August 20-21, 2005

Hot was an understatement. With temperatures in the 90s, the kindred was moving rather slow as they assembled on Ted and Beth's land to celebrate Freyfaxi. And what better fare than a nice hot harvest soup for the feast! Evidently, August was a tad cooler in our forebear's day up north.

On Saturday most of the kindred showed up shortly after noon and gathered near the creek where there was a bit of shade. Fortunately, many in the group also brought tarps which offered some protections from Sunna's abundant rays. Tents were deployed slowly with plenty of rest breaks and cool beverages. A bit of a breeze did pick up, but unfortunately it carried with it the fowl (ha!) smell of a nearby chicken farm. Luckily, the kindred is a sturdy bunch. In the evening, a small fire was lit for sumbel. The traditional three rounds went rather quickly, followed by a more leisurely and lengthy open round.
Afterwards, the group was treated to a magnificent lightening show on the horizon as Thor laid the Jotuns low. A full moon bid the weary bunch good night.

Sunday morning dawned hot and clear once again, but with a bit more breeze. A cook fire was started for the harvest soup. Steve and Beth did most of the cooking with Ed's able assistance chopping and slicing.
Everyone brought something for the soup pot. As the soup continued to cook, the group gathered for blot. This was Ted's first time at the rudder and he did a great job as Frey was honored with horns held high.
A bread boar was ritually blessed and sacrificed. After the blot was over it was time to see how the soup turned out. In spite of the heat, the hot soup was so tasty that many had several helpings. It was delicious and made more so by all the contributions from the kindred.

After relaxing a bit with more conversation, camp was broken and the kindred headed their separate ways home. Although it was another great time together, it was agreed that next year Freyfaxi should be celebrated on the water somewhere.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend   (requires Flash7)