Smoke lingering after the thunder of canons, swords clashing, wood chips flying, fire blazing, lances splintering, belly dancers swirling, rumble of the motorcycle, minstrels singing... an eclectic mix of things but they all have one thing in common – Ironfest Fusion 2008 in Lithgow, NSW, Australia.

It was the coolest time I have had since taking spring break in Spain my senior year of high school. It was almost better than sex.

The Battle of Lithgow was re-enacted by the colonial troops of the 73^rd Regiment of Foot, Black Brunswickers, 95^th Rifle Regiment 2^nd Battalion, and the 15^th Light Dragoons (hussars). They set up a tent town to give you a glimpse into colonial army life, marched to a different tune than the drummer down the field, answered questions, set off canons then marched the field to battle. I really thought the French were going to take the English out for awhile there, but the redcoats endured and took the day.

Full Tilt jousters of Rod and Michelle Walker took to the tournament field with a show of knightly talent in sword and lance. Rod is the current IJA World Jousting Champion and IJA World Skill at Arms Champion. The sun reflecting off the armour, their play against the other jousters and making the squires scramble around  got your blood pumping wanting more.

The New Varangian Guard gave a show of skill at arms on the jousting field. The Guard was the most respected, best paid, and the most widely travelled group of warriors in the early Middle Ages. This group is dedicated to preserving their traditions and culture, even taking on Middle Ages names to keep in character. Bohemond was valiant in this blue and silver armour playing around with the other members of the group.

Europa re-enactment association for the Dark and Medieval Ages is based in the Blue Mountains. They have interest in European history, ranging from 1^st century AD through the crusades. They had a tent set up showing how chain mail armour is made and different shows of relevant armour and life in those times. They also performed combat demonstrations and played games of the periods. You could try on chainmail to feel the weight of it and find out anything you would want to know about their studies.

The heart of Ironfest is the blacksmiths. In the hall of industry fires are blazing giving demonstrations into the art of iron. Many of the artisans are set up through the showgrounds to sell their wares.

Entertainment is everywhere you look. Belly D with Tanya Hineman give belly dancing workshops and dance around the grounds. Five stages are set up with bands playing anything from rock to French troubadours of the 14^th century. Giant bouncing kangaroos and dancing emus are in among the crowds for the kids.

Roaring down the street is the motorcycle and car show. Only four cars showed up this year, but there were dozens of bikes to behold. My husband better get our bike back on the road soon, it got my blood pumping for the wind upon my face and bugs in my teeth.

There was also a WWI tent set up with diggers playing games of two-up and showing the traditional uniforms of the period. The young man dressed in Anzac gear was eerie as it was men his age that were led off to the shores of Gallipoli.

Crafters and artisans were on display in the Ball room and on the side of the road. I got the neatest handmade leather journal that had been hand stitched, paper made from wood pulp and stamped with Celtic knots. I’ll save up more money to buy the bigger journal next year.

I didn’t get to watch much of the Iron Axeman’s Woodchop competition which is an Australian sport. The crowd was thick around them even with the chips flying everywhere. It is an exciting event to see who can chop wood the fastest. I never notice the wood; I’m watching the muscles bulge under the work and grabbing my husband’s arm. Time to go home.