The Order was pondering over ideas for new socials and adventures and whatnot during our kin meeting in July and I had one that was definitely ambitious.
I acquired what the lankeys call a holiday house in West Gondor. Generally speaking, I am more than happy to share my good luck with my Kin - so began planning a trip for all who were able to go visit and have a relaxing and fun time away, though nowt beats our happy home in The Shire.
It took some doing, but at last everything came together for the first event I'd ever organised, the Seaside Farewell To Summer (the weekend of 14 & 15 October 2017). A lively company of Grand Order of the Lost Mathom kin and friends including Green Dragon Friday friend Master Dwarf Barkgrim set off from the Golden Perch Inn in Stock to West Bree. From there it was onwards to the South Bree stables for special transport courtesy of Master Elrond to Dol Amroth (which scairt some of the youngsters not used ter Elvish magic), the nearest lankey city to the Cape of Belfalas where the resort is located.
Of course *I* had ter be the one who fell over every branch between The Shire and Western Gondor on the way down!
Saturday was consumed by the journey ter get ter the seaside, a welcome feast once we arrived, and errbody getting familiar with the immediate environs of my property there. It was a good thing I planned ahead with the overnight accommodation. I got no complaints so I think having a few options worked out well in the end. As it turns out, we had more travelers arrive during the night, one of whom seems to have given poor Master Potty quite a fright. He don't scare easy so that's really saying sommat!
Sunday saw the dawning of a beautiful day for a combined First and Second Breakfast outside in the sunshine and gorgeous views of the sea followed by a grand fishing contest hosted by Master Ponso of the Shire Angling Club on the local beach. It was a big shock to me to win two of the prize categories!
It also turned out to be Master Ponso's Birthday on Sunday and he very kindly treated us to some lovely birthday cake. After the contest was done we Brandy Badgers got the beach party going with a lively birthday tune for Master Ponso followed by a few more favourites.
One thing's fer sure - I'd love ter see the Seaside Farewell To Summer become a regular event. Next time I will have ter do better with the planning so that it hopefully doesn't fall at a time when there's big events going on in The Shire and we can get more adventurous Shirefolk and friends down with us.
A hobbit lass can dream...
At any rate it seems a good time was had by all and it was agreed that we should have another journey there to do some of the things that we had discussed for this first trip but didn't have time for - like taking a ride on the grand boats over to the kinship islands and having a look around. What with winter and the holidays around the corner it's not likely to happen until Spring at the earliest.
((Adding the links to the final Laurelin Archives & our official public event notice for future reference now that both have been updated with photos etc.))
Laurelin Archives Event Notice with photos
Grand Order of the Lost Mathom Event Notice with photos
