August 18-19, 2007

Young Matthew enjoying the day

Camping in August in East Tennessee in the middle of a heat wave and drought doesn't sound like too much fun. However, we were favored with a nice breeze, and found ample shade under the numerous trees at Frozen Head State Park, which provided the setting for this year's Freyfaxi festivities.

Saturday afternoon was mostly spent setting up camp, visiting, and moving chairs to stay in the shade. The highlight was probably a toss-up between watching a water gun battle between Rob and Gunnar and watching Bernhard eat Spam right out of the can (Spam, spam, spam, spam ... bloody vikings!).

In any case, it was great to have guests visiting again this month. The guests included the aforementioned Rob, his wife, Paula, their son Gunnar and, visiting us once again, Alex.

As dinner was starting, Herbert was gifted his very own box of 64 crayons (with built in sharpener) by Steve and Glenda. Lines of bitterness caused by life-long want and unanswered pleas to his parents were instantly washed away as Herbert opened the box and pulled forth the "salmon" color. Hail the gift-givers!

Once the sun went down, we built up the fire and gathered around it for our traditional three round sumbel. The sumbel went more than a few toasts into open sumbel, and by the time it concluded the hungry participants were more than ready for KipperTimeR. Afterwards, looking down at the picnic table and seeing all the empty fish tins, Steve summed it up pretty well when he said, "The kippers took a pounding this month." Ya, sure...you bet they did!

Sunday started with most everyone arising early, finding caffeine, washing up and breaking camp. A few more folks drove in Sunday morning to join us and very quickly, after some more water battles between Gunnar and Matthew, it was time for blót. Make officiated a very well thought out Freyfaxi blót in a nice clear area surrounded by trees. As always, horns were held high and the Lord of the Alfs was honored and offerings were made to him and thanks given.

Feast followed blót and, as usual, there was nothing but great fare a-plenty. Some of the dishes included were pasta dishes, chicken salad, corned beef, tomato-cheese muffins and a variety of salads. To top it off, for dessert, there were homemade macaroons.

The afternoon wrapped up with folks lingering about and chatting until it was time to finally get back in our vehicles for the journey home. It was another wonderful weekend together with the Folk.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend