The Abbey Medieval Fair 2018

One of the first people we saw at the Abbey Medieval Fair was this fine Scot, who inspired Matt on his first visit last year. There were a few highlanders around, but these two were by far the best! We were there under the wing of Matt's brother, Jean the Hornmaster, seen here in his tent selling his fine wares. Behind this tent was where evenings were spent gathered around the fire, eating venison stew and drinking rum, before retiring to our bed in the back of the ute! It was a little chilly, and we nearly suffocated the night we shut the hatch, but our little dressing room, nicknamed the Ute Yurt, was an excellent addition to the space.

Just next to him was this beautiful basketry stall festooned with hessian.

This is a shot of the entrance of The Stag Inn, where we spent a lot of time - no,no, not drinking all the time - it was just a great place to sit on hay bales, close to fires, watching the passing parade, and talking to folk.

....and talking to folk!

We did also venture to the Friars Folly Tavern, where we very much enjoyed the performance by Praxis - most entertaining and educational! We were sitting behind this gent and I admired these carved bone pieces of his garb.

These pics were taken down at the peasant encampment, where fabulous heritage chickens, goats, and some absolutely delightful people were to be found. The woven structures were absolutely beautiful, too.

  Also found on site were these glorious camels - they were just so beautiful and graceful.

The Wedgetailed Eagle just blew me away - I have never seen such a majestic beast of a bird! I'm not even going to try and analyse how I feel about it being tethered and used to assist hunters.

 Another species spotted were the Dryads of Phoenix Firetribe - beautiful as ever.

 I cannot describe what a challenge it was for me to look this drab for 2 whole days. I really struggled with not looking like myself and...blending in!! Even those who didn't know me knew that it did just not look right!! It was an interesting role swap for us - everyone was looking at Matt - and he struggled to find me in the crowd!
We had a great time, and we were so warmly welcomed by John and his friends - what a weekend!
Ooooh - postscript - that bushy beard is gone - look at the remains still in their beard beads!! Welcome back Matt!!