November 18-19, 2006

The vei

Cold weather camping can be quite an adventure, but if one is prepared and lucky enough to stay dry, it can be quite a wonderful experience. Fortunately for the few hearty souls who gathered together at Big South Fork for the Einherjar/Ull blót, the rain held off and, like you'd expect, this group was well prepared to stay warm.

Most everyone arrived by mid-afternoon Saturday, and after getting camp set up, we did the usual visiting and catching up. The afternoon was actually somewhat warm, but as the sun went down, the temperature dropped quite rapidly.

Of course, we gathered around the fire to keep warm, and once the sun was completely down we had the traditional three round sumbel, which went on into the deep rounds of open sumbel. This being a weekend to honor the Einherjar, many raised horns to the brave men and women serving in Iraq, and also to relatives who served in the military. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Once sumbel concluded, we broke out the kippers for the Thruðheim tradition, KipperTimeR. Being cold, we mostly ate spicy green chile kippers and kippers in Louisiana hot sauce. All were quite tasty, and with bellies full of small herring fillets, we made our way to our tents from some shut-eye.

Sunday morning arrived cold and cloudy -- quite fitting for a blót honoring Ull. We broke fast around the fire, warmed up and visited until it was time for blót. As we've done for the last few years, we actually had two blóts in one. First we made our offering to the mighty winter God, hunter and skier, Ull. Steve served as goði, and led us in a wonderful blót honoring the Ski-Ase.

Next, we honored the Einherjar, who live in Valhalla waiting to fight on the final day, chosen by Oðin to make the ultimate sacrifice for our folk. This is always one of the most powerful events of the year, and this year's blót was no different. Again, our thanks to all those who have fought, and are fighting, serving their country and sacrificing themselves so that we may continue to live free. HAIL!

We feasted following blót. Some of the dishes included ravioli, chicken stew and pumpkin bars. As always, there was plenty to eat.

We then broke camp and headed home after a wonderful weekend.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend