http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v230/xatrian/SCAGWW/SCAGWW08/ (link to everything)

(password for photobucket account is "secret" - without the quotation marks)

http://www.caid-gww.org/ - for event info

I just got back from a day at the GWW which was held in Taft, CA.  About a two hour drive that was pleasant and the weather was very warm but with a cool breeze.  The location is flat land with little greenery, but next to a gorgeous little lake.

There were probably hundreds of tents everywhere.  I liked that the roads were easy to walk (not crowded), the food and wares were reasonably priced (unlike at typical ren faires), and the atmosphere was very laid-back.

I thought it would be hard to find my friends, but I lucked out and found them all immediately.  Rory was the first I bumped into as I drove up and he'd just gotten back from an awesome battle I was sad to have missed (but his recap was very entertaining and I should let him tell it).  He was really cool introducing me to new folks and was great company as we walked everywhere and explored.  He'd already been to everything since he was there for nearly the entire duration of the event (wednesday through the weekend to sunday I believe).  Anyhoo, I totally recommend him as a tour guide and hang out buddy. *grin*

I stopped by Nick and Robin Baumann's tent area (gorgeously decorated area that was really pretty and calm - those are the pics with the hanging asian lanterns from the trees).  It was nice hanging with both of them for bit.  Nick and friends were playing an interesting card game with goldish coins inside the **** And Bull tavern at the back. 

That's where I also met my friend Joel of Oak,Ash&Thorne Brewery ( http://www.oakashthornbrewing.com ) who I'd been looking forward to seeing again.  I bought one of each of his bottled treats to bring back with me to give samples to friends and potential buyers.  This is the best mead I have ever had.  I dare anyone to try it if you doubt it.  Hey, prove me wrong with whatever you think might be better, I'm totally going to try that too.  But it won't change my mind how awesome his meads are.  I loved the Apple Piety (tastes like spiced apple pie) and the Lingonberry and Elderflower meads.

So then I ended everything by watching a super cute bunch of kiddos fighting with boffers in mini arenas.

LOTS OF FUN!

If I'd stayed later, I would have seen the evening parties and dancing and more.  Also there are a whole bunch of battles to see throughout the event duration.  I liked hearing the mass of warriors shout in unison.