Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire, 2016

[fbhjr]

Edit: I have corrected the photo to actually show my wife getting her chest on fire, instead of Casey fire eating when I reference it...


My work had sent me to Georgia for several days before everyone else left for the show.
But, I was able to watch my wife come south by tracking her phone.


I was worried as in Georgia it was snowing and raining.


I can not deny that it is nicer to spend the night in a business suite than in the van all night long.


But, I would have picked being with my wife instead of there if given the choice.


I did sleep on an off, checking my wife’s progress as I woke up through the night.


I got up and got ready when I couldn’t see the difference between the dots anymore.


Since it was hard to find, I called them when they got close to the exit.


Soon, I was driving the van south west towards Pensacola.


There are some empty spaces there.


But, signs for the faire were plentiful.


I don’t know if we’ve ever arrived that early before.


So early the United Federation of Planets was still there. Usually they’ve beamed up before we get there.


Very few folks had set up.


The bathrooms were closed because the faire site had decided to pull a fast one on the cost.
So, we drove off to Waffle house for breakfast and bathrooms.

(No, nothing like the time what I left in a Waffle House bathroom invoking the wrath of God happened again. And, I’m happy about it!)

We found we had strayed over our "property line" in setting up the tent. But, found we were able to move it after setting it up.


Then sword practice.



By late afternoon, everyone had arrived, practiced and was ready for dinner.
So, we went to eat at the local BBQ place. Yay.

Almost all of the photos taken at the faire were taken by ravena_kade. She did a great job and has a very good eye for photos and talent for getting action shots.

Saturday we had the first show of the day. Our historical education show.





For our "Pirate Comedy Sword Fight" shows we were doing our show based on the Seven Deadly Sins.
This is a show we only do when Jack Salt is with us. He has come up with 7 Sin Songs.
They are great.

His wife, pallid_regina, worked as the MC for our show. She’s done this before and does a great job.

It really his hard to explain how much this adds to our show. It really does bring them to a different level.

The shows went very well. I did gluttony and wrath. Maybe a bit of sloth too…














The local paper seemed to like the show.


There was a supplier there that was selling halberds. They gave me a 20% discount. I bought 2 plus 2 poleaxes.
Of course, you’ve got to try it.


Of course, the day ended with our fire show.





My wife did her chest on fire thing.


Things burned hot, so many things had to be put out manually.


Casey set the stage on fire. But, he planned to. No, really.


But, he is a good juggler.


We went to a diner across the street from the hotel for dinner. They weren’t expecting parties of 16, so service was quite slow.


I wanted to hold the post faire debriefing, but didn't’ think we’d all fit in our hotel room.
The night clerk let us use the conference room.
That worked perfectly.


Sunday, we did it all again.







We did get the halberd into the show, including showing how effective it is.


I did experiment with the idea of holding cookies in my mouth while sword fighting.


I did get some IR of the fire show. At some point I’ll edit that video.



Casey did his fire hoop. Including his get his foot stuck in the hoop trick.



But, he was OK.


There was a big fire ball at the end.


There were some strange sights at the faire.


But, it was fantastic weather and good crowds.



I’m pretty sure this is a Phoenix in the clouds.


Then, all was over and we had to pack up and go.


We went back to the BBQ place. I got through two days of performance without problem. Sauce undid me.


Monday morning we were back on the road by dawn.




This sign annoys me each time I pass it.


Nothing improper happened at rest areas. Remember that if anyone asks.


There are places it looks like you’ll have to share the road.


Atlanta has traffic 24/7.


This cloud dagger was clearly stabbing this cloud.


We made excellent time and got to NYC well before rush hour.

Hard to get a good shot of it on bumpy roads.


By dawn, back in Massachusetts.



Then, back to Worcester to unload and return the van.


Finally, we picked up lunch at O’Connor’s.


"Have you made any trips down south?" the owner asked me.
"Just got back," I said. "You should know that this is where we come once we’ve returned home."
"Yes!" he shouted and did a little dance.

There was no doubt we were home.

Comments

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

wow, Jen did get some VERY cool action shots!!

you guys looked great!

[meathiel]

Great photos!

[daturabelle.livejournal.com]

what awesome photos.
looked like a great time :)

[manue7a.livejournal.com]

Great photos!
Thanks for taking us along.

[becofoz]

Looks like a great weekend, but what a drive!

Great photos. Thanks for sharing.

[chaquir.livejournal.com]

GREAT action shots there! it looks like a lot of fun

[morgan-lafaye.livejournal.com]

Ooooooo, new toys to play with. They are beautiful.
All of the photos are great, but the one of you and Tom with the fire swords, where you can still see bits of flame lingering in the air by Tom's head is incredible. Glad all went well.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

Looks like a lot of fun!

Why does this sign (http://www.phoenixswords.com/fbhjr/GCRF2016/GCRF-090.jpg) always annoy you? :p

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

It's been 60 years! They should get over it and not complain about being forced to change the street name!

[yesididit2.livejournal.com]

awesome photos! i like the cloud phoenix and dagger too! neat that you got a review in the local paper. also, giggles that the bbq sauce did you in.

[hindustar.livejournal.com]

Yay, pictures! It looks like a lot of work and fun. =)

[tjoel2]

I always enjoy your pictures! The Sonora Celtic Faire is this weekend in my area and I really wanted to go, but it's going to be raining and soggy all weekend. Does not sound like my idea of fun to be out there in the rain. But now your pictures are making me want to go regardless!

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I'm sure if you do go, the folks who perform in the bad weather will appreciate your being there!

[tjoel2]

Very true!

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

The photos are terrific!

I've never thought of using Find my Iphone for that purpose - good thinking!