The path we traveled and the road that lies ahead
A review of 2021 and what lies ahead in 2022
In 2020, when we first reported in our article "Corona does not stop at the Wild West", everyone knew about the extreme situation in terms of health. As a precaution, we had not even invited people to our summer camp at that time. All subsequent events in 2020, such as Thanksgiving or the Christmas party, were also cancelled due to Corona. And let's be honest, nobody really expected that we would have to fight the pandemic for such a long time. Even in December 2021, the spook was far from over; quite the contrary, we are heading for another extremely difficult situation in 2022.
By now, we live in a crazy world that turns everything upside down. Let's just consider the two words "positive" or "negative". We always associated the word "positive" with something desirable or enjoyable! When we thought of a positive person, in most cases we meant a cheerful, optimistic person. The opposite of this is a negative person, a rejecting, gloomy person, so to speak.
However, in our minds something has changed: If people are positive today, they are sent into quarantine, are isolated and we first think of something bad! On the other hand, if the test is negative, people are allowed to participate in central life - something pleasant, in other words.
We at least intend to look positively to the year 2022 and assume with a wink that our readers know what we are talking about.
The TRP Review of 2021 - A Glance at the Past
2021 at least looked a bit brighter than the previous year. We at least have erased 2020 from our personal calendars.
The initially negative aspect was the fact that we again had to miss out on our dear guests and friends of the TRP. Again, the well-being and health of each and every one had top priority. The consequence of this was once again that everything took place within a small number of members. After endless discussions with the authorities and in compliance with all Corona regulations, we were then allowed to host a small internal event.
Positive, as we think, and that's exactly what we want to tell you about! About the beauty of our premises, about the inexhaustible opportunities for hobby, about the "hard working-days", the wonderful summer on Beaver Creek Valley, about the autumn rendezvous and our Thanksgiving feast!
Simply join us here in our 2021 TRP retrospective and imagine what next year could hopefully look like for everyone.
Water: A good servant but a bad master
Unfortunately, the Corona pandemic does not also send the bad weather into quarantine. And so, in 2021, the floods caught us ice cold as well. The persistent rainfall in January caused our two rivers that flow around the property to swell and burst their banks. A flooding of our premises was the result and as so often in the past years, it caused considerable damage.
This not being enough, the rain also had to open up another construction site.
The never-ending water from above, showed us significant leaks in the roof of our tavern. The water literally poured from the ceiling into the saloon. As in the Old West, we put all kinds of containers under the dripping spots to catch the evil as best we could. Fortunately, Beaver Creek Valley was still in hibernation. So we were able to determine the weak spots and it was now clear to us, the tavern would need a new roof in spring.
From that point of view, it also had something good! Just imagine us, sitting together in the tavern during our main camp on a warm summerly rainy day and get to feel some "refreshing" rain from above. Quite authentic, but honestly we think that not everyone would enjoy that.
When these photos were taken, the water was already withdrawing!
The arrival of spring in Beaver Creek Valley
After that long rain, however, came the sun! It may have taken a little longer in 2021, but ultimately spring drove out winter and brought nature back to life. This was one of the most beautiful moments for us in Beaver Creek Valley.
Come closer and join us as we witness spring arriving in Beaver Creek Valley.
Hard ranch work - easier today than back then
Almost like every year, we also started 2021 by cleaning up the damage left by the spring storms that hit the valley of Beaver Creek. It was several years ago that our dancing lodge also became victim to a storm.
These pictures are from early spring of 2018, however they are a constant reminder that especially at the beginning of the year there is always work that we inevitably have to do.
By spring 2021, only a few trees were damaged. Fortunately for us, they fell on the neighboring meadow. Thank God, they did not cause any further serious damage. Nevertheless, the fallen trees called for a day of work. We felt responsible for restoring the hay meadow of our good neighbor.
On some days, a premise like this doesn't only bring all kinds of fun with it; sometimes we also have to lend a hand. But we are happy to do that as well!
We think it's good to look back on the work we've done and looking upon Beaver Creek Valley shining in a clean slate again!
Tower construction in the fort of the "American Fur Trade Company"
Before every pleasure, our Lord and Savior put the sweat!
We decided to add an outlook tower to the existing fort of the American Fur Trade Company. To realize the idea, part of the rampart had to give way. The trappers' refuge was thus unprotected from enemy attack for some time - so there was a need to hurry with the construction of the tower.
But all the hardworking hands have contributed to fixing the fort's origin. Now the fort has an additional observation tower and therefore stylistically completes the appearance of our beautiful Beaver Creek Valley.
So the next trapper rendezvous can finally come!
Trappers' Rendezvous in Spring 2021
So, just in time for the trappers' spring rendezvous, the Fur Trade Company fort had just been completed. Even though we were only allowed to immerse ourselves in that time in a small group, we had a lot of fun!
The weather was excellent and the mood thoroughly pleasant. Besides good food, all kinds of entertainment and good conversations about the historical time, it was all there. Of course, we hope that by next year at this time, many more trappers will come and celebrate with us into spring.
Here are a few pictures from these carefree days. We are looking forward to maybe having more participants in spring 2022!
Together under a new roof - Making the tavern waterproof (again)!
The vague idea of a new tavern roof at the beginning of 2021 had to be realized before the summer camp in August. Almost all members of the TRP agreed to help on this project.
First, the construction materials were organized. After the preparation work, which took a lot of time and effort, the next phase could be initiated. So we were able to add a new, rainproof "hood" to our tavern on a beautiful sunny day. All in all, this was a very labor-intensive but triumphant day. In the following weeks the necessary small tasks were done and our project could finally be finished well in time for the summer camp.
At this point we would like to express our gratitude to all helpers and supporters once again. Special thanks to our sponsor "Manni", both for his voluntary commitment and his helping hands.
Some photos of the collaborative work are shown below.
Now our "gem" is waterproof and is waiting for all of us to come together again under one brand new roof.
Operation with heavy machinery: Removing old burdens
Around 2017, we had the idea to convert an old cooling trailer into a mobile workshop. Unfortunately, we could not put this into practice for various reasons. Since the wagon, which was already purchased at the time, took up a lot of crucial space and was not exactly an eye catcher, we decided: The darn thing has to go!
After a long time back and forth, we had found a buyer. Unfortunately, our trailer was no longer roadworthy and so we had to find a somewhat bigger transportation option for it. Finally, the buyer arrived with heavy machinery, so that he could take the thing on its journey home. With united efforts and help from the neighborhood, the trailer was finally loaded and transported away. I can tell you that it was an exciting afternoon. And all that just before our summer camp. But see for yourself:
Internal Authentic Camp in 2021: A TRP summer tale!
Our summer camp last year, was an internal camp - which was held only with members of the TRP. However, it was one of the best we had in Beaver Creek Valley. It was a great time. If you would like to learn more, quickly check out our blog post Authentic Camp 2021 – Modest but Great! There you can see the fantastic impressions. Here are a few pictures to refresh your memory.
The fort of the Fur Trade Company with new defense tower, briefly under flag of the "Royal Canadian Mounted Police"!
A look inside the ranch house of the McCay family!
October 2021 - A time travel to Pullman City in the Harz
Usually once or twice a year we are visiting our friends in the far away Pullman-City-Harz. For us, it's a welcome opportunity to catch up with old buddies and also meet new faces.
But this year, the tragic death of Pullman City manager Wolfgang Hagenberger overshadowed the usually so joyful gatherings.
Nevertheless, we would like to share a few impressions with you. Perhaps we will meet there again in 2022 for the spring rendezvous of the trappers and Indians.
Fall Rendezvous on Beaver Creek Valley
We inevitably brought our desire for more western-hobby in 2021 with us from Pullman City. Motivated, we therefore decided to spontaneously organize another internal autumn rendezvous.
Immediately after our trip, we therefore implemented this idea. Due to this last-minute decision, not everyone was able to follow the invitation, and so our second internal mini-camp was held.
We didn't have a lot of activities lined up for this gathering, but rather enjoyed a simple get-together. The interesting conversations and cooking together topped off the day. Afterwards we concluded the day with fun and good spirits in our tavern - that' s all you can ask for.
Yes, there is something: Our good friends of the TRP should not be missing next year. Maybe you enjoy the photos and you will be there next year.
Thanksgiving - A TRP Tradition Returns in 2021
The kick-off for our first TRP Thanksgiving celebration actually took place in November 2010. Due to many many cancellations because of the Christmas parties already running in parallel at that time, we simply moved this Thanksgiving day to February 2011. Already in 2020 we reported about our Thanksgiving celebrations in our blog post "Thanksgiving - Background of a Tradition".
In 2021, we could proudly look back on 10 years of TRP Thanksgiving events and many guests. We gladly remember, because each event was a highlight in itself!
Only the event in 2019 was held within a private group and, as everyone knows, the celebration in 2020 had to be cancelled altogether due to the Corona pandemic. All the more we were happy to receive the go-ahead from the authorities for this year. The event was allowed to take place under 3G in conformity with Corona regulations. In addition, we were able to invite guests to this private celebration again after a long time.
Unfortunately, the OK from the authorities came relatively late for the event. As a result, our invitation could only reach some of our friends in time. Even though it was again a relatively small festivity, we had a lot of fun and also excellent food!
Community! A reason for celebration
In keeping with our TRP tradition, all who attended were welcomed by Chet. After a short review of the year 2021 and an outlook for 2022, there followed the honoring of our birthday "kids" who were celebrating a anniversary birthday! All of them received a surprise with a small gift.
Chet congratulates the birthday boys: from left to right: Jakob - 10, Albert - 70, Dutchman - 60
Then the legendary roast turkey was dished up, prepared by our Albert Boone! We do not want to withhold from you what a treat that was!
To get the body going again after the rich meal, we held a "turkey shooting contest". Don't worry, we didn't shoot at real birds. Everyone was allowed to fire three shots at a paper target. Afterwards, the winner also didn't get a live bird, but a "food basket"!
Most of the evening we were musically entertained by the family band led by Ron Kelly. At this point again many thanks to Ron, Tanja and Achilles. Also the Two-Rivers Band "Sons of Erin" played some Irish ballads.
All in all, it was a very pleasant evening, with great conversations, fiery entertainment, great atmosphere, fantastic food, varied music and never-ending good mood. Now we only hope that this festivity can be repeated next year. But if so, then preferably within the large family circle - in other words, with our dear friends!
The end springs from the beginning - floods at the end of 2021
The way our year started, it unfortunately ended again. Water as far as the eye could see and no end in sight. Of course, this also meant that there was a lot of work ahead for spring 2022. But the maintenance of the terrain is also part of our hobby. We have set ourselves the goal - for ourselves and of course for our guests - to always present grounds with a wow effect. We also want to live up to this intention.
And with that, we close our TRP Review 2021. Corona has significantly shortened the times we were allowed to meet. But even if that was the case, we made good use of the time we had and can look back on an overall "satisfying" 2021 hobby year.
But what would a review be without an outlook? We also have many thoughts for 2022 and strongly hope that we can realize them.
An outlook on the year 2022 - normality or further states of states of exception?
It is now March 2022, the Corona pandemic is still present and Europe is under the shadow of a war in Ukraine. Many of the current developments are very rapid and we all do not know what is still to come.
Of course, we too cannot walk through the world with blinders on and look away from it all, because that would simply be wrong. What we can do, however, is stand together as a community in these difficult hours and pursue a common cause. While we have the opportunity to escape the daily grind with Beaver Creek Valley, we also have the opportunity to stand together in community among good friends.
We have a lot planned for 2022! Of course, the realization of these plans depends on the ongoing pandemic not throwing a spanner in the works again.
- For spring, we are planning a small "Spring Gathering" - an invitation will be sent out in due time.
- Furthermore, we intend, as far as possible, to create a hobby meeting with various topics on Sundays of each month. Also for this we will send personal invitations.
- At Easter and Whitsun we also want to visit other camps. We sincerely hope that our neighboring hobby friends will also be able to organize gatherings again.
- In summer we will have our big mixed camp again. We hope to welcome many of you to this event. We will announce the rules and regulations as soon as possible. You will also find the date in our calendar. Unfortunately, there will not be an open-door day this year - for well-known reasons. As you are used to, you will receive a personal invitation for the event.
- For the autumn rendezvous we hope for a lively participation this year. You will find the date in time here in our calendar.
- Last but not least, we want to end the year 2022 with our Thanksgiving Feast. Again, our goal is to have many hobbyists visit us as in years past.
Now we only hope that our plans for 2022 can also be realized and that everything will come true as we wish from the bottom of our hearts. We look forward to a lively and interesting hobby year in 2022, and we would be very happy if you respond to our call and let us welcome you once again with the words:
Welcome to Beaver Creek Valley!
Chet McCay & Colton White – Beaver Creek Pioneer
Photos by: Chet McCay, Gill McCay, Colton White, Robert Neuber, Tom Müller
