The day started with sun shining, sky blue, and a beautiful drive. As we arrived at the gates, we were so excited being greeted by flags flying, marking the way in which we were to go. After getting dressed in our dressing room (aka: the parking lot) and making sure everything was just right, we ventured to the front gate to enjoy the opening act. Everyone was wonderful, and the cannon rang loud enough to be heard for miles. We were welcomed by cast as we entered the village, and quickly headed to the wooded area, in search of some shade. It did not take us long to find that Avaloch was blessed with a wonderful breeze and many trees., making the warm day much more comfortable. Mapless, and unsure of where things were, we decided to just venture and see what we could find. We found many neat little shops, and got to watch as street cast interacted with many guests. We found Mike at Ear Art and he gave us some great info on some munchy foods near by , and it was so great to see all of his new wears. We stopped to watch pieces and parts of many different shows including Dragon Tales, the Washing Well Wenches, Porter and Stout, and Menagerie Music. We soon found our way to the Stumble Inn, cashed in for some funny money, and united with so many friends, both new and old. Hugs from DuCoeur started the chain, and hugs and greetings continued to flow nearly as fast as the Smirnoff. After spotting Tinker and Belle, we joined them for a drink and spent time catching up. We were joined by many friends, and we all enjoyed many laughs. After passing out well wishes from Bodo and GingerKat, we were off to enjoy more of the shire, and to find a map. At two o'clock the parade sounded off with bag pipes blowing, and we got to enjoy it as the cast and merchants greeted all that stopped to watch. The fairy forest was enchanting, and as bubbles blew in the lane the fairies playfully danced and chased the "magical balls". We found an amazing deal on two rain sticks, and decided on them for the children. We were the privey fairies worst nightmare after that, as everywhere we went, it seemed our sticks made people need to empty their bladders. We ended the day with the pub sing at the Drift Inn. Silent Lion made our day perfect, singing "The Gamers Song", and many danced and sang, until the pub sing came to a close with the singing of "The Parting Glass." After final toasts, final hugs, final kisses, we headed out of the gate, only to stop and pick up one more souvenir, a stoned jester, (he will go in our bed room). The bag pipes played, the cast sang, and we slowly moseyed out of the village for one last time. We had a wonderful time, and are so thankful to all those that made this opening weekend so magical. It was a trip to Avaloch we are sure to never forget!

Cheers!

Ratman & Bobin