San Antonio Highland Games – April 11 & 12

**ShaunMaxwell** · 7th April 15, 08:04 AM

I'm not sure if there is a contingency plan...

According to their website:

"We are pleased to announce that the 2015 Games will be held rain or shine on April 11 and 12, 2015 at the Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Road, Helotes, TX 78023"

Sounds as if the foul weather gear may indeed be in order... May have to leave the fur sporrans at home for this one, eh, Tobus?

Drat.

**Tobus** · 7th April 15, 10:22 AM

Well, I guess my wardrobe choices will be a game-time decision. I may have to opt for more practical accoutrements, though they may be less sartorially ideal. It may come down to wearing my barn mucking boots in lieu of leather brogues (I'll at least knock most of the horse manure off of them first, perhaps), a Tilley hat in lieu of a Balmoral, and a rain slicker in lieu of an Argyll jacket. The thought briefly crossed my mind to whip up a clear plastic-film poncho for my fur sporran, but that would border on silliness.

Hopefully at least if it's rainy and cloudy, it won't be hot. I always tend to get my first sunburn of the year at the Helotes games.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 7th April 15, 11:59 AM

Well, disappointing as it is, it won't be the first time I've had to resort to Wellies with a kilt... If you're ever planning a trip to the Grandfather Mountain games, you'd be well advised to take along a pair. Here's a photo of one of the few times it wasn't raining on us when we went...

And I'm with you, Tobus... Usually my first sunburn of the year occurs at Helotes (from standing in line, waiting for to order food/drink typically).

**kscaddo** · 7th April 15, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by chewse

Amy is MIA; not sure about Doug. She didn't renew her membership and we're unable to contact her. Not sure what is going on.

In the past, Doug has been up at the Batesville, Arkansas, event, which is this weekend also. Gloria always goes up there stopping at relatives in E. Texas. He surely must be dedicated. It's 390 miles for me and I am just NE of Dallas. Lord knows how far it is for him. Anyway, I hope y'all (and myself) don't get rained out. I hope to see you good folks in Arlington, if not Louisiana next week.

Regards, Ken

**Jack Daw** · 8th April 15, 12:41 PM

Candidly, I'm unsure if I want to go just to get wet. If it rains, few if any patrons show to make it worthwhile to hawk memberships.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 8th April 15, 01:00 PM

I hear you, Steve, but as everything is already arranged, I reckon I'll go anyway...

**chewse** · 8th April 15, 01:08 PM

I'm kinda thinking the same....It's a long drive just to sit under a tent when its raining....

**ShaunMaxwell** · 13th April 15, 06:16 AM

The rain forecast for Friday and Saturday failed to materialize, and the weather wasn't at all bad. Saturday was overcast and mild. I wore a jacket and tie comfortably all day. The rain came on Sunday morning, but had ended by the time the gates opened. It was a bit muddy, but the organizers made hay available to cover the ground under and around the clan/vendor tents which did much to alleviate the problem. The parking lot was a bit marshy, but nothing a pair of Wellies couldn't sort!

Given the forecast, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of folks who turned out for the event.

It was good to get to see and visit with Tobus, fw_kilt and cck (and son). No photos from this event, as I forgot my proper camera (not to mention the signage for my tent - kind of an important item at these sorts of gatherings!).

Missed seeing you Jack Daw and Chewse!

Hope to see you all again at the Texas Scottish Festival in Arlington next month!

P.S. Thanks for the restaurant recommendation, Tobus. Salsalito was at least as good as El Chaparral!

**chewse** · 13th April 15, 06:24 AM

Glad the weather turned out not to be an issue! Hope to see everyone in Arlington TX next month.

**Tobus** · 13th April 15, 08:24 AM

It was good to see you guys too, although we didn't get to have our usual group meeting and photo. I got to meet XMTS member Cardinal as well, but didn't get to visit much (he was volunteering with various duties for the event).

Yeah, the rain was a bit of a wild card. The forecast kept changing, and the radar kept showing big showers moving our way, only to dissipate before they got to the fairgrounds. Typical unpredictable weather for our area. Even though I didn't get to wear my new Artificer sporran for fear of ruining it, at least it was cloudy and somewhat cool. Much better than hot & sunny!