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Thruðheim Kindred Winter Finding Blót 2009
September 19-20 2009
The Great Deluge of 2009 |
The weather forecast for the weekend was foreboding, with nothing short of a gaurantee for rain, but that did not stop the Folk of Thrudheim Kindred from gathering at Frozen Head State Park to celebrate Winter Finding. Even though the weekend was definately what some Appalachians would describe as a "gully-washer" it was definately not a wash out.
The turnout on Saturday, was somewhat small, with only seven daring to brave the weather and pitch tents. Once the tents were all staked and the AutoTarpRs(tm) were erected, the afternoon was spent engaging in sometimes offbeat, but always interesting conversation, obligatory snacking, and mandatory listening to college football on the radio (once Ted finally found the "sweet spot" for optimal reception). Our weather luck held throughout the evening and it was cool and quite pleasant as darkness fell, signaling the start of Sumbel. Sumbel was short and concise this time around, but it was no less heartfelt. As always, the Gods, our loved ones, and the honored Folk, both living and dead, were hailed and praised with moving words.
Following Sumbel, conversation and fellowship continued into the night. We also learned to our collective befuddlement, that Katydids are hypnotically attracted to the store-bought, artificial logs that we used for the campfire due to a shortage of dry wood. Several of us watched in awe as droves of the creatures threw themselves into the blaze. This phenomena bears further research, but I digress. . . .
Kipper Time!(tm) was unfortunately kipper-less this month as none of those present deigned to bring any of the little, tinned stinkers for consumption. Other snackables were enjoyed in lieu of the little fish. With the Katydid Pyre doused, the snacks consumed, and the last of the late-night lingerers finally running out of steam, all retired for the night.
The morning saw grey skies, full of rain-glutted clouds that opened up and unleashed a torrential fury on Frozen Head. The tents had their hull integrity put to the test that morning, and nearly all failed. Soggy sleeping bags were only the begining of the GREAT DELUGE as it shall henceforth be known.
The rain was unrelenting throughout the day, slackening to a drizzle only long enough for the campers to break huddle from beneath the relative dryness of AutoTarpR long enough to hastily break camp. The Great Deluge claimed two casualties that day, provoking the summary execution of Herb and Suzanne's tent, and the forced retirement of Beth and Ted's*.
With camp broken, the Folk returned to the AutoTarpR until everyone that was going to come arrived for Blot. Among the throng of non-campers that arrived for Sunday's festivities, the Jarl came to the rescue with yet another AutoTarpR (though not quite as "auto" as the others).
With the rain still falling from skies as grey and unrelenting as the Wanderer Himself, Herb led the Folk in a Blot to All-Father Odin to welcome the coming of the Winter season, and to reflect on change itself. As the horn was passed, Odin was hailed by His many names and guises and an offering of mead, consecrated by the hopes, prayers and energy of the assembled Folk was given. Herb also brought his personal rune set, and in the presence of Odin, the Great Rune-Finder, each person drew a rune from the pouch and reflected on its meaning. The Blot was completed with the libation being poured on an ancient stone near the campsite, the Folk reciprocating the Holy Gifts of the Aesir and Vanir, just as the sky gave back the water to the earth.
With the holy work done, it was time to placate our rumbling stomachs with a feast. The rain succeeded in dampening everything but our appetites as we tore into a scrumptious, if soggy, buffet of good food. Pork made a strong showing at this feast, with brats and kraut, as well as barbeque sandwiches for main courses. Not be upstaged however, potatoes brought their A-Game with two three varieties of potato salad, one of which included sweet potatoes. When these and other offerings were consumed, feasters were given a choice of pecan, or apple pie. Most chose both.
With bellies full, the remaining supplies were hastily packed, and the thouroughly drenched Folk of Thrudheim exchanged hugs and well wishes and parted ways again until another, hopefully drier meeting.
*A footnote that bears mention here is that Beth and Ted's renowned, "Tent Mahal" saw the end of its distinguished service life on this day, the aforementioned, unilateral hull integrity failures being the impetus for its forced removal from active duty. A moment of silence was observed at the State Capitol Building the following Monday. The Governor, apparently grief-stricken, declined comment.
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