|
Thruðheim Kindred Midsummer Blót 2009
June 20-21, 2009
The warding |
The first camping event of the year took place at Frozen Head State Park as the kindred gathered to celebrate the summer solstice. Due to the wet spring, the creeks were actually flowing, which offered a nice backdrop to the other sounds of summer.
Most of the folk had arrived by dusk and settled around the campfire pit. Ted coaxed a fire out of the reluctant wood with the help of his patented Magic Bellows(tm). The kids had a great time cooking, and dropping, hotdogs over the fire. This was followed by S'mores, which in the hands of the kids, turned into a deadly weapon as flaming marshmallows were flung in all directions. Nervous adults returned to their camping chairs after the carnage had subsided.
Without the Jarl present to maintain order, sumbel got started much later than usual. One of the highlights were two bottles of homemade mead sent to the kindred by Carl's son Nick. Brewed in the traditional manner, with just honey, water, and yeast, it had a dry, crisp finish. Since not a single drop was left, it was obviously enjoyed. Sometime after midnight, the folk took to their tents.
Although no rain was in the forecast, a distant rumble of thunder should have served as a warning. Bernhard sealed the kindred's fate by not putting up his tent's rain fly. Around five o'clock in the morning, the rain arrived. The soggy Saxon made a strategic retreat to the safety of the long-van as others slept soundly in their rain-proof tents.
Thankfully, the rain was brief. In the morning the campers gathered around the fire pit where a small fire was again started. Another kind of modern technology played a part again, this time of the form of Suzanne's form-fitting emergency space blanket, which was cut up and used to keep dry while sitting on the wet camp chairs.
Cliff led a blot in the woods surrounded by the magnificent trees and boulders found in the park. Sunna was hailed by one and all. This was followed by feast with the usual spread of tasty dishes. Then it was time to pack up the gear and head home. In spite of the rain, a good first outing for the season.
|
