I survived Rhinebeck and all I got was this:
(And a small child's broom and two halloweenie gourds.)
So our Saturday to Rhinebeck started at 5:15 for me, in the am. Sadly, my Friday night ended at 2:30 am Saturday morning due to the wee one's tummy ache that kept us all up for HOURS. Somehow I didn't feel hungover during the day. Yarn excitement, I guess, cures all. I got picked up by the amazing T at 6:00am and off we went in search of coffee from Wawa and Babypop'shouse to catch a 6:45am bus to Rhinebeck, leaving from Philadelphia. The bus left late, the driver got lost trying to find the PA turnpike entrance, the driver insisted on stopping for a break at a half way point, and the line to get into the parking lot at the fairgrounds was really really LONG! So, by noon we actually got off the bus at the festival, after five hours! (I think it should have only taken about 3.5 hours, live and learn!)
It was a beautiful day and the ride along the Hudson River Valley was lovely.
We had exactly four hours to see everything and managed to see at least half of everything. We stopped by the Ravelry meetup and got our buttons. Then I found Julie to chat for a bit and fondle her hat which is the most gorgeous shade of blue. She gave me some amazing soap and a hand balm that she made--they smell great! (Thanks again!!) She also gave us some tips on where to go. We passed on lunch, since standing in line would waste shopping time and headed off to see some sheep, llamas, and alpacas, along with their byproducts. We pet a llama named Prince. The alpacas were really cute!
The sheep were fun to listen to and I love all the different breeds on display.
Baa Baa sheep sheep from Diane S on Vimeo.
There was this one sheep that sounded fake with his baa-ing. It was funny.
I ran into Cara and got to see her beautiful daughter at the end of the day.
We had to catch the bus at four and didn't get home until nine. Ugh--what a long day. Overall we had a great time, despite the annoying bus ride. I think I still like the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival better, as the fairgrounds are laid out in an easier to navigate fashion. Seeing that part of NY in the fall was wonderful, though. Next time we go, it is by our own vehicle and for more than one day!! We didn't get to sample the wine this time!
I'll post more photos on Flickr.
