[MR] Pennsic tidings

[Arthur Donadio]

Friends All:

Early this morning, Padraigin and I returned from Landgrab.  Our thanks to 
Lucas for doing the majority of the driving!  Now, as I sit here in my 
office, trying to wake up and face my appointments for the day, I just 
thought I would write to you about the first weekend of war.  After so many 
years, I still get so excited as August approaches that it is hard to 
concentrate on much besides preparing for the War.  Seeing old friends from 
around the world and reliving old memories of pitched battles and late night 
conversations about everything and nothing, seeing friends recognized for 
their efforts, the arts and the merchants - right now there is nothing I do 
not like about Pennsic!

The land assignment process went smoothly, and it seems that most folks got 
the spot they wanted and the land to which they were entitled.  Vair and 
Ermine and the other Northern groups are up on the road to the North Gate,  
Badoin and his folks are down the hill, Logan is out the  North Gate, 
Marinus is in its usual spot, as is Windmasters and the Gaggle.  And blessed 
Milleacre, my home, is in N06, right next to Ansteorran Royal.  I know their 
Royal Highnesses would love for you to drop by and visit.  We saw Havordh 
and Mary Grace arrive with full SUV and massive trailer.  When I left, they 
were setting up in Atlantian Royal.   Wookie is again set up directly across 
the street from the belly dancing A&S tent, Bedford is on the other side of 
the battlefield, and Mooseledge and Gunther are up the hill and down the 
road from the fort.

I saw with some pride that Baroness Giuliana (sp) of Hidden Mountain was 
working troll when I rolled in on Friday night late, and that Master Tirloch 
and several other Atlantians were there first thing Saturday morning.  
Atlantia's tradition of volunteerism at Pennsic continues!  Our kingdom 
chirurgeon, Lady Ree, is working the war and serving as Padraigin's water 
bearing deputy this week while we are gone.  Lord John der Vandervelde (of 
Bedford) volunteered to make sure the A&S tents get watered.  And these are 
just the volunteers I heard about between setting up tents.

The weather at Pennsic this weekend was a little spotty.  It was nice and 
cool Friday night with no measurable rain.  Saturday was partly sunny, high 
of about 80, and a nice breeze.  Late Saturday/early Sunday morning there 
was a thunderstorm, but I was dead to the world and slept right through it.
Sunday dawned cool and cloudy.  About 10:00am, we were hit with a pretty 
good downpur of some of the coldest rain I can remember.  The temperature 
dropped by a good 10 degrees but the heavy stuff only lasted for about 15 
minutes.  Then it was off and on drizzle until P and Lukas and I had to make 
our way home.  The ground is nice and moist, so I do not think dust will be 
a major problem this year.

I would suggest that everyone box what they can in plastic, pack hot 
beverage mixes, and sealed containers of fresh clothes.  I don't think this 
is going to be one of those legendary Pennsic rain events, but I do think 
things will tend to be damp and cool in the evenings.  Personally, I will 
take damp and cool over parched and blazing hot!

In closing, I hope that all of you who are attending Pennsic travel safely 
(they still aren't finished with I79 in Pa.) and that those of you who 
cannot make it this year start planning to attend the next one.
There truly is no place like Pennsic for experiencing the full flavor of the 
SCA.  My only regret from landgrab weekend is that I still have not had my 
first chocolate milk.  I will remedy that on Friday.

In anticipation bordering that of a small child on Christmas Eve, I remain

In Service,

Cuan

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