Prelude to Victory 2012

Palace Green overtaken by Washington's troops.

We apologize for seeming so negligent of this blog lately.  We've both been swamped with work and other things, and haven't had much time at all to devote to sewing or attending events, let alone to blogging about them!  Last weekend, however, was the annual Prelude to Victory event at Colonial Williamsburg, and we certainly didn't want to miss out on that!

This is the first year our regiment was invited to take part in this event (we've done Under the Redcoat in our British persona in the past), so we were all thrilled to be there to help perpetuate the amazing programming that CW puts together yearly to commemorate the victory at Yorktown.

Washington's Generals review the troops behind the Courthouse.

Saturday was an absolutely stunning day with ideal weather that was warm, sunny, and with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable as we stood out in the sunshine around the fire, chatting with visitors and sharing the stories and experiences of our Revolutionary troops.  While the number of regiments in attendance was significantly less than we've typically experienced at Under the Redcoat, we all remarked amongst ourselves how much more engaged and enthusiastic and genuinely interested the guests were.  We had visitors walking into camp in a constant stream, nonstop, throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions about everything from the early American ancestors we represent to our own modern-day motivations and experiences as reenactors.  The children, as always, were a delight to watch, learning 18th-century games and even helping me with my dish washing after lunch!  Strange how chores suddenly become fun in another century...(parents, take note!).  :-)

Me in front of the Palace with our regiment's flag.  I don't

have any action shots from camp because, of course,

I couldn't whip out the camera with all the visitors around!

The special part of Saturday was getting to spend time (I only wish I had more of it!) with Virginia friends who were also in town for the weekend, and making the acquaintance of the lovely Miss Lauren and her mum.  It was so nice to meet you both! I was also able to make a trip to the milliner's shop...but more on that (complete with pretty pictures) in a subsequent post!

That evening, we were treated to a lovely dinner by CW.  This was most appreciated on many levels; as one of the ladies in our group put it, "It's so nice just to know I don't have to cook and clean up another meal today!"  This was followed by a dance, and we all enjoyed the chance to relax and unwind and get acquainted with some of the other visiting reenactors.  Many thanks to the PTV organizers and the folks at CW for making us feel so welcome and at home during the weekend.

Returning to camp at the end of the day.

Sunday's weather was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum; cold rain and dark skies replaced the sun and 80-something-degrees that we'd enjoyed the day before.  I was incredibly glad that I thought to throw my cloak into the car because it certainly came in handy as we scurried from building to building throughtout the day in the midst of downpours, or huddled around the fire trying to dry out chilled and soaking feet.  We are nothing if not dedicated!  Colonial Williamsburg was fantastic about the weather, though.  All of the programs went on as normal, and as the day went on, the rain subsided and the guests were still able to enjoy the drilling and demonstrations put on by our troops.

Chatting in camp after "public hours" on Saturday evening,
preparing to head to dinner.

The only trouble with being part of the programming for events like these is that you tend to have to  miss a good deal of what goes on outside of camp, so I apologize for not having more to share than my own camp-side experience and these few photos!  But aside from one minor mishap (what's a trip to CW without a visit to the ER for our group?! (yes, everyone is just fine now!)), the weekend was a splendid one and we're all very much hoping to be able to attend again next year!

Palace Green.

A few additional photos can be found in this event's flickr set.