So, my first time camping as an adult. It was an adventure! (a fun one, for sure!) My linen dress was ready to wear in time for the weekend. I got everything packed and loaded into the car (barely!) and, after picking up Cristiana, headed north for Rainier, WA. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon, so we made the trip with the top down.
The de Huntington’s were kind enough to allow me the use of their kitchen tent to live in for the weekend – it was very spacious, and so easy to set up. Their tent was up as well, before the sun went down. After a last minute run to town for a few forgotten supplies, we were back and ready to begin our medieval adventures for the weekend.
Despite no campfire that first night, we had an enjoyable evening around the fire pit. Several small oil lights cast a lovely glow from the pit, if no actual warmth. The temperatures dropped significantly (in my opinion at least) that night and even with every blanket I’d brought and my cloak over me (and a hat on my head) I never really got warm.
The next day was the official Honey War (never did find my dropped token…) It was quite a sight to see. All those men and women in armor, beating the heck out of each other! Very exciting. Sitting in the sun, watching the war had a very relaxing effect on me (watching a war = relaxing??) and I fell asleep for a bit. oops. When I awoke sometime later, the war was on hold. It seems a swarm of bees (on the trail of two queen bees) had decided that the war field was a fine place to hang out and court the queens…or whatever bees do. While they decided what to do about that, Mirella and I headed for merchants row. I came away with a lovely new belt and a beautiful parasol. Mirella was thrilled to see they sold boffers, and she and Molly each came away with one.
After the war, there was the Wacky Water Wars for the kids, which a number of adults joined in on. Great fun was had by all. The same with the Pie in the Face for charity event. That was very exciting to watch.
Sitting around the campfire that 2nd night was wonderful – this time there was a real fire. We were entertained by an amazing Norse bardic group. Several of the songs were in Swedish and sounded very angry. We were told they mostly translated into fighting and drinking. 🙂
I planned ahead before going to bed this night and put a wool blanket under the sleeping bag and was much warmer. Sadly, I woke in the morning and was feeling very ill. A result of too many rich foods to eat over the weekend. (I’ll plan better next time, I promise!) I ended up having to come home early as the alternative (in my mind) was not happening….. (a biffy when you’re ill? I don’t think so) As it was, if I’d had to drive any further, I would not have made it.
Don’t let any of that fool you though. I now have my own tent, have improved the appearance of my cot, found ‘carpeting’ for the new tent, spent much of yesterday crafting my tent poles. I will be camping again this weekend – at Defenders Tourney. This time in Kalama – a bit closer to home…and a shower if needed.
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