Saturday morning Bear and I were up at 4 a.m. to pack the car, dress in medieval clothes, and head to Fort Lytton for a day with friends representing the 12th century.
Normally during medieval events, we are busy from morn until night doing demonstrations and talking with the public, but this one was laid back and relaxed and so much fun. We actually had time to hang out with each other, and that was brilliant.
We got to wander into each other’s tents and see the variations of food, craft, and furniture used by different groups representing different cultures. I was delighted by these rustic little apple hand pies.
And who can resist hummus, salted nuts, smoked hams and sausages, dried fruits, lovely cheeses, and those oh so gorgeous strawberries? Medieval food provides mighty good eating indeed.
I also liked looking at all the unique crafts practiced by each group. My friend does the most beautiful naalbinding, a precursor to knitting, churning out cozy mittens, socks, slippers, and cord. Her hubby makes handmade leather shoes that are gorgeous.
My friend Sue and I spent several hours making brightly colored Bedouin tassels for our Bedouin tent, camel saddles, and robes. It was so fun to sit in the shade of the tent, visiting with old and new friends as we worked.
Since it was such a small event, our Templar friends told us to not worry about bringing all our gear, and instead shared their tent with us. It was so great to get to spend time together, telling stories and jokes, swapping tales about past events, and sharing our latest bits of medieval research and discovery.
I especially loved learning about the history of the Templars, their role in the Crusades, and the diverse assemblage of pilgrims from around the known world who accompanied them to the Holy Land.
My favorite bit was hanging out with such a great group of people, doing something we love with others who love it too.
Bear and I returned home exhausted but inspired, full of ideas for projects and improvements and additions to our camp. With our next event less than a month away, we have a lot of fun work to do.
What is your favorite memory from your weekend? xo
What fun, Krista!
It sure was, @liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂
That sounds like so much fun Krista 🙂 We’ve had friends over from Italy and have had the best time 🙂
I saw your picture, @wanderingsheila:disqus – it looked like you had such a great time. 🙂
Loved the photos of your event and especially was taken with those tiny apple pies. . .my mouth is watering.
Aren’t they cute as can be, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus? 🙂 I like them too. 🙂
I love reading about your life Krista! So different to mine, and that’s what I find so interesting!!! LOVE the pics from the medieval event. 🙂 My weekend was fab – not so much from a relaxation perspective but I launched my photography book and I was so touched by the reception. So it was a GREAT weekend!
I’m so thrilled that your photography book was received so well, @goldiegal:disqus 🙂 You are so talented. XO
Well you definitely had a fab weekend! What fun to experience all those fun activities and new adventures. Our weekend was the usual, work for me on Sat, my hubby took my son to his archery lesson, and on Sunday we enjoyed our peaceful couple of hours at our fave coffee shop. Sometimes it’s fun to do nothing. xx
Hours at a favorite coffee shop sounds absolutely blissful, @coffeeandcrumpets:disqus 🙂
those berries look amazing. I went to a new farmers market this weekend which really made me happy 🙂
Oh, that would be so fun, @tandysinclair:disqus 🙂 A farmer’s market is always so inspiring. 🙂
That was an early start! I’m glad you were able to spend time with your friends and just relax and enjoy the day. I’ve never heard of that precursor to knitting before but I love the look of the work. I have been invited to a medieval event in the school holidays and I’m really looking forward to it xx
Nalbinding is really interesting, Charlie. When made with wool without the lanolin removed, it becomes completely waterproof! The Vikings and other northern Europeans were very skilled in it. 🙂 Hope you have a great time at your medieval event. 🙂