Gatlinburg TN

[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.