Thrudheim Kindred Freyfaxi Blót

Sunny weather and a light breeze greeted the kindred as they arrived at Fall Creek Falls State Park for the Freyfaxi blót. Prizes were awarded to everyone who found the picnic shelter which had been aptly described by park rangers as being in a secluded spot. It was actually a nice area next to a field which was later used for the viking games.

After a couple of hours of catching up on news it was time for lunch. Several new faces were seen including Jim and Terry from KAPOW. Elise's friend Heather also made an appearance. The regulars were there too so that altogether 12 adults and 5 kids were in attendance.

Once lunch was over, a tour of the park was taken. The main waterfall was really impressive but everyone seemed to enjoy the suspension bridge the most. Bernhard was awarded the prize for violating the most traffic laws during the tour as he tried to navigate the labyrinth of one-way roads in the park. In defense, he claimed that the van full of kids had impaired his driving ability - something about the noise level being above the pain threshold.

Next, the viking games commenced. Jim won loggits scoring 11. Terry threw the caber the farthest for the men (24 feet) while Beth took top honors for the women (16.5 feet). Elise won the women's spear toss while Bernhard won the men's competition. At the hammer toss, Steve and Heather took first place. Finally in cut-n-plunder, Ian was the fastest with a time of 19.25 seconds.

The same field that was used for the games also served as the site of the blót. In keeping with the harvest theme, a bread boar and mead were offered as gifts to the gods and goddesses. Being a celebration of Freyfaxi, many toasts were made to Frey and his sister Freya.

Also in keeping with the harvest theme, something new was tried this time - "stone soup". Everyone brought an ingredient for a community soup pot. After cooking all afternoon, the soup made a great supper. Ice-cold watermelon topped off the meal.

In view of the late hour, a sumbel was not held. Instead the group made plans for the rest of the year, held a brief closing prayer, and headed home.

View Some Photos

• Swinging Bridge
• Falls
• Feast
• Blót