Stone Mountain X-Markers

[turpin]

Good looking bunch. One of these years, I'm actually going to make it to Stone Mountain.

You should - It was a great time. 34 pipe bands from California to Canada massed on the field in 3 waves. Over 500 pipers and drummers. The Windsor Ontario Police Band took first place in grade 5 (that's for BLU). There was never not piping going on.

About 100+ clan tents. A first-rate sporran maker (Clanleatherworks.com) had these dirks with a handle of black bear jaw (teeth would be a bit tough on the hand, but lookes awesome) and sqians dubh with coyote jaw.

I showed up too late for the picture, but met Scot, Cawdorian, and Gilmore, and Matt N. the next day. Bought a sterling silver Gordon cap badge (lovely) and a silver heatherstone kilt pin.

Next year I plan to camp at Stone Mountain. Alan (Renegade Kilts) did, and may want to toss in his experience. One of my clan members described the impromptu caleidh that was the highlight of the games for her. Someone brought out a full haggis, so there were 50 whiskies lined up for the toast. Everyone recited the poem. There was piping and drumming and a procession around the campground. Tons of good fellowship and all of it kilted. Sorry I missed out on that one.

[auld argonian]

Sounds like I ought to consider packing the little tent, flying into Atlanta and renting a car next year...

Best

AA

[AllenJ]

I was there as well but didnt run into anyone. Its a great gathering.

[Alan H]

Great picture, sounds like a great gathering.

[Alan]

Turpin summed it up nice. Camping at Stone Mountain during the games is the best. After it gets dark the piping and drumming starts. Everyone gathers around the pipers and start a parade around the campground. During the parade everyone is inviting all the campers to join in. After one round around the campground we end up where we started. There are shots of whiskey (scotch) for everyone. Robert Burns poem, Address to the Haggis is recited and then everyone toasts the haggis. At this point the haggis is cut open and everyone is invited to have a taste of the haggis. After this there is another parade to the pavillion where everyone is invited to perform (if they have a tallent or not). There is piping, fiddles, singing and much more. Someone even gave a lesson on highland dancing for anyone who wanted to try. This goes on until the park police shut it down. It is a good time for everyone. This has been going on for about 6 - 7 years. I would highly recomend camping at Stone Mountain during the games. Saturday night at the campground is as much fun as going to the games. I will be camping there next year and am inviting everyone to join in on the fun. My family just loves it.

[Mike1]

As for the clan, we had a good turn out of visitors and displaced kinsmen this weekend, and many were interested in joining up, so hopefully they'll fill out the application and send it in. "Ne Parcas Nec Spernas"

I wasn't very clear, was I? I did mean people with an interest in the Society.

I hope we'll see some new members of both the Society and X Marks, as a result of the weekend.

[David Dalglish]

Nice picture--I think we will have to get Hamish to do a video of the Hamish pose for all to copy, as it has become the standard for all pictures