Need Advice for Pennsic

Rhyance · Post by **Rhyance** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:20 am

I'm thinking about going to my first Pennsic, and I'm thinking about dragging my 23' trailer, because my tent isn't really big enough, given that I'll be bringing the harp and all my armor, two weeks of clothes and stuff.

But the way the RV land is described makes it sound like they're trying to dissuade people from bringing RV's.

So how is it really, from people who've brought RV's to Pennsic? Does it keep you far far away from where the fun is? Are the other problems associated with an RV?

Would I be hiking half the state to take my harp to places where people might like to hear her? She's not a tiny harp.

Thanks,
-R.

Maeryk · Post by **Maeryk** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:21 am

More than half. RVland is the last stop before the parking lot.

it puts you real close to the battlefield (though further than our camping block is) but the absolute furthest from the Lake and the Bog and Swamp areas.

Were I you, I'd use my tent, and add in a small dome tent for armour/supplies, if you can find the space.

Kilkenny · Post by **Kilkenny** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:32 am

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:I'm thinking about going to my first Pennsic, and I'm thinking about dragging my 23' trailer, because my tent isn't really big enough, given that I'll be bringing the harp and all my armor, two weeks of clothes and stuff.

But the way the RV land is described makes it sound like they're trying to dissuade people from bringing RV's.

So how is it really, from people who've brought RV's to Pennsic? Does it keep you far far away from where the fun is? Are the other problems associated with an RV?

Would I be hiking half the state to take my harp to places where people might like to hear her? She's not a tiny harp.

Thanks,
-R.

That's because they are trying to dissuade people from bringing RV's.

Everyplace at Pennsic is far, far from where the fun is - and right on top of it. That's because there's a huge dispersion of "fun" across the event. Also because the site is a pretty healthy walk to cover from end to end and side to side.

Wherever you camp, there will be something you want to go to that is a long haul from where you are. There will be other things that are closer.

AEiric Orvender · Post by **AEiric Orvender** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:49 am

Maeryk wrote:it puts you real close to the battlefield (though further than our camping block is) but the absolute furthest from the Lake and the Bog and Swamp areas.

Nope... there is more caming down the road from them... the Tuchux, My Tribes camp (Camp Carpi X11) and then their is the Canadian camp that is just outside the wood's battlefield...THEY are the farthest camp from the bog! LOL

If you go to this map site
Pennsic War Land Map
RV camping is just outisde N30 into the 'private' marked area.
Dont worry too much Like I said the Tuchux are in N26/27, I'm in X11 and that farthest camp in at the very tip of N28

Yah it's a bit of a walk but not all that bad.

Larmer · Post by **Larmer** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:56 am

You may want to consider a wagon for hauling your harp around.

One great thing about the RV spot is that you are up on the top of Pennsic (roughly 40 % of Pennsic is down a large hill) so you can walk lots of place on the relatively level ground.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:28 pm

What are the N, B, X, etc...prefixes for?

What are the X areas?

With respect,

-Aaron

Rhyance · Post by **Rhyance** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:33 pm

How about a base camp? I was thinking about setting up my 10x7 Saxon tent for day use and going back to the RV to sleep. Or would that be necessary/helpful?

Cian of Storvik · Post by **Cian of Storvik** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:41 pm

Aaron wrote:What are the N, B, X, etc...prefixes for?

What are the X areas?

With respect,

-Aaron

Well, the lots on the east side of Pennsic that are grouped together tend to have a prefix of E. The ones on the West side have a prefix of W. The exteneded areas that htey added later to the north are N, and the ones on the other side of the battle field are B.
It's a mystery we may never figure out.

But seriously. I'm not sure about the X's, but they seem to be areas thare are more trees or obsticals then land to camp on. I'm thinking they are no so much assigned areas to groups/kingdoms/households, as they are places to stash people that registered independantly as one or two people. Possibly.
-Cian

Larmer · Post by **Larmer** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:44 pm

Aaron wrote:What are the N, B, X, etc...prefixes for?

What are the X areas?

With respect,

-Aaron

http://land.pennsicwar.org/maps/

The letter prefixes are basically a handy way of dividing up the blocks
W = West side of Pennsic, E = east side of Pennsic, N = north, B = battle field (camping opened up in the past few years when W was taken already).
X lands are land that is restricted by the Coopers. These are either lands that are the private land of a Cooper family member but he allows his SCA friends to camp in his backyard or else land traditionally given to one very specific group (e.g. Tuchuks) other than Royal Encampments.

Larmer · Post by **Larmer** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:48 pm

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:How about a base camp? I was thinking about setting up my 10x7 Saxon tent for day use and going back to the RV to sleep. Or would that be necessary/helpful?

The only issue you will have is finding land. Each camp gets 250 sq ft per person registered. That seems like a lot but that includes their tent, the space around it, common walkways, fire pit, kitchen tent etc. So the problem will be finding an encampment that is willing to give you space for your tent which will consume approximately 100 sq ft. It can be done but I want you to understand what you are asking for.

You may want to ask to share space in a storage tent. We have friends below the hill while we are camped near the battle field. So we allow them to store some armour and weapons in our storage tents to save a lot of hauling up and down the hill.

Kilkenny · Post by **Kilkenny** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:55 pm

Cian of Storvik wrote:
Aaron wrote:What are the N, B, X, etc...prefixes for?

What are the X areas?

With respect,

-Aaron

But seriously. I'm not sure about the X's, but they seem to be areas thare are more trees or obsticals then land to camp on. I'm thinking they are no so much assigned areas to groups/kingdoms/households, as they are places to stash people that registered independantly as one or two people. Possibly.
-Cian

Larmer has the right of it. The X designation effectively means it's reserved (by the Coopers) space that is not part of the SCA land process.

Rhyance · Post by **Rhyance** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:21 pm

Well, the map makes it look like I wouldn't be hauling armor too far...and my harp case has wheels. Little wheels, and I was concerned that if the ground gets to wet/boggy they might have a problem.

Now, is RV camp a boring place to be? That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just means I have a walk back to my quiet li'l trailer.

-R.

Johann ColdIron · Post by **Johann ColdIron** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:29 pm

Kilkenny wrote:Wherever you camp, there will be something you want to go to that is a long haul from where you are. There will be other things that are closer.

That is so, so true! Probably the best distillation of Pennsic travel ever.

Rhyance: Some of the roads are paved but it is not the norm but the exception. Mostly it is main travel routes that are paved, . The A&S tents would be once place to investigate for an audience. I am sure certain camps would be willing to host you and your harp. Some might be willing to send strapping lads to convey it.

Maeryk · Post by **Maeryk** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:36 pm

Ã†iric Ã˜rvender wrote:
Maeryk wrote:it puts you real close to the battlefield (though further than our camping block is) but the absolute furthest from the Lake and the Bog and Swamp areas.

Nope... there is more caming down the road from them... the Tuchux, My Tribes camp (Camp Carpi X11) and then their is the Canadian camp that is just outside the wood's battlefield...THEY are the farthest camp from the bog! LOL

If you go to this map site
Pennsic War Land Map
RV camping is just outisde N30 into the 'private' marked area.
Dont worry too much Like I said the Tuchux are in N26/27, I'm in X11 and that farthest camp in at the very tip of N28

Yah it's a bit of a walk but not all that bad.

Yup. You are right.. I totally forgot that the Tuchux are out by wagon/overflow parking now, and that whole spit above and to the right of Mt. Eislinn is all camping.

AEiric Orvender · Post by **AEiric Orvender** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:40 pm

Aaron wrote:What are the N, B, X, etc...prefixes for?

What are the X areas?

With respect,

-Aaron

B, E, N, and W denote "areas" of the map i.e.

N is traditionally the "Serengeti",
B is the "Hill"
E it the Bog
W is Rune Stone etc... the areas have grown over the years but the names still match somewhat, Though I believe that some of the "W" lands are squarely in 'The Bog'.

X Blocks are areas of "Un-camp-able" land that groups have come in on off season and cleared, leveled and every year improved the land for camping, for this work we are given use of that land during Pennsic and Coopers get it the rest of the year.

For example our site X-11 was totally covered in bramble, small trees and was completely unusable, Master Rin, some founding members of Ring Tribe and members of the Guiver Tribe (from Meridies) found the area during Pennsic and spoke with the land owner and worked the land to a camp-able area... each year we add something new... this year will be a bread oven...

Cunian · Post by **Cunian** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:45 pm

There's pretty good bus shuttle service next to the RV Camping area.

Rhyance · Post by **Rhyance** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:46 pm

Thanks! I don't want to convey the idea that it's going to take a thousand elephants to get about, but if I'm carrying the harp I do want to arrive in shape to play. That's why I was asking about distances and the kind of ground.

Here are some pictures that will an idea of the size of the harp:, and there's bit of video, too. I'm 5'9", for reference.

It seems that the camping thing is pretty well worked out. Since I'm going alone, and not part of any group: how do I get invited to perform? As you'll see from my house-concerts page, I'm a harper and professional storyteller. Most of my stuff is Celtic in origin. I suppose I'll say that if your camp is interested in hosting the harp and I for a while, PM me or mention it here.

Another question occurs: if I'm fighting during the day and harping/singing/storytelling at night, I can't attend at a table to sell my CD's. Is it possible to make a deal with someone who's primarily there as a vendor to make table space for my CD's (about a 8x12" rack) and sell some for me?

Maeryk · Post by **Maeryk** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:50 pm

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:Thanks! I don't want to convey the idea that it's going to take a thousand elephants to get about, but if I'm carrying the harp I do want to arrive in shape to play. That's why I was asking about distances and the kind of ground.

Here are some pictures that will an idea of the size of the harp:, and there's bit of video, too. I'm 5'9", for reference.

It seems that the camping thing is pretty well worked out. Since I'm going alone, and not part of any group: how do I get invited to perform? As you'll see from my house-concerts page, I'm a harper and professional storyteller. Most of my stuff is Celtic in origin. I suppose I'll say that if your camp is interested in hosting the harp and I for a while, PM me or mention it here.

Another question occurs: if I'm fighting during the day and harping/singing/storytelling at night, I can't attend at a table to sell my CD's. Is it possible to make a deal with someone who's primarily there as a vendor to make table space for my CD's (about a 8x12" rack) and sell some for me?

That's pretty much the _ONLY_ way to do it. If you aren't set up with the merchant co-ordinator by now, I doubt you could get merchant space anyway, and if you are caught selling out of your tent, or without "permission", you are off the site, no questions, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Pennsic is NOT LIKE other events.

Adeliz · Post by **Adeliz** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:50 pm

B stands for "Buzz Kill Hill" (as it was dubbed last year)

Because by the time you walk from the bog drunk... wander around in circles for a while because you cant see straight... and get back to camp at the top of the hill... you're sober again. :lol:

AEiric Orvender · Post by **AEiric Orvender** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 2:24 pm

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:Thanks! I don't want to convey the idea that it's going to take a thousand elephants to get about, but if I'm carrying the harp I do want to arrive in shape to play. That's why I was asking about distances and the kind of ground.

Ground/roads are gravel rocky and lager than "drive-way" gravel... the little wheels on a harp case will not roll well on this surface... I would suggest a cart with larger rubber wheels.

It seems that the camping thing is pretty well worked out. Since I'm going alone, and not part of any group: how do I get invited to perform? As you'll see from my house-concerts page, I'm a harper and professional storyteller. Most of my stuff is Celtic in origin. I suppose I'll say that if your camp is interested in hosting the harp and I for a while, PM me or mention it here.

You can post an ad in the Pennsic Independent (the on site daily newspaper) see link below
My camp Does 1st Century "Celt" Mostly Germanic and British Tribes we just might be intrested in hosting you for an evening...

Another question occurs: if I'm fighting during the day and harping/singing/storytelling at night, I can't attend at a table to sell my CD's. Is it possible to make a deal with someone who's primarily there as a vendor to make table space for my CD's (about a 8x12" rack) and sell some for me?

Your can contact the Pennsic merchant office:
http://www.cooperslake.com/merchant/merchant.php I believe they have room for 'buskers' and they often sell their CD during street performances. Or you can get with a merchant that is already set up and ask about selling your CD with them.

Rhyance · Post by **Rhyance** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 2:49 pm

Well, since the deadline for camera-ready ads is tomorrow, I don't think I'll be doing that. Since I know nobody, finding a merchant with whom I can make a consignment deal or suchlike for the CD's might be problematic.

Thanks for all the advice!
-R.

Violen · Post by **Violen** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:45 pm

where do you live? have you joined your local kingdom list? Im sure there are hospitable people in your area who would love for you to camp with them!

freiman the minstrel · Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:39 pm

Rhyance,

I have attended a lot of pennsic wars, and never without my guitar. A lot of other people here have more experience, but this is my take.

If it's your first pennsic, take the travel trailer. Pennsic can be a bit much. It is really, really nice to have a place to escape to. You may find that the trip is more trouble than the roughing it, but you should chalk that up to a learning experience for your first year.

Get a large wheeled garden cart to move your harp around. Make sure that there is a shipping pallet or something else on the bottom, and that you have a tarp that can be put atop the thing. This way, in case of rain, your instrument will not end up floating.

And don't worry about being invited to play. Just walk down the street at dinner time, find a camp that smells delicious, and ask if they need a song. Play a maximum of three songs, take your drink, and run.

f

Uadahlrich · Post by **Uadahlrich** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:29 pm

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:Well, since the deadline for camera-ready ads is tomorrow, I don't think I'll be doing that. Since I know nobody, finding a merchant with whom I can make a consignment deal or suchlike for the CD's might be problematic.

Thanks for all the advice!
-R.

If I may suggest, seek out Master John ap Wynne. They have a jam session in his merchant booth slightly across the road from Midrealm Royal.

RoaK · Post by **RoaK** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:46 pm

First Pennsic... youâ€™ll love it. Take the trailer, take your armor, take EVERY piece of garb you own, bring the harp if it can survive getting a bit wet and damp in the mornings. Follow freiman the minstrel's advice; make a large wheeled cart for it (sort of period looking if you can) and make a tarp cover for it. Plan on getting caught in the rain at least once... If that harp can't take getting a little wet or damp I'd seriously consider leaving it the first year so you can see what you up against... One more thing: august can be a wierd month weather wise: even if it doesnâ€™t get caught in the rain chances are it can get wet from the morning dew and condensation; even if it's covered. If you keep it in the trailer you woun't have to worry about that too much.

As far as finding places to perform follow freiman the minstrel's advice (again). If youâ€™re as good as you seem word will spread quickly and youâ€™ll be playing to the upper mucky mucks in on time. One of the things you might want to do to get a merchant to sell your wares is to offer to set up by his booth for a while and perform; you both could benefit from it. Just saying.

Syrfinn · Post by **Syrfinn** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:11 pm

Isnt RV parking near where paid parking is?

If it is, I wouldnt worry about it. I pretty much daytrip Pennsic, unless I decide to crash for the night. And I have 0 issue with traveling to places and such. Most my guys are down near the lake, which is a decent haul from Paid Parking. And even after a day of fighting hard, it isnt much of an issue.

Honestly, if I had an rv, I would do it. I keep looking at those popup campers.

I live in an small apartment, so I really dont have a place to store a pavillion and such.

Donald St. Colin · Post by **Donald St. Colin** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:28 am

Finn O'Shannon wrote:Isnt RV parking near where paid parking is?

If it is, I wouldnt worry about it. I pretty much daytrip Pennsic, unless I decide to crash for the night. And I have 0 issue with traveling to places and such. Most my guys are down near the lake, which is a decent haul from Paid Parking. And even after a day of fighting hard, it isnt much of an issue.

Honestly, if I had an rv, I would do it. I keep looking at those popup campers. I live in an small apartment, so I really dont have a place to store a pavillion and such.

I think that is handicapped rv parking near paid parking, Sir Finn.

Angusm0628 · Post by **Angusm0628** » Fri May 01, 2009 5:23 am

Rhyance Llew ap Llewellyn wrote:Well, since the deadline for camera-ready ads is tomorrow, I don't think I'll be doing that. Since I know nobody, finding a merchant with whom I can make a consignment deal or suchlike for the CD's might be problematic.

Thanks for all the advice!
-R.

I have a housebrother who is a merchant at Pennsic. you might be able to work something with him.. I'll be seeing him at an event this weekend. I could make introductions.

Kilkenny · Post by **Kilkenny** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:04 am

Ã†iric Ã˜rvender wrote:[q
X Blocks are areas of "Un-camp-able" land that groups have come in on off season and cleared, leveled and every year improved the land for camping, for this work we are given use of that land during Pennsic and Coopers get it the rest of the year.

For example our site X-11 was totally covered in bramble, small trees and was completely unusable, Master Rin, some founding members of Ring Tribe and members of the Guiver Tribe (from Meridies) found the area during Pennsic and spoke with the land owner and worked the land to a camp-able area... each year we add something new... this year will be a bread oven...

It is the case that there are some X-blocks that are held for those who made them camp-able space (or who made their camping gear to fit the space), but what the X designation means is that this space is not part of the Pennsic land allocation process. The X areas are assigned by the Coopers - and to a very large degree, they don't change.

I assure you, my house did not need to do any land clearing, etc., to make Mac and Betty's yard suitable for tents

BdeB · Post by **BdeB** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:15 am

While in a parking lot, the RV section is right next to the battle field, and is about three blocks closer to the field than my camp. One day when i'm too old to camp, i'll buy an RV and some tiki lights and hang out there....
:twisted:

Need Advice for Pennsic

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