I traveled to Crystal River to witness the Civil War re enactment held there. My first order of business was to wander into the confederate camp to execute my first field sketch documenting the days events. Walking through the lines of canvas tents I immediately felt out of place with my 21st century jeans and shirt. I found a large shady tree in the center of camp and set up my chair at a polite southern distance. Men were discussing orders being waged for the upcoming battle and the difficulties of the constant drilling being done. I was almost finished with the sketch before anyone walked up to me and asked me if I was a northern spy. I if course denied the charge stating that I was working for Harper’s Weekly, the Journal of Civilization. I was asked about the brush I was using they had never seen the brightly colored material that it was made of. That material of course was plastic.
Life slows down the second you walk into camp. Camp fires were still burning and the simple choirs of cleaning dishes were still an ongoing task. I can feel myself being pulled back in time.
