After an unhurried ride out of the valley, a group of mountain men, laden down with furs, paused on a grassy ridge and looked out over the meadows. In the distance they could see the Tetons and knew it was just a two-day ride before they would be at the Rendezvous at Pierre's Hole.

After trapping in the fall and winter months, when beaver fur was at its prime, the mountain men looked forward to the annual Rendezvous. American brigade trappers were there, French Canadians, coureurs de bois, fur trappers, as well as entire villages of Indians, all members and sharing in the life of the wilderness. They were there to trade their furs and replenish their supplies for the coming year. It was an opportunity to relax after the rigors and dangers of the past year. It was a celebration, at times profane and robust, as they regaled each other with tales, exploits and adventures of the past year.

- Paul Calle