Loch Lomond Games 2011 (photos)

[MacMillans son]

I attended my first Loch Lomond games this past weekend, now held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville California.

It was a unique event in that they recently, in the past couple of years I believe, brought the Scottish Ren Faire and the Loch Lomond Games to one venue. Although the events are at the same place, they are not completely combined. This allows those of us who are more interested in one component than the other to venture back and forth between the two without having to be immersed in both at the same time. I am not involved in the Ren Faire world at all, and I think it went off quite well actually. Others of course may have a different take on it.

There were a number of the NorCal rabble on hand including Longhunter74, Panache, PiperGeorge, Alan H. and others. I apologize for the poor photo quality. I had forgotten my camera and had to purchase a couple of disposables to get by with.
.
It was a two day event, so on with the photos from day 1 (the first two supplied by Panache):


Longhunter74 in his self-made Black Watch box pleat kilt, Panache in his recently constructed great kilt and Ren accoutrements, and yours truly in my newest Kathy Lare kilt and waistcoat in MacMillan Old Weathered.




And one of Panache and I without the shadow (oh, vanity is a terrible thing )



This is a very family friendly event with lots of children oriented activities. Here is Panache showing Longhunter's son around a handsome targe that he, (Panache) made. Quite crafty that Jaime!





There was some lovely music to be heard as well





Although there were no band competitions, there were a few individual competitions and there were some individual bands that performed for the crowd. This is the Stewart Tartan Pipe and Drum



And here is our own PiperGeorge (He also appears tomorrow with his band)



MORE TO COME!

[MacMillans son]

Now let the games begin!! The first day were the ladys and the young and new competitors ( I apologize to the athletes, for not noting the proper names of the groups and the levels of competition)

One of the young lads preparing for his through of Weight over Bar



And away it goes!



One of the lads about to make his toss of the Caber



Here is one of the lady athletes preparing her run up to the Caber toss



Another of the same lady with a kilt by our own Alan H. and with a gentleman in what, I can only assume, would go into the "Modern Kilt" kilt section of the board?



DAY TWO STILL TO COME!

[Dale Seago]

<sigh>

Wish I could have made it, and it would have been great to get to meet you and the rest of the Norcal Rabble who were there. My lass, alas, as I'd told you is recovering well from pneumonia that literally nearly killed her but wasn't yet up to that, so we did stuff closer to home. Looks like it was a superb event, and I look forward to the Day 2 pics!!

[MacMillans son]

Day two begins with Alan H. showing me the new 50 lb weight for distance implement. He informs me that he is happy that they who are along in years don't have to hurl this big of piece, they top out at a measly 46? lbs.!

Not great kilt photos, but me in my County Cavan by Bonnie Heather Green and Harris tweed vest by HOS, and Alan in his MacNaughton weathered I believe.




Here are few of Alan competing in his athletic events:

Beginning his spin in light weight for distance



Beginning his run up for Caber toss



The beginning of his throw



And a poor shot of his Caber in the air!



Here he is in full spin in the Heavy Weight for Distance event (if ever you get a chance, just pick one of these up next time your at your local games, leave alone hurl it through the air!!)




MORE TO COME!

[MacMillans son]

And for the final athletic event today, here is a gentleman competing in the Shief Toss (I think it would be a lot more entertaining if it were the Sheep Toss, but then I'm a little twisted that way )



And some more family activities of the day, the archery range (early in the day)



and a bit later



And other games; ring toss, bean bag toss and fishing for toys



PiperGeorge piping on a "Highland Charge"



and later in the day performing with his band for the crowds at the food court (George is on the left next to the drummer)



And last but not least, here's one for Derek, Trefor and the rest of our friends in Wales. Not sure if they have these in Wales, but we apparently now have them in the States
If you are interested you can see their web page listed on their awning. I thought they were quite good!




I hope you enjoyed the trip!

[Highlander31]

Great photos. Thanks for posting them. The last time I attended the Loch Lomond Games was in 2004. They were holding it in Ben Lomond in those days. The Highland Charge looks like my friend Richard Brown and his Highlander Warriors.

You and Longhunter74 are looking sharp. Where did Alan place in the athletics? Good to see Jamie is well and looking his usual dapper self, even in a great kilt his panache shows through (pun intended.)

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I love your new MacMillan Hunting reproduction ensemble! Well done!

[Spartan Tartan]

Pictures (and events) like these make me want to move back to Northern California. Great photos! Thanks for posting.

[Tobus]

I love your new MacMillan Hunting reproduction ensemble! Well done!

I was thinking that exact same thing myself. Outstanding!

[Derek]

Brooke .. Great set of pics. Thanks for posting the last one. Yes, you can get Welsh Cakes at most bakerys in Wales. They are really lush and more-ish.
I guess if any one googles recipes for welsh cakes, lots will come up.
Last time I had some was about two months ago. Will go and buy some tomoz now.
Iechyd Da
Derek