Bay Company Practice in Caer Mear

Last night Philip, Aethelwolf, Kelby, Leo and I piled into Philip's van and headed to the monthly Bay Company practice in Richmond. We raced the rain most of the way there, but luckily we never saw any of the hail or serious weather that happened a bit north and west of my place. (One house in Fluvanna had its roof torn off.)

Turnout was a little lighter than last time, probably because of the threat of bad weather. Aside from a good Caer Mear turnout and us, the only out of towners were Moe and Matthew from Tir-Y-Don.

I took some gear out to the playground where fighting was going on, and it was just pickup fights. So I armored up for sword and shield inside the church, trundled out---into melees. Sigh. I hate fighting sword and shield in melee. In fact, last night was probably only the 13th or 14th time I've ever done it. And it showed.

Still, a little melee practice is good for everyone, and after a short break I swapped to polearm just in time for the bridge rez scenario, which was quite enjoyable. Especially as the only long weapon out.

The rain put an end to melees and we adjourned inside for one on one practice. Wow it was sticky! I tried out my new 5'6" split rattan pole and it proved very fast. Quite the face stabber. I think I'll name it Needler.

I'm still feeling good, though tiring more easily than I care to. No weights this week, aside from shovelfuls of mulch.

The trip home was filled with ancient SCA stories ("Don't worry... I'm a nurse!")  and a decision to cancel Thursday armored practice in Charlottesville because Philip will be up in NoVA working and I have way too much to do for Golden Rose and would not be fighting anyway, two days prior to a big tournament.