Listening to the Canadian Geese honking at the beginning immediately had me hooked. Memories of sitting in makeshift hunt blinds along the St. Vrain River; watching and listening for the rising flocks on cold Autumn mornings, we hoped for a flight to come our way.... This was back in the late 1970's and early 1980's before most all of these lands have turned into modern suburbs. Ceran and Marcellin St. Vrain were French traders. They worked with William Bent, who built an adobe fort on the eastern plains of what is now the State of Colorado. The St. Vrain brothers were connected to the the 1804-1806 Louis and Clark Expedition. I like to think that hunting along these waters, we were following in the footsteps of those early trappers and traders. Peter, thanks for all that you do to keep our early settlement history alive!

@bilbobaggins7467

3 ай бұрын

One of the best comments I've heard I a while,melancholic and real...nice comment.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I thank you for sharing the story, you actually had me there in spirit!

Thank you for featuring the School of the Longhunter in your video, Peter! For anyone interested, The School of the Longhunter will be held April 10-13, 2025 at Pricketts Fort in Fairmont, WV. Fairmont is located about 15 minutes south of Morgantown.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

It was my pleasure and I’d like to thank you and Heather for your dedication to the fort and the hobby of living history.

Appreciate the shoutout, Peter! It was so good to see you again. This is a great video as always!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Any time my friend. I find your content fascinating. I’ll be holding you to that trek in September 2025. I start a group with those interested and it will allow a format to work out the logistics.

Always love the history. My father's family is from Morgantown Wva. Need to visit that area to visit the fort and find my grandfathers grave who died in a coal mine at 23 when Dad was just 5. Hope to see a strong gathering at the Kelly's fort in the future!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Interesting family history. We have a wee bit of help on the way.

Soul stirring tunes and stories ,,,but somewhat sad as Americans have lost ,, for the most part ,,that frontier courage .

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

They are indeed,but I think the spirit in many still remains.

It was good to meet you Peter. We didn't get a chance to talk it was a very busy weekend. We had a great time as always. I hope to see you their next year.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Wild horses couldn’t keep away. It was my pleasure to meet you, sir.

wonderful history lesson

Peter, Once again another amazing video. I love history and just plain old learning things. Pricket's Fort is now on my bucket list once I'm retired and the honey dew list isn't to long! Thanks and Be Safe.

@TheWoodlandEscape

16 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. I’ll most likely see you there this coming April, assuming they’ll have me.

Hey Peter! WOW! Simply WOW! What a time to live & how brave were the folks who lived on the frontier! WOW! I'm looking forward to Part 2!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

JEEPERS! The like of your 'time' Peter, are beginning to swell in numbers. People who appreciate the 'fact' that yesteryear was work, but also the purest of joys in a life that had true 'meaning'. This was very enjoyable and I thank the fine hands of Empress Catherine for artfully capturing this journey. Your summer moccasins look very dapper. I wonder how many pair can be made from one hide? The ignorant take walks in nature (such as myself) and then...the 'homesteader-types' look at everything around them for 'potential use'. I think it might be a bit harder for 'your kind' to simply 'chill' in nature. LOL! "Sometimes neither a friend nor a psychologist can enter the depths of your soul, but only the flames of a candle or a fireplace." (Mehmet Murat ildan). Health and blessings, dear ones! :)

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Marvelous quote. I can stare at a fire for hours and not see or hear anything but the fire. How many moccasins from a Buffalo hide, I’d say literally dozes. Cathy can make even my footage look good, lol.

Looks like a great time. Beautiful countryside. Thanks for taking us along!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Our pleasure!

Looks like you had a wonderful time!!! The wife and I went to the market fair at Fort Frederick and Big pool Maryland, beautiful old French and Indian stone Fort. They had excellent artisans and craftsman. We are going to colonial Williamsburg tomorrow morning and we are very excited. Been there many times but never gets old.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I did indeed. Only been to Williamsburg once, many years ago, but loved it.

Outstanding presentation, Peter! Your videography makes me want to go change into my frontier attire and clean one of my flintlocks while re-watching this episode! Bravo!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

That’s hilarious. I certainly appreciate your interest in our endeavour .

Wow Peter, what a grand experience. History in real time!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Indeed it is!

It was great to meet and talk to you there. Can't Wait to see you again next year. It was one of the best camps.I've ever been to.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks! You too!

Wonderful seeing you and so many others again. It’s gotten to be a reunion with many, complete with bear hugs and hearty backslaps. So happy to see you people getting into this hobby! Until next year…

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Yes! Thank you!

I do love West Virginia!! Just spent a fortnight out camping her hills and rivers! Glad ye made it to visit and hope you do so again!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

It is beautiful. In my younger years I rock climbed a lot at Seneca Rock and New River Gorge.

What wonderful and historical and interesting Fun! History in the books is interesting but the personal stories are even better, right from the horses mouth. Those letters and diaries from our ancestors are the very best. Those many many lives that make up the amazing stories of the joys and hardships and the reason for our lives of today. Thanks be to all those people of the past, the Indigenous as well as the Pioneers! Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I totally agree!

Another excellent video. Mr. Spisak, like yourself, is a wealth of information. I'm glad to see your subscriber numbers growing. You and Cathy put out some of the best content on KZread.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

So nice of you to say.

Thanks for the 2024 tour of the school! Glad you had a good time and safely made it back to Station!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You should put it on your list for next year.

@deniscaron1306

3 ай бұрын

@@TheWoodlandEscape I will. Do they already have the date? To bad this year I was already booked for this fingerweaving workshop...

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

@@deniscaron1306 Have to get back to you.

Exceptional! I always enjoy these historical videos.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

We thank you for your interest.

Oh, I enjoyed this video so much!! I can only imagine how much you enjoyed being there! Blessings.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

It is an amazing event. One to have on your list of things to do if your passion is history.

Great video Peter! We had a great time sharing stories and Being spoiled by Bruce and Lisa's delicious food! Larry is a real treasure! I love the footage you got of me cutting up that very harsh and strong tobacco. That was a rough smoke! 😆 Can't wait to see you next year! -Bill

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Bill and until next year, take care. Oh yeah, stay away from Wyoming the winter.

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Would love to make the trip someday. Great bit of history. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!you’d not be disappointed. Watch yer top knot.

That was a real treat. Thank you.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Lovely memories of a lovely time spent with lovely folks.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Indeed!

Outstanding! Thank you!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

Thanks for another great video, Peter

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Very welcome

Very interesting and informative vid ! Thank you, I appreciate it a lot 👍

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Enjoyed it, Peter. Thank you.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Very welcome

I really enjoyed this!!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I find it a very peaceful time watching your stories, THANK YOU 😁

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

That certainly looked like fun! Thanks for sharing!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I am always impressed at your ability to make this look so easy.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I fumble along my friend, it’s Cathy who really works the magic.

Very nice. I was glad to see some younger folks in the early part of the clip. I live in Montana and the mountain men were by and large very young. Probably much of the frontier was like that. I bicycle up an old stage route known as “old woman’s grave road.” The grave in question holds Charity Dillon ( probably an alias - the song “ What was your name in the States” has some truth) who ran an inn there. She was 32 when she died in 1872. Though Boone, Bridger and Kenton lived a long life I suspect that was not the norm, and I worry that young people today don’t have the same fascination with this historical period as previous generations. Thanks for promoting this era.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Sadly I believe you’re right about the younger folks, but I remain optimistic as I’m seeing a slow resurgence. Great story, thanks for sharing.

This was wonderful! 😍😍

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 😊

That was a fantastic video, thanks for taking the time to make it!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great video Peter and Kathy, never knew anything about this. So much of our past seems to be disappearing. Take care and keep your powder dry

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

😊 Thanks. Watch yer top knot!

As usual, enjoyed the video of the tour of Pricket’s Fort and the history lesson by Larry. Thanks for sharing Peter. All the best! Cheers!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

It was a grand video thank you

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you.

How wonderful and so fun is this episode, the American Continent is so blessed with such a rich heritage. Presentation was awesome. Gotta get me one of them thar Colonial Pipes!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Indeed!

Thank You ...

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching.

So disappointed I wasn't able to go, but definitely next year!

I was born and raised in southern West Virginia and lived there till I was 32. I go back home at least 2times a year, one time is to get Ramps that will be the 10 of May.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I absolutely love the state!

What a step back in time. That made me feel like I was actually part of the festivities. I'm sure you felt like you were transported back to that time period, actually being there in the commons and listening to the music. Everyone relaxing, talking and having a smoke. I looked up Pricket's Fort and I'm only a few hours away, this will definitely be on my trip list. Thanks so much this video Mr. Peter.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Well said, it is definitely worth a visit … great site, great people!

That was a great back in time. Some day, I've got to get out to a event such as that . Outstanding. Thanks for the trip.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You should, it is a very educational event if you’ve a passion for history.

great video. very interesting commentary. thank you.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Always a pleasure seeing your videos. Thanks Peter. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, old fellow!

Good to hear the history of the Fort.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Larry sure knows the local history.

Creating a high-quality video such as this requires a combination of creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail.

@lawrencekeller6029

3 ай бұрын

Thanks to Cathy 😄😂

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

That would be Cathy’s magic!

Thank You, Sir!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

And I thank you for your interest.

great as always. wished for years to get there,,,,,,,,,,

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’ll not be disappointed.

That was incredibly interesting! It was great listening to the guy telling the story in the cemetery! Excellent video!!!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Larry’s knowledge of the local history is amazing.

That wasn't just a wee bit of history. That was a whole lotta history. Before I was married and became a dairy farmer I use to do CW reenacting. I always wanted to get into the colonial reenacting but I think that ship has sailed for me. I've often thought of building a cabin, such as yours, and having a night here and there but it's the camaraderie that I'd miss. I loved the music, dancing and fireside chats. I get great enjoyment out of yours and other channels. Thanks for posting Pete!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You hit the nail on the head when you refer to the camaraderie, some of the very best people are into the hobby. Thanks for your interest.

wonderful video!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Thank you

@TheWoodlandEscape

2 ай бұрын

You’re most welcome, thanks for watching.

It was very interesting and informative as usual, but you had me doubting myself on what day it was. You are my calendar. I thought that I missed most of the week. 😆 I had to double check what day it was. 😆 Can't go messing with a senior mind Peter.🤪🙃 See you Friday. 🫡 💛 from 🇨🇦

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You will indeed see another this a Friday and I’m flattered by your comments.

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY United States of America my friend and everyone else

That was an interesting gathering. The evening gathering video was very nicely done. The first white lady to cross the Alleghenies and her family history was cool to learn. I bet Peter was quite enthralled with the living history at such a historical place. I worked in Pittsburgh, PA and traveled that area a lot. It's beautiful country.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it and I was captivated by the whole event.

Excellent !

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

This place is right in my back yard and I'm never able to get there for one reason or another. Lord willing and the crick don't rise I'll be there next year.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’ll not be disappointed!

I found your channel via Alex and I have really come enjoy both channels very very much. I am in the Ohio river valley so this time period really hits home for me.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard! Alex’s content is awesome.

Great to meet you Peter.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

And you, sir!

I hope to attend this next year!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Look forward to meeting you.

That was great you guys . I miss reenactments

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Kelly. The best thing about re-enactments is the people!

Very interesting...I believe in past life

Looks like fun I am in SW Virginia and will try to visit

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’ll not be disappointed.

Amazing video !!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Awesome video

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Let me recommend a cemetery to visit on the way next year. West Liberty Cemetery in West Liberty and the final resting place of many Revolutionary War veterans. Two others are the Short Creek Methodist Church Cemetery on Short Creek and the Wilson Cemetery up on the bluffs of the Ohio River north of Warwood.

@TheWoodlandEscape

2 ай бұрын

I thank you for the recommendation and I’ll be adding it to my list.

What a great time that must have been. Enjoyed the young man playing the bones. I play bones. My bones are from Ireland. Made by a gentleman who takes great care making them. I made a pair and it is a lot of work to make them but fun doing it.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

It was indeed. I need to research these bones a wee bit and perhaps make a pair.

@beverlymichael5830

3 ай бұрын

@@TheWoodlandEscape that are fun to play. It looks east but it does take a lot of practice. I went to the local beef processor and they gave me an entire side of cow ribs. Then I picked the area to find enough for two of the right size. Shape and thickness. Cut them. But lots of boiling and then sanding. You would have fun making a pair.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

@@beverlymichael5830 So cool! Might have to give it a go.

I have to visit.

What a fantastic place and such interesting people, in a couple of weeks I hope to be moving into a late 1700s house unfortunately its in England but in the beautiful Scottish border country.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Sounds perfect!

Any thoughts on doing a video of your summer moccasins? They look interesting. Thanks for covering the School of the Longhunter. I would love to attend someday.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the idea! I should have filmed the construction. Perhaps this winter when I need inside projects.

Hi Peter. Hope all is well. I want to thank you for setting a fire under my butt. Since I talked to you, I have been researching my relatives who were in the french and indian and the Revolutionary War.thank you again.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

That is great… perhaps someday you’ll share some of your stories.

very good peter

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you.

Huuuuyyyyyyyyyyyy huuuufffffffffffff el mejor video q le he visto

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

That’s a compliment, thank you.

Hope you can come to New England Someday.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Hope to get down there next year.

I hope this group will soon be able to visit your fort for a long weekend event . You may need to build a larger structure to accommodate the crowds!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

The more the merrier … the door is open and the fire burning.

dang im right across the river from wv in ohio id love to do something like that one day soon.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’d not be disappointed.

Great video as always, also do you know where to buy late 18th century and early 19th century clothing online? Along with gear like belts and such.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Google 18th century reproduction clothes. There are many, like Sampson Historical and Townsends.

Will you be at Martin Station again this year? Planning on attending and hanging with the surveyor company.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I’m afraid not, I’ll be at a wedding in Missouri.

@dianenorkus9906

3 ай бұрын

@@TheWoodlandEscape I think I know where you're going.

A very Ince and interesting Video of this Time , very very nice 👍👍👍👍👍👍

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Always wanted to do that event. Unfortunately, my caregiver duties prohibit overnight stays now. Day treks or hunts are difficult enough.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I admire your professionalism!

Pete you try our old minds putting a video in the middle of the week LOL Want make this one next year. I will give you a call and talk about it. Great video Peter be safe out there.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’ll not be disappointed.

@lawrencekeller6029

3 ай бұрын

Anyone can go do you have to be invited or sign up fill out application and pay the fees????

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

@@lawrencekeller6029 There is a modest fee, but sign up early, numbers are limited.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

@@lawrencekeller6029 Anyone,but sign up early.

@lawrencekeller6029

3 ай бұрын

@@TheWoodlandEscape so when does next years sign up start???? do you know?

U met a friend of mine at prickets fort Steve Lubanovic

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Yes I did and you sir have a gem of a friend!

@cavemanbushcraftsurvival6736

3 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy the fort is starting to look good can't wait to see it all done but I know you got a long ways to go and a lot more logs to do

Howdy Peter Mr. Spisak said that there were " look outs " on the Indian trails and would have an alarm in case of Indians ..... What would they use ? they are way in the woods and other were so far away ... and no WIFI !! lol .... I'm curious they just send someone running? Love this video you did.... That Fort is awesome . Is that building were the music was playing original?

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

The building is reconstructed and yes, runners were commonly used. Thanks for watching.

Was that Mr. Townsend eating?

Wish I knew ahead of time this was going on in my state I would have went.

@heatherschneider6334

3 ай бұрын

School of the Longhunter will be held April 10-13 2025. Join us!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I’m in if you’ll have me again.

I think that I'm related to Issac Hill who is buried there at Prickertt's Fort. Believe that I come across his name.when researching my family history.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Marvelous to have known family history back that far.

@raymondhill7636

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Peter. I've always had a longing to learn more about the Fur Trade Era than what I was taught in school, maybe if Issac Hill is a relative that maybe the source. Always felt that I was born 200 years too late, born in 1955. Also my family hails from West Virginia. As far as I know they have been there since 1750s

We have Daniel Morgan square in Sc are they related?

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

I don’t know I’m afraid.

16:48 a bottle of Ros`e?

Most importantly, did you pick up recipes for how they made whisky!

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

Oh my,I already versed in it, lol!

❤😊

I live in West Virginia descendent of Zackary Morgan

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You’ve some historical blood in your veins. By all accounts he was a great man.

👍

To be fair, David Morgan was on Indian ground. Not the other way around.

@whiskeymonk4085

3 ай бұрын

Contested ground owned by the victor.

❤😊😊

Wado!

Should be a heavy shroud of pipe tobacco smoke in the air around the violinist......aah I can almost smell it.... the dried onion, garlic, hanging from the rafters ,the spilt ale premeateing from the oak flooring...and yes " the odor of salt pork,fish and venison....yep you can see your breath in the cold room until you get fireside,hence the heavy garb worn by the patrons of of this wonderful refuge ,amidst the howling unforgiving wilderness.

@TheWoodlandEscape

3 ай бұрын

You sir have summed up the entire atmosphere of an 18th century tavern!