Renaissance Faire - Escondido, CA - April 3, 2011

I went to the Renaissance Faire on Sunday - it's always a fun place to walk around and take pictures. Lots of interesting people and colorful costumes. This particular faire was held in Escondido, in a park full of oak trees. It runs over 2 weekends, and I plan to return this coming weekend as well. 

This next lovely lady was all smiles . . . 

 . . .  but as soon as she turned around you could tell she was ready for almost anything.

Here's a swordsman, deep in thought, getting ready for the big battle.

Way in the back corner of the faire are the pirate encampments. To me they're actually one of the most fun groups to visit. One of the camps is called the Pirates of Treasure Cove, and their mission, besides having a lot of fun, is to promote literacy - by getting kids to read about pirates. I think it's a great idea, and they are very passionate about what they do. They welcome people of all ages into their camp, and have a large table set up with books for kids to look at. If you go to the Renaissance Faire in California look for them, and support them with a donation. It's a good cause.

This guy was showing me his chain mail vest earlier in the day. It weighed 45 pounds, and he said that he had formed and closed every link by hand, with just pliers. I can't begin to imagine how long it must have taken.

Some costumes were more elaborate than others, but they all take this quite seriously.

Even the ducks get armored up.

Click here for more images from the Renaissance Faire in Escondido, California on Sunday April 3rd. The faire will be running this coming weekend, April 9-10, and will return again in the Fall, October 29-30 and November 5-6, at Felicita Park in Escondido, California.