If things had gone the way the were supposed to, instead of writing this post, I would be at Howard Days enjoying a nice dinner, listening to Roy Thomas giving his Guest of Honor speech, and wondering if I would win all my bids in the silent auction. But as you are probably aware, nothing this year has gone the way it was supposed to.

But it hasn’t been a total loss. Last year John Bullard pitched the idea of making a trek to Fort McKavett the day before Howard Days started.  There’s a picture of Bob taken on a trip he made to Fort McKavett.  That’s it there on the left. Finding the ruins and having your picture taken there has become something a thing in Howard fandom. John’s idea, which I would like to thank  him for inviting me to help with, was to organize a trip to Fort McKavett, visit the spot location in the picture, and take pictures. Since we would be leaving from Cross Plains, stopping at the Howard grave site in Brownwood would be included.

John and I were going to meet there over Spring Break to scout things out, but then there was pandemic. By that time, Jason M. Waltz, publisher of Rogue Blades, had joined the expedition. Since things have loosened up we decided to try again. We ended up going yesterday, June 11. This was the original date. It was also the date of Bob’s death.

Word had gotten out to Howard fans within an approximately two hour’s driving distance, and a few more people showed up.  (I was in San Angelo on family business, or I wouldn’t have been able to make it. I live too far away for Fort McKavett to be a day trip.)

l. to r., Patrice, Matthew, John, Jason, Keith

The group consisted of John, me, my son, Jason, his friend Matthew, Patrice Louinet, his girlfriend Stephanie, and her son. We met at the Fort. Once everyone got there, we moseyed over to the ruins. Those who wanted a picture took turns having their picture taken in the spot Bob stood. The ruins have become more ruined since Bob’s visit. Then those who wanted had a group picture taken.

The buildings were closed, but we looked in the windows and explored the ruins. John asked if I had any plans to reboot Dispatches From the Lone Star Front. Sadly, I don’t. The time needed to run that blog the way I would want to isn’t there. I would want  more in-depth, semi-scholarly content.

Presidio de San Saba

After that we went to the Presidio de San Saba. There’s not a lot to see there. The ruins aren’t extensive, but there is a nice pavilion where we enjoyed a picnic lunch. John generously provided most of the food (thank you, sir), but everyone brought drinks, fruit, and snacks and shared. We lamented not being able to see everyone at Howard Days, but I think everyone was glad we were able to get together. I was.

We ended the day by driving to Mason to look at what little remains of Fort Mason and take pictures at the statue of Old Yeller in at the library. Fred Gipson, the author of Old Yeller, was from Mason.

By this time the afternoon was waning, so we said our goodbyes and hit the road.

Folks, it was a pleasure to see you and spend the day with you.

We’re talking about reconstructing Bob’s trip to Lincoln, New Mexico next year. No, seriously.