Conclave 2004 Report

It was quite difficult for your correspondent to get enthusiastic about this year's conclave, for several reasons. The largest obstacle was undoubtedly the absence of several good friends; needing to work through the supposed vacation was a close runner-up. In fact, the temptation not to attend was fairly strong; but in the end, the thought of missing dear friends who would attend won out, and with the usual last-minute packing panics, we set off toward the wilds of Montana.

This was the first "repeating conclave" -- that is, a return to the scene of the crime, as our gracious hosts from last year's huge conclave had invited us to return. With terms for the use of the property worked out -- labor exchanged for use of resources -- we were hoping for a new twist on conclave activities. Working alongside our fellow freedom-lovers would provide a different context for learning about our comrades. As it turned out, much of the work wasn't done in a setting that allowed for such observation .... which is likely to everyone's benefit.

But work there was aplenty. Your correspondent sampled many varieties, including: milking goats; digging postholes; outhouse construction and erection; weeding (of appropriately Montanaesque proportions); machete-mowing; and general moving of heavy stuff. Most of the labor was satisfying, in that it produced visible results, as well as much-needed physical exercise. Despite years of computer work softening too many muscles, they responded when needed; hoisting bulky posts and corrugated aluminum on and off a pickup truck proved effortful, but not overly so. Fingers that once danced over flute keys protested the stroking of goat teats in order to get milk; but after the first halting effort, the task proved fairly easy, quite enjoyable, and rewarding.

Perhaps the most challenging -- and ultimately rewarding -- of the projects was the building of the shitter, as our hosts aptly referred to it. After last year's conclave of epic proportions, and the copious quantities of effluent that filled the rented porta-potties, atop the job list was building an outhouse adjacent to the camp site. The Owner had a plan for this, but was mum on its details as we gathered the materials. Posts, plywood, and corrugated aluminum were the principal materials, but the shitter's design remained elusive to your reporter's imagination. Once it all came together, the result -- albeit incomplete -- was an inspiring outhouse. Several steps (yet to be constructed -- a ladder served as a temporary approach) brought one to the, er, throne level; vaulting high above was the aluminum roof that arced to a point and allowed a beautiful vista. Somehow -- your reporter isn't quite sure how, owing to the effects of Rumple Minze on both brain and tongue -- a stained glass decoration suitable for the shitter was proffered and accepted.

And, now that Rumple Minze has been mentioned, it can be reported that two of those who attended the 2003 conclave remembered the promise to bring a favorite bottle of hooch for sharing at this year's event. Your correspondent, being light on favorites and heavy on fondness for peppermint, chose the aforementioned liquor; the other attendee to play along selected a fine double-barreled scotch. Somewhat surprisingly, the combination (not in the same glass, however) made for an evening of pleasurable conversation and drinking, without nasty aftereffects the following morn. This attendee didn't get entirely soused -- to the regret of some attendees -- but nevertheless demonstrated her tendency to be a happy tippler. The evening passed in fine conclave style, albeit with rather less conversation that leans toward flaming-s'more-tossing than is usual.

Don't misunderstand -- plenty of barbs were still tossed at various JBTs, particularly those in Ohio who kept one of our dearest from attending -- but whether due to the absence of certain friends, or the mindset of those present, hardcore political conversation was rather less abundant than at conclaves past. In some respects it seemed that those attending grokked that it's past time to shoot the bastards, and had less inclination toward high-brow theoretical philosophical pontificating. This was a welcome development for your correspondent, who has become more focused on personal liberty and self-sufficiency and less on Saving the World From Itself.

Once again, despite light attendance, the conclave spanned the U.S., with attendees coming from both coasts. A Lithuanian student also graced our presence, and seemed to enjoy the company as much as the wonderful, wild West. More so than in conclaves past, attendees went their separate ways to pursue various activities. This attendee had the good fortune to enjoy a warm afternoon adventuring with two very dear friends. After a stop at a used bookstore (and obligatory purchases therein), we cruised the countryside, enjoying the scenery, company, and the beautiful car made for cruising. Others ventured to Yellowstone, nearby hot springs, and a tubing excursion on one of the local rivers. The obligatory precious metal celebrations occurred on several days, and included introducing the Lithuanian to the joys of projectiles. She turned out to be a natural. The youngest shooter, a lad of almost six, tried his hand for the first time at a paper target and got both of his shots in the rings, to his delight.

The days passed very amiably. No flaming s'mores were observed, nor threatened -- not that much danger could have been had from one, as wet as our stay was. Unlike during last year's late summer visit, afternoon sprinkles and thunderstorms were common occurrences. The warmth of high summer was as fleeting as always in the mountains, however; two mornings greeted your correspondent with temperatures in the 30s F. For some, that was too cold; for others, a welcome bit of mountain life.

And a very appreciated bit of mountain living it seemed to be, for all who ventured to the 2004 conclave. Don Lobo and I thank those who came and made it such a pleasure to try to herd some of the cats. We hope to see you among the attendees at next year's festivities.

--Sunni Maravillosa

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