As I wrote previously, mia_mcdavid went back to Minneapolis on Saturday night to fetch colgaffneyis black powder magazine. This was because on Sunday the new members were being taught how to use matchlock muskets and our mortars. Out in the country we can fire the weapons, and the training is much more satisfying when you can actually make the things go BOOM. As always, there was a lot of instruction on safety with the weapons; they are rather primitive firearms but very definitely still guns.

There was also a session on sword drill. I was not involved but lent a dirk and broadsword to the effort, which were needed. twolodge had brought his large collection of weapons, but even that was not enough for the crowd we had.

I did not do any formal instruction during the day, but participated in some of the discussions. I sat in several sessions where I had already qualified–there is always more to learn. Also, twolodge gave several of us a lesson on cleaning muskets. His way was a little different from what I had seen before, but the general concepts are the same. I understand the process well enough now to handle it myself when the job comes up.

I also spent a fair amount of time in the kitchen. BB did a great job with the meals, and working with her and the others there is always a pleasure. Besides, it is a very period activity :-)>