Re: [Mid] Performing Arts Center at Pennsic XXVII

On Sat, 20 Dec 1997, Ellen Murtland wrote:

>
> Between this and Elise's post, I've become convinced that I am doomed.
> There's no way I could flop out $140 plus site fee ($20 minimum times 7
> days) and not regret it later; not including gas money to get there,
> assuming I have a car by August. I could probably ride with people if
> there is room.
> I have no tent, though I could probably crash with other folk.
> I have TWO sets of garb. Total. It is highly doubtful that I will be
> able to make two weeks' worth of garb between now and then, not and look
> for gainful employment at the same time. Loaner garb? I'm the
> chatelaine, and I'm still not completely sure I know where all our
> loaner garb IS.
> *sigh* Maybe next year; if I start now, I might have enough clothing
> by then.

        Despair not, fair Heather. Pennsic can be done on less. I showed
up at my first war with no garb. (It was my second event and I was
terribly uneducated.) I did have about $300 cash to throw around, but much
of that was spent buying items I needed to survive (like garb).
        I also had the luxury of a small, aerodynamic, waterproof tent
that was just big enough for me and my gear, and small enough to slip in
anywhere. However, this, too, is not as necessary if you have friends with
big tents. There is usually someone who can put you up.
        Food has never been a major concern for me. I always come home
with extra food. For some reason, people insist on feeding musicians.
Actually, I can't claim that because I got plenty of food before I ever
sang around a campfire. If you look pathetic enough, people will feed you.
Regardless of how much food you already have. Also, last I checked the
meal-to-backrub exchange rate was fairly good for people with talented
hands.
        I spend about $25 dollars a week on the food I bring with me.
Grape Nuts for breakfast, ramen noodles for lunch/dinner, breakfast
bars, juice packages and fruit if I can store it. I usually throw in a few
canned goods for protein. Clean water is also a must. Bring it with you
from home if you can, buy it off-site at a nearby store if you can't. You
will need to buy some food supplies on-site, so leave a few dollars for
that, but if you do it right, you won't need much.
        Ice is another concern, but if you're sharing a cooler you can cut
down on that cost. The last two years I didn't bring my own cooler because
there was no room for it in the van.
        You will need certain other basic supplies, but that's the sort of
stuff you would bring on any camping trip: sunscreen, soap, toothpaste,
towel, etc. Much of that you should have lying around the house.
        Gas is expensive, but once again you can rely on other people. If
you're driving, take passengers. If you're a passenger, ride with as many
people as you can. Even a full-size van doesn't cost much money in gas
split six ways. Still, I've never paid less than twenty dollars for the
whole trip, so you'll need at least that much. Probably more.
        On sunny days you can air out the outfit you aren't wearing.
Sunlight kills mildew and bacteria pretty well. For rainy days make sure
you have plenty of plastic bags that you store things in. I like to line
the inside of my luggage with plastic bags.
        I haven't figured out how to get by with much less than $150 all
told. $60 to get in, $20 gas, $25 food, $15 on-site food, $10 prep.
misc. expenses, $20 on-site misc. expenses. That's skimming the bottom of
the barrel. Whatever group you're camping with may also ask for a
contribution to group expenses (firewood, etc.). I have often seen this
reduced or waived for college students/unemployed/cute young ladies,
however.

        I hope you can make it. ;)

        Corwyn Draca,
        Shire of Mynydd Seren

From: Aaron Bilodeau <abilodea@indiana.edu>
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Received on Mon Dec 22 18:46:26 1997