War of Silica Vale I, May 14-16 Milpitas, CA

[kyrax]

Hail All,

Dagorhir Mallenorod is hosting our first Campout the weekend of May 14-16, at Ed Levin Park in Milpitas, CA. I'm dubbing this the War of Silica Vale I (because I'm prescient or at least ambitious), and invite all to come to northern California and join in on the fun.

We will have a weekend of camping, fighting and fun. Optional meal plan covers Saturday night feast and a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. Schedule and cost details to follow.

For those traveling from afar, Ed Levin Park is off of Calveras Road, east of I-680 and I-880, in the foothills northeast of San Jose, CA. Nearest airport is San Jose's Joseph Mineta Airport (SJC) - drop me a line ahead of time and we can arrange to pick you up, provide overnight housing, etc.

[kyrax]

Wow - thanks for all of the support guys. We're hearing from Dagorhirrim all over the state (and beyond) and are getting psyched. Here's an update.

Location change (the Parks Dept. double-booked us): Ed Levin County Park, in Milpitas, CA

Here's an easy link: tinyurl.com/353oyo

Still a great location, just off of the part of the route of the Tour of California (the following week) in the foothills east of Silicon Valley. Ed Levin Park is off of Calaveras Road, an easy exit off of I-880 or I-680, in the hills above the town of Milpitas. For those flying in, San Jose is the closest airport, but this location is very close to the BART system, making SFO and OAK airports equally good options (and yes, shuttles to/from BART will be offered - email me for details).

If you look at the County's Park Map (a pdf on their site), we'll be in the Elm camping area, located near the fighting field, showers and the bathrooms. While the weather is warm that time of year during the day, we expect things to cool down in the evening. Fog is a possibility, but rain is unlikely in this area.

We'll open the site Friday early in the day and we leave Sunday late afternoon. The cost for the weekend will be $15 (or less if possible) per person, and there's a $5 per car park fee. In addition, we'll be offering an optional Saturday night feast and Sunday morning pancake breakfast (details and pricing to come). We regret having to ask so much for the event, but due to budget cuts and insurance requirements, the price is high for a large group camping area with decent amenities.

[kyrax]

Bump - per Car fee got raised to $6.00.

More and more folks are confirming. This is looking to be not only a great first event for our chapter, but we're rolling in a few extra goodies.

Friday Night will include Birthday Cake to encourage everyone to celebrate one of our members' birthday. No gantlet is planned (she'd fight back), but a rousingly off-key version of Happy Birthday is welcome.

And Saturday will not only be my Anniversary in Dagorhir, but the anniversary of the first Mallenorod practice that was held in Sacramento. So some extra festivities will be planned after the Feast, think libations and a campfire!

[kyrax]

Folks will be rolling in from midday Friday, so come early and once your tent is set up we'll get the fighting going.

Friday afternoon - Noon onwards, just show up, pitch your tent
Weapons check will be run as needed - pick up fighting in the afternoon.
After a dinner break (you're on your own for this), we'll run some bear pits and other small group fights and then a torch lit sparring ring for those who want to keep fighting after dark.

Saturday, get up and weapons check will open by 10AM - fighting starting thereafter (hand-held weapons that passed on Friday won't need to be rechecked).

Field battles, including two, three and more team scenarios from around 11-1. Then a break for lunch.
Then some Thermopylae and fort scenarios in the shade, followed by more field fights.
Late afternoon we'll move to small unit fighting, bridge scenarios, and pick-up fights, while the feast is being prepared.

Post feast if folks want to fight some more we'll have a torch lit fighting area till whenever.

Sunday, get up and do it again. After the pancake breakfast of course. Weapons spot-checked before fighting starts, then pick-up battles, field scenarios, etc. We'll wrap up when folks get tired (but gotta be out of the park by 6-ish).

Fee will be $10-12 a person - we're trying to break even on this at best, so if the turnout is stronger we'll drop the fees or reimburse folks the extra couple of bucks. To help us estimate numbers (and thus costs, food to order, etc.), please email or pm me if you or your group are thinking of coming (and if you intend to join in on the feast and pancake breakfast option).

Please carpool - the parks changed their rules and want $6 a day per car for camping. So we may want to shuttle some cars offsite to save on those fees.

[kyrax]

The weather reports look wonderful for the event - partly cloudy and highs in the 70's. After a little rain today (Monday), things will clear up and dry out this week. Expect some wind, and cool evenings. But no real problems for the event.

[kyrax]

Woohoo - not only is the weather report getting even better, but just heard that more veterans are coming to the War of Silica Vale! Juggernaut, Rain and Darklax of Pelargir are coming to the War!!!

Temps will be warm, upper 70's, with things cooling down to mid-50's at night. This means folks will need to dress in layers and be prepared to adapt to changes as they come. Also, I'd expect that it will be a bit windy in the afternoons (but no too windy as the site is fairly sheltered).

[septic]

well as much as i wanted to attend ...life has jumped up and bitten me once again, and i wont b heading south for this this weekend ( parents decided to fly into area for a surprise visit with the grand kids<, yes i know its a week excuse.......and yes im bummed) we will try and get together with ya sometime..........august...middle of that month, what are any one doing...a trip to the redwoods twords the coast for a weekend of bashing mabey??
Ulfblood/Septic

[kyrax]

Well drat Septic.

The funny thing is that my Mom is visiting this weekend too - I'm dragging her out to the event on Saturday just to hang out (and she's never seen one).

But I do understand. Take care and we'll do this another time. See the Western Event map thread - and Mallenorod is working on hosting a Fall Campout too. And there's the Aggelgorod events in July-August on Mt. Pinos.

[septic]

WANT UPDATEZ.howd event go, and pictures....