The Flight of the Saltire

[Panache]

The XMTSAS Saltire traveled North Friday afternoon, her destination was the 133rd Sacramento Highland Games held at the fairground in Woodland CA. that following Saturday.

The weather was uncertain but she made good time.

Arriving in Davis California in the midst of a brief but heavy rain she made a quick stop by of the University of California Davis in honor of XMTS' own Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess who studied there to become a veterinarian



A quick flyby of the University's water tower



She moored for the night in Davis at the home of my good friend (and very new kiltie and X Marker) bygrinstow

He was most sorry he couldn't meet up with the Nor Cal Rabble on Saturday but was happy to host our forum's "wee airship"



The day of the games she was off to the Clan MacNaughton tent





To meet up with the Mighty Nor Cal Rabble



For more pictures of the XMTSAS Saltire and the Nor CAl Rabble at the 2009 Sacramento Highland Games look at this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/n...277/index.html

After an all important stop at the Sudwerk Microbrewery and restaurant in Davis she moored for the night ready to take flight early the next morning...


More to come!

[Panache]

It happened that there was a birthday party being held in Santa Cruz for a very dear and old friend on Sunday.

Making sure the Saltire was refueled and her stores of gin plentiful we headed Southward early that morning.

Soon we had reached the magnificent redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains



She landed at Shaffer Park (a private park my friend's wife had rented to celebrate his 40th birthday)



There were clear warnings posted so she did not startled any of the native gastropods as she came in for a landing



We were delighted to come across piper and Santa Crux X Marker AndrewLenzJr



A very pleasant afternoon was spent amongst the beauty of the forest and glad company





Returning home to San Jose she rested for one last night in California.

The next day with her course set for Arizona she gently alighted into a cloudy sky.



I and my wee daughter bade her goodbye as she sailed off into the dark clouds.

We watched until she disappeared from sight.

It is always nice to have her return home, but the Saltire and the goodwill she spreads belong to all the good members of X Marks the Scot.com.

May she continue to travel far in friendship!

:blimp:



Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Ayin McFye]

Hadn't checked my mail in two days, but checked it today and the Saltire has arrived here in Arizona. I'll be hopefully taking her out this weekend, and handing her off to Spartan/Frank in NW Phoenix within a week. I'll post some pictures here soon!

Cheers!

[davedove]

When is the wee airship going to make it to the DC area. There are a few of us who would be more than happy to host her.

[Beertigger]

Send the good airship just a ways down south!

[Spartan]

Just to let everyone know that it is safe, the Saltire was passed from Drobin to Spartan at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix this afternoon.

Stay tuned -- more pictures to follow.

[Ayin McFye]

I love how Drobin is hiding behind the pillar to hide the fact that he's not wearing a kilt. I find that hilarious. Cheers to the ingenuity!

[Panache]

Great picture Frank!

The Saltire's journey continues...

Cheers

Jamie

[Sionnach]

I think she spent a little time in hangar- minor repairs and some r&r. I think the wee ship is in flight again and I am looking forward to some awe-inspiring photos.

[Spartan]

Here's the link to the complete set of photos: The Saltire at Mount Rushmore