Kilted Carolina Vacation

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:38 PM

This would be my fourth visit to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in five years. In 2007, I would find XMarks the Scot by it! I’ve always wanted to see the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. And what XMarker does not want to make the pilgrimage to the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin? This would be my year to do both as I headed south to Grandfather!

As my trip to Scotland and France last year, I would travel kilted. I did throw a pair of p@nts into the car in case I needed to change a flat tire. My kilted wardrobe packed would include: Burnett’s & Struth casual kilts in Malcolm and MacCallum, Newsome box pleat in St. Columba tartan, USA Kilts casual in Caledonia tartan, Stillwater economy kilt in Gordon tartan and my just received Elkomando hiking kilt. I decide to wear the Elkomando on the seven hour drive to Asheville. My canine daughter, Fiona gave this special T shirt to remind me of her!

Surely, Dad you can find room for me in MacGuinea Pig? The name my wife gave the Honda Fit as she said it looked like a guinea pig on steroids!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:39 PM

Once I checked in the Downtown Inn, in Asheville I went across the street to the Jack of the Wood Pub for a Greenman ESB, dinner and to listen to a jazz band. Not a bad way to end a long drive!

The next morning, I headed for Montreat. Tartan Hiker had invited to participate in the July 4th parade marching with the Montreat Scottish Society.

Arriving early, I found this retreat lodge named MacCallum.

I would find Tartan Hiker (Bill Sanderson) doing traffic control.

Bill had finished the night before his latest kilt in the Isle of Skye tartan. What a beaut!

I found this patriotic looking couple. Just can’t remember their names?

Here’s the Montreat Pipe and Drum Band. That’s Bill’s son, Connell in the middle. He is one excellent piper.

I would find MacCallum kin with the Montreat Scottish Society.

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:41 PM

THE PARADE!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:42 PM

THE PARADE!!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:43 PM

THE PARADE!!!

The end!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:45 PM

Bill’s summer job is running the Montreat Conservation Program. Here is one of his Rangers. Bill does an outstanding job in training these young adults.

After the parade, Bill invited to a picnic with pipes and drums!

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 15th July 10, 03:13 AM

Enjoying the photolog so far. Can't wait to see the rest!

**BoldHighlander** · 15th July 10, 03:16 AM

Another wonderful travelogue Ern!

**Riverkilt** · 15th July 10, 07:07 AM

Great pics Mael, thanks! The pride leaps through those pics. So good to see.

Pantz to change a tire?? Wasn't long ago I changed a tire on a dirt road deep on the rez during a rain/sand storm while wearing my Leatherneck tartan hand sewn kilt. Worked great. Course out there it was just me and I didn't have to worry about accidental exposure....some lizard may still be telling a story of a frightful view...

**Scott West** · 15th July 10, 07:37 AM

Most excellent array of pictures, thank you! In Feb '09, my wife and I made our Hajj to Franklin and the STM to be measured by Matt and order our first Lochcarron kilt and kilted skirt. After a stroll around Franklin and a wonderful dinner at a nice restaurant (white-painted wood chairs out front) only 100' from the STM, the next day we were off to Asheville and Biltmore, unfortunately, in the oft-maligned leg tubes (an error I do not intend to duplicate). Both facilities were uniquely grand in their own way and what a beautiful part of the country! The breath-taking topography of western NC even got me thinking of relocating! I greatly look forward to returning, next time kilted of course. Again, great pictures, Mael! It looks like you had a great time and I appreciate the effort in taking and placing these pictures on this forum.