Since we have our brethren from across the water joining us for this year's Cirque, perhaps it would help to offer some history of the original Ronnyvous (as the trappers called it). Ronnyvous originated in 1825 in the American northern Rocky Mountains, around the headwaters of America's great rivers. Trappers would spend most of the year trapping beaver for fur, used to make hats, then meet once a year in a predetermined location for about a month to swap loot (pelts for food, liquor, beads, bullets, powder, and other necessities of mountain life), renew friendships, tell stories (mostly lies), settle scores, raise a little hell, and in general, enjoy the companionship of people who shared common interests and hardships. Rules were established to 'control' the rowdy (including the Native Americans), otherwise, they wouldn't be welcome next time (sound familiar). The Ronnyvous lasted until about 1842 when silk replaced beaver as the material of choice for hats. For this weekend's 'Rendezvous', trading material isn't the same, but the comraderie will certainly match that exhibited by the mountain men. Thanks to Dale for hosting this wild bunch. Lou Deeter, "packing up the mules" Orlando FL