Loch Lomond Games 2011 (photos)

**MacMillans son** · 21st June 11, 06:57 PM

Thank you all for your kind words. The games were unique, and quite enjoyable. The folks on the Ren faire side of the grounds appeared to be having a good time as well. Perhaps next year I will take some pics of that side too.

I'm looking forward to our next big regional event at Pleasanton. It is one of the largest, and I believe it is tied for the oldest, Highland games event in the States. It was first held in 1866, which makes this it's 146th year. I am not that fond of the layout there (really big and spread out) but will bring back some pics for you all. Hopefully some of our other members will post some as well.

Cheers,

Brooke

**piperdbh** · 21st June 11, 07:20 PM

Isn't Watsonville where they raise all the garlic? I was there two summers ago and enjoyed the smell.

I like these pictures, too, especially the one with your straight-cut waistcoat.

**chrisupyonder** · 21st June 11, 07:25 PM

It looks a nice area with plenty of trees and hills around and the weather looked good.
Thanks for the pictures.

Chris.

**CMcG** · 21st June 11, 07:28 PM

Great pics and it's nice to see some familiar faces in kilted action!

**MacMillans son** · 22nd June 11, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Isn't Watsonville where they raise all the garlic? I was there two summers ago and enjoyed the smell.

I like these pictures, too, especially the one with your straight-cut waistcoat.

Thanks Dbh,

I really like it as well, and of course, I got the idea for the straight cut bottom from the thread here on HRH, The Duke of Rothesay, and I chose the straight lay out of the tartan for, what appears to me to be, a slightly less formal look than the those cut on the bias.

The town you're thinking of is actually Gilroy California, which bills itself as "The Garlic Capitol of the World". It is just over the hill from Watsonville though so you are really close. It is also close to Castroville, which is the Artichoke (American thistle

) capitol of the world.

Many folks are unaware that California is actually the largest agriculture producing state in the U.S. Let's hear it for vegetables!! WooHoo!!

**piperdbh** · 22nd June 11, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

The town you're thinking of is actually Gilroy California, which bills itself as "The Garlic Capitol of the World". It is just over the hill from Watsonville though so you are really close. It is also close to Castroville, which is the Artichoke (American thistle

) capitol of the world.

You're right; Watsonville produces strawberries and Gilroy has the garlic. I had never seen artichokes with the stem attached until I went tot he farmers' market in Monterey. I wondered why someone would grow thistles that big and what possible use they could be, and then I got a closer look and realized they were artichokes.

Many folks are unaware that California is actually the largest agriculture producing state in the U.S. Let's hear it for vegetables!! WooHoo!!

As the resident vegan here, I second the "WooHoo!!"

**creagdhubh** · 22nd June 11, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

Thank you all for your kind words. The games were unique, and quite enjoyable. The folks on the Ren faire side of the grounds appeared to be having a good time as well. Perhaps next year I will take some pics of that side too.

I'm looking forward to our next big regional event at Pleasanton. It is one of the largest, and I believe it is tied for the oldest, Highland games event in the States. It was first held in 1866, which makes this it's 146th year. I am not that fond of the layout there (really big and spread out) but will bring back some pics for you all. Hopefully some of our other members will post some as well.

Cheers,

Brooke

Pleasanton is indeed a very nice games - traditional to the core, and very massive! I was there a couple of years ago with fellow Macphersons - the Clan Macpherson always has a rather large spread there, as our California members are numerous. Wonderful games to watch and listen to the pipe bands and individual pipers - weather was spot on as well!

Cheers,

**CMcG** · 22nd June 11, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

I really like it as well, and of course, I got the idea for the straight cut bottom from the thread here on HRH, The Duke of Rothesay, and I chose the straight lay out of the tartan for, what appears to me to be, a slightly less formal look than the those cut on the bias.

My tartan waistcoat is also straight cut but it has sharp peaks on the bottom. I've been thinking about having it altered to be straight (or at least rounded), so thanks for providing a photo of how nicely it looks!