Days of Knights

[Sir James A]

Originally I was going to get a hotel room, so I could be sure to sleep at night and also have access to a modern bathroom and shower. But when I started calling around and they were all booked or charging outrageous rates because of the other event in town, I gave up on that idea.

That was a huge part of my motivation to get a tent, and start on the furniture building. I considered a hotel, then my wife may have gone when she could shower and charge her phone, wifi, etc. Or to hotel on Thursday arrival and Sunday night, and camp Fri/Sat. The cost of staying in a hotel for 4 nights was enough I thought, I'd rather put that money into a tent instead.

Ian, brilliant post. I just finished reading up on a book about the 14th century English cleanliness obsession. It truly was than anyone of any standing (not just nobles) would do their best to appear and be clean. We see liberal use of whatever they had, whether it be soap, water, or simply a stream. In fact the first thing one did was give themselves a type of sponge bath, and wash the hands and face. Clothes were cleaned often as well (if possible). It seems the major things they were missing was pest control and germ theory. Unfortunately, what a huge part they had to play in health. But still, the image of everyone stinking and reveling in the filth was an anachronism.

I'll be happy to chip in and help out in any way I can to keep ourselves and the camp healthy. Rubbing alcohol good?

But .. but .. there's some lovely filth over here!

[Sir Edward]

A more practical and better solution Sir Nathan would be something like these:
http://www.parentgiving.com/shop/aloe-vesta-bathing-cloths-1147/p/

Good idea. Where can I find these locally? It's not something I've looked for before. I'm assuming some of the grocery stores or CVS or something might have it?

[SirNathanQ]

ooh, good find Sir Brian. Yeah, would they be at a rite-aid or something?

[Sir Brian]

CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, etc. - All should have them.

[Sir Edward]

Well, I'm hoping we can still do our combat demo out there. Nicky loved the idea when I initially brought it up. But it looks like I'm out of the loop with their new combat coordinator (so far he hasn't replied to me emails or included me in the mailing list). I don't see us on the schedule either, though they have some generic-sounding listings on there.

[Sir James A]

Check your email. Another follow-up email was sent, and we're on the list of groups to perform during the "non-formal" demo times. Looks like the demo rotation during the formal demo time is only 15 minutes long for everything - combat, cutting, talking, any of that. So I think we just need to come up with a couple times sat/sun to do some demos during the non-formal hours, and coordinate with Tom B to make sure we aren't conflicting with the other groups that want to do demos at the same time, since all combat has to be within the single combat ring, meaning we can't have overlapping times. I think we can still do them, it's just getting a little hairy since Nicky has delegated all combat stuff to someone else.

[Sir James A]

Five more days before we leave... I'm not ready! I'm not ready! lol

[Sir Edward]

Well, the second weapon rack is standing. I might not have the time to paint them, but we'll see. The good news is that if we're pooling resources a bit, I can accommodate a bunch of extra weapons now. I'm planning to pack something like 4 hafted weapons, maybe 3 swords, and 1 miscellaneous, which fills one rack (they hold 8 each).

[SirNathanQ]

So, complications time. My School has decided that Thursday will be my senior night soccer game, which as a senior captain I am not allowed to miss.
This means I can't ride down with you guys on Thurs.

However, my parents have been really great with this, and I and my family are coming down on Friday (Should arrive mid-afternoon). I will be staying the whole time (they will be leaving earlier) and driving back up with you guys on Monday.

No big changes.

[Sir James A]

So, complications time. My School has decided that Thursday will be my senior night soccer game, which as a senior captain I am not allowed to miss.
This means I can't ride down with you guys on Thurs.

However, my parents have been really great with this, and I and my family are coming down on Friday (Should arrive mid-afternoon). I will be staying the whole time (they will be leaving earlier) and driving back up with you guys on Monday.

No big changes.

oh but it is! how will you earn your "tent assembly in darkness" badge? and leave the old folks to struggle?

we will see you Friday. remember there are restrictions with cars and such during public hours

[Sir Edward]

Oh man, what fun with last minute changes. It sounds like things will work out OK though. But to make up for it, maybe we should have you take down the tents in the dark at the end. lol

[Ian]

What's your guys' plan for valuables?  Keys, cell-phones, cameras, etc...

[Sir Edward]

My plan is to throw them all into a lockable foot-locker. People much less likely to abscond with an entire box than with pocket-sized items.

[Sir James A]

What's your guys' plan for valuables?  Keys, cell-phones, cameras, etc...

Angry looking people with sharp weapons.

Aside from that....



Medieval padlocks!

I'm also going to have a pouch on me, and my squire will have one too. Keys, wallet and cell phone will be in the pouch me with.

[Sir Ulrich]

I will be tailoring my maille while I am there as a demonstration on riveted maille for people to see. All I really need is some steps and help doing it because I have no clue how to take the measurements. I dont have period tools though so I will be using modern tools but they wont look TOO modern as they're solid metal with rubber grips so my boney hands will be able to handle it. I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would help me do it, of course all I really need help with is taking the measurements over my new gambeson, my parents had no clue how to do it and I dont know how to take my own measurements so I think the best option is to ask someone with experience on how to do it so I dont take the measurements wrong and screw it up. Last thing I want is to screw my maille up at home and not have a hauberk to wear at the event so I'm playing it safe and I'm gonna do it at DoK. It was Robert Coleman's idea to demonstrate it for people and maille is my favorite armor type so it would be cool to show people how it's done and that real maille was never butted and was riveted. Also would give me something to do there so I dont end up getting bored during camping.