So, after almost a decade of wishing, I am finally getting to go this year! I am a total TRF newbie and am beyond excited.
We are coming out Halloween weekend, It will be my honeymoon trip (the fiance and I are getting married on the 29th, in a ren-faire themed wedding ;D)
It would be totally awesome to find a group to camp with! It will just be the new-hub and I and it would be great to meet lots of people and hang out, and get some tips on what to do, see, etc, and to try some of this Loki stuff *laughs*...Are any of you groups out there up for taking in newbie strays? *giggles*
Anyway, nice to sort of, kind of but not really meet you all!
Helen
Hi, Helen! Halloween weekend will be my first TRF and Camping too! If you have a moment, check out the thread I started a while back, I got a lot of good info from the vets. Look forward to meeting you!
HI there.. I just know both of the both of you (and significant others) will LOVE camping at TRF. It is a Blast! Myself and my family will be camping Opening and Halloween weekends with Clan McLotofus. Make sure and come by and say Hello. I look forward to seeing you there!
NEWBIES! MWAHAHAHA!!!! ...err.... I mean, Welcome, you can trust us :D
Brendan...behave you will scare them off. LOL! There is a thread on Camping under the TRF board here.
Here are links for several different threads about camping at TRF. It is alot to read through but there is a bunch of good information.
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=8479.0
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=11678.0
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=2696.0
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=11308.0
I think that I can speak for just about anybody here on this site and at Faire that there is not a unwelcome spot on the grounds.
Welcome aboard M'lady and Lords to be, hope you fine many new friends here that make you not want to leave. Best of luck. If you
get a chance, try and make it back to row 0. I know there isa lot of friendly faces and open arms.
Makes me wish I had a tent.
Wife and I will be coming to TRF for the first time this year. Don't know what weekend yet but we're open to suggestions!
Quote from: bran_gray on August 15, 2010, 09:54:18 PM
Makes me wish I had a tent.
Wife and I will be coming to TRF for the first time this year. Don't know what weekend yet but we're open to suggestions!
All Hallow's Eve weekend!!!
They accepted me in..I think. Maybe they just don't know they have a rodent problem yet.
Beware camping with McLot...
I hear they feed you lots of loki, stay up late, bark at the moon, and I could go on.
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Are you trying to warn or advertise?
depends, are they camping near Nasty, Fraser, or me? :D
Quote from: Mouse on August 17, 2010, 11:43:30 PM
They accepted me in..I think. Maybe they just don't know they have a rodent problem yet.
Did you never once think that the whole camp might just be a giant Mouse trap?!? :P
But, where's the large Rube Goldergesque contraption that leads to the cage centered above the beer and dancing girls?
Oh, please... that's faaar too obvious (and probably trademarked, as well)... we're a much more imaginative bunch than that! Geez, even my 4th grader can come up with something that you would never be able to spot until you were hanging upside down over the fire, wondering just how you got there... :D
It's been done Rani...it's been done. And you can't beat a classic.
Oh, but I just can't resist that look of stunned surprise as the hidden trap is sprung! heheh
Me too...can I leave with at least a shred of dignity? Who am I kidding...can I HAVE a shred of dignity?
Oh, I'm sure you'll be stumbling over all sorts of shredded dignity, aaaaall over the campgrounds . . . heheheh
Ummm... if we're still talking about TRF, and camping... it's not technically a thread-jack... is it? :P
I think it is...sorry. We digress alot
But... surely digression is better than regression, isn't it?!? Oh, and they've both got to be preferable to aggression, but that's just a guess...
Aggressive regression digression.....I can dig it.
Hee hee, you guys are cracking me up! :D
Oh, this ain't nuthin'... just wait 'til we've got you in camp! heheheh
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on August 20, 2010, 08:41:01 AM
Oh, this ain't nuthin'... just wait 'til we've got you in camp! heheheh
true... true ;D
I was taken to TRF as my 1st time a few years ago by my girl and every year since then we go back and camp on Halloween. I've ALWAYS had a blast and the people couldn't be better. Can't wait till this year, more djembe around the fire!
It's something about All Hallows that brings the freaks out of the woodwork... Lol :D
Points to the thread title....Ahhh the memories!
It was the launching point of MANY warm stories - my 1st time at Faire period! My 1st time in garb! My 1st time camping at faire. It's where my name came from and the birth of a long, enjoyable, educational, storied/if not mythic epic journey.
Go enjoy, absorb and reflect - this is the stuff of Legend in your life!
Highly recommend camping at the faire
2 years ago was our first time at TRF, and we camped opening weekend;
We loved the group camping; all the groups were great, arg...
people were great
last year we did opening and thanksgiving weekend, cold and wet but the fair is always great; the new wave techno music till 5am was a bit rough,
this year we are planning on opening, Halloween, and closing weekend, can not wait for Oct 8th
Quote from: beckgam462 on August 23, 2010, 03:55:33 PM
the new wave techno music till 5am was a bit rough
Yeah after camping for a couple years and hearing that, we have been taking ear plugs, just in case they camp close to us, for just that reason!
I will definitely be bringing some ear plugs. I have found that dripping water downstairs in my house will keep me up or wake me up. Music til 5am = no sleep for me. :(
I am going to bring Ryan in on a project that might be of interest to campers in Patrons- a directed EMP device :D
It was nice and quiet down by Row 0 last year on AHE... I didn't have any trouble sleeping. Of course, I was used to sleeping close to an AC/heating unit that sounded like it was run by a generator, so I might have had an advantage there... heheh
I sleep through everything...except for a motorcylce being revved at 5 am by my tent....I hope he dies....but I digress.
My wonderful, beautiful, loving fiance snores like a chainsaw being revved right by my ear, so Im used to wearing earplugs to bed.
Though, I anticipate sleeping like the dead after wandering around all day and most of the night drinking from my flask and soaking in all the atmosphere, and after playing this "blender roulette", so it might be of no consequence anyway! :D
Quote from: FatSat30 on August 24, 2010, 08:24:03 AM
My wonderful, beautiful, loving fiance snores like a chainsaw being revved right by my ear, so Im used to wearing earplugs to bed.
Though, I anticipate sleeping like the dead after wandering around all day and most of the night drinking from my flask and soaking in all the atmosphere, and after playing this "blender roulette", so it might be of no consequence anyway! :D
DEAD MAN WALKING!
Ummmm... yeah. Sounds like your fiance will be fitting right in there... heheh
Quote from: FatSat30 on August 24, 2010, 08:24:03 AM
Though, I anticipate sleeping like the dead after wandering around all day and most of the night drinking from my flask and soaking in all the atmosphere, and after playing this "blender roulette", so it might be of no consequence anyway! :D
That is my plan as well- Drinking myself into an exausted stupor that not even all night drumming and drunken debauchery could keep me awake.
Well, you do aim to misbehave after all....As do I...and I fear for my safety..YAY! Chicks dig scars!
As a single mom I just don't get drunken stupors anymore... but it also means I don't get hangovers anymore, either...
(we just won't mention last NYE, thanks... ::) )
We had some sound issues with some high-school kids a couple years ago. Me, not being the confrontational type, decided to wait it out. However, a neighboring group of much larger barbarian-types politely asked them to observe friendly camping protocols. :) Crisis averted...
I've only had trouble sleeping one weekend, in 8 years of camping. That was the weekend I camped right next to the drum circle. Some how I managed to set up camp within 20 feet of the drums. Bad move. The drums wasn't the bad part, it was after the drummers quit and the drunk/drugged people started yelling and jumping in the fire that was hard to sleep through.
I remember waking to "Sweet Home Alabama" at 5am, last AHE...
The 1st TRF camping experience will be with you forever. But be sure to follow the advice of those who have come before you for an even more enjoyable weekend.
Definitely avoid camping anywhere near the fire circle. The creek should be avoided as well. Little ravers have a tendency to hide out over there, plus the whole flooding issue if we get a good rain. The best plan is to stay close to the members of this board. You're guaranteed to stay safe and happy and have a great time.
We had some sound issues with some high-school kids a couple years ago. Me, not being the confrontational type, decided to wait it out. However, a neighboring group of much larger barbarian-types politely asked them to observe friendly camping protocols. Smiley Crisis averted...
Me thinks he is talking about me and my clan.
Good times.
Camping is something we have thought about doing but have been unsure of. To start with I was not sure that I wanted to bring my daughter with me when she was younger but now, I am not as concerned as she is getting older. And now we only live about 45 minutes away (which is great cause we can go much more often!!)
Is is possible to just visit the campground to check it out at the end of the day/evening to get a feel for the atmosphere? Then I can decide if it right for us or not? Or if it should be an adult only camping trip. Another newbie camper friend will be there for AHE, so am thinking we might just join in the fun as that sounds like THE weekend to be there.
I am an avid camper anyway so equipment wise I have more than enough.
And to be clear the $20 fee is per car for the entire weekend?
Thanks in advance for your answers. I do so love this forum.
If you decide to camp in the main area, my recommendation would be to arrive as early as possible, on Friday. The campground can get pretty crowded by late afternoon. The charge of $20 per car is good for the entire weekend.
Lady D1, there are family friendly areas of camp and some that you REALLY need to be 18 or older :D The atmosphere is always great... groups of very friendly people having a good time.
Loki has been mention twice in this post. Can someone tell me about this Loki. I assume that it is a mixed drink of some kind and would like to know the ingredients.
If you search the forum for the term, you will find a few threads on the making of this strange and wonderful beverage...
Info on Loki also abundant in the Crafts forum!
To be a little more specific on the family vs adult question:
TRF has what they call a "Quiet Camping" camp ground which I believe most would consider to be the "family" camping. I personally have never been in this camp site. Its a long drive (Incredibly long walk) to the main gate and it has a notoriously loud beast that rolls across its border at 2a or 3a in the morning. But it sure does have some beautiful trees.
The general camp ground can be compared to a little island comprised of many different countries. Every weekend, the same countries can be found in the same area of the island. Some of these areas are very welcoming to strangers in that they will be happy to share their ground and let wanderers pitch a tent. Others are happy to let you stop by and socialize but expect you to move on eventually. Of these groups, some are very family friendly. Young children in ages from near adult to still in diapers barely walking suckling on the b {Huh, aint much difference between a toddler and most adult rennies}. Anyway, others are more R rated, which can range to general language heard in camp to the elusive bare breast so a slew of other adult past times. Its not too hard to figure out where these areas are, and if you're staying with veterans and you wish to avoid these areas, they will be fully capable of steering you clear.
My point here being that the camp ground is not a "dangerous" place, but you just can't trust everybody all the time. Our daughter, now four years old, will be making her third year of camping at TRF. Our clan would be one of the types considered family friendly. Our members are really good about looking after each other and the children. The TRF camp grounds are generally a safe place for families with children BUT that safety comes with camping with others. I highly recommend pitching in with a clan like McLot in order to be sure that you're in with good people that will keep the trouble makers out.
And the campground is accessible at all times throughout the weekend. A sharp left turn after exiting the faire will lead you directly to the general camp ground where you can walk around and meet the locals ;D
~KP~
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 19, 2010, 09:18:04 AM
To be a little more specific on the family vs adult question: . . .
~KP~
Thank you very much, this was exactly the type of information I was looking for.
We've just booked plane tickets to Houston (from Maryland [already saw Wine and Alchemy this year at MDRF] and Missouri) and will be at TRF for the first time ever Halloween Weekend! We will be camping and are very much looking forward to it, but it is going to be a challenge to bring everything we need for camping by plane! I've read the camping threads here and am still somewhat confused where to camp and where not to camp. We will be getting there noonish on Friday, so hopefully we don't accidental set up somewhere that belongs to the regulars!
Quote from: ataraxy on September 24, 2010, 09:25:32 PM
We've just booked plane tickets to Houston (from Maryland [already saw Wine and Alchemy this year at MDRF] and Missouri) and will be at TRF for the first time ever Halloween Weekend! We will be camping and are very much looking forward to it, but it is going to be a challenge to bring everything we need for camping by plane! I've read the camping threads here and am still somewhat confused where to camp and where not to camp. We will be getting there noonish on Friday, so hopefully we don't accidental set up somewhere that belongs to the regulars!
By the time you arrive most, if not all, the clans will have already established their borders. You shouldn't have any issue finding a spot. :)
Welcome to Texas and TRF! ;D
I do have a map of the camping area. If some one could explain how I can insert the image to the form I would appreciate it because I am having no luck so far. On a happier note it is a definate that our group will be down Thanksgiving Weekend. Heres hoping for decent weather. There is an outside chance that I might make it up late Sat. for AHE but we will see. Hope the weather starts to get cooler for those camping opening weekend.
Quote from: ataraxy on September 24, 2010, 09:25:32 PM
We've just booked plane tickets to Houston (from Maryland [already saw Wine and Alchemy this year at MDRF] and Missouri) and will be at TRF for the first time ever Halloween Weekend! We will be camping and are very much looking forward to it, but it is going to be a challenge to bring everything we need for camping by plane! I've read the camping threads here and am still somewhat confused where to camp and where not to camp. We will be getting there noonish on Friday, so hopefully we don't accidental set up somewhere that belongs to the regulars!
As Bonnie said, you won't have to worry about where to setup. I would recommend camping as far south as possible (Low numbered parking rows - we use the parking rows as our delimiters). Also, I don't know about other clans but ours if pretty good about taking in gypsies and providing at least a tend and air mattress. What camping gear did you plan to bring with you? Perhaps someone from one of the groups that will be out AHE weekend will be able to help you out with what ever you lack.
I'm bringing a tent large enough for two people and some blankets. My gf will be bringing minimal camping supplies because she wants to avoid the $50 charge for checking a bag round trip. Can't say I blame her. I have all the typical camping gear at home, but when flying, it's not really worth checking things like air mattresses because it costs more than the replacement value for the items. We'll probably have only minimal food supplies, since, again, it isn't really feasible to travel with pots and pans and we will only be camping two nights anyways.
Quote from: Sir Smithwick on September 24, 2010, 10:42:13 PM
I do have a map of the camping area. If some one could explain how I can insert the image to the form I would appreciate it because I am having no luck so far.
If you have a photobucket account, you can upload the map to your photobucket account, then you would post the link to your picture inside [img ]here[/img ](remove spaces). I say photobucket because I find it very forum-sharing friendly.
Quote from: ataraxyI'm bringing a tent large enough for two people and some blankets. My gf will be bringing minimal camping supplies because she wants to avoid the $50 charge for checking a bag round trip. Can't say I blame her. I have all the typical camping gear at home, but when flying, it's not really worth checking things like air mattresses because it costs more than the replacement value for the items. We'll probably have only minimal food supplies, since, again, it isn't really feasible to travel with pots and pans and we will only be camping two nights anyways.
I suggest you hit a grocery store when you get close (there is a Brookshire Brothers grocery store right down the road in Magnolia, and a Walmart a little further in Tomball), pick up a cheapie cooler and go with lunch meat and peanut butter and jelly. There is a Quickie Mart on site where you can buy hot coffee in the morning if you need the pick-me-up juice to survive. And if you wind up hooking up with a group, it's possible that they will feed you as well, but best to be a boy scout and be prepared :)
As for me, the cool morning has really given me a mental boost! This week I'll probably work on going through my camping supplies and packing up totes to get ready to head out there. In a month :(
Yup - I've put it off long enough - Time to drag all of the gear out of the attic and begin the inventory process - We'll have to go shopping this week to replenish supplies. That usually entails a trip to Sams Club and Bass Pro Shops (o:
I think the main thing I need to do is evaluate the weekends I'm cooking and pack up my kitchen. My tent stuff and general camping supplies will need a going though, but the only thing I see needing in there are batteries. I've already pulled it all out of storage (minus the fire bowl and I'm not sure how much I'll need that).
Just spent a lovely weekend at Lake Somerville camping, so if we decide to camp at TRF, I know all my camping supplies are ready to go!!!
Now if we camp, when will it be!!!
The busiest/fullest weekends are opening - AHE - Closing
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:11:29 PM
The busiest/fullest weekends are opening - AHE - Closing
Is that a good thing or a bad thing???
I only posted that as an FYI so that you know when your chances are good to find an RF.com group in the camp grounds. That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
I only posted that as an FYI so that you know when your chances are good to find an RF.com group in the camp grounds. That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Ah, gotcha. Seems to be that AHE is THE weekend to camp. And that would be the weekend that my renlet has a choir performance so she would not be able to camp. This might make camping that weekend a perfect idea!
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Bonny practically lives on site. :P Lucky girl! What a gloriously fun season!
Quote from: Lady D1 on September 27, 2010, 01:25:53 PM
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
I only posted that as an FYI so that you know when your chances are good to find an RF.com group in the camp grounds. That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Ah, gotcha. Seems to be that AHE is THE weekend to camp. And that would be the weekend that my renlet has a choir performance so she would not be able to camp. This might make camping that weekend a perfect idea!
Yeah, AHE is when the freaks come outta the woodwork... look, that's when i camp. ;D
Hey! We're not ALL freaks... some of us are completely norm... uhhh, well... faaar less freakish than others! :P
It is, however, the weekend when just about everyone lets their freak flag fly, and it's almost always in fun, funny and fantastic ways, so if you're going to camp only one weekend, my advice would be to make it that one!
Oh, and as for renlets in camp... my 9 y/o will be there, and I believe Bonny and McGee will have their young'un there, as well (at least, they did last year), so either way it's still a great time!
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on September 27, 2010, 04:13:49 PM
Hey! We're not ALL freaks... some of us are completely norm... uhhh, well... faaar less freakish than others! :P
It is, however, the weekend when just about everyone lets their freak flag fly, and it's almost always in fun, funny and fantastic ways, so if you're going to camp only one weekend, my advice would be to make it that one!
Oh, and as for renlets in camp... my 9 y/o will be there, and I believe Bonny and McGee will have their young'un there, as well (at least, they did last year), so either way it's still a great time!
Freaks are fine but me! Don't exactly consider myself normal. I think I would bring my renlet camping but it might be a bit more fun if I was renletless for our first time. I do like to lean nearing to the irresponsible (aka fun and wild) side sometimes!!
I don't blame you... I almost thought I was going to be there solo this year, but handing out candy with my mom just doesn't have the same appeal as all the wonders of Faire! It would have been different if my mom had volunteered to take her out trick-or-treating, but she won't leave her own house to do that because she thinks she might miss some of the kids (fewer and fewer every year) who ring her bell. This year we're going to see a lot more of the Faire, though, so she's just as excited as I am! Last year was our first visit to TRF, and we stuck mostly to the central areas because we didn't know where anything was, and we were busy visiting with all of our R?F friends, but we have more of an agenda this year... and we're hoping to drag a few folks along with us, as well! It will be Adventure Weekend!!! :D
Strictly speaking... doing what we do... acting like we act... and dressing as we do...Pssst, is not NORMAL. ;)
But i'm proud to be a freak and i stand in good company! Lol! :D
Someone asked me,last year, what AHE @ TRF is like... Hmmmm, it was a tough one... the best i could come up with was The Burning Man Festival meets Woodstock. 8) Anyone got a better description?
:P
" I'm a weirdo... he's a weirdo... wouldn't you like to be a weirdo too..."
:D
I completely agree... you ARE a weirdo!
Still... I'm a bit weird in that I like weirdos more than I like those so-called "normal" people... And I think what we do is a whole lot more fun, "normal" or not, than what some folks do for entertainment!
*beep, beep, ain't it great to be... crazy!?!* ;)
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on September 27, 2010, 05:41:50 PM
... And I think what we do is a whole lot more fun, "normal" or not, than what some folks do for entertainment!
...
For example, don't you
like to watch people driving in a circle turning left? ;) 8)
At least when going to a Ren Faire you're personally involved with the event, not just a spectator.
Yeah... you can keep your Nascar, and all those boring "sports" that don't involve swords, or lances, or horses (well, one horse to a rider, anyway)... give me a day at Faire anytime!!!
I might even watch golf if it still involved knocking around the heads of enemies with a shillelagh!
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on September 27, 2010, 05:29:46 PM
Someone asked me,last year, what AHE @ TRF is like... Hmmmm, it was a tough one... the best i could come up with was The Burning Man Festival meets Woodstock. 8) Anyone got a better description?
I always compare it to the infamous midnight NYE showing of Rocky Horror at the old Tower Theatre. Now
that will stick in my mind forever.
Ugh. I hope we are weird enough for AHE camping! :P
Quote from: ataraxy on September 27, 2010, 07:02:12 PM
Ugh. I hope we are weird enough for AHE camping! :P
If you're not quite there yet, you will be by Sunday afternoon. :-X
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
I only posted that as an FYI so that you know when your chances are good to find an RF.com group in the camp grounds. That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Yep, what KP siad :)
Oh, wait a minute ???...we decided to take a couple weekends off this year - 1000 Dreams and Roman
But, if we can help...feel free to let us know ;)
Quote from: MacKee on September 27, 2010, 07:14:18 PM
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on September 27, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
I only posted that as an FYI so that you know when your chances are good to find an RF.com group in the camp grounds. That said, there are some members (e.g. Bonnie and McKee) that are there every weekend.
(o:
Oh, wait a minute ???...we decided to take a couple weekends off this year - 1000 Dreams and Roman
What about that last dream...