June 17-18, 2006

Herb leads Blót

It was a perfect summer day as the kindred gathered once more at Frozen Head State Park. We tried out the group camp site this time close to all the amenities. The tent area was rather compact, but the group was small so it worked out. There was even room for Ted and Beth's "Tent Mahal" and Ed's giant circus big top (Disclaimer: No clowns were harmed during setup and takedown of Ed's tent).

Most of the afternoon was spent getting caught up with one another and watching the antics of the other campers. After darkness fell it was time to sumbel. Several heartfelt toasts were offered to, or in memory of, fathers, as the next day (Sunday) was Fathers Day. After sumbel it was time for kippers. The jarl (Steve) forced us all to finish the last can of never-ending sprats before we could have any of the good stuff - kippers with green chiles. We had to survive a coordinated attack of moths attracted to our lantern to boot. In the end, the moths were vanquished and the kindred's appetite for kippers was satisfied.

Sunday broke bright and beautiful again. Since no one else was scheduled to arrive on Sunday, the group broke camp and held blot a little earlier than usual. Herbert presided as gothi over a blot to Baldar the Bright. His invocation to Thor to hallow the site was noteworthy. Herbert reminded the kindred that Baldar was no pacifist as some make him out to be. He did after all own the sword that could fight by itself.

After the blot it was time for the feast. You never know what to expect at these pot-lucks. This time the theme seemed to be "pork and fruit salad". Needless to say no one went away hungry and there were even left-overs. Since several in the group had other obligations, the kindred made their ways home a bit earlier than usual but satisfied nonetheless.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend