Ok... I think this is the same group I found last year when we were planning our closing weekend camping trip to TRF... so I am pretty sure I can get good advice here... (did last year, although the situation worked out differently than planned last year)...
Last year we planned to set up near one of the larger groups... seemed to be the safest choice... due to time of arrival (ugh) we wound up taking what was available... it was a cold and wet weekend and we were ill prepared, but made the most of it. There was some incredibly humorous group with a cow theme very nearby that kept my teenage step-daughter in high spirits by randomly passing by and mooing... (if any of you are on here... she looked for you this year... hehe... even randomly moo'd back at ya a few times! Thanks for being funny!) That was awesome... and made the bad weather bearable with laughter and good times. However, on the way back from the quickie mart with a ring and wood, we got a ride from a couple of kind gents that identified our nearest neighbors as the 'ravers'... offered their condolences when they dropped us off... we soon found out why... techno music blasting until the wee hours of the morning, drowning out the sound of drums (which i love to listen to)... not horrible, but kind of disappointing, as the drums were what first attracted me to the campgrounds (long story).
This year, we planned to attend at least two weekends (opening and closing) for sure... any others we could work in to our schedules... We got a late start Friday night (ugh...) and wound up entering a campground already packed tight and buzzing with activity... The teenager saw the moo-cow people and we aimed to set up a camp near them (since a spot appeared to be open on the two passes it took us to realize it was slim pickings already)... For starters, it appears we picked a spot right next to a makeshift road that the (guess who... again) 'ravers' behind us were using to come and go... right in front of a sand pit that countless cars got stuck in... *sigh* We not only got serenaded with techno all night again, we had the pleasure of hearing the plight of stuck vehicles, and their rescue, for hours... one of which almost resulted in a rather large pickup running right over my step-daughter's tent... (literally... Sunday morning there was a truck rut where her tent had been prior to my husband's quick reaction) Saturday morning, we planned to get up to make it to cannon, but weren't rushing for it... fortunately, the human alarm clock from the camp behind us swung by and yelled in every tent window in the area (ours included) waking people up to find out whose car was stuck in the rut near the port-a-privies... how he managed to be awake after pulling a drunken all-nighter is a mystery to me... over-all it wasn't a negative experience, the couple next to us were very friendly and my step-daughter got to see multiple cow-people throughout our time there... much to her delight... (again, guys, if y'all are on here... thanks for being a source of amusement to a normally surly teenage girl... lol)
This was our first year to attempt garb... I think we did a decent job, using thrift shop finds and shooting for the gypsy/peasant look... many ideas came to our minds on how to improve outfits for our next visit, so all is well with that.
The problem.. and what I need help with (if you didn't give up after all of that back-story, bless you!) is that the husband is pretty die hard set against TRF camping (unless we use what he sees as safe from people being run over whilst trying to sleep - the quiet area)... We need suggestions for where to camp that is not over there (gah... might as well not camp...) but is safe from these 20-somethings holding a techno party and driving drunk... help?
I know many of the clans that are members here are open to new members, but I don't know that I can talk him into just joining up with a group that he doesn't know... he is kind of shy... the kids and I are very open to meeting new people, but he has a comfort zone issue... Anyone dealt with this? Tell me how to get him past that... lol...
Help?
im a newbie too, we did end up with a good spot, with out too much noise or problems. i wish i knew were to tell you to camp, i am terrified to park in a spot that someone has been using for 20 years! doh!
i DO know if you want quite and low key, they family camping is the place to go. other than the train of course. And your teenager would not be happy there im betting.
perhaps if there is enough of us newbies we can band together and start a greenhorn camping circle!
ill be standing by and waiting for someone to answer your question cuz i want know too.
I doubt I'd be happy in family camping either... I'm positive it would be safer, but I find much fun in the friendly people... loud music doesn't bother me... and heck, techno doesn't even bother me, usually... but there is just something primal and ... almost romantic... about the sound of drums... it was disappointing to hear nothing other than staggering drunks and techno...
Maybe I'm getting old, but when I overheard one of them say to another - "That's what RenFest is about... Partying with your friends and getting F*d up with your friends..." I was sorely disappointed... for me RenFest is about getting away from reality... escaping to a simpler time... escaping to the romance of the Renaissance period...
Granted, things like sanitation, medicine, human rights... etc... weren't too hot in that time period... but I tend to focus on the chivalry and elegance rather than the reasons I'm glad to be back to the reality on Monday (ok.. maybe not glad... hmm.. where did the weekend go?? )
Maybe we can generate a clan of newbies to exist in the suburbs of one of the larger friendly clans... we could be the greenhorn clan or something... haha...
Seriously though... I'm not looking for quiet and sober 'neighbors' in camp... just ya know... I didn't care to be camping next to a dance party and risking my kiddos being run over... looking for advice on how to seek out a little different environment without having to give in to the hubby's desire for the quiet area... lol...
I'd suggest doing what my wife and I did the first couple of years camp back of a big group and place your car between you and the road on one side and a tree on the other. That way you are protected on three sides. On the fourth set up some torchs to mark your area. The Celtic Rogues are good for this because they set up a picket line with flags and are easy to find and back up to.
Now that we know more people and are more comfortable we movie around and camp with or near other groups we know. We still camp near or with the Celtic Rogues once a season because we've found friends there.
to be honest, I saw their campsite this and last year... wasn't sure how they'd feel about someone scooting up next to them, so we passed them up (they put a lot of effort into that area, btw... just neat...) ... now I wish we hadn't... sounds like it would've been a bit better for us than where we wound up.
Greetings Elnarii.
I believe the "moo" people likely are from The Medieval Band of Moo. I met a few of them when working on the faire that shall not be named near Alvin, Texas, and indeed they were a friendly lot.
As for your question, I have only camped out once (last year) and was in an RV and didn't really have any issues. However now I am associated with the Clan McLotofus, which you will see mentioned in threads in this forum. The membership is basically if you want to be in it, well then you are. And I can attest to the fact that a friendlier group of people you cannot find. I myself am somewhat introverted and take some time before I open up when around new people and found myself welcomed, so I would not fear for your husband's ability to mesh with them. To get to the point, they camp along rows 8 & 9 I believe and would gladly reserve more space for your crew if you asked and provide a safer environ that trying to find a spot among the chaos that can be the camp grounds. They have kids of various ages so your children will have some play mates and can be watched out for by the clan members so you can rest a little easier while at camp. You can check out this thread for the list of people from McLotofus camping on the various weekends: http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=2432.0
There are also several other groups whose members frequent these forums, so they may also speak up and offer optional gathering grounds. Best of luck to you and hope you have a better experience the next time around.
Sorry you had such a bad experience! I'd recommend camping with McLotofus, which is made up of forum members. I haven't camped with them (we rarely camp) but I can tell you that the TX forum members are wonderfully friendly and there are plenty of families here. I've been here 4 years and had met many of them and would have no issue camping with them.
Sad that a few inconsiderate people can ruin something that can be a wonderful experience.
I would seek out someone in Clan McLotofus and get to know them. I hear that they are a great group to camp with.
Blue here piping in from Clan McLotofus!!!!
Of course you and your family are welcome to join us! The next big clan weekends are All Hallows Eve weekend (Oct 25/26) and Thanksgiving weeekend, where we will be offering a large pot luck turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Stand up and be counted at the official McLotofus threads!!!
Yes, do come join us at Clan McLotofus. We are a bit of a pot luck our selves, we know how to have a good time and still be responsible most of the time. There are several shy ones in our group, or at least started out that way.
I'll add our camping problems.
For starters, after setting up camp at our usual place, we got boxed in. People literally parked in front of the RV that was in our group, leaving it no way out. Thankfully that group left Sunday morning. Do people not have enough sense to consider things like that when they're parking?
Secondly, someone stumbled across our camp while we were on a walkabout and cleaned our ice chest out of our good German beer.
Third, we had a younger group of girls ask me and my friend Sat. night on our way back to camp if we had any acid. Cause, ya know, if I was on the prowl for acid, I'd ask a couple of thirtysomething guys walking away from the party if they were holding. ::)
Other than that, had a blast. Hung out for a while with the German guys, checked out the Green Flame party, etc.
Bummer Chandler, good German beer is a sad thing to lose. :'( :'( :'(
BTW ...are ya' holdin'??? ;) ;) ;) JJ :-X
LOL
Yeah, i was bummed to lose our Hacker-Pschorr and our Hofbrau. I only hope that the punks who took it weren't bummed by the fact that it wasn't a Light beer and didn't let it go to waste.
When we first started camping at TRF we were set up on the west side of the main campground around the middle. As time went on we gradually made our way south. We finally ended up on the southern most part of the campground close to the parking lanes. We found that whole area to be populated with true rennies who are friendly and watch out for each other.
As far as camping next to an established clan; From what I've seen, most clans have no issues with you being next to them. They will let you know what to expect by camping next to them. Others will absorb your camp and take you in.
The key, nowadays, is staying as far away from the "ravers' (and fire pit) as possible. And you have to make your ice chests difficult to access. No camp anywhere is safe from wandering alcohol thieves. At one point you at least got a show of skin as a distraction as they swiped the contents of your coolers. Not so much anymore.
This year was my first year to camp with a clan and Mclotofus was GREAT! I met Monty on the way to faire (accidentally of course) at a McDonalds when I stopped for breakfast. When I got to faire Zebon and DS greeted me and I was made to feel welcome immediately. I'm extremely shy but felt at ease with this great bunch of people. I know my camping experience wouldn't have been as great as it was without the friendly caring and truly great people of Mclotofus.
Wait, Reaper.... did I meet you???? I don't remember you camping with us!
He was between MacLaren and Brandon, and was a fine gentleman all weekend. An excellent additon to the Clan.
And you and anyone else is also welcome in our little band The Green Flame. We are on the same side of the road as the Celtic Rogues. We have about 100-200ft between us and the rogues thats unclaimed campground. We'd love to have The Greenhorns out thataway. I've been looking forward to a good solid block of clan minded folks out in our region!
Quote from: blue66669 on October 13, 2008, 05:27:47 PM
Wait, Reaper.... did I meet you???? I don't remember you camping with us!
Hehe I saw you at camp Blue. Do you remember a guy all in black sitting by the tree behind your chair? Well that was me. (I told you I was shy) and plus what good would a Reaper be if everyone could see him? ;D
I had the little yellow Ozark Trail tent.. Of course DS has shown me the light of having a mansion like his tent. I honestly thought "mansion" when he showed it to me...Now I have to upgrade ...Thanks a LOT DS.. :P
Elnarii - PLEASE go say hi to the Celtic Rogues if you have worries like this. Even if you don't camp with them, camp near by, and life is much calmer. The Celtic Rogues make people feel like family - that's what we do. They are used to taking in folks that are lost/worried for the weekend and making sure they have a good SAFE time. PM me if you want more details.
That said, they are not the only great camp out there - as has been stated McLotofus is a wonderful camp that is very very relaxed - it is he only camp that we ALWAYS go visit and chill out at. Wonderful people who are all here on the forums. Camping is what makes this faire soo great - because you still get to enjoy escaping the mundane world with good food, good drink with your good friends AFTER the gates close.
Quote from: Reaper on October 13, 2008, 09:49:53 PM
Quote from: blue66669 on October 13, 2008, 05:27:47 PM
Wait, Reaper.... did I meet you???? I don't remember you camping with us!
Hehe I saw you at camp Blue. Do you remember a guy all in black sitting by the tree behind your chair? Well that was me. (I told you I was shy) and plus what good would a Reaper be if everyone could see him? ;D
I had the little yellow Ozark Trail tent.. Of course DS has shown me the light of having a mansion like his tent. I honestly thought "mansion" when he showed it to me...Now I have to upgrade ...Thanks a LOT DS.. :P
And I thought I was shy... I don't remember him there either... sorry Reaper! :-[
WOW!!! I do declare- I think we're popular LOL :P
Quote from: Lady Ann of Draycott on October 14, 2008, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: Reaper on October 13, 2008, 09:49:53 PM
Quote from: blue66669 on October 13, 2008, 05:27:47 PM
Wait, Reaper.... did I meet you???? I don't remember you camping with us!
Hehe I saw you at camp Blue. Do you remember a guy all in black sitting by the tree behind your chair? Well that was me. (I told you I was shy) and plus what good would a Reaper be if everyone could see him? ;D
I had the little yellow Ozark Trail tent.. Of course DS has shown me the light of having a mansion like his tent. I honestly thought "mansion" when he showed it to me...Now I have to upgrade ...Thanks a LOT DS.. :P
And I thought I was shy... I don't remember him there either... sorry Reaper! :-[
It's ok Lady Ann. You saw me at the pinning ceremony (AsterixGM with the leather armor/wings)..I take many forms..;)
QuoteIt's ok Lady Ann. You saw me at the pinning ceremony (AsterixGM with the leather armor/wings)..I take many forms..
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h154/MMMMsPics/HPIM0474.jpg)
Always good to make new friends Reaper! MM
If you want to make the stupid little ravers shut up and go away then report them to the police that are out on the camp grounds. They are the two guys on ATVs with police writen on their shirts. They don't like the ravers either and will normally shut them down by a reasonable hour.
Were you there for Mr blacklight pyramid, fire ball last year?
OMG! Those guys set up directly behind my camp last year...so very annoying. I called Charlie and he shut them down. The next weekend, they moved.
Quote from: Martin Montgomery on October 14, 2008, 10:16:46 PM
QuoteIt's ok Lady Ann. You saw me at the pinning ceremony (AsterixGM with the leather armor/wings)..I take many forms..
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h154/MMMMsPics/HPIM0474.jpg)
Always good to make new friends Reaper! MM
Hehe.. Great pic Monty. Consider it snagged.. ;)
Was great meeting you!!
Edited to respect the mod's decision... no need to reply anymore.
Is it time to load up yet??? A whole week away... ugh.
How do you RenVeterans manage to stay focused during the weeks that fall between faire weekends?? :D
We don't
I spend spare moments sending weird random texts to other rennies just so I can know they are out there
*rum does help quite a bit as well*
:-\ Gee, that's not very comforting... LOL!
I spent most of this week (already) distracted by thoughts of faire... daydreaming of faire... reading these forums between my projects at work... :D
It's an addiction, I tell you!
Yeah.... and your already corrupting the innocent. But also I'm good at playing coy. so no worries.
Moi? Corrupt innocent? Never!
:D
and I know how to handle coy...hehe
Quote from: x0x_teach_x0x on October 15, 2008, 10:08:11 PM
We don't
I spend spare moments sending weird random texts to other rennies just so I can know they are out there
*rum does help quite a bit as well*
I can vouch for this. Oddly the times it seems Teach here gets bored are about the same time i am deep in thoguth tryign to fix somethign and the rather unnatural noise of the phone informing me of a new text scares the heck outta me!
Oh well, at least he keeps me on my toes LOL.
But yeah, we all find ways to struggle through until its time to go again.
Quote from: Reaper on October 13, 2008, 09:49:53 PM
Quote from: blue66669 on October 13, 2008, 05:27:47 PM
Wait, Reaper.... did I meet you???? I don't remember you camping with us!
Hehe I saw you at camp Blue. Do you remember a guy all in black sitting by the tree behind your chair? Well that was me. (I told you I was shy) and plus what good would a Reaper be if everyone could see him? ;D
I had the little yellow Ozark Trail tent.. Of course DS has shown me the light of having a mansion like his tent. I honestly thought "mansion" when he showed it to me...Now I have to upgrade ...Thanks a LOT DS.. :P
Not a problem, my friend. Just here to make your life a bit more interesting... ;D