I had the pleasure of attending Helen
and Marks restoration of the Mt. Oliviet
(and mistakenly hauling a 100 gallons
of water there, but thats another story).
Several others I know were also in attendance and we all agreed that
their skills demonstration and hands on examples were excellent. Of
major
note were the fact that the "A" word was never used. When you're called
amateur
it really sets up a barrier many people don't think they can ever cross.
The one on one conversations and friendliness
stood out, Mark and Helen don't profess to be headstone authorities,
which has been a turn off for many of our people who have attended some
events they wished they hadn't. This was a refreshing
experience and kind words came from all round. This is one of the few
times that our loosely aligned groups were in full agreement. No one
was trying to stand on a pedestal.
I noted that although their equipment often differed from what we
operate with,
much of it did the exact same thing. Several of us saw things that due
to the
simplicity of the tools and methods, could cancel a hundred pounds of
gear we might haul. Its also good to see someone work with their hands
so smoothly, that you can tell the experience behind it.
It was noted that in some events the "amateur" was in fact playing the
expert.
This was the reason some gave in not coming.
Lee Creed
Greencastle