August 19-20 , 2006

After last year's unbearable heat, the kindred decided to seek the shady shelter of Frozen Head State Park to celebrate Freyfaxi this year. Most of the group arrived by mid-afternoon on Saturday and set up camp in the primitive overflow area. Soon the skies clouded up and a gentle rain started to fall. Fortunately many had already deployed rain shelters so it was no big deal.

This was Talon and Felecia's first camping trip since returning from Germany after three years and Talon had already started a fire which he was able to keep burning in spite of the rain. People caught each other up on current events, especially the recent scuba trip to Key Largo that Steve, Ted, and Bernhard had taken. Near supper time, a new person, Mark, showed up and introductions were made all round.

Dark fell early due to the clouds and abundant trees that shelter the valley where the campsite lies. The rain had stopped so the kindred gathered around the campfire. It was the usual three-round sumbel with toasts made to the gods and ancestors in the first and second rounds. The third round was for toasts, boasts, and hopes for the future. Open sumbel went well into the night.

On Sunday, several other kindred members showed up bearing food for the feast. Make presided over a blot to Frey. A bread boar was hallowed and eaten in his honor. Talon and Felecia also renewed their kindred vows since they were unable to attend Founding Day the month before.

After blot, it was time for the feast! Talon had grilled pork tenderloin over the campfire which proved very tasty. There was also fried chicken, sandwich fixings, numerous salads, Suzanne's pinwheels, and Beth's apple dumplings.

Due to the rain, the group cleaned up quickly and headed home, somewhat soggy but with bright spirits after another great gathering.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend