Mephistos

Gulf Wars, SCA, and planning

By Ray on January 23rd, 2008

So, here it is January 23 and I have not as of yet decided if I am going to make it to Gulf Wars this year. For those not in the know, Gulf Wars is one of the major wars that is put on by the SCA. Oh, and for those that may not know the SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism- or in simple lay terms the group of crazy people who creatively like to play like they are in a different time period. Now, back to Gulf Wars – our regularly scheduled blog event.

Gulf Wars is one of the major wars where we do medieval things for entire week with a minimum (in theory) modern mundane things to bring is back. Things include the all important heavy fighting, lots of arts and crafts, drinking and hanging out, telling stories, more drinking, archery, lighter fighting (rapier style), yet more drinking, and of course my favorite equestrian activities. That alone is worth the trip, given that I have done that four times out the last eight years, with horses in tow to boot. It is the largest known world event as far as equestrian and the SCA is concerned, having upwards of 45 horses in attendance the last few years, less the year after Lady Katrina blew in. Oh yeah, you were thinking the other Gulf Wars – this one is in Mississippi, a little town about an hour from the cost.

So, anyway, I am sitting here contemplating my lack of jousting and in general equine activities of late today at the office. (For those counting, it is nearing 9:00 and I am still at the office, but obviously taking a break). Anyway, I starting thinking about seriously if I was going to be able to attend this year or not. Money is being a bit tight, especially with hay prices and a few other things I have going. Beyond that, is the issue of selling the truck that was not working and not having one right now. Heck, technically I don’t even have a trailer at the moment. And of course there is the getting the horses practiced and ready too, especially given the likely weather between now and then.

There are a few other SCA events I could attend, but not any that are equine until the 1st of March and it is more the seven hours away in a different kingdom. Maybe I should just content myself to sitting this one out and doing some heavy fighting early this spring instead. After all, it is the odd year and I have never made it to an odd year GW yet. Still, I would really like to attend and catch up with some old friends that I have not seen in a while – well to be exact since last year at GW. Maybe I will take off for the last couple of days, drive down in the car with the saddle, get a rental horse, and play a bit that way? Or could maybe borrow truck and trailer from Clay/John and let them use my car? What about Bitzer? What about tentage given the one has gone to other hands? What a bunch of questions.

Keep posted for updates and if any of my SCA or especially friends from GW see this, let me know – as I would love to drop a hello your direction.