So, better late than never but here is my rundown on Crusades...

The trip was long...but adorable. Nobody makes a better travel companion than William and Julie. Lovely conversation, great senses of humor, patient with changes in "the plan."

Still, would have been better with more sleep and less rain. God love them, perhaps they were just trapped but they really made the best of it. Afterall, I had to be there but they could have bagged and stayed in Richmond.

We had a cabin for the Hotel and friends. So, of course, that gave us a place to hang out and avoid at least some of the moisture. It also gave us opportunities for quite a bit of laughter despite the over-riding testosterone.

So many people bagged on the event. Giselle came through and I was extremely proud of her for the effort. Well done.

Then of course there were hammock beds and walks in the rain with Nikulai. Could have been great had it been warmer and we had been much younger!

The bardic at the Kraken's was a highlight. Especially returning there after trips in a monsoon. So much warmth. The power of fealty done well. The beauty of song. The comraderie and safety of true friendship.

Special quotes from the weekend.

"You want to report a radar detector stolen? Are you aware they are illegal in Virginia?"

"Troll closed at midnight."

"Then Sir ____lays a little love on Duke _____!" followed by a chorus of "UGGGGHHHHH!"

"They only love me for my signature."

"They are evacuating lower Darlington Maryland." "Okay" "Darlington, Anne" "Okay" "DARLINGTON, Anne" "OKAY but I do not know where that is!" "You are STANDING IN IT!" "OH!, then that is different!"

"Hamish, you can be my dinner date..."

"Harry, it may rain in your house."

"You never want to get an email from Dame Anne that starts..."

"Hamish, you are looking awfully warm and snuggly over there!"

"Anne, by any chance were you missing a side view mirror when we left?"

Still doesn't beat 20YC....for miserable weather. Maybe it was the company.