Visit to Freedom Kilts, Victoria, BC

**Grizzly** · 12th June 13, 04:40 PM

As some of you may know I have recently returned from a holiday in Canada, part of the trip took us to Victoria and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to turn up at our own Steve Ashton's shop. Luckily he and Jackson were in and gave us a hearty welcome. Steve and Jackson were so kind and friendly and our ten minute stop by turned in to more like an hour or more. Steve showed us around the shop and the back room where the magic happens. It was a pleasure to meet both of them and it felt as though I was meeting up with old friends. Such is the power of Xmarksthescot, friends across the globe.
My Xmarks kilt pin and sgian dubh will take a treasured place in my kilt attire and will always bring back fond memories.
Steve and Jackson we thank you.

As tradition demands and to prove it happened, here we are on the veranda discussing the joys of kilted life.
From left to right Jackson (kilted wolfman) me (grizzly) and Steve (Wizard of BC)

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**Dale Seago** · 12th June 13, 08:37 PM

I'm out of ayes for the day, so + 1!

**The Wizard of BC** · 12th June 13, 09:05 PM

Grizzly,

It was a shame you did not have more time. I would have loved to show you around my adopted city.
I hope your wife got over the effects of your whale watching trip.

**Jock Scot** · 12th June 13, 09:18 PM

Thanks Steve, for the lead in! So come on Simon, whale watching? Any pictures?

**Grizzly** · 13th June 13, 12:40 AM

It was indeed a shame that we could not spend longer. We loved everything about the trip apart from Jean who's not too keen on boats, mind you the peak to peak gondola in Whistler was an interesting and slightly scary experience.

Sorry Jock, the whales did not want to play that day, we never saw one, not even a disappearing fluke. Which was quite disappointing as the day before Orca, humpback and grey whales were spotted.

However we did see this fine fellow -

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**cessna152towser** · 13th June 13, 03:56 AM

Excellent pic, Simon, nice to see you with Jackson and Steve on the balcony of the shop. Now I'll be able to recognise you at Harpenden. Every Xmarker should try to visit Freedom Kilts in Fernwood, Victoria at least once in their lifetime, perhaps I have been more fortunate than most, due to having family on Vancouver Island. I stayed with Steve for a week in 2009 and visited his shop again in 2011 and 2012.

**Liam** · 13th June 13, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Sorry Jock, the whales did not want to play that day, we never saw one, not even a disappearing fluke. Which was quite disappointing as the day before Orca, humpback and grey whales were spotted.

Perhaps if your "handle" was Orca" instead of "Grizzly" you'd have had better luck!

Slainte...Bill

**creagdhubh** · 13th June 13, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

I'm out of ayes for the day, so + 1!

Me too!

What a superb photo and sounds like you and yours had a grand time in Victoria!

Cheers,

**creagdhubh** · 13th June 13, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

It was indeed a shame that we could not spend longer. We loved everything about the trip apart from Jean who's not too keen on boats, mind you the peak to peak gondola in Whistler was an interesting and slightly scary experience.

Sorry Jock, the whales did not want to play that day, we never saw one, not even a disappearing fluke. Which was quite disappointing as the day before Orca, humpback and grey whales were spotted.

However we did see this fine fellow -

Quite the appropriate photo, Simon (aka Grizzly)! Very nicely done, mate.

Cheers,