May 20-21 , 2006

The perfect sumbel fire

After a close call with the weather last month it was bound to happen. The rain fell, and it fell hard at Gee Creek Campground during our May blót weekend. Fortunately, we came well prepared with several pop-up shelters, that when set up side-by-side were fashioned into a nifty representation of the legendary LongTarpR of old.

Spirits remained high, and laugher abounded much of the day Saturday, as the rain held off during the afternoon and evening hours. Herbert and young Matthew played some soccer, folks talked and caught up with each other, and generally there was a nice feeling of family and frith present.

After sundown, we gathered around a perfect sumbel fire for a quite moving and powerful sumbel that went well into the open rounds.

Many tins of small fish were decimated following sumbel by the hungry horde. The green chile kippers seem to be the favorite of the kindred during KipperTimeR -- at least of late. There is noting like the satisfying taste of tiny fish after a good sumbel.

During the night, the rains came. Most managed the stay quite dry in their tents, fortunately. The rain let up in the morning, enough to let folks eat some breakfast and clean up a bit. It even held off until time for blót.

Beth, once again presided over blót. She led a wonderful and joyous blót to Idunn, during which, the skies parted and the sun shone down upon us.

Following the blót, the rains came in full force. We took shelter under the LongTarpR and feasted in good spirits while waiting out as much of the storm as we could. As always, there was great food and company.

Eventually, the storms let up enough to pack up the final provisions and head back towards our homes after another great, yet quite soggy affair.

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