Richmond, VA Highland Games

[David White]

From my memory, the clan tents are arranged around the atheletic field.

Jerry, your memory is correct. Its right next to the Richmond Speedway.
I was there two years ago and they were running speed trails. Not to bad, but you could here the cars.

[PaulX608]

Hey guys, we just got back from Richmond, thought I'd share a few photos. First, I'll say that aside from the MUD and the WIND, we had a great day out. Drove 100 miles each way to get there, wasn't gonna let the elements get me down. On with the pics:

Had to get this one, should have done the Hamish pose in front.


Tossing the sheaf.

[PaulX608]

Throwing the heavy weight(56lbs. I think he said) for distance.


Pipers.

[PaulX608]

Raising the caber, Iwo Jima style. 20' hickory, dried two years, ~150lbs.



Tossing that bad boy.

[PaulX608]

Me right before we left. Tired and muddy and a feelin' the whiskey tastin' just a wee li'l bit.

Looked for JerMC and his Mrs., but did not see 'em. Wish I knew a good way to spot any more of you. I hope any one else who was there had as good a day as we did despite the weather. Can't wait to meet more of y'all in the future.

[Jerry]

Sorry I missed you, Paul. From your angle on the caber toss, my wife and I had to be nearby when you took that photo. I did stop by the Barclay Clan tent and meet Heathbar and his wife. The weather today was a little warmer. I really enjoyed the athletics, but today was the highlight of the festival. I caught both Albannach performances. In my, now three straight years attending the Richmond event, I have never seen a bigger crowd at the Guinness stage. Albannach had everyone within earshot clapping and a lot of them dancing. All ages in the audience were enthralled with their performances.

[Gil Prothero]

yeah, went there today, it's gonna take three days to wash off the dust..
BUT, so many people! so much to buy! to see, to walk.. so little time!! my sister in law asked me about the "tossing of the sheep", i told her it was practice to get them on the roof to mow the grass..
tried some beer and coffee, and lemonade, ( not all at one time..) didn't get to try the whiskey, it would have cut the dust..
NICE , lots and lots of vendors..bought some stuff even though i said i wasn't going to...only saw one backward kilt, saved the boy as fast as i could, it was his moms fault...she knows now..
and KCW is right, that band...yes THAT ONE, ALBANNACH
holy haggis !!
they got a web site, look it up, play the music.. goosebumps..
i want that played the day i go, as loud as possible..
it might bring me back..
my brother got to wear his new AMERIKILT, khaki, he was happy as hell...and he couldn't get over the stares and comment going down and coming back..he asked if i always experience that...i said no, must be him...lol
he'll want another soon...
so, next year supposedly, it's moving further north, coroline county,
be there, or be square..
oh, by the by, saw a trend, both on one of the band members, and in the field, kilts , LONG kilts, below the knees..i think it's a puck, rock, celtic, goth, neo-scottish, rebellion..( what? scots rebelling, how shocking !) thing..
i get it now, good on em...bless em, (sniff) all..

[Mael Coluim]

Great photos from last year's Games, Paul!