Victoria BC including Highland Games

**cessna152towser** · 25th May 12, 12:59 PM

It was time for another visit to family, and to introduce them to my new partner Gabrielle. Gabrielle had not been outside of Europe before, however she soon recovered from the long flight to Vancouver and relaxed on the sun deck of the ferry Spirit of British Columbia as we continued on to the Island.

The following morning we were up early for a visit to the Butchart Gardens with my cousin Edith.

It had been twenty five years since my last visit to the Butchart Gardens.

Next a visit to Steve Ashton at Freedom Kilts. It was good to meet the Quaich again, having attended the launch party last time I was in Victoria in March 2011 and also hosted the Quaich in Scotland.

Steve introduced Gabrielle to the art of kiltmaking.

The great man himself, on the steps outside his shop.

Gabrielle was impressed by the architecture of the Empress Hotel, designed by Francis Rattenbury.

One of the costumed guides at the British Columbia Legislature.
More to follow shortly.

**Mael Coluim** · 25th May 12, 01:04 PM

Good them coming, Alex! What are you wearing in the second pic? I can't seem to focus well on it.

**cessna152towser** · 25th May 12, 01:05 PM

Gabrielle met the kilted bear at the Royal Scot Hotel.

Then we met the driver of a big rig.

Gabrielle was able to get a photo with the big Kenworth truck.

Friday evening was the gathering of the clans outside the Legislature with a performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.

The clan representatives formed up with their torches in Saltire formation in the grounds of the Legislature.
Photos from the following day's games to follow shortly.

**cessna152towser** · 25th May 12, 01:10 PM

We started off by visiting the Shepherding contests.

Mid morning we watched a performance by Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band.

Good public relations as a drummer introduces a youngster to his drums.

The Rabble with the Quaich.

Thistledown was delayed by ferry cancellations and joined us later.

In the afternoon there was a Drum Majors Competition, for which the Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band from Maple Ridge BC performed.
One last batch to follow.

**cessna152towser** · 25th May 12, 01:16 PM

Man at Work

A parting shot of the Freedom Kilts tent at the end of the day.

The following day, Sunday, my relatives got together in Sooke. It was good to see them all again.

On our way home we stayed overnight with Sevenoaks in Vancouver and before heading off to the airport there was just time for a quick visit to Stanley Park, where Gabrielle is with Sevenoaks' partner Ingrid at Prospect Point.
That's all folks!

**Downunder Kilt** · 25th May 12, 01:24 PM

Fantastic photos Alex, Good to see that you have caught up with the Quaich again. Hope you and Gabrielle continue to have a very enjoyable trip to Canada

**O'Searcaigh** · 25th May 12, 01:25 PM

Great pictures everyone! Thanks for sharing (Victoria is one of my favorite cities on earth!)

**Macman** · 25th May 12, 03:58 PM

Great pictures, Alex. I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet up with you on Saturday. We would have liked to meet Gabrielle and the other X-Markers. We did go to the games on the Sunday, though.

**bigdad1** · 25th May 12, 04:14 PM

Great pictures Alex. Avery lovely lady indeed and you are looking smart and happy indeed.

**MacMillans son** · 25th May 12, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

Good them coming, Alex! What are you wearing in the second pic? I can't seem to focus well on it.

I believe he is facing into a very strong headwind which has blown the center of the kilt apron between his legs....yep that's what I'm choosing to believe!