Huntington Lake Camp R&R 2008

The 25th CampR&R took place this year at Huntington Lake off I168 east of Fresno. I'd never heard of the place (nor any of the string of lakes along this road) but apparently its a premier saililng location due to the consistent afternoon winds.

Those same winds, coupled with a 7K+ elevation, made it a bit chilly, especially after the sun went down. I fianlly got myself a tent I could actually stand in, but the best new addition to my camping gear turned out to be the rechargable camp blender. Yep, margharitas and other mixed drinks were served daily during the obligatory happy hour.

Along with the usual hiking, ice cream stops, mornings staring at the water, afternoons on the beach, we made one trip that turned out to be pretty memorable. Mono Hot Springs Resort was only 17 miles away, but it took nearly 1.5 hours to traverse the one lane, windy road. It was the kind of road that had no railing and where you had to honk when driving around a bend. The potholes and uneven pavement made it a bumpy ride as well.

The surprise wasn't the road, but the resort at the end of it. Complete with a spa and massages, a general store with fresh vegetables, and a resteraunt with great food, inlcuding a selection of buffalo meat sandwiches, all served up by Jerem, our very cute server :)

After the meal, we headed out to the hot springs, which were the whole point of this trip. After soaking for an hour or so we felt fortified enough to head back. After negotiating the right of way with a herd of cows, we ended our excursion.

Tasting Room and Wine Cellar

Sometimes the simplest thing turns out to be a favorite, when least expected. So it is with Deliawyn's little wine cellar/tasting room. When she decided to move her office to her kitchen so she could work on her recipes, the little stone alcove was left empty. Since the wine racks and beer kegs needed a place to go, Delia moved them here. A little tweaking, some new chairs, and a cute little tasting room was born.



Now after a delicious meal, Delia and her cousin Dribissa come a have a glass of port before sitting by the living room fire with a good book and a little music.

A Little Fame and What Happens?

Give a Half Elf a little recognition, and look what happens! High on the fact that her previous philosophical musing were featured on Allakhazam, Donilla went and sent them a few more of her thoughts. Low and behold, they published those as well! A closet intellectual is born, so watch out :)

Unity Festival

Festival tents were scattered across Antonica as Norrath prepared for this years Unity Festival. Games and activities abounded as the residents gathered. I desired to venture out amongst the citizens and observe the lights, color, and spectacles, some of which were surely not intended by those providing the entertainment.

I chanced upon a dueling match taking place not far from the Qeynos Guard towers. I celebrated the contestents along with the crowd.

It was with some surprise that I found myself desirous of entering the "Splat" contest near Windstalker Village. First, I fortified myself with a fine Elven Wine.


Then I headed to the bluffs. My fellow comrades and I shared a tankard. We jumped. The goal was to land as close to the spirit wolf as possible. While I did not capture an image of myself and my efforts, you can see others making the leap. My efforts were less then accomplished.

Dribissa and Donilla ventured out as well. Predicably, Dribissa never made it past the drinking and entertainment tents. Donilla spent the afternoon watching various adventurers test their skill whilst trying to keep a wizard from death during the Save the Squishy contest.

It was a fair effort and I commend the organizers, and the city of Qeynos, for its efforts. Huzzah!

Gorillas of the Deep or How I got "Spooned"

Dradga, is me. Master trainer say, go and observe the land outside city and learn the ways of nature and creatures around us. I do this. I sit and watch and learn to go swiftly like the wind, to bend like the tall grass.

I spend time with gorillas of Timorous Deep as part of training. I see they are strong, social, fearless. I absorb lessons and return to trainer.


My reward for study is new weapon. Swift, bending, strong.

Yes, you may laugh now.

Thought For the Week

It is in fact something I think every time I'm in Sinking Sands. And now I'm famous, or rather, Donilla is, at least on Allakhazam.com.

Choosing a God

As I was awoken by the sun hitting my face, I resolved this day to find myself a God. After having abandoned Norrath, some of the Gods had returned and I was determined that now was the time for me to place my faith in a higher being.

As I stowed my bedroll and shook the leaves from my cloak, I decided to commune with my beloved forest, to see if it would provide me the answer as to which God to choose. I wandered the pine needle strewn paths until I came to a grassy knoll overlooking a gently flowing stream and I lay in a beam of warm sunlight for some time, as I cast my thoughts on the breeze.

And it came to me, Tunare, Mother of All, protetor of nature - she would be my God. Who better for a Half Elf Ranger such as I? So I traveled to the city in the trees and spoke to a elf who put me to some tasks. I scattered the Blessed Earth and gathered a sacred bush. I released some lost souls, performed a ritual in the druid rings, and rescued the Priestess of Growth. As I presented my final gift to Guardian, I felt Her blessing come over me and headed home to erect my altar, wearing my new cloak with pride, followed by a glowing ball of light.

I sat before the altar in prayer, contemplating which blessing I would choose. Spell damage, increased healing power, some buffs to protect my group. They were lovely blessings, but what was I to do with them? Even though the Mother of Growth spoke to my soul as caretaker of the forest, her blessing were sadly amiss and I wondered why this would be so. What mischief was afoot that I would abandoned so.

Aha! Mischief! The very word rang with purpose and inspiration. Of course! The Gods would use not my role as caretaker but as scout, tracker, and hidden damage wielder. It shall be Bristlebane! I headed to the land of the halflings and was again put to task.



I giggled as I watched the silly goblin choke on his pepper pie. I gathered his disgusting mud as I chuckled, knowing no halfing would ever taste it. I crept into the goblin vaults, and laughed when the goblins talked of the favor of their Bristlebane. I happily swapped pies for coin, and smiled as Rosalie danced at her good fortune. I rescued a very special egg. And I roared with laughter as halfing and goblin alike took flight at the sight of me as Moo-illa :)


As I doned my new cloak, I knew I had made the right choice and I laughed as I rode off. Yes, a day spent in stealth and laughter was a good day indeed.

Donilla Deverry