heritage Village, a tourist trap near Crazy Horse Mountain. The 'Buckhorn Range' is clearly visible from their parking lot. (Traveler's Tip: Although the food is good at Heritage Village, do not eat a full turkey dinner during the middle of summer. Just take my word for it.) The area around Harney Peak is very beautiful territory. My son and I hiked to the top back in 2000. The trails are well marked and it isn't as tough a hike as you would think. The view from the top is spectacular. Depending how long you stay at the top, it takes roughly 4 hours round trip. On the tour in 2005, Paul took us out to a site that was remote but easy to get to. There was a gravel road and then maybe a 1/4 mile walk to the actual photo site. Some of the sites are hard to get to. The photo on the cover is one of those sites. Lots of hiking and climbing to get to that one. It gives you a little respect for Illingworth. I have thought twice about going to some of the sites when I would have to hike off the road with good walking shoes. Illingworth was doing it while carrying a bulky 19th century camera and supplies. You can check out their website at... www.custerstrail.com/index.html |
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Post by Treasuredude on May 19, 2007 6:02:21 GMT -6
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Post by harpskiddie on May 19, 2007 9:53:57 GMT -6
treasuedude:
In my younger days, I would probably have run up the trails - actually I definitely would have run up the trails ; but all that, and other stuff, has left me with two artificial hips and an arthritic back [sobs for poor old Gordie], which makes it difficult for extended walking or hiking, particularly uphill. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll make it up to the Crow's Nest next year.
But revisiting the battlefield and environs is worth whatever it takes out of me, so that's my priority. The Black Hills will just have to wait. Thanks for your tips.
Gordie,
the small things have all disappeared, and the cougar doesn't live here anymore..................
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Post by bubbabod on May 19, 2007 14:55:53 GMT -6
Hey, Gordie, I can sympathize with you and your two hip replacements. I had one about four years ago, and my feet aren't in the best of shape either. But I can tell you that you should be able to make it up the Crow's Nest if you aren't too overweight and out of shape vs. just having two new hips. I hiked it about eight years ago, before I got my new hip, and I was/am overweight and out of shape, and that was my main problem. A good walking stick and stopping as frequently as you need should be enough to make the hike. Good luck.
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Post by Montana Bab on Jul 7, 2007 20:23:49 GMT -6
Abby Grace,
Sounds like a trip of a lifetime.....if only I were 30 years younger ....... Hope you get some takers and take a lot of pictures!
Montana
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Post by surprisewind on Jul 12, 2007 15:12:02 GMT -6
Have equine(s), will travel. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity!
Are you thinking of Bear Butte to Ft Meade or going the opposite direction? From some point on the CT to Ft Meade?
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Post by mwkeogh on Jul 13, 2007 16:31:31 GMT -6
Hi All- I see that this thread topic has been static for a few months. I'm a Black Hills fanatic and have spent countless hours on the trails there. Floral Valley is not the only place abundant with wildflowers. The beauty which can only be found by veering from the beaten path is amazing. I'd like to find a few people who are interested in riding those trails next summer, from Bear Butte through FT. Meade and as far as anyone would like to go on the Centennial Trail. I've taken quite a few people through that area, but would be so happy to have those interested in the history along for the ride. Time is at a stand still deep in that forest. You can look out from the bluffs above Ft, Meade and see I-90 snaking through the valley below and also the little strips of dwellings on both sides..but a few hundred feet away from those structures lies the pristine beauty that Custer found. You can pass though the inhabited areas and disappear into 1874. OK, so there are some USFS trails and activity here and there.. but mostly, nothing has changed. I'm sure most of you here have experienced the Black Hills, but for those who haven't and would like to ride through there, PM me.. and I'm not a wrangler or otherwise interested in being a paid guide. You'd need your own equines, but I do have a couple extras.. (experienced riders!). We can also back track from Mt. Rushmore.. many different possibilities to see quite a few places pictured in the book "Exploring with Custer." Keep me in mind for whatever you have planned Abby. I too, am in love with the bonney Black Hills. In the late '90's I did a 2 day reride along a portion of the Hills leading into Custer City. We found many of the sites Illingsworth used (like Turkey Rock, not far from Crazy Horse Mountain). There's a fellow who owns a Hide, Antler, and Fur shop in Custer (a trapper/hunter) who knows quite a bit about the Custer Trail and interesting sites off the beaten track in those parts. |
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Post by surprisewind on Jul 14, 2007 12:30:58 GMT -6
Oh my my my... Abby Grace and Keogh exploring the Black Hills. The spooks will be a-twitterin'.
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Post by surprisewind on Jul 14, 2007 12:32:52 GMT -6
If I'm allowed to tag along, I have one extra horse for an intermediate/experienced rider. And if it gets cold, I promise to not to bring my horse into the tent and knock anything flammable over
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Post by mwkeogh on Jul 14, 2007 21:39:34 GMT -6
Keogh- I see that you're in NYC. Do you have your own horse? I had two extras, but now one has been claimed by a friend from Sheridan. SO only one left. I've been to that shop in Custer, BTW. Last year I bought a sheepskin seat cover for my other horse, the Harley. Cruising through those hills on the bikes is also amazing. Especially after tourist season is over.. you can find yourself sitting at Mt. Rushmore.. ALONE. I've done that a time or two along with maneuvering through the buffaloes in Custer Park after dark. So, pencil yourself in for this. We can do it before or after LBH, depending on everyone's schedule. Since you've done the Custer area, you may wish to ride the Bear Butte trail over to Nemo. Some of "your" possessions were found in that area if I'm not mistaken.. ? Abby, I do not own my own horse here in NYC (and have not since Comanche  ), so I would need to procure a mount when I get out there. I think after LBH would be better than before, as it would simulate the actual time period that the 7th explored the Hills. The guy who owns the shop in Custer (and is a veritable wealth of knowledge) is Gary Gruber. He is the best Charley Reynold's reenactor I have yet met. He's got the personality down perfectly. If you speak to him, give him my best and be sure to ask him how "Flyspeck Billy" is doing these days. Believe me, I would love to ride over the Bear Butte trail to Nemo or any other part of the trail that we can reach. The route I rode along with the Frontier Army of Dakota started near a large reservoir lake (that actually covered part of the trail) and continued from there until we reached the town of Custer 2 days later. Gary was our guide and scout. We had always talked about the possibility of one day doing a reride from Golden Valley up to Harney's Peak following Custer's route, as this has never been done before to my knowledge. It would make for an interesting annual event.....riding a different portion of the Custer trail each year. Its truly amazing that you can actually spot the exact ruts and rotted out timbers used to bridge the small creeks and streams in the backcountry there. Another interesting idea is to take a horseback trip up to Inyan Kara Mountain and locate GAC's name carved on top. The view from the top is magnificent. |
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), so I would need to procure a mount when I get out there. I think after LBH would be better than before, as it would simulate the actual time period that the 7th explored the Hills. The guy who owns the shop in Custer (and is a veritable wealth of knowledge) is Gary Gruber. He is the best Charley Reynold's reenactor I have yet met. He's got the personality down perfectly. If you speak to him, give him my best and be sure to ask him how "Flyspeck Billy" is doing these days. Believe me, I would love to ride over the Bear Butte trail to Nemo or any other part of the trail that we can reach. The route I rode along with the Frontier Army of Dakota started near a large reservoir lake (that actually covered part of the trail) and continued from there until we reached the town of Custer 2 days later. Gary was our guide and scout. We had always talked about the possibility of one day doing a reride from Golden Valley up to Harney's Peak following Custer's route, as this has never been done before to my knowledge. It would make for an interesting annual event.....riding a different portion of the Custer trail each year. Its truly amazing that you can actually spot the exact ruts and rotted out timbers used to bridge the small creeks and streams in the backcountry there. Another interesting idea is to take a horseback trip up to Inyan Kara Mountain and locate GAC's name carved on top. The view from the top is magnificent.