TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL CAMPOUT
Thursday, July 10th to Monday, July 14th

Last year we celebrated our 20th Anniversary. This year, our 21st Anniversary, we could say we were now old enough to vote-----if it were 1970. The 26th Amendment was enacted on July 1st, 1971 setting the voting age as 18. So we say it is our 21st Anniversary….Period! But we’re proud of that accomplishment!

I’m certain that many are wondering about the BTKOG OUTLAW GAZETTE for 2008. Jan Girand, our talented Editor, had the Gazette ready for the printer, but disaster struck! Jan’s house burned down and destroyed their computers, cars and household possessions. Jan and husband Dan have been struggling to get their life back together as they rebuild their home and try to replace the destroyed items. At the recent BTKOG Board of Directors meeting in Capitan in April, Jan said her goal was to get the Gazette out before the Annual Campout in July. She is one courageous and busy lady as she juggles many burdens---and doesn’t complain nearly as much as I would! Our hats are off to you, Jan!!

The anticipation for the coming of the July Campout always goes hand in hand with a count- down for the arrival of the Summer Monsoons. Traditionally the Campout is held at Cedar Creek Campground #2, but every year is nail biting time to learn if the Lincoln National Forest will be closed because of extreme fire danger. This year is a little more fragile. The Forest has already been closed and will not re-open until the rain gods dump a bunch of rain. Also this year there is a new twist. Our Reservation Fee has been returned and if the Forest opens this summer, everyone has to re-apply for the desired dates and location. Why this was done is anyone’s guess. Maybe it is a result of one of those conspiracies the politicians keep mentioning. Whatever the outcome, the July 10th to July 14th Dates will hold.

So all is still full steam ahead for the Campout! There is a Plan ‘A’ and a Plan ‘B’ in effect to take care of any situation.

It will be important to check the BTKOG Website or Lucas Speer’s Website to learn which location will host the Campout.

Website of the BTKOG:
http://www.billythekidoutlawgang.com/

Lucas Speer’s Billy the Kid Discussion Board: http://disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/167540.html#36332

There is a favor that we would greatly appreciate. If you plan to join us for the campout, would you send us an email indicating that you plan to come and the size of your party? This is nothing binding, just a gesture that will aid us in our planning! The BTKOG e-mail address is:

BTKOG e-mail Address billythekid_outlawgang@yahoo.com

If you would rather talk with a real live person, call one of the numbers listed below. (You wont even have to punch some other numbers!)

Several phone numbers are listed. The ones listed will be familiar with any change of plans or can answer other questions.

Bob Sproull (915) 598-9277
Jan Girand (575) 623-4705
Chris Jones (505) 866-1040

PLAN ‘A’ Cedar Creek Campground #2 Ruidoso, NM

The Cedar Creek Campground is situated in a beautiful grove of tall pine trees. There is a hardtop road into the Campgrounds and the Map accompanying this Newsletter will direct you to the site. There is room for a half dozen or so trailers in the parking lot and plenty of room for additional trailers in a road looping out of the parking lot. Tent camping under the tall pines is permitted, but all gear must be hand carried to the campsite. There is a rule against any off road driving.

Facilities include a co-ed toilet, a water spigot, and a large covered Pavilion. Shade tarps, several car shelters and a small fancy shelter (the Dick Taters Palace) will be in place for shelter from the sun and perhaps the rain. There are no trailer hookups. so bring your own generator for electricity.

Dogs on leashes are permitted. Loaded firearms are not permitted.

It is a beautiful spot for the kids. Occasionally bears are sighted but they have never given us trouble. The Forest Service keeps a close eye on them.

A Ranger will brief us on staying safe.

For those wishing to Motel it, there are accommodations in Ruidoso, Capitan and Lincoln. The number of the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce is (575) 257-7395. This is a resort area and getting reservations ahead of time is recommended.

Plan ‘B’ Valley of Fires Recreation Area Capitan, NM

This is one of the most unusual campsites you will find. Below is the description of the facilities.

The map at the end of this Newsletter shows the location of this alternate to Cedar Creek--in case Mother Nature forgets to rain. This area will not be closed because of fire danger! It sits on the northern portion of a lava flow. (Well, it was flowing about a 1000 or so years ago.) The flow is 44 miles long and up to five miles wide. There was no volcano. The lava came up through vents. The area is known as the Malpais.

For some reason the plants don’t know they should have a tough time growing here and there is an amazing diversity in plant life. And the little beasties love it, too. All kinds of nooks and crannies in which to hide…..and a food chain for all. The constant breeze is said to discourage annoying flying insects. (In a half dozen or more visits to the Camp area, the breeze has always been there.) Marked trails wander out into the Malpais from the camp area and have plaques or signs explaining what you are viewing.

There is a nice Co-ed toilet near the large pavilion reserved for us. And, for those needing a shower, there is a large shower house a short drive from our camp area. Generators will be needed for electricity. We are assured that it will be no problem for those needing to run their generators through the night. If this is where we go, do remember to bring chairs and tables. There are trailer sites with hookups (there is a charge) away from our camp area that can be reserved, but they are a half mile or so from where we will be. We will be permitted to park trailers and pitch tents on the off road area around the Pavilion. If tent camping, bring pads for under your sleeping bags. Some areas are a little on the rocky side.

The hosts for The Valley of Fires are Les and Janet Withers. They recently returned to the camp after a three month sabbatical---------to go fishing. (My kind of people!) Their phone number is: (575) 648-2241 You couldn’t find more gracious Hosts!!

For those who will be staying in a Motel, the list below includes the Name, Telephone Number and Address of the Motels in Carrizozo.

  • Chaparral Motel 102 Central Ave. (575) 648-1196
  • Four Winds Motel 101 Highway 380 (575) 648-2356
  • Rainbow Inn 101 Central Av. (575) 648-4006
  • Sands Mote l& RV Park 1400 Central Ave. (575) 648-2989


    • Carrizozo is not a bustling metropolis, but don’t sell it short. There is a lot of New Mexico History tied into those streets. It is the County seat---and the story of that donnybrook should interest anyone!! You will not be far from many other interesting sites:

  • Ruidoso is about 37 miles to the Southeast of Carrizozo.
  • Lincoln is about 32 miles East of Carrizozo on NM 380.
  • Capitan is about 20 miles East of Carrizozo on NM 380.
  • White Oaks is about 13 miles Northeast of Carrizozo.


    • White Oaks will be the destination of the Field Trip on Friday. Lucas Speer will ramrod this expedition, and when Lucas does it, it is done right! Touring a village that was so closely tied to the history of Billy the Kid will be an added bonus to the Campout. The town has a long and tangled history. It has made a comeback as an art colony and retirement site.

    Thumbnail Schedule of Campout

    Thursday, 10 July
  • Early Bird Arrival.
  • Begin setting up Camp.
    •

    Friday, 11 July
  • Complete Campground Set-up.
  • Registration and Dues
  • Name Tag creation.
  • Erect Tipi
  • Silent Auction
  • Field trip to White Oaks
  • Pot luck Supper
  • Musical Entertainment


    • Saturday, 12 July
  • Continue Registration
  • Kids’ Games
  • Adults’ Games
  • Speakers
  • End of Silent Auction
  • Supper furnished by BTKOG.
  • Musical Entertainment


    • Sunday, 13 July
  • Members’ Meeting (A.M.)
  • Hang out & clean up campground


    • Monday, 14 July
  • Clear Campground by Noon.

    •  Full Details of Campout

    Many of you are fully aware of the things that go on at the Campout as you have returned ---like the Swallows to Capistrano------year after year. It is a great place to meet old friends and have the chance to discuss the many facets of the life of Billy and Pat Garrett! No matter what you believe you will find those of like mind, and those with different opinions. And in a congenial atmosphere!!

    Drive into the camping area, greet friends and pick your spot. Look for the big "Registration" sign when you get ready to register. At that table you will sign in your party and pay your $20 per car registration fee. This is a one time fee and you can then come and go as you like. (A small windshield sticker will identify you as having paid.)

    Next to the Registration table will be the table for "Membership Dues". Membership runs from July 1st to June 30th and now is the ideal time to pay. (If you are not a member we urge you to join.) The Dues are the fuel that permits the Gang to continue from year to year—and get to be 21 years old! The Membership fee schedule is listed below:

    Within the USA
  • Individual $25
  • Per couple or family $30
    Outside the USA
  • Individual $30
  • Per couple or family $35

    After visiting the Registration (and, we hope, the Membership Table) comes a very important Stop!!

    "The Nameplate Factory". Ron Hadley initiated this tradition as he would brilliantly insult all as he would make the name tag with a humorous statement below the name. Now each participant makes their own name tag and the club supplies all the raw ingredients. And it is now a do-it-yourself operation. Trophies are offered for the best tags! The name tag is very important. You must wear a nametag to enter the Games or any of the BTKOG sponsored events!

    Meals are important and you need to know what to expect.
    The meal schedule is listed below:

    THURSDAY
  • All meals are on your own.

    FRIDAY
  • Breakfast. Coffee and Donuts furnished by the BTKOG
  • Lunch On your own.
  • Potluck Supper. The Gang will furnish the meat If you wish join in the Evening meal, bring a dish.

    SATURDAY
  • Breakfast Coffee and Donuts furnished by the BTKOG
  • Lunch Fixed Menu Offering. (One choice)
  • $4 per Adult.
  • $3 per child.
  • Soft drink $1.
  • Ice Cream. (If all goes well.) $0
  • Supper Furnished by the BTKOG. Menu to include Elk (Furnished by Joe) The rest of the menu is being determined by Cookie, AKA Bill Allen, our resident Gourmet Chef.

    SUNDAY
  • Breakfast Coffee and Donuts furnished by the BTKOG.
  • Lunch On your own
  • Supper On your own (Subsidized by left overs.)

    MONDAY
  • Breakfast On your own.

    Carrizozo is only a few miles east of the campground. There are restaurants and fast food places in Carrizozo.

    The Games

    The Games are always a fun filled experience. The Kids’ Games will be held Saturday Morning. This year the mix of games will be a little different from previous years. The challenge to excellence will include:

    1. Washer Toss
    2. Spur Toss
    3. Knife Throwing. (Very closely monitored!!)

    The Adult Games will be the same. They will be held following the completion of the kids’ games and, depending on when the kids finish, will probably be held in the late morning and after lunch.

    During Lunch we hope to have a Speaker from the Valley of Fires Recreation Area tell us about the history of the Malpais and the Recreation Area or a speaker from the Lincoln National Forest, if the Campout is there, to tell us about the forest.

    After the Games are completed, "Several Speakers" are scheduled. On tap are Elizabeth Fackler, (Author), Jan Girand, (Author), Lucas Speer, (Website Co-Master)Bob Sproull will give a short review of books. (If there is time that needs filling.) Each talk will be followed by a short Question and Answer period.

    The Silent Auction was briefly mentioned earlier. The purpose of the Auction is no secret. It is held to help put a few more sheckles in the Treasury! All items on this table are donated, and we would be pleased if you would be moved to donate an item. The theme is “Donate an item you would want to bid on!” This year there will likely be fewer items, but ones you will hopefully covet---along with several other campers!! The Auction will end after the speakers finish on Saturday after- noon.

    On Sunday Morning a Members Meeting is held. All are invited to attend. Any suggestions are welcomed covering any phase of our activities. We are always open to new ideas.

    This is the day that the campout participants begins to break camp and head home. We have always prided ourselves as leaving our campground cleaner than when we arrived! We would be most grateful if you carefully police your area before leaving!

    After the Members Meeting, the task of repacking the trailer and dismantling the camp begins. This is a peaceful time without a schedule. A time to “Hang Out” and have fun.

    Monday is known as the Hadley Day. (Ask him about it!) The camp must be cleared by 12:00 Noon.

    ODDS AND ENDS
    Friends of Pat Garrett
    Check out this site for some interesting material about Pat Garrett. (Cal Traylor brought it to my attention.) The Board of Directors of the BTKOG has expressed concern about preserving the site of Pat Garrett’s murder. The Friends of Pat Garrett have been actively engaged and can be congratulated on what they have already accomplished!! The City Council and the developer of the Vistas at Presidio II have agreed to preserve the Pat Garrett Shooting site and marker and set aside space for a monument to Pat Garrett.

    You will find a picture of the marker placed by Jarvis Garrett in the late 1930s to identify the place of the murder. Unfortunately vandals have left only bits of concrete, according to Cal. The site should be marked and an appropriate monument placed. Do you suppose that those historical and other groups sharing the Grants from the State of New Mexico to promote Billy the Kid and Tourism would consider making a donation toward that end???? (If the BTKOG ever got such a windfall, it would surely be a prime consideration of the Gang!!)

    BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!!!

    Interest in the doings of Billy is not waning! In 2007 and 2008 we were presented with a steady stream of new books. The ones that followed me home are:

    2007-2008

    1. Bob Alexander - Lawmen. Outlaws and Sob’s. Vol II , Classic Gunfighters. Vol. III
    3. Chris Ennis - Tales Behind the Tombstones
    4. Pat Garrett - Authentic Life of BTK. Frontier Classic Library
    5. Kaye E. Donald - Nathan Augustus Dudley
    6. Barbara Marriott - Outlaw tales of New Mexico
    7. Fred Nolan -- Tascosa
    8. Fred Nolan - Billy the Kid Reader
    9. Corey Recko - Murder on the White Sands
    10. Lynda A. Sanchez - Eve Ball, Woman Among Men
    11. Mike Tower - The Outlaw Statesman
    12. Michael Wallis - The Endless Ride
    13. Lee Myers - Fort Stanton (1988. Revised in 2007
    14. C. R. Caldwell - Dead Right

    Places of Interest
    In reviewing the alternate Campout Areas, some mention was made of places of interest. Lincoln is a natural magnet for those interested in Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett. Mike Pitel has assembled walking tour literature for a number of spots in New Mexico. Check in Lincoln for his walking tour of that village. And you would be remiss while in Lincoln not to visit Elizabeth Fackler’s snug little Bookstore across from the Lincoln County Courthouse. Elizabeth, well known BTK author (The Legend of el Chivato) is a long time BTKOG member and is one of its Directors.

    If your travel to the Campout takes you by Las Cruces and Mesilla, schedule some time to tarry in Mesilla for the Billy the Kid Display at the Visitor Center, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla. The Visitor Center is an extension of the Mesilla Town Hall. Historical photographs, information and artifacts from the 1881 period of Billy’s life are on display. Call (575) 524-3262 for information.

    And while inOld Mesilla, everyone has to visit one of my favorite Bookstores. You’ll find it on the Plaza, the Mesilla Book Center and you will be well rewarded. If you love a wide spectrum of books on the Southwest, you will have found a home! Paul and Cheryl Blevins are long time members of the BTKOG and Paul, like Elizabeth is one of the directors. We are blessed with some dedicated historians.

    Message from Joe Hesseling.

    Hope to see you at the 21st Campout! We appreciate your support more than you can ever know!

    Joe Hesseling,
    President

    Bob Sproull, Newsletter Editor