2005 Midsummer Gorsedd in Minnesota
EAL-DARACH Grove's June 2005 Gorsedd was once again an attempt to gather as many North American OBOD members as we could, this time to celebrate Alban Hefin and the zenith of the Oak King. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, giving us hot summer days moderated by a cooling breeze at our campsite on the bluffs. The gorsedd was attended this year by a total of 17 people: twelve humans, three dogs, and two ferrets. Crossing the wide Missouri River, Bill and Donna drove from Kansas to join us. Scarlett crossed the mighty Mississippi River to join us from Wisconsin. Many of last year's participants returned--Alferian and family, Azrienoch and Andrea, and Pika and family.
The extended weekend passed very quickly, but we found time to repeat favorite activities from last year: an ongoing wandmaking workshop, a brief lesson in Tai Chi staff exercises by Eric, a short session in pennywhistle by Pika, and several outings for good food in a picturesque town not too far away. After our last outing, a visit to Stoney End Harps, we exited the factory as dark clouds moved in quickly from the north. The severe thunderstorm's gust front shooed us out of the parking lot and we drove away north, south, east and west, respectively, into a blinding rain blissfully welcomed by the local farmers.
Andrea photographs some "little people" in the grass.
In the Guise of the Oak King at the height of Summer.
The view from the Grove of the Seven Sisters.
My Lady contemplates the beauty of the view.
Blessing the Waters of Life and communing with the oaks.
Such cute babies! Vincent and Christopher visit the oak grove.
The Grove Banner is unfurled. Huzzah!
Robert Browning plots to overthrow his alpha dog at a cafe after the festivities.
©2006 The Bardic Institute
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