Les médiévales du Mont Sainte Anne, is a big, very big, event.

This event is open for the public, and the reenactment part is one of the attraction there. It is more like a medieval theme park.

So, Les Compagnons d'armes will be there.And are responsible for organising a show. The historical part scenario is a siege of a castle in 1450. we need good fighter, bowmen, pikemen, hangunner etc...

The event is 8-9-10 of october and 14-15-16.

If your can come, please let me know at hpeloquin@yahoo.com. maybe, we can pay for your expenses. Food and shelter are free. I know that Bob and Jenn sould be there Because Mc cadieux will probably move her event there.

if you have any questions please e-mail me because i don't come too often here!

excuse my english

Martin

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Bob, Peter, Richard, and I got back to our house this morning at 2:45 am (ugh).

Those visa commercials come to mind...
Tank of gas to get to to Canada: $85
Dinner at Wendy's: $30
Making new friends: Priceless

Day One: The departure

Friday found us departing 2 hours later than we'd hoped. This plus a traffic incident (an overturned vehicle) that delayed us another 1.5 hours had us arriving at Mont St. Anne at 4 am Saturday morning. The drive was an easy one. The roads were uncomplicated. Which is good when you're in a strange place at 4 am. It's REALLY Dark!

I am going to skip the Dorm experience.

We met up with Martin and Ingin in the Monestary parking lot that morning. Very wonderful people and it was a real pleasure to finally meet them both face to face. Together we convoyed to the Chateau in hopes of getting some breakfast. There we found Marie and her son. After snarfing down breakfast, we headed for the event site...Plateau B.

The day was originally scheduled to start at 9 am, but due to some additonal site preparations, the opening of the event was delayed until noon. This was good as it afforded us time to get the tents unloaded and raised and all the goodies unpacked.

We met Hugo and several others from Compagnons d'armes. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel like family and we were all very delighted to finally meet each other. There were some language barriers at times, but everyone was patient and worked to overcome them. I'm starting to pick up some French and hope that by next year, I will be able to hold some basic conversations.

We were once again pleased to see Bernard, Carmen, and Kenneth.

Once the tents were set up, people set about the activities as they came about. The schedule seemed chaotic at best, but we all did our best to roll with it.

There were about 1500 visitors to the site the first day. Pilgrims dressed in basic white, brown, blue, green, etc... covers. They would stop by and ask what people were doing, and about the equipment. In the camp, people drilled, stood on guard duty, and assaulted the "castle". The Burgundians we fighting against a French garrison. On the other side of the trees, you would hear the music from the lists. Duke Philippe and his nobles were running at rings, quintain, and breaking lances. The did not make a bad impression. The horses had trappers with coats of arms and Philippe wore a suit of "gilt" armour. While not the real thing, it was a good impression. He wore his coat of arms as did his horse. They would occasionally ride through camp and the entire group would go by the path and pay their respects.

The Compagnons d'armes ran a very nice camp. Everyone was in character and they ran it like a good military one. Ranks and names were known and "Mon Capitaine" could be heard frequently. They ran a muster where soldiers were called, their profession listed payment for their services. There was food, song, and combat, and weapons practice.

Martin set up his writing slope and pigments, and Ingin worked on her embroidery. Occasionally "pilgrims" would come into the tents to see what was going on.

Marie worked diligently on her son's clothing to make sure that he was protected from the elements and was able to participate with the host. He had the cutest 15th haircut.

Everyone was so nice. We felt like we'd been adopted.

The weather was cold, but for the first time it wasn't something I focused on. Good company does that for you.

At the end of the day, we went and had supper in a HUGE striped tent and then sat through a tent meeting where grievences were expressed by everyone seeking a way to improve the problem. By this time everyone in our group was "dead" on our feet. We were cold and tired and we all retired to the dorms. We moved into the gymnasium and set up our own little enclosure with Martin and Ingin.

To be continued in "Day Two"...I'm still tired.

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