Mountain men reign over Cyr
<p>"Two-Talks" attempts to throw a hatchet between two trees and into his target at the Mountain Man Rendezvous in Cyr. </p>
CYR – Every Memorial Day weekend, the Sapphire Mountain Men group instinctively meet in a secluded area in Cyr, leaving the present behind while walking back into the past.
The dusty trail from the parking area leads directly into the main village, past Tin Teepee, or the RVs and into Meadow Muffins, which is for the campers who use a teepee or just a sleeping bag.
There on the path one will find people from other lands as far as Seattle, dressed from the old Rendezvous Era, selling furs and knives.
Spectators may watch the men and women compete in knife throwing games, or shoot some of the old weaponry.
Historically, the Rendezvous Era started as a means of trading beaver furs to keep up with European demand during the 1840s.
The group is based out of Missoula, and travels to different events at various times throughout the year. This marks the 33rd year of the Sapphire Mountain Men, which reorganized 18 years ago, according to Debi Tomell, secretary for the group.
“It’s not just a shooting club, but members also learn history,” Tomell said. “Members reproduce old leather, fur and blacksmith items.”
Those in attendance are encouraged to dress primitively to the Rendezvous Era. The competitions over the weekend award points for adequate dress. Tomell said the catch is that you have to be in primitive attire the whole time.
“There are 55 members in the club right now, although only five or six only do the primitive camping,” Tomell said.
Tomell defines primitive camping as throwing a sleeping bag out on the ground. Others also camp primitively in teepees, while some bring RVs to have the same feeling of home.
The mountain men group is also instrumental in educating Boy Scouts and 4H groups in black powder shooting, while also teaching history of the Rendezvous Era.
“The group has been coming up to Cyr for 23 years, and do so because they have a good relationship with the Forest Service and can attain a permit quite easily,” Tomell said. “It’s a beautiful spot to camp in, and there’s a safe back stop for shooting.”
While there is a big emphasis on safety, the group is there to promote family fun as well.
When you least expect it, the candy cannon brings kids running.
A small cylinder is loaded with candy, packed with a type of explosive and candy is shot up into the air.
The group celebrates the coming of each night with good food over an open fire in the different villages, stories and laughter. The camp came to a close on Memorial Day with a flag ceremony. After, campers pack up a part of history and leave with the memory of another rendezvous year.
The drones of cars carry this clan out and back to the big city only to ready them for the next adventure.
“There are huge volumes of these clubs across the country,” Tomell said. “Ours meets at least once a month.”