Gatlinburg TN

[Pour1Malt]

I'll be in a khaki canvas 4 yard casual, brown belt and brown Rob Roy sporran, a t-shirt from the Triad Highland Games, and since Pour1Malt has shown me the errors of my ways ... no ball cap. (Wouldn't wanna look like a numpty, now, would I? LOL )

I stopped by the tartan museum yesterday, and the other nice lad that works there (who's name escapes me at the moment) said that he and Matt will be at Gatlinburg tonight, so look for them, too.

slainte Barky! guid oan ya!

how did it gae?

[phinz]

Albannach was *incredible!*

Mizzphinz wasn't feeling well, so I had to bolt out pretty early, but Albannach was so popular that those of us who are height-challenged were lucky to see anything. If it hadn't been so muddy I would have been dancing up a storm. I don't believe I've ever heard anything as infectious. I bought their album, as well as a shirt, and I've already listened to the album a half dozen times.

The Games themselves were crowded. More so than usual, and I'm glad, though the mud was thick, the weather was humid and the vendors sparse. I was supremely disappointed that I couldn't find my clan tent as well. I did a complete lap through the swamp and nothing.

KCW and Heathbar.... I'm sorry I didn't call before leaving. Mizzphinz was not feeling well (she doesn't take heat/humidity all that well) so we cut our losses and headed out about 2 or so.

[HeathBar]

To sum it all up in one word...MUD! It was a nice setting an and picturesque location with the mountain backdrop, but the mud kinda ruined the atmosphere. It was great meeting everyone. KCW, Barclay, Phinz, and Matt. Phinz, you didn't miss much after you left, it started raining an hour or so later. Thats when we ducked out.

Sunday, the weather was nicer, but because of the extra rain, the mud was worse. My only reason for going back on Sunday was to hear Matt's lecture. If anyone ever gets a chance to hear him speak....go, he's good. My wife on the other hand, wasn't really as into it. But, I thanked her for enduring for my sake. It was a small group at the lecture, and Matt could probably tell she wasn't too interested. But she did laugh at his description of the guy he had seen in dinosaur slippers.

I'll try to post some pics tonight in the pics section. It was good to meet everyone, and I hope you all made it back safely.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Would have posted sooner (left Gatlinburg at 2:30AM CST Sunday, was back in Chicago by 12:30!) but I have been busy with family and in-laws since getting back.

It was great to meet some fellow X-Markers, although as one pointed out, I had to drive 600 miles to do so! Will post pics, but it was great to meet Matt, phinz, Barclay, and Heathbar (who is also a Barclay). I had a great time although without the mud would have been nice. The mud did point out how rugged and versatile kilts and kiltwear really are, although I did feel sorry for the competing pipe bands with their white hose and ghillies!

Albannach was great! Caught both their shows on Saturday. The drums and their driving beat forces you to dance, you can't help yourself. Will post some pics on another thread. As a side note, I got to meet the band in person later that day, they were in the same hotel as me and 6 doors down!

Here are 2 pics from the end of day 1 showing the mud:

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Everyone was right, the mud was horrible this year. I remember being there years when it actually rained more, but I never remember the mud being this bad. It was made worse by all the golf carts driving back and forth. In my opinion, when the ground is wet, the use of golf carts needs to be reserved for those who truly need them to get around.

I feel sorry for the vendors who had to pack up on Sunday afternoon, as I know that they probably didn't allow large vehicles on to the field (or if they did, I'd be willing to bet at least some got stuck).

We had lots of people coming by the museum's tent to look up tartan information on Saturday. Sunday was not nearly as busy. Sunday is always a slower day than Saturday, but this year I think the weather kept everyone away. We didn't actually get much rain during the day at all -- but the evening showers kept everything wet.

It was nice meeting some of the fellow X Marks guys -- and thanks for coming to attend my lecture, those that did! There is usually a larger crowd there (but see the above comments about the mud and the low attendance on Sunday!).

Albannach did sound good -- but my preference was for the BorderCollies! :-)

M

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...Albannach did sound good -- but my preference was for the BorderCollies! :-)

M

The band, or the ones herding the sheep?

Also, what was the tartan that Albbannach was wearing? Was if Loch Finnegan or something like that?

[phinz]

The tartan is Finlaggan.

I enjoyed the Border Collies as well. Their performance in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago was a fine one too.