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Post by Francis on Apr 27, 2010 9:34:27 GMT -1
Some logistic queries now that the weekend is almost upon us: Will we all fit comfortably in the tipi for sleeping or should I bring another tent for overspill? I'm more pushed for time than I was expecting at the moment - I'm not going to be able to put up a really big tipi. The one I'll get up is just over 18 feet in diameter - so big enough for us all to sit in with a little fire and talk into the night, but we couldn't all sleep in it. I'd always imagined that those coming by car would probably bring their own tents, and those coming by train might want to keep the weight they weight they were bringing down by sleeping in the tipi - or another smaller tent I could put up for them? Can we guarantee having sole use of the bothy or should we have a contingency if others are there? No we can' guarantee it - despite claims to the contrary (to help secure funding no doubt!) it is little used overnight, I've never had to share it before- but then it is a bank holiday weekend. Contingency plans could include- dividing up a very large but dramatically lightweight tent I have between us, and taking shifts carrying parts of it. Perhaps we could rearrange the originally planned order of things? Leave our tents up by the river and head up to Dulyn early on Saturday. Most of what I have in mind, and of what's been discussed, for us to do in the day is about being in the mountains, by the lake and sheepfold - it can be quite independent of the bothy. If other people are going to use the bothy they will most probably be turning up late in the evening to use it for sleeping only- if we find this limits us, then if we haven't carried the tent up we could walk back downhill after midnight by moonlight (pretty much full)- after the first ten minutes the way is easy clear and very smooth - it's an old but still very good track - and if you haven't walked in the mountains by the light of the moon then a great experience in itself. I'm not too anxious though - I've never been disappointed by finding people there before, and even if there are we were intending to be outside until late evening an yway - so whilst it wouldn't be ideal - whatever we chose to do in response would still be good. I can bring a pot for the porage, not enormous but bigger than the average saucepan. I presume we're bringing our own food for Fri eve and Sat lunch. If we are having lamb sausages and oatcakes communally on Saturday eve is there somewhere locally we can get these or do we need to make arrangements as to who will bring what? There is a Spar open until 10.00pm in Llanrwst - so we could keep this fairly open and see what people want to do. In my limited experience of gatherings of any kind I've found people prefer on the whole to do their own thing in terms of food. I had in mind one communal meal and perhaps shared breakfast? A big pot would be handy Heron - I'll take a big camping gas stove down for Friday night. But if anyone would prefer to organise food before Friday then no problem! Is everyone leaving early on Sunday or will some of us want to make a day of it then too? Other than Potia and Lee, who have trains to catch, I haven't heard from anyone else? I'm hoping people can stay for much of Sunday I have a few ideas but let me know.
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Post by Francis on Apr 27, 2010 9:37:23 GMT -1
I'm going to buy supplies / sausage etc. on Thursday evening, so please could everyone who is coming confirm they are before then so I don't buy too much!
Dreamguardian do you know if Brochfael is planning on coming?
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Post by potia on Apr 27, 2010 10:50:00 GMT -1
As mentioned before I get into Llandudno junction at 18.48 Friday evening all going well While I would love to stay longer I'd like to try and catch a train heading back north at 1.30 pm on Sunday and that gets me to Glasgow for just before 9pm. If I can't make that one the next option is at 3.30 pm and gets me in to Glasgow at just after 11pm. Either way it's then a taxi home
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Post by Lee on Apr 27, 2010 12:43:42 GMT -1
i will arrive just before Potia at LL. J.
i am free and easy for leaving as i dont have work the next day, that said if it is easier to do 1 rip to the station i can head off around the same time Potia does.
i will bring the wooden cutlery and we can pick up some paper plates i guess which should see us through. other snack food type of thing we can sort as we go along and bring as we need.
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Post by redraven on Apr 27, 2010 13:09:12 GMT -1
I'd always imagined that those coming by car would probably bring their own tents, and those coming by train might want to keep the weight they weight they were bringing down by sleeping in the tipi - or another smaller tent I could put up for them? I'll bring a tent with me then. Perhaps we could rearrange the originally planned order of things? Leave our tents up by the river and head up to Dulyn early on Saturday. Most of what I have in mind, and of what's been discussed, for us to do in the day is about being in the mountains, by the lake and sheepfold - it can be quite independent of the bothy. If other people are going to use the bothy they will most probably be turning up late in the evening to use it for sleeping only- if we find this limits us, then if we haven't carried the tent up we could walk back downhill after midnight by moonlight (pretty much full)- after the first ten minutes the way is easy clear and very smooth - it's an old but still very good track - and if you haven't walked in the mountains by the light of the moon then a great experience in itself. I really like the sound of that, covers all bases and this time I'll try to remember to bring a torch before I take another dive into a water filled ditch. ;D There is a Spar open until 10.00pm in Llanrwst - so we could keep this fairly open and see what people want to do. In my limited experience of gatherings of any kind I've found people prefer on the whole to do their own thing in terms of food. I had in mind one communal meal and perhaps shared breakfast? A big pot would be handy Heron - I'll take a big camping gas stove down for Friday night. But if anyone would prefer to organise food before Friday then no problem! Communal meal and breakfast sounds good to me. Is everyone leaving early on Sunday or will some of us want to make a day of it then too? Other than Potia and Lee, who have trains to catch, I haven't heard from anyone else? I'm hoping people can stay for much of Sunday I have a few ideas but let me know. I can probably stay until around 4 pm at the latest Sunday. RR
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Post by dreamguardian on Apr 28, 2010 5:46:09 GMT -1
Hi everyone & big apologies for not posting earlier. I have been looking in occassionally & sussing out the admin bits & bobs! Stephen: Please accept my apologies for not being polite enough to respond earlier to you, as our host of the gathering. Lynne & I will be there on Friday through to Sunday, I'll phone you soon for details of where we're meeting etc (Your mobile hasn't changed since last year??). Brochfael will be attending & I just need to get in touch as he's been away this week. We'll bring our own grub except for communial meal & brekkie. I'm sure we can russle up a bottle of mead or two for rituals ... Well, for any reason, come to think of it ;D. If there's anything else we need to bring, please just let me know - Ta! Potia: I have a lovely seasoned cedar wood hearth for you when you make fire by friction . It smells gorgeous when the heat starts to build. Again, sorry for leaving so late or not posting sooner. Best wishes, Rob
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Post by Francis on Apr 29, 2010 16:17:15 GMT -1
After the driest April I've ever known - Last time anything fell out of the sky here was April 2nd when it snowed - it looks like the weather forecast for Saturday is pretty poor; www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wl/betws-y-coed_forecast_weather.htmlI guess this just means make sure you've got your waterproofs! We'll wait and see just exactly what happens though, and plan accordingly. Either way I think we should still go into the mountains? For what it's worth the snow is just hanging on in the north and eastern cwmoedd (cymau?) above Dulyn. From my perspective important for what Potia proposes - though I appreciate I probably hold a minority view and look forward to discussing it!
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Post by Heron on Apr 29, 2010 19:17:56 GMT -1
After the driest April I've ever known - Last time anything fell out of the sky here was April 2nd when it snowed - it looks like the weather forecast for Saturday is pretty poor; www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wl/betws-y-coed_forecast_weather.htmlI guess this just means make sure you've got your waterproofs! We'll wait and see just exactly what happens though, and plan accordingly. Either way I think we should still go into the mountains? For what it's worth the snow is just hanging on in the north and eastern cwmoedd (cymau?) above Dulyn. From my perspective important for what Potia proposes - though I appreciate I probably hold a minority view and look forward to discussing it! --- and suitable footwear. Friday evening's discussion should be interesting
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Post by potia on Apr 29, 2010 21:42:09 GMT -1
Waterproofs at the ready. I'm used to West of Scotland weather and we get plenty of rain I'm up for trying to get into the mountains if it's considered safe enough. And I'm glad the snow hasn't quite gone as yet. The veil is getting thinner but things haven't turned yet. I've not seen any hawthorn blossoms up here yet either.
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Post by Lee on May 3, 2010 10:39:17 GMT -1
i will come back to this more fully later, but for now...
one for all those who spent a wild night in the mountains
"goodbye horses" by Q Lazarus
and remember: Tracker sees all
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Post by foxglove on May 3, 2010 14:26:23 GMT -1
The Lap of the Gods (long Post)
Eight members of the tribe held a gathering in early May. There was Dreamguardian, Ancestrallee, Brochfael, Red Raven, Potia, Heron and Francis and myself Foxglove (the yet to be initiated!!!!!!)
It had been discussed that we should mark the occasion in some way fitting to honour the ancestors. We, being from various backgrounds in a modern society, the experience would provide an insight and appreciation into the lives of those who have walked before us. As willing pupils this would surely bond the tribe and link us to the land. Francis, owned the land where camp was set up and he had put forward a plan………!
And so as we set up camp, the Gods watched and mused over our thoughts words and actions and waited for schooling to begin. As the night sky began to draw in the first light appeared and a discussion began on whether it was a star or a planet. Some felt sure it was the planet Venus, some argued it was ‘just a star!’, others muttered quietly to each other that it was Venus also known as the evening star.
Potia too said “I have a plan! of a personal nature and of much importance. To endure a feat!” To this we listened and discussed and aired our views. In honour of her decision we offered our support and to provide help, safety and protection. That evening around the open fire much mead was shared and a bond was growing in it’s infancy.
Meanwhile, in the heavens there was much discussion and the Gods continued their plan of alchemy which had begun when we had chosen the first raw ingredients.
After we had bid our goodnight we went to our respective tents. Dreamguardian and I, Foxglove had invited Brochfael to camp down for the night with us. However, both of us with a reputation for the ability to induce sleep (read that how you will!) had not bargained on the powers of a nocturnal creature.
So, we gathered the following morning with Potia’s porridge to sustain us on our trek over the mountain. Some of us delaying well set plans to complete an urban forage. For some of us the burden of the load was heavy. Some from the bags of coal for the evening fire or the over weighted bags of a sleepless night. Through cloud, rain, hail, mist and wind we journeyed further. With the view of the dark lakes, an insight into a deeper world became apparent. A rocky descent brought us to our destination and the thoughts and dreams of rest and relaxation began to instil a sense of comfort and deserved refuge.
As we entered the bothy we were greeted by the one who wore the sign of a star!
As the evening drew in by the heat of the fire, an evening of mead induced story, song and poetry warmed the heart and soul. As the exhaustion of the day took it’s toll sleep was calling the weary travellers and a peaceful night beckoned…….
The Gods however, having already drawn down the evening star especially for us…!, decided in their wisdom to re-enforce the ‘agent provocateur’ by using Brochfael as the messenger of Taranis. And showing that modern technology has a place, used super dolby quadraphonic surround sound. In desperation we tried to find a remedy. I declared the potion from a Foxglove to be deadly. Dreamguardian said “ I will guide Red Raven to fly up to the highest peak to petition the wise old man who lives on sleep mountain.
So, Red Raven embarked on the journey skyward, up to the highest peak. There, he consulted the old man and respectfully asked of his wise council. Saying” We have come to learn of those who came before us and are trying to appreciate the trials they endured. Please tell us what they would do in our plight?” He replied with one word and then vanished.
Red Raven returned to the bothy and on his flight back exhausted and fragile wondered how to break the advice given. Like a bird with battered wings he entered and propped up against the window he faced a band of broken, hollowed and weepy eyes desperate for the answer. We waited with anticipation for his delivery…….
“UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE!!!!!!”
There was just a moment when everything in the universe went still and then someone let out a cry followed by another. One by one hysterical tears began to flow until they became laughter. Then that laughter began to gain pace until it erupted uncontrollably. We laughed until our sore eyes and aching bellies could take no more and then the question was asked. “What did the old man say?”
Red Raven regained composure “SMILE!”
And so we completed another multi faceted lesson out of many more to come. Proving that the best laid human plans are all in the lap of the Gods.
Just one more thing!………….……….on some early evenings when the night sky begins to draw in and that first light appears, if you listen for the stillness and quiet and gaze up towards the sky you’ll hear “Aye up, I love the peace and quite!”
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Post by potia on May 3, 2010 14:45:35 GMT -1
BRILLIANT!!!
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Post by dreamguardian on May 3, 2010 14:46:32 GMT -1
i will come back to this more fully later, but for now... one for all those who spent a wild night in the mountains and remember: Tracker sees all Push & tuck but atleast he forgot his knife. Maybe we should rename him Bushtucker tracker!
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Post by redraven on May 3, 2010 15:12:49 GMT -1
That, Foxglove, is the work of a gifted bard. And so it shall pass into the mythology of that which is known as Brython, this classic tale of intention crafted by human hand, and thoroughly dealt with by the Gods. Any chance of opening that locked door? RR
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Post by Heron on May 3, 2010 15:37:31 GMT -1
The stars always have something to tell us .... and this weekend was no exception. Brilliant link Foxglove, definitely on the right track
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Post by dreamguardian on May 3, 2010 15:48:19 GMT -1
The Tribe!
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Post by Lee on May 3, 2010 21:54:56 GMT -1
with the aid of google maps, a ruler and some GCSE geography dredged from the depths of memory, i worked out the walk from the car to the bothy was about 2.7 miles all uphill.
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Post by foxglove on May 4, 2010 9:06:40 GMT -1
That, Foxglove, is the work of a gifted bard. And so it shall pass into the mythology of that which is known as Brython, this classic tale of intention crafted by human hand, and thoroughly dealt with by the Gods. Any chance of opening that locked door? RR Your key was one of many that helped to open that particular door! Thankyou
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Post by foxglove on May 4, 2010 9:11:16 GMT -1
To everyone on the gathering- Thanks for a great time, to Francis for the use of his land and a big thanks for the welcome.
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