We adjusted to the timezone travel and when Folsom Fringe registration open, we got out identifications and registered. There seemed to be discussions from multiple people about volunteering and hours while we waited our turn. I had some anxiety since I forgot a piece of paper I was suppose to bring but registration was a breeze.
They had little tags one could add under the badge holder. Raven added several. I picked one that said something like "Starts Trouble" or something. It made me smile.
I think that was the night we went out to a steak place. We went to diner with the good people from MauiKink, Graydancer and MinxGrrl. We had a good time and left the restaurant when it was close to empty. It was pretty full when we entered and I didn't even sense that we were lingering that long. By my standards, that is great conversation (and good drinks he he).
Folsom Fringe
The hotel and the way the event organizers used it lent itself to people bumping into each other. The second floor landing was used for vending and could be seen well for the three floors. The main floor had sitting areas, the hotel desk, NCSF and other booths and auctions. It was enjoyable just to hang out there between classes and have wonderful conversations.I enjoyed the classes with the best for me being a class by Allena Gabosch from the Center for Sex Positive Culture on "Solo Poly". It filled in some information I needed in my continued journey to understand myself and made me think about some things from a different perspective.
The one challenge with Folsom Fringe was decoding and using the schedule. It was complicated and in pieces. I was constantly flipping through it trying to figure out what was happening between classes, non-class events and other things like the bus schedule to Folsom. On top of that class changes had occurred and it was confusing about where to find the current schedule. You had to wander around and check multiple places.
Folsom Fringe had a play party. I opted out of taking the extended hummer limo to it and driving. It wasn't my night for communicate well with Raven and I had failed to explain that was for us to get to and from the play party. We drove over, took our toy bags in and got a feel for the crowd and the play area.
After a short while, we went in and found a hard point for some rope play. I tried another side suspension harness and the chest part didn't work as well as I wanted it too. Somewhere in the middle of this, a DM asked me where my scissors were. "Umm, rescue hook on my belt and two pair in my toy bag". Raven said sweet things to make me feel better and then redid the chest harness to her liking and did a self suspension.
After that and putting away the rope stuff including my ring, we talked for a while. I don't know whether it was jet lag, fatigue, overwhelmed with information or whatnot but we both were starting to downward. Raven was cold and luckily the car had her coat. I got her coat then the toy bags and then we went back to the hotel. It was a good call.
The next day there were more classes. I found out Graydancer was teaching a class during a time when I wasn't planning taking any classes. I went and was happy I did since I learn a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing for take down play. I needed to spend more time being educated before doing any more of that type of play.
SF Citadel
I think there was going to be a second play party for Folsom Fringe but it was canceled or something. We grabbed our stuff and drove the hour or so in light traffic to San Fran to the SF Citadel. I had been there before and wanted to join.We showed up and the place was busy with people who had showed up for Folsom Street Fair. The normal membership joining process wasn't allowed that night. The place was packed.
I said hello to some people. Given there were two riggers who seemed very good using the available hard points and the place was overflowing with people, we didn't stay long. We wanted to get a feel for the place and will no doubt be back.
On the way out, we bumped into CunningMinx who produces Poly Weekly podcast. It was good to see her again.
We went home, talked on the way back, dealt with me foolishly making a left turn and getting a "no turn" ticket and eventually got home to the hotel room to curl up and cuddle. We needed our rest for tomorrow.
Folsom Street Fair
We had been asking questions about how to approach Folsom Street Fair as newbies. We got solid advice which we took to heart. The initial plan was to take the early bus, enjoy the fair and then take the early bus back. The subsequent plan was even better, go early, when the heat and the crowds form, take a break for an hour or two and then return.We got up early and decided against the bus but to drive up ourselves. We could get water, snacks and had more room for gear and clothing. We stopped a couple of places for sun screen, morning snack, water and so on as we traveled north to San Francisco.
This is where our plan went down hill. We didn't know of a place on Sunday close by where we could recharge and come back from. We went and got into the car, turn on the A/C and started driving. Raven feel asleep and my idea of going to the Fisherman Wharf backfired with heavy traffic and large volumes of people. After a while, we gave up and headed back south to Silcon Valley.
Another Play Party?
I had signed up for the 2nd day of the Edge's play party but I didn't hadn't kept track of when it was. When we got ourselves feed and back to the hotel room, I discovered it was finishing up in a couple of hours. I wanted to see friends and meet new people but Raven and I were both at the end of our energy. We didn't go anywhere and hung out together cuddling and talking.The next day we took our time checking out of the hotel. We were taking a red eye flight back. This was a day of me making mistakes and Raven tolerating my errors.
We headed out to a Redwood Forest taking a road indicated by the GPS that was very twisty and narrow. It wasn't a fun ride for Raven and I was behaving not doing my technical driving. We had fun there. It was the first time to see a Redwood Forest and it was wonderful.
We headed back to the airport. I had this dumb idea that we could check in our car, get past security and eat. On the way, we stopped off at an Apple store and bought and iPad for the flight home. I had given up on using my laptop in the economy seats. She wanted to eat in Los Gatos, I should have listened.
We dropped off the car and headed into the airport. Airport baggage checkin for Delta didn't seem open and the restaurants were behind security. The only thing open on this side of security was Starbucks. We found a place to hang out, power up our laptops and for me to initialize the iPad. After a couple of hours, we checked our bags in and went looking for a place to eat.
It was a struggle and a learning experience. This was my second attempt at a red eye and I will never do it again nor fly back through Atlanta between California and Pittsburgh. At least I had wonderful tired memories of the weekend to hang onto.
In less then 48 hours after getting home, I would be heading off to the NYC Sex Blogger's Calender Release party.
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