April 30 - May 2, 1999
Once again the gods and goddesses smiled on the kindred as the rainy weather cleared to provide a wonderful weekend. The site for this event was Gee Creek Campground near Etowah in the Hiwassee Scenic River area. Folks started arriving on Friday afternoon to set up camp. In all there were 11 adults and 5 kids including some new faces - Beth's sister Denise and Dea's mother Barbara.
After camp was set up, Cliff led a small invocation to the land wights to announce our arrival and to make known to them our friendly intentions. Tobacco and corn meal were offered as small gifts.
Under a brilliant full moon, a seidh session was held using the three-norns variation. Beth, Dea, and Tara sat together at the Well of Wyrd for the kindred and answered many questions. Steve warded the group while Bernhard acted as guide.
Saturday dawned sunny and bright, if a little dewy, to everyone's delight since the night had been a bit cool. Everyone pitched in to help construct the maypole and various wreaths of flowers. Dancing to Swedish fiddle music the maypole was soon wrapped. It certainly took much longer to prepare than to dance around it!
The next order of business were the viking games. Ian proved to be unbeatable in the kid's category winning every event. In the women's category, Beth won the cut-n-plunder obstacle course, Tracy loggits, caber toss, and spear throw, while Tara won the hammer throw. In the men's competition, Steve won the caber toss and hammer throw, James loggits, and Bernhard cut-n-plunder and spear throw. Everyone clearly enjoyed the games.
Next the kids got busy painting small viking ship models which they later floated in the river. It was good practice in case they decide to go raiding later in life! After that came face painting - the kids really looked the part of a bunch of "wild heathens".
At twilight a blót was held to honor a number of the goddesses and the dísir. This was followed by symbel that went many rounds. The rest of the evening was spent drumming and talking around the campfire.
Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday morning. After breakfast a small closing ceremony was lead by Cliff. Then it was time to break camp and head home. It was clear that this had been a real bonding experience for the kindred.
View Some Photos
