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!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:49 PM

After the picnic, I headed for Biltmore.

They didn’t allow photographs in the house. So I hope you enjoy the tour of the garden!

**Mael Coluim** · 14th July 10, 07:51 PM

Sunday afternoon, July 4th Bill was leading a hiking a tour which I joined.

Bill plucks some wild berries!

After the hike, Bill took me to the Pisque Brewery where we replenished our depleted body fluids. After being replenished Bill took me to his home where his wife Diana had a cookout waiting for us. We listened to the fireworks from the city. Life is good!

More to come - Scottish Tartans Museum