[Ansteorra] Crown Tournament Word Fame

[AGILLILAN at swbell.net]

I would like to wholeheartedly thank the autocrat of 
Crown Tournament, Baron Kainin, and all the members of 
the Barony of Bonwicke that overcame the worst of 
conditions and still managed to host an outstanding 
event.

Their organizational skills shone brightly as we 
arrived on site Friday evening to see the list field 
already set up and rope on the ground outlining each 
pavilion space that had been reserved for the 
tournament. Due to their planning, we were able to 
locate our spot and set up our pavilion in 20 minutes.

When I awoke Saturday morning to ice and snow on the 
ground, I was afraid of what shape the fighting field 
would be in. I was amazed once again when I arrived on 
site and found that some kind and gentle soul had 
covered the fields with tarps to try and keep them dry 
and ice-free. The thoughtfulness of the people of 
Bonwicke once again put me in awe.

As has been told here before, many of the day's events 
were rescheduled and the locations were moved, but 
Kainin and the populace of Bonwicke didn't miss a 
step. Court was quickly set up in the hall and room 
made for the processional.

Throughout the day, I continued to see off-the-cuff 
changes in their planning for the event. It only took 
a few rounds of offering "pickle-sicles" and frozen 
oranges before they were offering coffee and hot 
chocolate, even providing cups. A firepit and wood 
appeared and a fire built next to the field for those 
watching, and a "portable sun" was given to the use of 
the Crown for warmth.

Even though the weather was not the best it could have 
been, Bonwicke adapted and overcame all obstacles from 
Mother Nature. Despite her best attempts, Kainin and 
Bonwicke hosted a grand event that will be talked 
about for many, many years to come.

My sincere thanks and appreciation for all you did to 
prepare for a warm event, and all your quick actions 
that overcame the surprises of a *very* cold event. 
You all did an awesome job and I look forward to the 
day I can visit your lands again.

HL Gilyan Clonmacnoise
Province of Mooneschadowe