Pleasanton California Highland Games

**Alan H** · 4th September 06, 04:38 PM

I spent 2/3rds of my time at the MacNaughton tent, visited with the Halls and the MacNicols and MacFarlanes, and met Elsie Struemeyer...co-author of our famed kilt-making book with Barb Tewksbury, an X-Marks member. Elsie was very kind and had some good comments about my MacNicol kilt that I did for "practice". I took that kilt by the MacNicol tent, where it got an enthusiastic reception, as the guys there had never seen a kilt in one of the "modern, red" variants of the tartan.

The Pleasanton Games are so huge that you simply can NOT see it all, so I concentrated on "Clans" this time. Maybe next time I'll get out and see more music. I DID manage to get an budget basket-hilt claymore in the vendors hall, though. It's not a "real" sword but it's something bright and shiny to carry in the Clan Parade and hang on the wall. Besides, there's nothing like a flame-haired goddess with a sword, eh?

It was great to see everyone, 'specially Bill, whom we've missed at our Bay Area Beer and Kilt nights. It was also excellent to meet Bill's Dad and Damaris's Dad, up from Guatemala.

I *finally* saw a Stillwater Nightstalker kilt, and I gotta say, I'm tempted.

Arrrgh, I volunteered to be the Clan Hall Association webmaster, and to be the #2 dude for the Clan MacNaughton Association website, too. Eeeek! These Games are dangerous!

Great pics, Panache and WalkerK!

**Mike1** · 4th September 06, 05:01 PM

Alan, help me out here. I always thought basket-hilts and claymores were two different types of swords. Can you post an image of your new acquisition, so I can see what it looks like?

**Bob C** · 4th September 06, 05:01 PM

Guys, that is an outstanding display of kilted fun. It's great that so many of you were able to get together. Your games are clearly a bigger event than any of the games I've been to here in upstate New York. I'm jealous!

Thanks for sharing your pics and stories.

**Robin** · 4th September 06, 06:22 PM

Did I miss anything else?

:rolleyes:

**Monkey@Arms** · 6th September 06, 10:38 AM

Great pics, Panache and Kent.

Thanks for visiting me the UK booth all. Geez those were two (and too) busy days. I tell you if they had supplied us with more black and olive original models we could have doubled the number of sales. Hey, Panache, I didn't see that pinup kilt, but personally, I think its waaaay cool.

Best regards,

Jake

**efer** · 6th September 06, 01:30 PM

Great pics folks!

Sounds like a trip the Pleasanton Games is well worth the travel.

I like the pin-up kilt and the leather dress next to it :rolleyes:

**Ialtog** · 6th September 06, 02:32 PM

What a great selection of pictures. One of these days I am going to get up to your festival - I have heard nothing but raves about it. And I loved seeing Keith from the Wicked Tinkers. Those guys are just amazing. And not only are they fantastic musicians, but they are really terrific all around guys. Thanks again!

**Panache** · 6th September 06, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Ialtog

... And I loved seeing Keith from the Wicked Tinkers. Those guys are just amazing. And not only are they fantastic musicians, but they are really terrific all around guys. Thanks again!

I've been listening to my Wicked Tinkers albums for the last couple of days and rerally enjoying them. Apparently Keith is of Clan MacNaughton (per Alan H. who should know). While they were playing their set a group of belly dancers began to dance near the stage. They were invited up and the Tinkers launched into a really interesting Middle Eastern jam session for them to dance to. It was very interesting to see how closely the bagpipes could mimic middle eastern pipes. They seemed to be having a complete blast performing. Like they friends having a jam session in their favorite pub*, and all the regulars were there to join in the fun. I'll have to pick up their other albums next time.

Cheers

* complete with the alcohol

**cloves** · 6th September 06, 03:15 PM

great pics Panache!
Tell the FHCAG that I really dig her skull kilt pin!

**Panache** · 6th September 06, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by cloves

great pics Panache!
Tell the FHCAG that I really dig her skull kilt pin!

Cloves,

I will do so. Actually it's MY pirate skull kilt pin (from Disneyland)...hmmmm...I guess I should say more accuarately it WAS my pirate skull kilt pin. The F-H.C.A.G. appropriated it. Oh well it looks better on her than me anyway :rolleyes:

Cheers