Faerieworlds 2016

Man, I’m exhausted- but otherwise pleased.

I went to the new venue for Faerieworlds, Horning’s Hideout, and had some mixed reactions about the new location.

On the one hand, its BEAUTIFUL. Its a private park in the middle of a forest, all hills and hollows, creeks and lakes. Gorgeous for sure. But for most people these days who are out of shape, its a massive challenge to get around. Reese and I had to climb a big hill to find a spot for our tent since we arrived in the late afternoon (luckily after all the Friday rain had passed, so we could set up while it was dry onto damp, but not soaked, ground.) It was a killer going up and down that steep slope to get everything. There were no little handcart wagons like some festivals provide, and no driving your car to the site, dumping your shit, and then parking your car like at Mt. Pisgah Park.

The ONE thing that saved the day was the American Disabilities Act people were there with golf cart shuttle service. I finally went up to a driver, desperate and falling apart, to ask for help taking a heavy cooler up to our site. She took one look at me and said, “You don’t even have to tell me. I’ve seen that face before, which is why I set up the A.D.A. services this year. What can I do to help you?” And she took me and my cooler up on my final trip.

However, when I go back to FW, I do believe I’ll camp in the ADA forest camping area, which is closer to events and more level and with regular shuttle service. I was in remission this trip, and only required minimal help, but I can’t count on that in the future, and I would like to actually enjoy myself and not be in pain or too exhausted to do anything! I often allow myself to pretend I’m normal, but I need to acknowledge my limitations and respect them more in the future.

Meanwhile, lots of trees meant lots of shade, so no issues with over-heating. Sadly, Saturday morning and afternoon saw some serious showers that turned many avenues and vendor sites into sucking mudpools (also, upon return to our tent, I discovered multiple leaks over my bed!) I wore boots to get through it all, but then injured myself a little because the boots had slight heels and my Achilles tendons got strained. I respected the signs of problems and switched to flats and just avoided the mud.

While shopping, I found a Forest Faery oracle card deck, and a small wall-hanging lamp of a raven’s head with 3 eyes that glow red, with a beak holding a ball of stars and galaxies! Only small treats, really, but welcome ones. A little bit of treating myself for a change.

Wardruna was AMAZING, and there were Vikings fans from all over the U.S., Canada, and even Germany who were there, decked out in full regalia, bearing beards and horns that were blown regularly all weekend. In fact, the fans blew their viking horns in salute to Wardruna at the end of their set. Awesome ritual music, though- not the kind you dance to or listen to for relaxation! Serious music, man!

Then FAUN came on and wowed the crowd like always. New music from their new album, and the songs about Beltane (“Walpurgisnacht”) was a huge favorite and they got everyone to join them in the “Ee–OOH–ah!” part– it was lots of fun and I regretted my bad tendons right then, because I couldn’t dance. Instead, Reese and I shared a bench on top of a tavern on the hill over-looking the main stage. Great spot to watch a show and have a bit of mead!

I dyed my hair a crazy-looking but very pretty neon cherry-fire red in honor of the festival, and THAT was a hit. My hair always gets attention, but after I cut off the last 6 inches and dyed it, it looks fuller and definitely catches the eye even more than it already did. I got tons of comments and compliments, and one of FWs official photographers took a shot of me from the back that I will post soon so you can see my hair yourself!

Reese was pleased with her first time there, and wants to return. I– am buying a new tent and will have to make different accommodations next time so I can actually have fun and not have to spend over half my time just recovering from walking around! They’re moving the date next year to the last weekend of August, so hopefully no rain next time either.