For me, however, just putting on medieval garb makes me feel like I’m in an adventure. This must have come from growing up on Narnia, Lord of the Rings, King Arthur and the like. My husband said “You don’t have to dress up to have an adventure.” But the romantic part of me disagrees. I can go hiking and camping, canoeing or horse-back riding, and although enjoyable, it’s not really an adventure. But put me in garb and do any one of those things, and suddenly I feel like I’m in an epic tale myself, being chased by orcs or having to fulfill a quest.

     This is why I’m in the midst of planning a special Lord of the Rings backpack trip for my family and some friends next summer. I hope by then to have all of our garb sewn, cloaks made, and period gear collected. We’ll even have the One Ring on a chain to take turns wearing. We’ll hike all day, sleep under the stars overnight, and hike a second day. My youngest will be 5-1/2 so we’ll make it an easy hike, with breaks for practice sword-fighting and archery. And every time we spot a flock of black birds, we’ll hide!