Greetings unto all from Gofanko Popavich

After a long absence, I have returned to blog writing. Much has happened since I last posted.

Spring Event season is over for me. I attended 3 SCA events in the month of April. First was the Viesha Demo, followed by the Heraldic, Dance and Scribal Symposium, then cam Melon Wars.

Above are a couple of Pictures taken at the VEISHA demo. Friday night was set up. Starting at about 6:00pm during a light rain we set up several tents, a couple of shade flys and list field (fighting area). we finished up at about 10:00. by this time it was considerably colder. By the time I had driven home, the rain had switched over to snow. While I was home in my warm bed, several members of our group stayed at the site to keep an eye on the stuff. There was enough snow to cover the ground.

I was back on Campus at about 8:00 am. We finished setting up, and spent the next couple of hours trying to stay warm. The parade ended and all of the fighters armoured up. It was alot easier to stay warm with all of the extra layers that armour provides.

The fighting was good. I fought most of the day with my great sword. The top picture shows from left to right Lenox, me, and Sir Angus.

Later in the day I fought in a tourney. It was designed for newer fighters. I ended up winning. For winning I was awarded a scroll and a medallion.

The second picture shows a shield wall made up of the participants in the days tourney. closest to the camera is me, then Hex, then Fernfels, and finally Ayla. All were Noble opponents.

The second event was the Symposium. It was a day of classes followed by a great night of dancing at a ball. I was able to meet several of the people I had previously only known online . Other than leaving at 4:30 on Saturday morning, it was a super fun event that I am looking forward to going to again next year.

Finally came Melon Wars. Again the weather was against us. As Cannon and I drove over on Friday afternoon we were listening to the radio. Every so Often the announcer would come on and say that a tornado or thunderstorm warning was expiring for the area that we had just entered. We Arrived to find a rain soaked campground. it was a beautiful area, just very damp. after getting reacquainted with a couple of people, Cannon and I decided not to set up our camp, but rather to sleep on the floor in the heated and dry buildings. I was a little disappointed by this. I had just finished up the poles for my new pavilion, and was excited to try it out. The picture above is one just like mine. We spent most of the evening helping friends old and new to set up their camps. Cannon work really hard during this time. Saturday morning arrive cool but clear. A strong breeze helped to dry out a lot of the mud. Cannon was able to shoot a bow borrowed from a friend. Thanks Xerxes. I later purchased the bow fro him. I fought extremely well. far better than I had hoped to. I received several positive comments both on my fighting and my kit.

Feast that evening was outstanding. One of the best I have ever had. After feast a large bardic circle formed. I heard several really outstanding singers, with some classic and some new(to me) songs.

That brings us to today. Once I have finished posting I am going outside to set up my new tent in the back yard. I need to make sure all of the pole are going to work before I take it to an event. I am going to try to talk Jennifer into attending and event with me over the memorial day weekend. Other than that my time will be spent getting things ready for Lillies.

Gofanko