Tips for An Tir-West War

An Tir-West War is an annual SCA event held on private property near Ophir, Oregon. After seeing many similar questions, we wrote up a quick set of tips for having a good time :) 

This list was made from personal experience and by asking our friends for input. 

1. Site.is.a.field.

The site is an absolutely gorgeous FIELD in a valley off the southern coast of Oregon. A farmer's field. Before we arrive, that is the sum total of what exists: just.the.field. 

Grass, ditches, bumps, a stream, some more grass...it's a FIELD! 

Be ready to camp in a field. The ground is quite bumpy. The roads are slightly flatter parts of the field. This is not manicured yard-grass, it's a mown hayfield. There is no permanent infrastructure. If you need to charge items, you'll need to bring appropriate batteries and/or solar panels. The water comes in on a truck, you'll need to transport it to your camp.  

SITUATE YOUR BED CAREFULLY. BUMPY. If you need them, bring ankle/knee braces. I cannot stress enough, the SITE.IS.BUMPY. 

2. THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE on site. If you need contact, your options include: starlink, an emergency beacon, satellite phone, or driving (some carrier get service at Hwy 101, others must go all the way to town). The event organizers have emergency radios, but if you need to be in contact with anyone, you'll need to bring appropriate technology. 

3. DO NOT TAKE THE GALICE ROAD! DO NOT GO TO AGNESS! Enjoy a lovely journey! There are many excellent routes from the north, I would highly recommend if you are traveling from north of Eugene, Oregon, take Hwy 38 (the Drain exit). You CAN keep going south to Hwy 42 (Winston exit). Both are fine. DO NOT DRIVE FURTHER SOUTH ON I5! DO NOT! (unless you are going through the redwoods). I don't care what your navigation says, DO NOT take the Galice Road! DO NOT turn south off of 42 and go to Agness! DO NOT! 

These roads are barely 2 lanes, 3D curves, filled with locals driving logging trucks and doolies towing speedboats at excessive speeds. You will NOT have a lovely drive if you take those roads. I SWEAR every year we meet some poor individuals from far away who believed a navigation unit and went one of those routes. DO NOT! 

4. The site is FAR from some things. 

If you need anything specific, expect to drive about 20 minutes to the nearest town, and those towns are not big. As in, sometimes the event is larger than one of those towns...double check your gear before you leave, you can't just pop to the store for most things. 

 The nearest airport is several hours away. It takes a while to get to site, and it's a LOVELY drive and very worth it. Enjoy the coast! Stop for delicious food on the way there and back!  

5. The site is close to awesome things. 

If you are coming all this way, enjoy the area! It is a really amazing place! If you have time on the way there or the way back, stop and experience fun stuff! Or even take an afternoon and go do non SCA activities. Some examples include: the prehistoric gardens! Very close to site, this is a walk-through area of large cement dinosaures. DELIGHTFUL for the dino enthusiast in your life! Ideal for hilarious photos!  The thing I think is MOST impressive is the redwood national parks. The closest one is just about an hour from site. You can loop down through the Redwoods to get back to I-5, a drive which also includes absolutely beautiful vistas and rivers, rare plants, delicious food opportunities, etc. Speaking of food opportunities, being right next to the coast means there are many places to buy (and consume) fresh seafood (we hear good things about Joe's Crab Shack in Bandon, for example). There are markets and restaurants along every route. I recommend The Crazy Norwegian in Port Orford. Fish is not the only culinary delight, for AMAZING ice cream, check out Scoops Ice Cream in North Bend. You can, of course, experience all the Mo's you could want, or stop at Facerock Creamery for all the cheese (it tends to be crowded, but has a lovely large parking lot for trailers). While you are in the coastal towns, there is, of course, the quintessential experiences of them: blown glass, yard art (large metal objects! chainsaw art!), and of course, the BEACH! There are dozens of beaches from very close to site to wherever you turn inland, stop at one and enjoy!  

6. The weather is IDEAL. 

Occasionally the marine layer comes in and it gets cool and misty, or even sprinkles. MOST days it is a lovely 70s during the day, with a fresh breeze. The wind can pick up a bit in the evening, but night times are usually calm and clear. It's warm enough to enjoy lazing on the shore of the stream, and wading. It's cool enough to wear layers at night (bring your wool coat!). It will be COLDER than you expect (bring blankets to sleep with!). There is generally heavy dew and mist early in the morning. Be prepared for both sun and rain, cool and warm.  Check the weather forecast, so far this year it looks like highs in the low 70s and night time lows in the low 50s. 

7. The river is amazing.

On site, there is a large stream/small river. Depending on the year, there may be holes large enough to immerse an adult, but most of the time it's wading, rocky beaches, and cool shade. Make time to go down and enjoy the river! You'll meet new friends, and wash the dust off your feet. I would recommend bringing a pair of wade-friendly sandals (chacos, tevas, that type). The creek bed is ROCKY, but so lovely you'll want to wade. Our Sunday tradition is to get up a little slowly to let the canvas dry (if the day is clear), as soon as the dew is off everything, pack quickly, getting all overheated and angry...then when the truck is FULLY LOADED, take ourselves down to the creek for a quick bath. Driving home cool and happy is FAR better than dusty, hot, and angry! 

8. The schedule is FULL

An Tir-West War is a BUSY place! There are war scenarios, tournaments, equestrian, archery, classes, merchants, parties, ALL THE THINGS! The days are LONG this time of year, and there are scheduled activities most of the time. I highly recommend writing down things you don't want to miss, and bringing something like a watch. Without cell service, most people are far from their phones and become disconnected from what time it is. It's very easy to fall into a peaceful mental place where you live in this lovely field and the sun is up and that's your only concept of time, but if you actually need to be somewhere, take steps to make that easier for yourself!

NOW, that being said...An Tir-West War is also long, and gorgeous, and taking some time to JUST enjoy yourself is often one of my highlights. You don't NEED to overschedule yourself! Spend some quality time sitting in a field, or putting your feet in the river, or hanging out with your friends. 

9. Bring your camera, everything is VERY PRETTY. 

The drive to site includes stunning vistas out over the Pacific, cliffs and rocks and beaches and sparkling waves. The site is just misty enough for glowing night portraits of candle lit tents. The hills and creek and fields surrounding you at site are all gorgeous. 

10. People are very friendly, go check out the parties! 

There are Kingdom-hosted parties, socials, vigils, meet and greets, and parties of all kinds! Themes this year include: medieval underwear, Fallout, root beer, and onesies. Bring a costume! Meet new friends and old ones. Be aware that seating is often non-existent, so be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a chair. 

11. The site is LARGE

Be prepared to do some walking. Site is sprawling, and kinda linear, so if you need to get from one end to the other, build in some time to GET there. Start taking walks now so your legs aren't tired. Make sure you have a comfortable way to carry your stuff (wagon? backpack basket? helpful friend?). From where I live, it is usually a brisk 20 minute walk to get to "anywhere else". Think about your shoe choices, and clothing choices, and "what you're going to need to transport" choices. Also remember site is BUMPY.