What I did on my summer vacation

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 03:59 PM

And outside the vaults we are greeted with this array of imposing armaments.

It seems that the Kilt Kollection is so valuable that extreme measures must be taken to protect and preserve it.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 04:01 PM

Dressed for dinner Bobbie and I proceed into the Garden.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 04:02 PM

Where we are warmly greeted in the garden by Himself.

The ruins behind us appear to be of great antiquity but which are actually explained to us as necessary camouflage to insure the safety of the true location of the Kilt Kollection from Satellite photography.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 04:26 PM

Now, If you believe all this, I have a wonderful bridge that I can let go for a reasonable price.

In actuality most of the photos you have just seen are from Amberly Castle where Hamish and Jim took Bobbie and I to lunch on Sunday.

http://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/
50° 54" 32.67" N, 0° 32' 25.74" W

The large and imposing building is actually Petworth House where Hamish is a volunteer Docent.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
50° 59' 17.30" N, 0° 36' 39.43" W

Amberly Castle is a very exclusive hotel. So exclusive in fact that when we drove up to the entrance there was a private helicopter parked on the front lawn.

I can't adequately describe either of these places so I encourage you to follow the links I have provided to get a better understanding of the awe and wonder of these two places.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 04:34 PM

The one thing that is true is the warm welcome Bobbie and I received by our friend Ham.

He actually did have a British Columbia flag flying in honor of our arrival.

Here are some shots in locations you will all be familiar with.

Who could resist doing a Hamish MK II in the actual location of the original?

And the mandatory Pleat Shot on the sundial.

But in my own idiom.

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th July 09, 04:40 PM

Ham was able to convince his trusty companion Tri to help us memorialize this visit in photos.

We spent more than a few hours in Ham's Garden Room discussing Kilts, the world, and X Marks.

**dfmacliam** · 9th July 09, 05:50 PM

I am glad you got to spend some quality time with Hamish.. I have noticed he has not been posting much lately, and I was hoping he was okay... and with the photo montage, I know he is doing well.. Thanks...

I was fooled by the Bicknel Grange bit.. you had me thinking... servants?.. its a term not used much anymore.. estate staff.. maybe.. Hamish is that well off?... and he seems so humble by the impression I have of him...LOL

Thanks again Steve, I really appreciate you taking the time, to post your vacation/business trip. Its like going along with you... I smiled, I admired, I learned, I appreciated, I enjoyed...

**Panache** · 9th July 09, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

I have noticed he has not been posting much lately, and I was hoping he was okay... and with the photo montage, I know he is doing well.. Thanks...

peacekeeper83,

One must remember that his Lairdship is an avid gardener and his attentions are distracted from his usual sartorial splendiferous pursuits for greener earthier ones at this time of year.

Rest assured that he does keep an eye on things here at XMTS and smiles approvingly at all Ladies and Gentlemen who strive to find their own kilted looks.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**The Wizard of BC** · 10th July 09, 10:44 AM

Robertson and Emma,

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful hospitality. The Ferintosh should be made the "Official" UK inn of X Marks.

Robertson, your pub crawls are legendary. I'm not much of a pub guy but that was fun. Tiring, but fun.

Emma, you are a delight. It is so evident that you are very proud of your town and Bobbie and I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to finally meet and talk with you. You made our visit to Dumfries very special.

**The Wizard of BC** · 10th July 09, 10:49 AM

Chas,

I would like to publicly thank you for the gift of the Dandelions. What a surprise.
It was a real pleasure to meet you and have the opportunity to sit over the breakfast table laughing and talking.
I hope we can meet again. If you ever want to come to this side of the pond you have a room for as long as you want it.

Allen,

You and I got off to a rocky first communication. But after meeting you in person I found you to be honestly concerned and proud of your knowledge of Heraldry.
I've never met an Armiger in person and you Sir, set the standard. I hope we get a chance to meet again.