Ardenwood Tartan Day - the Ardenwood Stones

[Alan H]

One of the traditional Scottish strongman and Games events is a stone carry. Lots of Games have these...a couple of great big rocks chained up to handles, or with a steel ring sunk into the stone. Last year I bought two locally quarried granite stones for a walk at the Ardenwood Tartan Day. Total weight is only about 315 pounds, which is not really *that* heavy but these things are incredibly awkward. They swing around, they bang into your legs, they're not the same weight (145/165 plus chains and handles). A 315 farmers walk with modern implements is easy. Heck, I've done 100 feet with 400 pounds, but these things? arrrrrgh!

Anyway, this year I took a shot at it. I managed to lug the bloody things about 55 feet, so I didn't complete the 100 foot course, but 55 feet is a lot farther than I *thought* was going to carry 'em!



...returning one stone back to the starting line.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent action shots Alan.
That is some serious weight Alan.
To put it in context the Kempock Stone, which is one of the events at Gourock Highland Games weighs 160lbs, which is about equal to just one of your stones.

Lifting the Kempock Stone. The Kempock Stone is no dinosaur egg. It weighs 160lbs and the contest involves being fastest to lift the stone from its podium then run with it to toss it over a caber.

Gary Hagan lifts the stone

Its over, Gary celebrates.

Neil Elliot about to throw the stone over the caber

[KiltedDixon]

Well done Alan! Not an easy feat.

[Dale Seago]

Aye, Alan, you do have a serious pair of stones. . .

BTW, I was standing beside Brooke when you did your walk, and I have it on video from start to finish if you want it; It's a 27-second clip.

[cable scot]

Dale
You can be seen filming in the first pic,I think that's you anyway.

[Dale Seago]

Hey, you're right!

[Alan H]

Now that would be fun! Sure!....see your PM's.

[Dale Seago]

Got it - in your mailbox now. You were lookin' pretty studly there!