The Nor Cal Rabble at the Dunsmuir Games 09

[Panache]

What would a Highland Game be like without animals?


Pony rides for wee Xena





There was a wonderful display put on my a Falconer group that included this handsome Cooper's Hawk



I inspected these kilts in the making




And the entire hillside was covered with a herd of goats that keep the brush down and reduce the risk of wildfires



The kids loved them




More to come

[Panache]

There were three pipe bands performing







As well as the Celtic rock band Tempest



At the Court of Queen Mary an actual hand fasting ceremony was held
(I'll leave it for Robert explain)




More to come

[Panache]

My shy and subdued friend Buck who is the convenor of the Clan Bucchan tent (right Todd? )




Hanging out with Alan (It was mentioned that Alan and I look like two related but different species )



Alan worked really all day and deserved a hug



Playing with Xena, "now you see the highland athlete... "



"now you don't"



One last group of photos to come

[Panache]

At the end of the day the three pipe bands gathered in front of the Dunsmuir House to play together en mass

The pipe major from the Irish pipe band was chosen to play the solo on Amazing Grace, he performed it overhead from the balcony of the Dunsmuir house



It was quite stirring when the three bands joined in



Our family had never attended the Dunsmuir Games before and we thoroughly enjoyed our day. We will will certainly be returning next year.




I'll end this post with one last picture I took of the house's old swimming pool

I'm not much of a photographer but I found it a very poignant to see this place of water, sun, mirth, and vitality left cracked, dry, broken, and forgotten.





How long ago since children splashed and laughed here?

It gave me greater appreciation of the efforts made to preserve the Dunsmuir House itself for future generations.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Panache]

I have had the experience of people complimenting me on my highland attire or even wanting a photo of me when out and about before, but not at a highland games.

Yesterday I had numerous compliments, requests to have my photo taken, and one lady told me that "You win the best dressed man here today hands down!"

It must have been a good ensemble

Pretty flattering!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: