June 12-13 , 2004

Under the LongTarpR

Midsummer festivities returned to Standing Stone State Park this year. Not to disappoint those of us with a love of tradition, so did the rain – in a big way. Fortunately, the LongTarpR once again proved a more that adequate shelter from the storm, keeping everyone about as dry as could be expected in such heavy downpours.

A good part of Saturday was spent in close quarters under the LongTarpR visiting and catching up on the latest news. We were most honored to welcome guests, Gary (who drove his bike all the way from Memphis to join us), and Kel and Mel (friends of Cliff). Even though the rain put a damper on things, spirits were high.

The rain stopped in the evening, and a traditional sumbel was held around the campfire. This particular sumbel was fairly somber in tone, with many toasts to the recently departed President Ronald Reagan and music legend Ray Charles.

After sumbel, the kippers were broken out, and visiting continued until everyone retired to their tents.

Sunday arrived sunny and dry (though a few clouds hovered overhead just to make us wonder). We ate breakfast and broke camp before gathering for the blót about noon. Sunna, Frey, Freyja and Baldr were hailed, and after the blót a replica Viking longship was burned on the fire as a sacrifice, along with other items that members contributed. Carl was then presented with a Thruðheim t-shirt as a going away gift before he left to go back to California. Good Luck, Carl!

Following the blót, the feast was held. There were, as usual, many tasty dishes to choose from. No one walked away hungry as they headed back to their cars to begin their journeys home after a great, though damp, weekend.