We had a wonderful time at the last Indy Moot, which happened last month (November) of this year. Since we had several others that were interested but unable to attend, I wanted to start planning a bit earlier this time around so we can make sure that everyone who wants to come can have the adequate time needed to request the date off, etc. Now that we've gotten the ball rolling out here in the Midwest, we have to keep it going and make 2012 the "most mooted" year in forum history. SO...
DATE:
For the time being, the date is set for April 13-15th.
Confirmed Attendees:
Greg +Shadow & Whitney
Lori
Odigan +?
jBook +?
Deadextra
Location
The location will be the same; the hills of Brown County, IN, on a 1000-acre plot that includes the campground and Retreat that I work at. We, however, as before, will not be staying in the campground or using any of the amenities available. Instead of the site within one of the drainages leading to the lake where we were last time, we'll be a bit farther out, and will hike a different route up. We'll have more space, more deadwood to work with for shelters and such, and have some more fun areas around us to play in.
This ravine borders our planned site, which is a gentle slope for draining purposes that is to the right of the area shown. As you can tell, there is a LOT of fallen wood available for toying/building with.
This clearing is about 200 yards from the planned base camp, and will be set up as an archery range as well as for some sparring/training. Wasters encouraged/recommended!
Lastly, just around the corner on a nearby bike trail, there's a large stand of pines containing copious amounts of deer sign. We're going to do some tracking. Odigan, this stand of pines actually leads through the top end of the trail that winds up taking you to our site from last time, from the opposite direction (where I popped out after I helped my work out that afternoon.) Just to give you an idea.
Despite the fact that we'll be further out into the bush, the new route taken is a bit easier than last time, and only took me about 20 minutes to get there on foot from the base of the lake on foot, and isn't strenuous, so anyone interested is encouraged to try to join us!
Scheduling
Arrival would be between noon and four-ish on the chosen Friday (time yet to be decided), and we'd spend two nights, followed by breaking camp on Sunday morning and heading out at our discretion.
Cost, Rules, etc.
Cost would be $5 per night per person payable to Valley Branch Retreat, accompanied by a waiver to be signed. It's a little annoying to have to pay, but that's the cost of permission to carry. All blades of any length are legal, we can use the fallen wood and anything else we find to our heart's content, and I *WILL* have a Red-Tail which we can hunt squirrels with, etc. Lots of freedom, almost zero chance of encountering the public. Not a bad trade-off.
I'm not going to make any garb requirements, as we want to focus on getting together, practicing our skills, and learning from one another. I just ask that you make an honest attempt, and come in the best interpretation of any race of Middle Earth you can. We may or may not have hobbits present...we will have rangers...anything's possible, so come as you can. I'd encourage everyone to be as legitimate as possible, but I won't force anything. Participation is more important right now.
Activities to Plan for
We'll be holding at least one, if not two different archery contests, focusing on accuracy and speed, just for grins. We'll be going over some WMA basics at the very least, with potential for sparring, etc. Bring what you have available. Expect to be doing a fair bit of hiking, so wear good shoes if your period ones aren't up to it. We won't harass you too much. *chuckles* If you have a skill or trade you'd like to demonstrate, teach, or learn, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Food
Everyone needs to provide for themselves. Bring enough food (and something to cook it in) for two dinners, two breakfasts, and an on-the-trail lunch. I've found my water pump, and I'll bring it, but we won't be quite so close to the lake this time, so I may just get a big 5-gallon jug and plant it at the site location so we don't have to make a 1-hour trip every time we run out of water. Cuts down on the realism, but that'd cut down on our time for fun, and that's what this is all about, so there.
So now it falls to you all. Which of the two weekends listed would work better for you? The first half of March is blacked out because JBook and I expect that we will be busy with St. Patrick's day gigs and such. Please toss out a date, even if you're only mildly interested or not sure if you can make it, and we'll go from there. We're going to have a wonderful time. As of posting this, I already have confirmation of five total attendees. It will be worth the trip.
Cheers!
-Greg
