My Pennsic 2004 Diary

A newbie bard goes to Pennsic

Those of you who haven't already may want to check out my Pennsic diary from 2003, which was my first Pennsic. This diary is of my second Pennsic, PW33 in 2004. I returned to Pennsic a little wiser, a little more confident, and with a definite focus: bardic arts.

This year's Pennsic is subtitled "A novice bard goes to Pennsic." That is because, over the course of the year between Pennsic 32 and Pennsic 33, I found my niche. I love bardic. I learned some songs, wrote some songs and stories, and was excitedly waiting to meet other people who have the same passion I do.

That doesn't mean bardic is the only thing you'll find in this diary! Far from it! There's shopping, partying, classes... lots of stuff. It's just that, unlike Pennsic 2003 where I was an absolute newbie to Pennsic, in 2004 I have a focus. The other thing you may find as you read this is that I occasionally write as though I intend to be read. This is because I knew I would be putting this diary online... eventually. Voila!

As with last year, I have listed how much money I spent. Again it is far more than necessary, because I brought a lot of spending money. It is definitely possible to go to Pennsic with much less money than I spent. Check the tips on this website to get some ideas.

This page is long. Yes, I know I could have done it in multiple pages, but I decided it was easier for both you and me this way. If you have a problem loading it, email me and I'll set it up differently.

The days in this diary:

Monday, August 9

3.00 (CAN): toll
6.19 (CAN): lunch
22.25: gas
6.40: toll
67.76: hotel
3.12: ice cream
10.00: supper
= 9.19 (CAN) + 109.53 (US)

10 PM

Back in Meadville. Yes, I managed to drive 11 hours today, and I'm in the same town (though not the same hotel) K and I stayed in last year. My foot is achy and I'm having mild breathing problems (I blame that on the renovations at home), but otherwise I'm good. We're only an hour or two from Pennsic. Yay!

D spent most of the time in the car sewing, frantically trying to finish all his garb. He's getting there. I, obviously, was driving. I've decided that highway driving is really, really boring. I was getting boredom-induced fatigue for much of the drive. But we got here at last, had dinner, and are now back in our room for the night (approx. $70... not bad if D chips in).

D seemed receptive to the idea of sleeping in his own tent and storing food, etc., in mine. I think I really would prefer it. I like having a modicum of privacy.

After having dinner tonight, I now remember the huge portion sizes that are normal in the US. And they wonder why they have an obesity epidemic! Here's a clue: serve less food!

Just took my inhaler. Breathing much better now.

Plan for tonight: prepare meal plan

  • review schedule and shopping list
  • take bath
  • anticipate being at Pennsic :)

    Oh. One obnoxious thing. Though the weather today was beautiful, the forecast for tomorrow (and Wednesday) predicts 50% chance of thundershowers. I really don't want to set up in the rain. At least the rest of the week is supposed to be nice.

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    Tuesday, August 10

    109.53 +
    20.00: troll
    13.00: lunch (D and I)
    80.00: groceries
    = 222.53

    8:10 AM

    One thing I forgot to mention yesterday: CAA / AAA is useful. Got me a better rate at our hotel (Days Inn). Must remember to post that. And now, off to breakfast.

    2:50 PM

    We've got trees! We're camped so far north (N28, next to the parking lot) that the area is still partially forested, so all our tents are going to be in the shade. How cool is that!

    I'm not in garb yet, and we still haven't done our Walmart run. Despite getting here around 10:30, all we've managed to do so far is have lunch, get set up, and see Freya. At least D is sleeping in his own tent, so I've got mine to myself, along with storage stuff. Yes, D's tent is smaller, but I refuse to feel guilty about it. I'm letting him have all the packing cubes and to store stuff in my tent if he needs to. I bought this tent and I intend to enjoy it, even if it's selfish of me.

    The predicted rain hasn't shown up yet, and for that I am grateful. Thank you, weather gods! It's bloody hot, though. I'm sweating horribly and already mildly dehydrated and tired. Ah well, at least I'm here!

    I've already seen two things I want to buy: 1. a banner stand, 2. a wooden mug. Also, I need to repair my shoes and my basket. Beyond that, we'll see. I'm impressed so many merchants are open this early.

    I probably should get into garb soon... after we come back from Walmart. I guess I'll read through the Pennsic books now.

    Night

    So obviously I've got a lot to write about. I'll try to get through as much as I can, but if I can't do everything, you'll have to content yourself with bullet points.

    First off, two tips. The first is that we arrived at a great time to troll in. There was absolutely no one in line. So, you've heard it from me: 11 am Tuesday of the first week is a good time to troll in.

    Second, apparently all groups need a t-splitter to use the water from the spigots. I hadn't known this. The camp next to us has been nice enough to allow us to use their sink, and since we really don't have many dishes, it works out okay. But note all you land agents that you should bring one.

    My veil (Saxon style) is taking some getting used to. I have limited visibility and neck mobility, and it seems to keep coming undone. Next step = buy veil pin.

    The weather is beautiful. The afternoon was nice and cool, the evening not too cold. Beautiful! And the sky has been glorious -- stunning clouds at dusk, stars by night.

    Tonight D and I visited Ernst and Roz with Freya. It was really fun. Ernst is so much faster on his feet than I am it leaves me stunning. He's so funny. He still calls me "Kat" instead of "Kate" or "Katherine", but no one's perfect. :)

    We then visited Zebera, where we camped last year. Only 3 people were there, and it was a short visit. Now we're back at camp. D is (unsurprisingly) sewing. I'm journaling (could you tell?).

    Had a fruity cobbler with D and Freya. I'd been missing those. I'd wanted one for so long. It was everything I remembered. Yum!

    I should probably figure out what to do tomorrow. EK royal is asking for volunteers to put up their gate at 9 am. It will probably last all day. I may do that. There are two classes I want to take, but they're not real priorities. I can miss them without real loss. Other things to do: get new laces for my shoes, find out about fixing my basket, sign up for a shift at Chiurgeon's point, possibly sign up to cry camp, check out the Bards by Day / NIght books, shop. Whew!

    I don't know what time it is. That's good. But the flickering tiki light is giving me a headache, so I'll say goodnight for now!

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    Wednesday, August 11

    222.53 +
    6.00: shopping (books -- Claus' Guide to Bad Garb I and II)
    20.00: shopping (banner stand)
    5.00: laces for shoes
    1.00: bard
    = 254.53

    1 pm, Chiurgeon's Point

    Less than 24 hours in garb and I'm already going my first volunteer shift at Chiurgeon's point [as a scribe] => hot showers are Good Things. It's been mostly slow, so now seemed like a good time to journal. I'm here until 4 pm.

    I did a bunch of errands this morning -- bought a banner stand and two books (Claus' Guide to Bad Garb). I also bought new laces for my shoes -- I'll get them put in tonight.

    1:35 pm

    Other things to do tonight when my shift finishes: get laces changed

  • check out crier's point
  • pick up banner stand
  • talk to lady about inkle loom
  • talk to basket man
  • check out bards by day / night

    • 3:15 pm

    Bored. Better than too busy, I suppose. It means people aren't getting hurt. 45 minutes left until my shift at Chiurgeon's is over.

    Night, about midnight

    What a great evening and night! After I finished my shift at Chiurgeon's Point, I did some errands and shopping (got my laces changed, talked to some people about looms, etc.). Then I stopped by Freya's booth, where I met Master Henry (of Michigan, formerly of Ruantallan). He's a wonderful man, and we hit it off famously. I mentioned I liked bardic, so he recommended a bardic circle at the Howling Mouse camp, and invited me to join him. I accompanied him to the Eoforwic (Toronto) encampment, where he has an apprentice. They were very welcoming and accepting, and they fed us dinner (yay!). I mentioned that I would be doing my Master's at UofT, and everyone told me to speak to Nicolaa.

    Oh! Before reaching the encampment, we stumbled across Hector, the famous Ealdormeran bard. I mentioned a loved (and performed) many of his pieces, and he seemed suitably flattered. He, incidentally, pulled away most of the Eoforwic encampment to do some (apparently very well-thought-out) shtick. I did some bardic to whet my appetite, listened to some stories, and off we went.

    We were the first to arrive at Howling Mouse and the last to leave. I didn't count how many pieces I did, but I guess about 10 or 15, enough to run through almost all my bawdy songs. :) Also there was Andrew MacRob, who was a wonderful bard. Suffice to say I had a great time, especially since most of the pieces were ones I didn't know.

    Then Henry walked me back to my camp, even though it was entirely out of his way. Bardic was in the bog (or near it), I'm way up in the north, and he's in the RV parking beyond the battlefield. Very, very nice of him. I must remember to do something nice for him (and Thorson, who did land grab for us). And now I'm back at camp. D is off somewhere, which is good. I was hoping he wasn't waiting up for me.

    The weather remains beautiful. Not too hot, not too cold. Yay! So much better than last year!

    I should probably take a shower tomorrow. My head's all itchy, which is always a sure sign. I don't really want to walk all the way down, only to come back up, but I may not have a choice. No classes I really want to take tomorrow, so I'm not on any sort of schedule.

    I'm off to bed now. 'Night!

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    Thursday, August 12

    254.53 +
    3.00: sweet potato fries
    29.00: shopping (fettered cock -- pilgrim badges, veil pins, heather dale CD)
    16.00: shopping (pillaged village -- straw mats, celtic romance CD)
    7.00: lunch
    5.95: shopping (lucet cord holder)
    2.00: class handout
    5.00: supper
    = 322.48

    Classes today: Your Persona's Religion: The Lady

    Morning, merchant area

    It rained early this morning (about 5 am). It is still drizzling, so if this page is spotty, that's why. At least it's cool. I ran into Patrick again this morning. He (unsuccessfully, at least for him) flirted, then we went our separate ways. I'm now waiting for merchants to open.

    About 2 pm

    Did a fair amount of shopping today. Two CDs, veil pins... I found out that the narrow-band box loom I really want is US$175, plus shipping. I have to decide if I want to spend that much money. I guess I'll decide after I buy my new garb and presents. Post office opens on Monday, so I can't send postcards until then. Waiting for a class (my first) to start. Later!

    Night, about 12:45 am

    Where to begin? I took my first class today, which was fun. I had planned on staying for the second half, but the handout was so good I decided just to use that. Afterwards I learnt two new board games -- Grand Chess and Astronomical Tables.

    Then I went and did more shopping and a fair amount of window-shopping for my peasant garb. From the two stores I've been to so far, it looks like a bodice and one or two skirts will cost about $125 plus tax, which is equivalent to or slightly less than Montreal prices, but better quality. I'll probably do the rest of the window-shopping tomorrow morning.

    Other things I'd like to buy:

    I have to decide whether I want to spend lots of money (about US$200) on a box loom for trim weaving. I wouldn't get it until October anyway, so I have time to get back to the guy.

    I saw Erwilian today. He remembered my name and was happy to see me. He's getting me into the "hoity toity" party. Yay!

    This evening D and I met up with Master Henry and spent the evening with him. I did some bardic, some stories were traded, then and I went off, visited some more camps, and finally he took me home.

    I must take a shower tomorrow, if the weather is nice. My hair feels really icky.

    I'm not sure if D is back or not. I'm sure he'll tell me tomorrow.

    Anyway. It's late and I'm going to bed.

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    Friday, August 13

    322.48 +
    31.00: shopping (Fettered Cock -- veil pins, pilgrim badges for Thorson)
    237.40: shopping (Angevin Treasures -- CDs)
    26.75: shopping (Anastasia's -- gift for Dad)
    6.00: lunch
    4.00: cobbler
    20.00: Michael Kelly's CD
    1.00: bard
    = 648.63

    Classes today: Vocal projection for bards and heralds

    12:45 pm

    It's raining again. It rained a lot this morning, stopped for a while, and now has finally settled into a fine mist. I breakfasted at Freya's (yay hot food!) and then went into town.

    I spent lots of money today. I bought presents for Thorson for doing land grab for us (erotic pilgrim badges from Fettered Cock Pewter), presents for dad (sun catchers from Anastasia's), and about 13 CDs from Angevin Treasures. My total is up to about $615 since Monday -- and I'm not done yet! :) It feels so nice to have money for once.

    I'm now waiting for a class to start -- vocal projection for bards and heralds. I've actually brought down my bardic book, since I've wanted it the past two nights and haven't had it.

    I've discovered that most of the interesting parties at Pennsic are rarely listed but passed by word of mouth. Solution: talk to lots of people!

    Temperature is still nice, despite the rain. I haven't actually needed to drink too much more water than normal to stay hydrated.

    Late afternoon

    It was actually a very useful class. I wasn't expecting that, but it was. I was well pleased.

    Afterwards I discovered a busking bard, Michael Kelly, and joined him in singing for about an hour. He was really funny. He says he'll be around for the rest of War, so I may join him for singing again. I had my second Cobbler of the War -- Yum!

    I wandered a bit, did some window shopping. Now I'm tired. The walking is fatiguing me a bit. I'm watching over Freya's merchant tent while she does some shopping. It's strangely quiet in here right now.

    I have to figure out what to do tonight. There's a bardic competition at Chalkman's that looks fun, which I may go to. Also, Duke Cariadoc arrived today and might be hosting a bardic circle. So I have options. I'm hoping to run into Henry at some point. I saw his apprentice Unnr before, but she hadn't seen him.

    About 2 am

    Before I talk about this evening, a brief "it could only happen at Pennsic" moment: as I was busking with Michael this afternoon, a certain lord walked by me and asked me if I was authorized. I had no idea what he was talking about until he pulled out an authorization form for me to use my eyes as weapons in heavy combat, since they post a clear danger to any man in the vicinity. I thought it was really sweet and touching.

    So, tonight I did three main things:

    1. watched Wilhelm and Cristabell get re-apprenticed to Dame Eleanor (they fed us dinner, too!)
    2. watched a bardic competition at Chalkman's. Some very good acts, some less so. Re-found Michael the busker-bard (who, incidentally, won in one category).
    3. went off with Michael and some other bards to fire-hop. I didn't actually do much except add my voice to the few songs I knew, but it was fun nonetheless. They were still going strong when D and I left.

    Tomorrow is, among other things, both Efenwealt's and Wolgemut's concerts. I also want to do some shopping and maybe cry camp. I'm not setting my alarm, though. I don't mind sleeping in. I have nothing specifically scheduled, and I am, after all, on vacation.

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    Saturday, August 14

    648.63 +
    15.00: shopping (Sing for the East song book)
    4.24: shopping (woad)
    12.00: shopping (T-shirt for a friend back home)
    4.50: lunch
    115.54: shopping (Likely Lotus -- bodice and skirt)
    5.00: hemming skirt
    2.12: postcards
    35.00: shopping (gift for fencing guy)
    4.00: cobbler
    10.00: supper
    5.00: Efenwealt concert
    = 861.03

    6:30 pm

    So far today:

    12:45 am

    Tonight's activities:

    Went to the Efenwealt concert. It was very funny. I'm glad I went.

    The Wolgemut concert was canceled because their loud instruments got lost by the airline. It was rescheduled to Monday.

    Small good deed #1: D and I informed the Pennsic Independent about the Wolgemut rescheduling. If you saw it in the Independent, you can thank us! :)

    Small good deed #2: One of the tents in the Enchanted Group was half-collapsed. D and I investigated to make sure everything was all right, along with a randomly chosen passerby who turned out to be Count Pietr of the Middle. No one was hurt. Thank you, karma!

    Went to a bardic circle at Club Aed. I performed: 1. Balfar's Privateers (which was well-received), 2. Song of the Shield Wall, with D (we sung too fast, not as well received), 3. Man with the Long Bow (very well received). I met a long-standing bard named Brion who gave D and I some pointers and invited us to his bardic circle tomorrow.

    Other random stuff:

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    Sunday, August 15

    861.03 +
    25.00: shopping (Claus -- T-shirt, gift for Isabelle)
    10.00: shopping (broach for RJ)
    3.50: smoothie
    5.00: lunch
    40.00: Moonwolf concert and CDs
    6.00: supper
    + 1.00: for my bardic
    = 949.53

    Classes Today:
    - Elementary Banner Making
    - Rewriting Tales for Use by Your Persona

    About 4:30 pm

    Today so far: A little bit of shopping. All I now have left are present for Jeff and Ian, more CDs, and maybe a muffin cap. Which is good, because I'm almost out of spending money.

  • More singing with Michael.
  • Class 1: Elementary banner making. Informative, if not immediately useful to me.
  • Class 2: Rewriting tales for use by your persona. Really good class. Half was general, useful rules. The other half was a group-rewriting of the Three Little Pigs to fit a Medici Florentine persona. Lots of fun and one of the best classes I've taken in a while.
  • Went to a Laurel's Tea and A&S Greeting (or something like that). I was somewhat intimidated when I realized I was one of only 3 people (out of about 30) who was neither an apprentice nor a laurel. But it was fun. Apparently someone even knew my web page and recognized my name. So cool!

    Tonight: change into new garb (bodice and skirt). Go to Moonwolf concert. Go sing at Bardicci low party. Have fun!

    • About 7 pm

    I'm wearing a bodice for the second time ever, the first time since March. Chiara helped me get into it, since I couldn't get it tight enough on my own. Singing in this thing will pose a whole new, interesting set of challenges. I'm now waiting for the Moonwolf concert. And I'll try to update my bardic request sheet before I perform tonight.

    3 am

    I'm so happy I could fly. I'm just coming back from an incredible bardic circle at the Debatable Lands camp, run by Master Brion (a former Sylvan Bard of Aethlemark). To begin with, everyone was absolutely breathtaking. My jaw was on the floor at the captivating stories, the silver voices... That I found the courage to sing amidst such people still surprises me, but sing I did. I performed three pieces:

    1. Maid on the Shore
    2. Man with the Long Bow
    3. The Valkyrie

    After the second piece, a baron called (I think) Langdon gave me a carbuncle (stone) because he liked my pieces so much. As I was about to leave, having just finished The Valkyrie to an audience of the remaining diehard bards, I was given rings, one from Mistress Morgana and one from Master Brion himself. That not one, but two eminent bards liked me so much is shocking to me. I was and still am happy beyond description. It means that my many months of learning and practice are finally meaning something. But still... wow.

    On a different note, before that I sang for an hour or two at the Bardicci low party. I had a weaker reception there -- everyone seemed intent on the other, more public performances. I recited a few songs to some diehards (Zeff and Lynette -- I've got groupies!), against a lot of noise. It was fun, in a "let me kill my throat" kind of way. I even got a dollar from Zeff. (He asked if he could give me money, I said yes.) That party (well, and the Debatable Lands one) was more about getting exposure than anything else -- let people know who I am and what I do. Admittedly, two very different venues, but the purpose was the same.

    On the way back from the Bardicci party (about midnight or so, I guess), D went off to Sharkpit for the Known World Rapier Party, which I had no desire to attend. I checked out Enchanted Ground, but they weren't going anything tonight. So I remembered, suddenly, about Brion's circle. I stopped at the dance tent and (unsurprisingly) found Unnr and Charles, so I said hi. Then I checked out the Debatable Lands circle and... well, see above.

    Walking back to camp in the quiet (everything is dark, the Rapier Party is over, there's no one even at the North Gate), I reflected on my night and I am very, very happy. Brion invited me to the Bardic Forum tomorrow to Thursday. Tomorrow is Wolgemut, so I may wait until Tuesday, but I definitely want to go. I have found my niche in bardic arts, I think. I've been singing as much as I can all Pennsic, and I'm still not tired of it. I only wish War lasted longer...

    And in completely different news, it seems A and L arrived tonight.

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    To see Week Two, click here.

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