I learned a valuable lesson this weekend: go to the Renaissance Festival on a cooler day. You will feel better and also save money on bottled water. (Did you know the RenFest has a monopoly on water? They do. If you’re seen with a cup of water, they can shut down whoever gave it to you. That’s not cool.)
Anyway. Jennie had gone in April, but since she’s so awesome she agreed to go again with me this past weekend, Obby in tow.
Renfest!
It was pirate weekend, and we were suitably pirated-out. I had an umbrella covered with skulls and crossbones, and what I thought was a piratey outfit, but in actuality I looked more like a gypsy with a kooky umbrella. Oh, well.
Jennie wore the pirate hat. She made a better pirate than I.
In true piratical fashion, she attempted to deal with some fairies.
There was an epic fan battle.
The fairies fled.
We happened upon them later.
Then there was a long walk, some frozen lemonade, a pickle, potato chips, and a nice long lie-down under a tree while hydrating, so that I didn’t pass out (it was a real threat). The tree was so pretty. I got to look at it for a while.
Pretty. Some guy asked if I was meditating, and took my photo. So weird.
After recovering from the heat a bit, we actually did stuff.
Saw the Barely Balanced folks (they are so cool).
Drank some tea at the teahouse, noodled around a bit.
Observed the pirate auction (yes, there were pirates).
Sadly, the heat kept most folks away. Normally, I don’t mind small crowds, but I could’ve done without the heat.
Before leaving, Obby indulged in some beef jerky.
Mmmmmmmeat.
Yep. Going way earlier in the year next time. It’s less fun when it’s all hot outside.
knitters = angry mob 
Sadly, we did not make it to GARF this year because the kidlet was still in normal school and trying to drive fourteen hours to get there for two days seemed…foolish. I’ve been going since I was a about my daughter’s age (she’s ten now) and I love it. There’s just something magical about it. Anyway, randomness aside, the other water tip I have for you if you are feeling as though you might pass out is to go to the first aid shed that’s nearish the jousting field. They keep cold water and the building is also air conditioned. They also keep helpful things like sunscreen if you are forgetful and leave yours at home.
I’m actually not entirely sure where the water fountains are either…although there might be some near the potty trailers inside the festival.
Somewhat unrelated, okay, totally random, I found your blog by accident a few months ago by stumbling across SCA things. While I’d heard of Jenny’s comic before that, I had only read a little bit. In the time between when I found your blog and now, I’ve read almost all of it and yesterday when I remembered to check the email account attached to my blog I saw the name “Happy Goth” and went…”The Happy Goth? Crazy talk!” So, I totally amused myself because I am easily amused. Some times it really is a small world. 🙂
Ah, see, they really need to label that better. But I had good friends with me, and was ok after a little while. Thank goodness for Bawdy Pickle Guy.
I love Bawdy Pickle Guy. There was a year he wasn’t there and I was very sad. Pickles are a huge part of how I keep up hydration during the day there!
OMG the faeries!! They are awesome! We didn’t get to see the faeries when we were out there a few weekends ago but we did see the “Barely Balanced” folks twice. Sadly, it was “bring your dog” weekend & my kid spent half the time terrified of the animals & the other half was spent drinking TONS of water & trying not to die in the heat. We bring water bottles & fill them at the fountains and I usually hide under one of my giant parasols so I don’t burn. Looks like you guys had a great time though!
Water fountains?! Where were those? They are very cleverly hidden…