Care and Feeding of Pennsic newbies? [SCA]
Gwen Morse
I'm trying to get some information together for camping at Pennsic. I
plan on attending the second week, and sent in my pre-registration. I
have a group to camp with, who will be reserving my spot for land grab
(and all that).
However, when I ask what I need to take care of, I don't get the most
definitive answers.
(1) I need to eat for a week. I prefer to bring $$$ and feed myself at
one of the larger camps that feeds others. I know this happened in the
past. Will it be happening again this year, and what sort of
information about this can people provide (how much meals cost, what
time frames they would be served, etc). How much "snack food" do
people who eat like this bring, for the midnight munchies and the
like? Do I need feast gear to eat "out", or, do I only need it for any
in-camp eating?
(2) What "in my tent" sort of gear will I need. I have already been
told the following:
tent (with ground cover/stakes/ropes/etc)
sleeping bag
mattress pad/foam mattress sort of thingie (for under my sleeping
bag). The person making the recomendations said that foam is better
than an air mattress, because air mattresses pop. I figure foam gets
wet in a flood. Any feedback one way or the other?
first aid kit = band aids, ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, ibuprofin,
etc. Anything else?
"period" light source (candle lamp or lantern, or, oil version). Any
feedback on whether candles or oil is better? Any battery-powered
versions that LOOK period (I'm VERY clumsy, and have visions of
burning down our camp when I trip)?
(3) What besides garb and the above-listed tent items would I need?
So far, I know I need:
solar shower bag
towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
anything else?
(4) Garb: I'm going for 1 week, as a 5th century Irish Celtic woman.
That means linen leine long tunics/dresses. Should I have 7 different
leinte? What about warmth? How cold does it get at night? Do I need
real wool to bundle up in for warmth? For the swimming area that's
"clothed", do I need "period" swim gear, or will my Speedo tanksuit be
just fine? I'll have at least 1 set of period boots ready by then,
will I need more than 1 pair? Any other considerations (sun hats,
things like that?)
If there's a Pennsic newbie list of things to bring, that would be
great. Otherwise, anyone who could answer my questions will be
appreciated!
Gwen Morse
--
Eachna ingen Gan Aimn - 5th century Irish Celt
Probationary member of the New York Tuatha de Bhriain
http://www.hatrack.net/gwen/celtic/index.html
Gwen Morse || mailto:gold...@geocities.com
Christine Jacobs
Gwen Morse wrote:
> If there's a Pennsic newbie list of things to bring, that would be
> great. Otherwise, anyone who could answer my questions will be
> appreciated!
Hi Gwen!
Check out "Bart's Pennsic Thingy" in Stephen's Florilegium Archive. The
URL is: http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/rialto/BPThingie-art.html
Though I'm not going to Pennsic myself, I've been adapting his
suggestions for a one-weekend event (my first!) in Maine in a couple
weeks (Great Northeastern War), and it looks like he includes most of
the basics.
Good luck, and have a great time!
Kseniia
blues
With regard to information for newcomers to Pennsic, I have written a
couple of articles that may answer a few of your questions. They are on
the Web at:
http://ic.net/~blues/articles.htm
--
The Blues Viking Online! (New Articles Added 2/23/98)
http://ic.net/~blues
Esther Heller
Gwen Morse wrote:
>
> I'm trying to get some information together for camping at Pennsic. I
> plan on attending the second week, and sent in my pre-registration. I
> have a group to camp with, who will be reserving my spot for land grab
> (and all that).
>
> However, when I ask what I need to take care of, I don't get the most
> definitive answers.
>
> (1) I need to eat for a week. I prefer to bring $$$ and feed myself at
> one of the larger camps that feeds others. I know this happened in the
> past. Will it be happening again this year, and what sort of
> information about this can people provide (how much meals cost, what
> time frames they would be served, etc). How much "snack food" do
> people who eat like this bring, for the midnight munchies and the
> like? Do I need feast gear to eat "out", or, do I only need it for any
> in-camp eating?
You need feast gear to eat anywhere but the food court (the merchants
have plates, usually paper), and I didn't notice any mention of
dishwashing equipment on your list. I am not aware of any "larger camps
that feeds others" and given the amount of work and advance preparation
required seriously doubt their existence. The thing to do is see if
the folks _you_ are camping with are organizing any group activity
and if so join it. Otherwise plan as if you are picnicking/camping for
a week. Someone has mentioned Bart's Pennsic thingy, read it. You
should
plan some method of cooking, there are many variations on mundane
camping
gear. Keep in mind there are no picnic tables, if you want a table
you must bring one. A used $4 card table from a second hand place has
been valuable, also some folding chairs (in my case used director's
chair). Cooking with a camp stove on the ground is not fun and more
subject to tripping on.
>
> (2) What "in my tent" sort of gear will I need. I have already been
> told the following:
>
> tent (with ground cover/stakes/ropes/etc)
>
> sleeping bag
And sheets! Don't buy a sleeping bag if you don't have one, bring
sheets and blankets instead. It could be hot enough that you
only want a sheet, or cold enough for 2-3 blankets... Pillow?
>
> mattress pad/foam mattress sort of thingie (for under my sleeping
> bag). The person making the recomendations said that foam is better
> than an air mattress, because air mattresses pop. I figure foam gets
> wet in a flood. Any feedback one way or the other?
Some kind ok hammock with stand, cot, or otherwise portable bed.
If it rains (it will at least once) you are a lot happier off the
ground. If you build a knock-down bed, make it high enough to stash
those big plastic boxes under.
>
> first aid kit = band aids, ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, ibuprofin,
> etc. Anything else?
>
> "period" light source (candle lamp or lantern, or, oil version). Any
> feedback on whether candles or oil is better? Any battery-powered
> versions that LOOK period (I'm VERY clumsy, and have visions of
> burning down our camp when I trip)?
a small maglight in your pouch works fine to hit the portajohn,
Anything else sits on your table, what do you already have?
>
> (3) What besides garb and the above-listed tent items would I need?
>
> So far, I know I need:
>
> solar shower bag
>
> towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
>
> anything else?
Do some people in your group have fire extinguishers? Something to pound
tent stakes? Something to carry drinking water in?
If you can pack your clothes in one of those big plastic boxes you
will have dry clothes even if your tent collapses in a thunderstorm.
Likewise kitchen stuff (I pack flour, sugar, noodles, etc. in water
and bug proof containers. We camp in the Serengeti, Tupperware type
containers seal airtight, the bigger boxes don't and _will_ let ants
in. Not period but useful, ziplock bags for the fruit you leave sitting
out.
>
> (4) Garb: I'm going for 1 week, as a 5th century Irish Celtic woman.
> That means linen leine long tunics/dresses. Should I have 7 different
> leinte? What about warmth? How cold does it get at night? Do I need
> real wool to bundle up in for warmth? For the swimming area that's
> "clothed", do I need "period" swim gear, or will my Speedo tanksuit be
> just fine? I'll have at least 1 set of period boots ready by then,
> will I need more than 1 pair? Any other considerations (sun hats,
> things like that?)
You should have at least 7 sets of clothes and extra underwear, plus
some sort of nightclothes, at least 1 warm cloak. Don't worry about
period shoes, wear shoes you can walk in _all day_ without your
feet hurting. Period is good, but comfortable feet are even more
important. I wear black sneakers. You need 3 pair of shoes, one
to wear, one to wear while the first pair dries after it rains,
one pair with the total set of clothes locked in the car in case
of catastrophe. It can range from 50's at night to 90's in the
afternoon, layers are good. Yes you want a sun hat with strings
to keep it on your head. Mine is a plain straw hat from the local
variety store.
>
> If there's a Pennsic newbie list of things to bring, that would be
> great. Otherwise, anyone who could answer my questions will be
> appreciated!
>
A couple general suggestions, don't try to do _everything_ the
first time, and if you must shop for equipment, do it at yard
sales. A lot of people have period tents, but you will see modern
ones too. It is nice to hide mundanities in your tent, but modern
nylon tents are ovens at 10 am when the sun is out (period ones
are comfortable!) You will see a lot of mundane camping equipment,
but keep a camera and a notebook in your basket for when you trip
on something period looking.
A lot of commentary on this kind of stuff is scattered all over
Stefan's Florilegium, check out topics like Pennsic, camping,
furniture, camping, food, etc.
My first year I borrowed my sister's tent and air mattress and
concentrated on garb. The second year I made a tent and brought
a hammock. This year I will have a real bed, and depending on time
will have a nice table and/or a sunshade. I also picked up an
end of season propane fired hot plate that is just like a stove
burner, no more pumping a Coleman stove, easily stashed in tent
when not in use.
Have fun!
Esther Heller e...@kodak.com
cskar...@yahoo.com
> (1) I need to eat for a week. I prefer to bring $$$ ...
<snip> There are food merchants on site. My husband and I tend to average
apx. $15 each per day for meals in the food court, plus maybe $5 each for
snacks. Keep in mind, this doesn't include alcoholic beverages, but does
include the NUMEROUS jugs of spring water purchased on town runs. (Do
yourself a BIG favor, only drink and cook with bottled water, the HIGH
mineral content of the local water is a bit too much for normal humans! If
your anemic, however, you'll be in heaven!) You may want to check if someone
in your encampment is bringing a propane stove (I DEFINITELY DO NOT suggest
the liquid fuel kind, they are WAY too easy to blow up and take forever to
get started). If you drink coffee or tea in the a.m., it's much nicer to not
have to hike out to get it. Duncan and I were ALMOST made saints at a
camping event because we had 2 perk coffee pots and a pound of Sumatran
Blend! ;} Gourmet Camping! There's nothing better!
> (2) What "in my tent" sort of gear will I need. I have already been
> told the following:
>
> tent (with ground cover/stakes/ropes/etc)
Don't forget a blue tarp! And definitely try bungee cords instead of ropes
(if this is a modern tent, that is). The bungees have some give to them, and
won't loosen in a wind storm (and those happen AT LEAST once a Pennsic).
>
> sleeping bag
>
> mattress pad/foam mattress sort of thingie <snip> I figure foam gets
> wet in a flood. Any feedback one way or the other?
Try an encased foam mattress, or one of the self inflating mattress pads (I
think Coleman has them, they are dark blue, apx 1.5" thick when inflated, and
VERY durable, and they pack REAL small.) Another option you might want to try
is a camp cot (if you'll be sleeping alone) or a futon & frame (that's what we
use! Keeps you off the ground and dry!)
>
> first aid kit = band aids, ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, ibuprofin,
> etc. Anything else?
Afterbite, aloe vera lotion, insta-ice pack, pepto-bismol, immodium AD.
>
> "period" light source
Bring a flash lite, instead. You will be bombarded with the anti-fire info
the minute you walk into Pennsic, and for good reason. It seems that nearly
every year somebody forgets and leaves the candle burning, and then it's
bye-bye tent and maybe the entire encampment. I realize it's not nearly
period, but it's much safer. If you really MUST HAVE one, try picking up a
couple of citronella candles (they have one in a votive cup set in a tiki
torch style stake) set them up outside your tent, far enough away that if it
falls over it can't touch the tents around it. PLEASE don't use lamps with
oil. If they fall over, the oil splashes out & catches fire, and I'll let
your imagination do the rest.
Also, how about a small table for in the tent (to keep glasses (if you wear
them) or contact cases, meds, jewelry, etc. on), a garb rack (if your tent is
big enough), a couple of RubberMaid lidded tote bins/footlockers (invaluable
for keeping your spare clothes clean and dry until you are ready to wear
them).
>
> (3) What besides garb and the above-listed tent items would I need?
>
> So far, I know I need:
>
> solar shower bag
>
> towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
>
> anything else?
A fire extinguisher! You never know when you will need it (from the folks who
nearly blew up an event with a BRAND NEW 50# propane bottle (faulty hose), but
Duncan saved the day ( and turned EVERYTHING white in the process) and used up
the extinguisher instead!).
A chair to sit in, a basket to carry your finds from the market place and
your clothes, etc. to the shower, a pair of flip flops/sandles to wear in the
shower, a ground blanket or mat to sit on the grass with, a totable water
bottle (preferably with a quasi-period cover).
>
> (4) Garb: I'm going for 1 week, <snip>
1 small sentence: Bring it ALL!!! Pennsic weather (and I grew up 2 hrs
south, so I REALLY know this) ranges from 110 in the shade (if you can find
any) with 95% humidity to frost at night. So far as I know, it has never
snowed/sleeted/icestormed at Pennsic (KNOCK ON WOOD, or the nearest
simulation), but it HAS done everything else. (Last year, my husband and I
watched a funnel cloud form over our heads, come down half way, and go back
up (this was Saturday night). No touch-downs in camp, thank whoever you
thank!) Bring your heaviest cloak, your lightest tunics, and at least 3
changes a day! You might not need it, but if you leave it at home, you will
wish you hadn't. For the swimming area that's
> "clothed", do I need "period" swim gear, or will my Speedo tanksuit be
> just fine?
Speedo is fine.
I'll have at least 1 set of period boots ready by then,
> will I need more than 1 pair?
Bring at least 2 (in case one gets wet) and a pair of sandles (for those warm
days). Make sure they are WELL broken in BEFORE you get there (blisters S*CK
at Pennsic). Also, make sure at least 1 pair has good sturdy soles (some of
the roads are graveled and those rocks are killers!)
Any other considerations (sun hats,
> things like that?)
Definitely bring a sun hat, or plan to buy one there (they are usually less
than $5 for a good straw hat), bring plenty of money (travelers checks, if
you can) because there is SO MUCH to buy (I want one of those, and a set of
them, and I MUST have THAT, IT'S Gorgeous!!), a cooler (for beer, soda, &
bottled water), your senses of humor, adventure, fair play and, above all,
patience, and maybe a set of ear plugs in case you can't sleep through the
drums :)!
Hope you have a GREAT 1st Pennsic! Stop past and say "hi"! We'll be camping
with House Wasserwulf, probably somewhere out in the northwest 40.
Yours in service to the Dream!
Lady Alixandara Cupbearer
& (in abstentia) Lord Duncan Thorfinnson
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
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Ullam
blues wrote:
>
> With regard to information for newcomers to Pennsic, I have written a
> couple of articles that may answer a few of your questions. They are on
> the Web at:
>
> http://ic.net/~blues/articles.htm
>
Cheers!
Ullam
Bojegei
Pennsic packing?
<begin parent mode>
tips include: 1) you won't use half of what you bring; 2) you'll forget one or
two critical items (making a packing list for SCA camping & update it
periodically); 3) Pennsic weather is varied - plan for everything from
scorching heat to freezing cold to a desert to rains you can drown in - I
haven't seen snow yet though...
Some camps or households do their own meal plans but these are usually set up
in advance. Unless the people you're camping with are doing one, plan on
bringing your own food or eating in the food court. An easy way of doing this
is cereal or breakfast bars in the morning, lunch munchies (cheese, bread,
fruit, middle eastern stuff - ie no cook finger food), and then dinner out in
the food court.
Never underestimate the convenience of paper plates and plastic silverware.
You will need feast gear if you're joining someone else for meals (& you might
end up with a few dinner invites) and you'll need several mugs/cups whatever
for drinks and your morning coffee. You'll need to be able to _wash_ your_
dishes_!!! This is VERY important! Bring a large pot to heat water in and one
for rinsing & bleaching. Wash in HOT soapy water. Rinse. Soak in water with
some bleach added to sanitize. Bring diarrea medicine just in case.
Dishsoap. Bleach.
Bring a cooler and lots of non-alcoholic drinks. Bring lots of stuff without
caffeine and drink it so you don't get dehydrated during the day. The
campground's water has a fairly high mineral content - if you're not used to it
you probably won't drink it and it may affect your system. Bring some bottled
water just in case. Bring a couple big jugs to carry water used for washing
you_and_your_dishes_
In your tent gear:
tent, plastic ground cover, cheap plastic painters tarps to throw over bed &
stuff in case the tent leaks..... I'm sure someone's mentioned the idea of
putting all your stuff in plastic boxes? May I suggest large zip lock bags as
a good alternative?
small brightly colored rags or ribbons to tie on any guy lines from your tent
and tent stakes so people see them at night!
hammer for tent stakes, shovel (handy for every possible camp chore - digging a
firepit and you'll need to dig a hole to dispose of the waste water from
washing your dishes - something to cover the hole so no one falls in at night!)
If you want a campfire buy pre-chopped wood or bring an axe..... if you don't
know how to chop wood safely please don't!
Sheets & blankets rather than a sleeping bag are a good idea. So's your
favorite pillow.
a rug or large cloth for the tent floor that you can take outside & shake to
get all the dirt out of your tent, a broom
light source - if you're clumsy, have a small tent, or just about anything else
I'd recommend a good flashlight plus a small one to put in your belt pouch
(porta potties!. Spare batteries. If you really want candles or other
flaming light sources bring a fire extinguisher! Plus, really long matches or,
better yet, one of those long barbeque lighters so you don't singe your
fingers. Also, a metal, insulated something to put under the candle in case it
tips over. (Never, ever leave a candle burning when your out of your tent or
asleep!)
Has anyone mentioned rain? Bring an umbrella or a rain poncho so you'll stay
dry, bring a couple extra pairs of shoes....
(nag, nag, nag - can you tell I have a teenager?)
SCA & personal stuff:
you've got the solar shower bag, towels, & toiletries listed - how about a
washcloth?
a big belt pouch & belt, hooks/robe/string for tying miscellaneous stuff like a
mug & small flashlight to your belt.... maybe a basket to carry stuff (&
PURCHASES) around in during the day
you mentioned a medical kit & sunscreen - good, in addition to the stuff you
listed brings tums, diarrea medicine, hangover cures, and solorcaine..... a
tub/big pot (like your dishwashing pot) to soak tired, aching feet in is nice.
Do you fight? If so, ointment for tired, aching muscles..... (a good masseuse
helps too but they're a little hard to pack)
clothes - at least one outfit a day plus extra undies & socks, things to layer
over other things, warm cloak, extra shoes, a set of clean mundane clothes for
the trip home (leave in car so they stay clean and dry), You'll want something
that's easy to throw on for 3 AM trips to the porta pottie. Your mundane
swimsuit will be fine at the family swimming hole - bring an extra towel. How
about something to put your dirty laundry in?
camera & extra film
your armor (all pieces! check!!!!), shields, swords, spears, polearms, mace,
axe etc, duct tape, armor repair stuff..... fix armor BEFORE going, make sure
everything fits well - something that rubs a little in practice or tourney is
hell after hours in armor or a mile walk to the woods battle....
General things - extra rope (comes in handy!), a sharp knife, a
leatherman/swiss army knife, something to keep knife sharp...., a cork screw
or two, boxes/bags to store things in.... supplies for any A&S stuff you
do...., duct tape, a cutting board or other large flat object, a table,
box/basket/thingy for next to door & bed (next to door for light source & other
stuff you need to find in the dark because you didn't get back to camp in
time.... or you're to drunk to fumble around in the dark, next to bed for
glasses, etc, little stuff), condoms (you never know - a friend might need
them), extra money
_leave_enough_ money_ to _get_ home_ with_ in_ your_ car!!!!!!!!! There are
more merchants selling more neat stuff that you just gotta have at Pennsic than
you can possible imagine.
<end nagging step-parent mode>
Have fun!
Bojegei
Lasair
If you bring money to feed yourself, about $15-$20 should do it with room to
spare. (The heat kills my appitite pretty well.) Food's available all day and
well into the evening at the food court, so you shouldn't run into a problem
there. For snack food, bring what you think you'll want... I usually bring
along a couple boxes of Pop Tarts for mornings I don't want to walk all the way
to the food court. Remember, though, that whatever you'll bring will likely be
baking in your tent all day.
I'd go with a foam mattress, just lay out a plastic tarp under it.
Don't forget, if you need any prescription medications, bring enough to last
the entire War. (Sounds silly, but you'd be surprised.) If you have allergies
to insect bites or stings, have a chat with your doctor and find out what
you'll need.
Don't worry about a period light source. A flashlight'll do fine, and won't
set anything on fire.
You didn't list anything to carry water with you while you're out of camp...
Pick up a water bota (They're cheap, and if you can't find one before, get one
the first day at War.) and carry it with you all day. If you're not used to
the heat, you'll dehydrate before you realize what hit you.
Pack a bag of clothes, a complete change from the skin out, and include a
couple of towels and shoes. This should stay in your car for when your tent
gets totally flooded out. (I've done it since the first time MY tent got
flooded out. I haven't actually needed it, but it's nice to know it's there
when the storms start.)
james koch
Gwen Morse wrote:
>
> I'm trying to get some information together for camping at Pennsic. I
> plan on attending the second week, and sent in my pre-registration. I
> have a group to camp with, who will be reserving my spot for land grab
> (and all that).
>
> However, when I ask what I need to take care of, I don't get the most
> definitive answers.
>
> (1) I need to eat for a week. I prefer to bring $$$ and feed myself at
> one of the larger camps that feeds others. I know this happened in the
> past. Will it be happening again this year, and what sort of
> information about this can people provide (how much meals cost, what
> time frames they would be served, etc). How much "snack food" do
> people who eat like this bring, for the midnight munchies and the
> like? Do I need feast gear to eat "out", or, do I only need it for any
> in-camp eating?
>
I eat there every other day when I am in a hurry or happen to be in the
merchant area when I am hungry. The rest of the time I eat foods which
require no cooking such a carrots, peppers, fruits, salted nuts,
crackers, cheese, pickled vegetables, and summer sausage (the kind which
requires no refrigeration). I put everything fresh in an ice chest
largely to keep bugs away. Actually I eat very little at Pennsic. At
one Pennsic several years ago (the one that was so blazing hot) I ate
nothing for three days but a small bag of trail mix. At the same time I
must have consuned gallons of cold water! Pennsic is a great place to
sweat off extra pounds. I usually buy my coffee at one of the several
coffee houses. It takes less time to walk there than it does to heat
the water. However, for emergencies I always bring along one pot to
heat water for coffee and one scouring pad to clean it prior to
leaving.
> (2) What "in my tent" sort of gear will I need. I have already been
> told the following:
>
> tent (with ground cover/stakes/ropes/etc)
>
>
> bag). The person making the recomendations said that foam is better
> wet in a flood. Any feedback one way or the other?
>
on a borrowed air mattress to find that I was floating in my tent
surrounded by a bunch of bobbing empty beer cans. If you put a ground
cloth under the air bed you generally need not worry about puncturing
it. I've only punctured mine once and that was when returning from the
first event where I used it. I now thansport it in a canvas bag and
have done so for at least six years without any further problems.
> first aid kit = band aids, ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, ibuprofin,
> etc. Anything else?
>
>
> "period" light source (candle lamp or lantern, or, oil version). Any
> feedback on whether candles or oil is better? Any battery-powered
> versions that LOOK period (I'm VERY clumsy, and have visions of
> burning down our camp when I trip)?
>
from lamp oil sold in the Cooper's store. Bring the lantern type with a
wide stable base rather than the tall table top version if it is to be
your only light source. If your tent is small you can hang it outside
the door on a forked stick and thereby get enough light inside to
navigate and find things.
> (3) What besides garb and the above-listed tent items would I need?
>
> So far, I know I need:
>
> solar shower bag
>
> towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
>
> anything else?
>
> That means linen leine long tunics/dresses. Should I have 7 different
> leinte? What about warmth? How cold does it get at night? Do I need
> "clothed", do I need "period" swim gear, or will my Speedo tanksuit be
> will I need more than 1 pair? Any other considerations (sun hats,
> things like that?)
>
Bring your lightest and oldest garb for around camp wear. Heat is more
of a problem than cold. A blanket will serve as a make shift cloak and
vice versa. A sun hat is a good thing. Break in your boots prior to
departing. I have developed blisters even in boots I had been used to
wearing due to the hills and the heat.
> If there's a Pennsic newbie list of things to bring, that would be
> great. Otherwise, anyone who could answer my questions will be
> appreciated!
>
including the groups party pavillion. But in terms of my personal gear
I always bring as little as possible. If there is something you might
only use once like a hammer to drive in tent stakes, try to figure how
to do without. Pound them in with a rock, or ask if the group with
which you will be camping will be bringing tools. Our camp has a
communal tool kit including axes, shovels, & etc. Try not to duplicate
what could be borrowed.
ojirelan@localhost
In Article Care and Feeding of Pennsic newbies? [SCA] , Gwen Morse <gold...@geocities.com> wrote:
I'm trying to get some information together for camping at Pennsic. I
plan on attending the second week, and sent in my pre-registration. I
have a group to camp with, who will be reserving my spot for land grab
(and all that).
However, when I ask what I need to take care of, I don't get the most
definitive answers.
(1) I need to eat for a week. I prefer to bring $$$ and feed myself at
one of the larger camps that feeds others. I know this happened in the
past. Will it be happening again this year, and what sort of
information about this can people provide (how much meals cost, what
time frames they would be served, etc). How much "snack food" do
people who eat like this bring, for the midnight munchies and the
like? Do I need feast gear to eat "out", or, do I only need it for any
in-camp eating?
Typically, the larger encampments set up a food plan for those
camping with them. This isn't a "walk in and eat" arranagement, it is usually
set up in advance with those who are running the camp. Your best bet is to
ask around locally - either in your local group or Kingdom - and see what
other folks are doing. You *can* feed yourself from the food vendors that
run booths at Pennsic, but I would think that a week of this might get a
bit boring after awhile. You will want feast gear of some variety - simple
stuff (plate, bowl, goblet or cup, spoon, fork, knife) in an easy to clean
material. Snack foods (for me) consist of canned nuts (salted to keep my
salt level up), crackers, Nutragrain bars, pretzels, small cans of fruit or
applesauce in the individual serving containers, dried fruit. Also individual
serving sizes of fruit juices. I usually bring at least one large can of
nuts, 3-4 boxes of Nutragrain (or similar granola or breakfast bars), a large
can of pretzels and at least a case of juice. Individual boxes of raisins.
I can give you suggestions on how to feed yourself relatively easily
if you are interested.
(2) What "in my tent" sort of gear will I need. I have already been
told the following:
tent (with ground cover/stakes/ropes/etc)
sleeping bag
mattress pad/foam mattress sort of thingie (for under my sleeping
bag). The person making the recomendations said that foam is better
than an air mattress, because air mattresses pop. I figure foam gets
wet in a flood. Any feedback one way or the other?
If you have some way of getting yourself off the floor, that is better -
a camp cot is best or having crates or boxes that you carry your stuff down
in that can be put together as a base for a foam mattress. I would go foam over
air mattress for the same reason - perhaps a wrapper for the foam that would
protect it from getting wet (try a plastic mattress cover that zips).
first aid kit = band aids, ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, ibuprofin,
etc. Anything else?
I also include diarhria medicine and tums. An alergy medicine
(like Benedryl) or sinus medicine. Any prescription drugs you take. Also,
be sure to pack personal hygene products even if it won't be "that time of the
month", just in case.
"period" light source (candle lamp or lantern, or, oil version). Any
feedback on whether candles or oil is better? Any battery-powered
versions that LOOK period (I'm VERY clumsy, and have visions of
burning down our camp when I trip)?
DO NOT USE A LIT CANDLE OR OIL LAMP IN YOUR TENT! If you want a
period light source for OUTSIDE, use a candle lantern or a container of some
kind with a votive candle in it (they are less likely to tip over). INSIDE
your tent, use a battery-powered lamp (my opinion is the best are the Coleman
lamps that use florescent tubes - they work and provide a good light without
being obnoxious). Be sure to pack extra candles for the candle lantern, matches,
and extra batteries and light bulds for your inside lamp. A flashlight is
also helpful for those late night trips to the privy. If you really want some-
thing more period inside your tent, find the battery powered candles.
(3) What besides garb and the above-listed tent items would I need?
Toiletries obviously - personal care items, bath/shower items (I find
tubes of shower gel much more convenient for camping than bars of soap), towels
and washcloths. An extra roll of toilet paper. Garbage bags (not just for
garbage - they also work very nicely to store stuff in in case of a rain storm,
which you can expect at least one of). A small table and a chair to sit in.
A cooler, however small, to keep some drinks and ice in.
So far, I know I need:
solar shower bag
Not 100% necessary - there are solar showers on site that work very well
and with a little experimentation you can probably find the time of day or night
that has the best lines (none) and water temperature for you. Standing in line
for the shower can actually be quite enjoyable - you meet a lot of people that way.
towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
(see above)
anything else?
(4) Garb: I'm going for 1 week, as a 5th century Irish Celtic woman.
That means linen leine long tunics/dresses. Should I have 7 different
leinte? What about warmth? How cold does it get at night? Do I need
real wool to bundle up in for warmth? For the swimming area that's
"clothed", do I need "period" swim gear, or will my Speedo tanksuit be
just fine? I'll have at least 1 set of period boots ready by then,
will I need more than 1 pair? Any other considerations (sun hats,
things like that?)
You can wash out items to wear during the week - so if you have 4
linen leines, you could wash a couple during the week to keep you going.
Most large camps will also do a laundry run at some point and there are
limited laundry facilities on site (if you are willing to spend the day in
a laundrymat). But, a small washbasin and a small bottle of laundry detergent
will perform the same purpose in camp (you can also use the basin for
washing your dishes and for washing yourself as needed).
I would *strongly* recommend clothes
that can be layered for warmth or coolness, depending upon the weather. You may
run into all of the hot, humid, cold, wet combinations during a week at War.
At least one wool tunic and/or cloak (the cloak can double as an extra blanket
if need be) is a necessity, as well as warm socks and shoes.
A speedo at the swimming hole is fine - a tunic over it is a good idea to get
you there.
Be sure to break in any and all footwear prior to going. You will be
walking *a lot* and the last thing you want is sore feet and blisters. At least
two pairs of footwear - boots and shoes or sandals - in case one set gets muddy
or wet.
Definitely a wide-brimmed hat or a veil of some kind. Sunscreen!
I recommend a cloth bag or basket for shopping and/or to carry ice in
from the store. Money (actually, travelers checks). A notebook and pen to take
notes in the classes you attend, write down the names and addresses of people
you meet and want to be in touch with, or to note the neat things you see. A
camera (one of the one-use kind can be best) to take pictures of the pavilion
you want, garb you like, and to show your friends and family where you spent
a week of your vacation.
Feel free to ask any questions or for more suggestions!
Orianna
fridri...@hotmail.com
Tanya Guptill
Don't forget bug spray, waterproof shoes, and sunblock! Earplugs are
good, too. I ate at vendors all the time, and that seemed to work fine.
Have a great time--I wish I was going this year...
Mira
--
MEDIEVAL PAVILION RESOURCES
http://www.teleport.com/~tguptill/tent.html
Chris K. Hepburn
Greetings:
This was covered before but I think it bears repeating because every year
I still see unmarked guy ropes. It seems like a minor thing to have
invisible guy ropes...until you run into one at neck height hard enough
to throw yourself down onto your backside.
I once nearly garrotted myself on a set of nice black and grey pinstriped
(!) guy ropes.
Bright orange survey tape is $3.00 a roll in these parts. One roll will
do many, many tents.
Please, everyone, mark your ropes!
(Yes I know I'm nagging, but it *hurts*!)
Gawain
Jennifer Guy
A couple things.
They have some really nice little umbrella-type foldup chairs now
that'll fit well for packing and can be folded up in the tent
sometimes if you have cramped quarters.
We've been flooded at too many Pennsics. All our gear, clothes, kid
stuff, etc. goes in rubbermaid storage trunks. Also, the lids flip
over to almost lock in place with a several inch ridge around the
edges, for a non-spillable 'table' surface inside the tent.
The tent's blown in twice - we avoid as much glass as possible, just
for the sake of cleanup convenience if this should happen again.
Make sure any food you bring is completely resealable if it's not in
individual servings. Pennsic has 10,000 bugs for *each* of it's 10,000
attendees.
Pennsic smells like campfires, I'd stick with an air mattress instead
of foam so the bedding retains as little odor as possible.
Pennsic is also a week out in the dirt and sun. A skin cleanser/toner
(Sea Breeze, etc.) and sun protective moisturizer can feel a whole lot
better than washing in water that turns orange after a few minutes in
the sun.
Laura Shumar
I have my "must-have" items, which I take to *every* event in addition
to all the camping stuff.
1) My own personal washstand. I have a cheap TV tray, and a black
pitcher (so I have warm water!) and a large bowl from the dollar
store. This goes outside my tent and means I can wash my hands in
*real* water (I know the goo in the portajohns works, but real water
feels more convincingly clean!), brush my teeth, and even do sponge
baths inside my tent. If you're just using it for handwashing, adding
a little bleach to the water isn't a bad idea.
2) My portable fan/light. This is an "American Camper" product that
allows me to stay in my tent for several hours after sunrise. It sits
on a table and the fan's large enough to keep me cool in bed. It eats
a lot of batteries but it's well worth it.
3) My shower bag. Not the solar-shower kind; a net bag for holding
stuff. Paktowl makes a bag that's mesh on one side and ziploc on the
other, with a snapped loop that goes around the pipes in the shower.
This really beats juggling shampoo bottles.
A couple other tips - you'll want shower thongs and some kind of
garmet you can throw on for midnight potty runs. Even if you *never*
wake up in the night you'll *have* to go on the coldest, ickiest night
of the war!
Bring an interesting crafty project or something that you can work on
in public areas - it's a great way to start conversations.
Bring a notebook so you can keep a list of all the stuff you forgot
and all the stuff you didn't really need for next year.
I've been making nets and net bags, and use them for a lot of stuff.
Fruit goes in one that's suspended from my sunshade, and keeps a lot
longer than it would in a box. They're great for shopping (I have a
*huge* Midnight Madness bag!). Nets in the tent hold various stuff
that doesn't really have another place. You can buy these bags at
lots of stores - OR attend my "Netmaking" class at the war and learn
to do your own!
-Laura
David Corson
snip of much good advice...
> Pennsic is also a week out in the dirt and sun. A skin cleanser/toner
> (Sea Breeze, etc.) and sun protective moisturizer can feel a whole lot
> better than washing in water that turns orange after a few minutes in
> the sun.
Purell now makes a good waterless hand cleaner - it would be a good idea
to keep some with you at all times... nothing like that hot, dry, dusty
Pennsic weather to want to wipe off your face and hands with something
to remove the dust....
Don't like the weather - wait 10 minutes - it will change..... I used to
live in Pittsburgh......
Elaina
Rhiannon Sablemoon
nospamDavid Corson <cer...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> :snip of much good advice...
> :
> :
I brought along travel packs of baby wipes towelettes. Carried them
in my pouch so I could wipe off the sweat & dust.
Rhiannon
rhi...@REMOVEearthlink.net
ICQ# 1249904
AIM Rhicat
"Love is nature's way of trying to trick us into reproducing
...I want no part of it"...Callisto, from Xena:Warrior Princess
james koch
> I brought along travel packs of baby wipes towelettes. Carried them
> in my pouch so I could wipe off the sweat & dust.
>
> Rhiannon
> rhi...@REMOVEearthlink.net
> ICQ# 1249904
> AIM Rhicat
> "Love is nature's way of trying to trick us into reproducing
> ...I want no part of it"...Callisto, from Xena:Warrior Princess
>
>
water. Not only is this refreshing, the cold water mortifies the flesh
and invigorates the soul. I repeat this ritual at dusk prior to
changing into my evening clothing. Jim Koch (Gladius The Alchemist)
David Corson
> I brought along travel packs of baby wipes towelettes. Carried them
> in my pouch so I could wipe off the sweat & dust.
>
> Rhiannon
> rhi...@REMOVEearthlink.net
> ICQ# 1249904
> AIM Rhicat
> "Love is nature's way of trying to trick us into reproducing
> ...I want no part of it"...Callisto, from Xena:Warrior Princess
Those are also great for getting the soot out of lanterns - I keep
several in the tent, kitchen, and in my basket - but this new stuff in
liquid - and wastes no paper....
Elaina