But I did buy. And I accidentally purchased a couple issues of books I already have...
Anyhow, I did some shopping in the afternoon (some last minute pick-ups for Saturday) and headed over to the grounds to get my wrist band.
Parked my car and began walking over to the Agrium building to get my wrist bands. Spotted the Thursday line on my way in. Looks deceivingly long as by the time I got my wrist band, the lot of them were already inside and wandering around. But before I could even contemplate that line up...
I had this one to contend with. This was the line to get in the line so that I could line up for actual events (aka the wrist band line).
Though deceivingly long, it actually only took me about 5-10 mins to get through, These guys got a system.
It's a bit blurry as I only had about a second to snap it, but I'll let you guess what destiny I chose
(hint: it was the awesome one). But enough of the line-ups! That is not what we are here to see!
Spotted the food trucks on the way in. I plan to make use of those either Friday or Saturday as it's supposed to be really sunny and warm outside. Super stoked. They have Tako Yaki at one of them! Then there's mini doughnuts and bubble tea and viet subs and tacos and coffee and pizza and pho and...I'm going to stop now because I'm getting hungry.
Wandered by the Viking demonstration again. They're back this year and have set up their viking camp in the usual spot. Shauna apparently knows one of them, so I paused for awhile longer to see what they were up to.
I apologize for the quality of some of these pictures. As I was traveling alone and taking pictures of random merch, I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself. Don't want people to know how unintentionally creepy I was. Regardless, the Tower of T-shirts was back as usual. Great landmark to find people at on Saturdays...only the volume of people on said Saturdays makes the entire area and uncomfortable experience...especially if someone decided to forego their personal hygiene routine. This year I was impressed by the selection of belts that they had. I shall gauge how busy the con gets by the number of belts left at the end of the weekend.
It was then I realized I forgot to purchase my photo op...so I turned right around and walked back outside to the Big 4 building. Ran downstairs, used up the majority of my cash on the photo op, then had an epic battle with the ATM machine for more cash. Two cards and three declines later, I had more money and went upstairs to browse artist's alley. Or at least half of it. This area was incredibly enjoyable as there was hardly anyone in there and I could actually breathe. I don't think the artists were as pleased as I was.
Came across these two as I wandered that area. I actually arrived around the same time as Judge Dread as he was putting on his costume in the parking lot. I was going to ask for a picture then...but again, trying to cut down on the creepy. These two were really good about me taking their photo though.
I stopped by a couple of the booths there, picked up something for cosplay on Saturday, and made my way back towards the door.
Spotted this on the way out. I have no idea what it is or why it's there, but I have decided that Sarah and I need to return and get a picture riding it. It's happening. They were setting up at the time, so I didn't bother them and continued my journey.
Outside I heard a series of explosions and went to investigate. Beyond the Viking encampment, I discovered a Wild West show which included dudes with guns shooting balloons off a spinning wheel. I got there in time to watch him shoot the last balloon. Some lady next to me wasn't expecting it and started complaining loudly about how it gave her a heart attack.
Snapped a photo when I got back inside, mostly so I can do a comparison when I take photos over the next three days. Usually I determine how busy it is by my level of discomfort. I do not like crowds normally.
Spent the rest of my time wandering up and down the aisles, stopping whenever I saw something interesting or amusing. I'm not exactly sure what they did to Frodo here or what this is supposed to be...but it looks uncomfortable. His eyes...they stare into my soul.
There's the Tower of T-shirts! Ahhh so spacious.
Found the Harry Potter vendor in my travels. I took this picture while waiting for some girls to get out of the way. Because they had drawn my attention to this:
Mesk. I have done it. I have found the shirt of your dreams. Unfortunately I think that trio of girls were interested as well. It may be gone before you are united.
Then I walked a little further and made this discovery. Look what's back again this year!
These guys were here last year, but they've upped their game. Not sure if they had the turrets there last year, but I remember the armour. The Iron Maidern I'm convinced is new though. They also had a kick-ass set of armour off to the right...that I didn't get a picture of yet because the dude running the booth was giving me a disapproving glare.
Next I found an abundance of medieval and Viking merch. Someone at the drinking horn table was talking about how Game of Thrones has done wonders for their sales. Sure enough, I took a closer look at those drinking mugs and the sign said they were GoT inspired.
WARNING. CHOKING HAZARD. HAH. HAH.
As always...there was a lot of cool stuff to look at. The metal work was really quite impressive.
I was pleased with this cosplay. It made me very happy.
Continued by journey of sneaky pictures and arrived at the wall of slightly disturbing anime body pillows. I think someone raided hks' basement. I shall call it Loli Tower.
Found a table Shauna would really like. Complete with Assassin's Creed, Last of Us and Bioshock t-shirts and other merch.
And then I found this and my weekend's quest was set. What did I see here? Well. Let's take a closer look.
Ah yes, Good old Professor Snape. This weekend shall be the great hunt for Snape. I will have you know, he was also on a mug at this place.
Hee hee dancing Groot. Also I'll have you know that just off screen to the right, that is a Supernatural Clue game. I'd play it, but I would call dibs on playing Castiel.
Passed a shrine to Tankgirl Sarah on my way with its various offerings of Skulls. And then I turned the corner and found these lovely cosplayers:
I was lucky to come across them when I did as I didn't see them again for the rest of the time I was there. Perhaps they'll be around in the days to come.
Finally caught up with the Vikings, who were posing for a bunch of people right beside something very bright...
At this point, I was ready to head out. As I'm still not feeling 100% I got tired after two and a half hours of walking. On my way out, I spotted one final photo opportunity:
Excuse the arms as it was a last minute snap as I was heading out the door. Just remember to take Macleod to 12th. Also I like the photo within a photo there.
I headed back out to my car, collapsed into my seat, drank the tea I didn't finish from earlier because it was thermonuclear hot and headed home. There I discovered I accidentally purchased some things I already have. Oh well. I'll be back tomorrow with my recap of Friday (which will likely be shorter as I need to save energy for Saturday).
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