Eating (while camping)

Eating while camping doesn’t have to be complicated.  Much like the rest of camping, you will be happier if you stick to your usual routines.

For years, I needed a hot breakfast, a hot lunch, and a hot supper.  In order to be able to do this, I teamed up with my friends (Galfrid and Helen) and ran a food-group. I planned all our meals, did all the grocery shopping, and all the pre-cooking and on site cooking. Galfrid and Helen brought all the gear and infrastructure.  I made pot after pot of oatmeal for breakfast. We ate medieval stews with pasta or rice for lunch, with salads and veggie sticks.  And for supper we roasted something on the fire and had side dishes using medieval recipes. At the time this worked for us. Everyone enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. It was a lot of work and hassle and mess.

Life moves on and our needs and preferences change and this plan doesn’t work for us anymore.  Galfrid and Helen still have the amazing kitchen and now cook meals that suit them rather than putting up with my preferences.

Currently, what works for us is a grazing board with fruit, meat, pastries, cheese, nuts, and crackers. We eat from this all morning, with a hot one or two pot meal for supper.

When you are planning what to eat, also write down what you need to make it. You don’t want to have a bag of raw pasta and no pot to boil it in. Or worse, a can of sauce and no can opener. As a baseline you will need to think about a heat source, cooking vessels, cooking utensils, eating dishes and utensils, and how to wash things.

When planning your meals, consider how much time you want to spend on cooking, eating, and cleaning. Think about how much gear you want to take and how much space you have for that. Consider what you can cook at home to warm up at the event. A little Preparation before the event avoids hangry afternoons and empty bellies at bedtime.

When polled, someone asked for tips on how to eat when you don’t have a kitchen. I was told a story, in the misty years of my Youth, of an Ealdormerean Duke who would go to camping events  solo - without his household, without the cooks and the kitchen.  His strategy was to bring a single can of baked beans, wander into a friendly camp while something tasty was on the hob, and ask to borrow their can-opener.  He would then proceed to act like he had every intention of eating these beans, cold, straight from the can, in front of the Cook.  His success rate at beguiling a meal out of these camps was extraordinary.

In reality, you can exist for a weekend with no hot food and/or no cooler – without resorting to ‘a backpack full of granola bars’. The secret is to know what you can live without.

Many meats come in cans, tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken, ham and corned beef. They can be eaten as is, or mixed with spices and dressings. Similarly, meats can be cooked at home and eaten cold. When paired with bread or pre-cooked pasta, salad greens or veggie sticks, you can have a balanced meal without a stove on site. Look for “summer” recipes online and try a few at home.

Maybe you don’t want all cold food – but you still don’t want to pack a full chuck box. A kettle and a small hiking stove can go a long way. Freeze dried camping/hiking meals are readily available these days, you need only add hot water.  There are also plenty of options in a regular grocery store that are prepared the same way. If your meal plan needs only boiling water, you will no doubt find a welcoming flame in your neighbours and won’t even need to pack your own stove.

If your needs are a little more complicated, you should consider banding together with a group of like-minded people. That way you can coordinate who brings what in the way of gear (lest you find yourself with more Coleman stoves than people), and in this way end up with a full kitchen without having to do it all yourself. Grouping together is also economical on land when space is at a premium.

As it has been said above, test run your plans before the event if you’ve never tried a recipe or product before. Another good tip is to do a review of how your cooking and meals went in order to make improvements for the next event.

Sleeping (while camping)

You will not have a good time at an event if you weren’t able to sleep well over the night. Ensuring you are warm and comfortable at night is vital.

The number one most important thing is what’s under you. You can use an air mattress, a sleeping pad, a cot, or a full-out bed. When making your choice, consider how long you are going to be at the event, how easy it is for you to get up off the “bed”, and how much storage/transport space you can use. An air mattress collapses well, but is it firm enough, will it stay inflated, can you stand up from the edge of it. Is a cot too firm? What if you put a foam mattress on it?

Once you have figured out the structure of your bed, next look to bedding. One word: Wool. Regardless of the bed you choose, you should have a thermal layer between you and the bed. Otherwise, that air mattress will be a heat sink and the cot will just expose your poor bottom to the whole of the air. Sheets like you use at home will go a long way to keeping you comfortable. A variety of blankets will ensure that you are warm when the temperature drops, but not too hot if it doesn’t. Wool makes the best thermal under layer, and should be the top most blanket on the bed. The wool will keep the humidity out during the day (always make your bed at camp!) and will keep you warmer at night. Your tent will not keep the heat inside the same way your home does. Even 20 degrees at night can feel frigid when it was 30 during the day and there’s only a thin fabric between you and the open air.

Pillows are a must. You sleep with a pillow at home, don’t expect to go without for four days just because you’re camping. Bring a pillow or pillows similar to what you use at home. There are camping pillows that are inflatable, or compressible, if packing space is limited.

Set up your tent mindfully. Pitch your tent on flat ground, if possible, removing any rocks, sticks, or debris. If the terrain isn't perfectly level, position your head uphill to minimize discomfort.

A tent isn’t as light proof as your bedroom. By a long shot. If you need darkness, consider taking an eye mask to sleep with.

Similarly, a tent is hardly sound proof, and events are loud late into the night. Plus your camp-mates probably snore. I know this because I’ve camped near most folk of the Althing and trust me, they all snore. Ear plugs are your friends. If you haven’t really used any before, do a couple of test runs some nights before the event to get used to them.

Anything you have next to your bed you should consider taking as well. I, myself, always have Kleenex and lip balm on my bed-side table, so I make sure I have these things when I go camping. Sleeping is highly ritualistic and your routines are fundamental to a good sleep.

SCA camping can be anywhere from minimalist to “glamping”. Your comfort is paramount, if you need to sacrifice some other “more period” gear in order to be comfortable while sleeping, do it.

Camping

 

Let’s start at the beginning.  SCA “camping” events are multi day events in the warmer months.  Camping is not mandatory.  If you truly hate it, you can always get a hotel near by.

Camping is an inexpensive and convenient way to experience everything the multi-day events have to offer.  Activities at these events can begin early, and end well past midnight.

Camping to attend an SCA event isn’t any different than car camping at a provincial park. More and more people are even bringing their RVs. So if you’ve been camping, you’re ready to just show up.

Camping events are Events. You must wear garb every day, in all weather. One can be forgiven for running to the latrine in mundane sleeping clothes or early morning coffees, but dress of the day is pre-17^th century.

There is no requirement for any of your camping gear to be a perfectly period artifact to match your persona. Bring your nylon tent and your popup and your propane stove.  Eat hot dogs and KD off plastic.

That being said, there are a few easy swaps to immerse yourself in the living history aspect of our hobby.

Bring your usual day event kit.  A pottery mug or cup, a basket to carry your thing (or pilgrim’s sack).

Chairs are in short supply at a camping event, unlike in the halls we usually occupy.  If space allows, a folding wooden chair is an easy thing to get and a nice touch. If you need a modern camping chair for whatever reason, consider covering it with a cloth or cloak.

As a rule, a cloth will hide  many a modern sin. Have a 6’ plastic folding table? Cover it with a cloth. Plastic cooler and no cloth covered table to hide it under? Stick a cloth on it.

We generally recommend packing in rough totes, for protection against infiltration and moisture. If you have equipment that doesn’t mind a little humidity, you could consider storing this kit in a wooden chest or box.

Remember, there are plenty of reasons to use nylon tents, and modern camping equipment. Much like orthotics and glasses, we do what’s right for us.

The Beacon is Lit! The Baron Seeks AID!

 

Our Barony is full of extraordinary people. Inspired artists, powerful combatants, and hardworking volunteers. It is the prerogative of the Baron and Baroness to recognize the populace for their accomplishments. As such a large Barony, both geographically and in population, it’s not possible for any given person to be fully informed about every good thing every other  person is doing. It is the privilege and responsibility of every member of the Barony to recommend people to both Their Excellencies and Their Majesties for awards.

The Baron has put out a request, specifically, for Baronial Award Recommendations. In his words:

If you have knowledge of a fellow Hare who deserves recognition (and your own self may be that fellow hare), high thee hence to an Awards page to send us a missive. The Baronial Awards page: https://skraelingalthing.com/wp/baronial-awards/award-recommendations/ and the Kingdom Awards page:https://ealdormere.ca/awards-submission-form-the-kingdom-of-ealdormere/ await your thoughts. If you do not wish to use either resource, PM myself or Her Excellency. Or speak to us at an event.

Your recommendations are indispensable to the work of recognizing and commending the good works of our fellow Hares. Regardless of your time in the game or your own rank and title, your insights and advice are actively and specifically sought by both Their Exellencies and Their Majesties.

You do not have to have an award in order to recommend someone for it. It’s true, you may not feel qualified to speak to someone’s skill on the field or at the loom or in the office, but your admiration of the gentle in question may shine a light on someone long overlooked.

With Feast of the Hare coming up in November, and Practicum not far behind, now is a great time to be sending your thoughts.

You can see a description of the Baronial Awards at https://skraelingalthing.com/wp/baronial-awards/.

There is a magic in it…

By Lady Frithugyth Spreg'c

I felt the first glimmer of such magic when I found myself seated in a cushy old chair in a
charming old sitting room surrounded by those known as the Greyfells. These kind-faced,
enthusiatic souls eagerly welcomed and intrigued me with vast descriptions of of personas,
interests and skills as I attempted to put together in my head - what is this thing, the SCA and
how does it work??

After delcaring that I indeed possessed a sewing maching and could likely procure some old
bedsheets or the like, off I went after this first meeting, sketched T-tunic pattern in hand, to
contemplate and prepare for my first “event”- a Crown Tournament taking place not far from
my home.

Approximately two weeks, much mad googling and haphazard sewing (a skilled seamstress I
am not) later, I arrived at said event, coiled braids tucked under a filet and my resolve tucked
under my thrifted-curtain overdress. As I smiled and tried to blend with others who were
putting finishing touches on their (amazing!) garb in the parking area, I fully appreciated how
obviously I must have stood out as New. In an attempt to embrace this fact I somewhat
nervously announced myself as such at each introduction..but it was of no matter to anyone I
encountered - warm, friendly greetings and faces abounded, and I felt truly welcome!

Since these early days last year I have attended several events and meetings, each with its
own flavour and charm and so many things to learn about! The vast underlying theme is always
the generosity of the people - generous with their time, their skills, their resources..it really has
been like nothing I’ve had the privilege to be a part of ever before. I’ve never worried about
showing up alone to anything, there is always a friend to be found.

The most difficult part, as I was forewarned, is that the SCA is the hobby of many hobbies -
and wanting to try them all is so tempting but can be overwhelming! I was wisely advised to
choose a few areas of interest and slowly expand, sound advice I’ve tried to follow! So far I
have found great satisfaction in trying new things for the sake of them (like throwing axes and
tablet weaving) while reigniting old passions like painting and archery. I’ve had the immense
honour and pleasure of creating a number of things for the Kingdom, and have also been the
gracious recipient of several things myself which I will treasure always.

All of this is soley due to the hearts, minds and generosity of the great people of Ealdormere
who breath the life into this magical other world that I am grateful to be a part of. Thank you to
everyone I’ve met so far and to those I have yet to have the pleasure! I cannot wait to continue
developing skills and trying new things and I hope in future I can somehow be of service and
return to all of you the feelings, experiences and things I have been granted by this rare and
special community.

This brief account written by Your Faithful Servant, Lady Frith

A Medieval Meadmaker in our Midst

By Nico Charron-Groulx

Photo by Nico Charron-Groulx

Most days, Kelly O’Sullivan is getting ready to take Museum Studies at Grant MacEwan university, but in his spare time he becomes Ulrich Von Kues, a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) specializing in historical alcohol. Ulrich joined the SCA as a fencer in the East Kingdom, participating more regularly after moving to Caldrithig. During the pandemic, Ulrich took up a new hobby: alcohol. Researching medieval alcohols around the world, he began brewing mead, which is “an easy one,” according to him. Ulrich paints a lively picture of his home brewing, with a “closet of fermentation” and bottles stashed in bins.

Ulrich usually makes batches of about 8 bottles but can reach 12 at most, using multiple 4-5 gallon fermentators. To pursue this interest, he became apprenticed to the Laurel Arwyn of Leicester, who guides his research projects. Indeed, Ulrich has written several research papers for the SCA and defended them in A&S competitions. He is currently writing a paper on gender roles in Norse mead hall traditions, as well as making his first foray away from mead by brewing apple raspberry cider. Next, he intends to research Asian alcohols, establish a library of favorite recipes, and make a second attempt at pineapple mead. He explained that this flavoring comes from adding fresh fruit to the fermentators, with results like the pink raspberry mead he once offered to Kayla to celebrate her second victory at Crown.

Ulrich has always had an interest in reenacting, but says he stayed with the SCA for its community. He finds events to be particularly valuable - and fun- experiences. Since brewing isn’t transportable, he spends more event time fencing, but focuses on the casual, social aspect. He explained that the SCA brought him solid friendships and chosen family, saying that “fencing is fun, brewing is fun ... but realistically it’s been the people that have kept me playing.”

What's in a Name?

 As many readers will be aware, the Barony recently ran a poll, which closed on January 17, 2024, with respect to changing the Barony’s name. There were 53 respondents voting, nearly 80% of which were in favour of a name change.

Concurrently, there has been much discussion about what the new name should be.  The Honourable Lady Morag, the Baronial Seneschal, complied a list of suggestions from various discussion forums and sent the preliminary list to the Ealdormere College of Heralds to help eliminate any unregisterable options.

The following names have been reviewed by a team of Heralds and are held to be potentially registerable options for our deliberations. This list is presented alphabetically, with no implication of merit associated with position on the list. Any supporting information provided below was supplied by the submitter or the Heralds.

Alþingishóll
Originally submitted as “Althinghaugr”, Old Norse for “Althing Hill”.  The original name of Skraeling Althing has always said to have been a playful reference to Parliament Hill. This name would keep the reference without the sly humour.

Alþingis-straumr
Originally submitted as “Straumr Althing”, Old Norse for “River/Stream Althing”. This name was suggested because all of the Strongholds and Cantons in the Barony are along rivers and because three rivers converge in Ottawa.

Aquae Aureliae
Originally submitted as Aurellia Surleau, Roman for “Aurelia’s waters”. The original submission was intended to be “Aurelia on the Water”, another reference to the river, and to our first Baroness Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles.

Caerdydd Newydd
Welsh for “New Cardiff”

Eldinga Alþingi
Originally submitted as “Elding Althing”, Old Norse for “Lightning Althing” or “Old Age of the Night Althing”. The original submission was offered as Elding meaning dawn (a reasonable English translation of “old age of the night”) and thus the translation would be Dawn Parliament, or Parliament of the dawn. This was explained as a reference to Baroness Enid (since many a song and poem refer to the Dawn as golden), and because, as the first Baroness, she represents the figurative dawn of the Barony. Benefits of this name were listed as being the same syllable pattern so it would work in the existing songs and poems.

Gasteiz Beria
Basque for “New Gasteiz”. Gasteiz is a city in the Basque area of Spain.

Gullin Alþingi and Gilden Alþingi
Originally submitted as “Gullen Althing” and “Gilden Althing” respectively, both are Old Norse for “Golden Althing”. These are both a reference to Baroness Enid, as Aurelia is derived from the Latin word for golden.

Héragarðr
Originally submitted as “Heragaard”, Old Norse for “Hare’s Guard”. Offered by the submitter as “place/city of hares”, benefits were named to be easy to spell and pronounce, keeps it Old Norse, and is “Hare-y”.  Since the intent was a name in Old Norse, the Heralds altered it to be the Héragarðr, as “gaard” is in fact Dutch and would translate more to “Hare’s garden” or “Hare’s gate”.

Nafarroa Berria
Basque for “New Navarre”. Nafarroa is the Basque name for the area we know as Navarre.

Nieuw Brussels
Dutch for “New Brussels”

Terra Aureliae
Originally submitted as Terra Aurelia Choreas, Latin for “Aurelia’s Land”. The original submission included the Greek word for dances and was offered as “The golden earth dances” or “land where Aurelia dances”. The Ealdormere College of Heralds did not weigh in on the registrability of including Choreas, simply that “Terra Aureliae” could be an option.

Wabozwaaling
Originally submitted as “Wabozwaaning”, Anishinaabemowin, meaning, “cave of the rabbit”. This name has the benefit of being in the language of the original inhabitants and caretakers of these lands, and speaks to a defining element of our Barony’s identity.

 

Submissions are still open, and shall be accepted until March 11, 2024. Anyone is welcome to offer a name for consideration. Submissions can be made to the Seneschal via email, DM, or through the Baronial website.  All suggestions will be sent to the Ealdormere College of Heralds for a “first pass” evaluation, to ensure that the populace doesn’t get their hearts set on a name that isn’t registerable.

Some general rules to think about when crafting your suggestion:

·       There needs to be some precedence or justification for combining languages,

For example, none of the previous suggestions of Althing paired with a local Anishinaabe word are registerable.  However, there might be an argument to be made for Althing with a Inuktut or Kalaallisut word given Norse contact with these peoples in what is now known as Newfoundland, Labrador, and Greenland.

·       The name should include some location or place name element.

There are some exceptions to this, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind.