Alma, Mi Games

[Mattg]

Anybody goin' to the Alma Highland Games?? I'll be there on Saturday!!

I would be there if I still lived in Michigan, dang it! I always move right before something cool happens!

[Prester John]

Leaving tomorrow morning with kilts in hand, so to speak.

Remember, three Robertson Reds (USAKilts), one with a mohawk...that's us. I'm the bearded guy.

See you there.

[Big Paul]

I hope to see you all there!

[JackK]

Sure would like to drive over, but already commited to over things.

Jack

[djweso]

Alright just waiting for the kids to get up and get ready and we will be off. I can't wait to meet some Xmarkers face to face.

[Prester John]

Well, I just returned from the Alma games, and thought I'd share a few comments.

First of all, I met Big Paul and Timber. What kind gentlemen - they even laughed at my jokes! That is the definition of kindness! We had some photos taken, but they got erased from our camera (thanks boys), when mom asked for more photos to be taken. I'm sure that they have a few.

It was hot, and more fun than I've had all year. The Alma festival has really grown into a world class festival since I've been gone (20 yrs!).

I saw kilts of every kind and variety - you name it, we saw it.

I'm sure I missed someone, and for that I'm sorry. It was too hot for us to stay much longer. But, as I said, Big Paul and Timber will fill in the details shortly.

If you missed it and could have come...I really feel bad for you. It was spectacular.

And I haven't even mentioned the piping. Wow! Grade V's playing perfection, let alone the higher grade bands.

And everyone smiling, having fun, being happy and cordial, and laughing.

A little taste of what heaven is supposed to be like. No wonder I can't wait!

[Big Paul]

What can I say, I had a blast! What a day! I met many nice people, the weather was a little too HOT, but what the hey! It's better than ran or cold..

I met Timber and his lovely daughter.. (Sorry no pic of the nice Lass.)




Then Timber and I met Prestor John and his lovely family!



Then I had the privlige to meet DJweso




Then lastly....This is what I manage to see on the ride home!!!



Yes that's 2 motorcycles doing wheelies at 70mph!!! They passed me that way!!!
(sorry for the cracked windshield)

It was a real honor to meet you all.. I wish we all had a bit more time to spend chatting...

Sorry the pics are so huge..

[Big Paul]

In a bit of a side note... Timber and I were talking about, maybe next year setting up a Xmarks Kilt Night in Alma.. We would do it the same weekend as the games (dual purpose weekend).. We could maybe do it the night before... Because if we do it the night following, everyone will be too tired to have fun..

[djweso]

It was my and my family's first time to the Alma Highland Games. What a great time. It was HOT, at least for Michigan in May. We saw tons of pipe bands (including Muskegon's own). We saw Scottish atheletic games (kaber toss, hammer throw, etc) for the fist time. Much shopping. Good food. Met up with friends from http://www.xmarksthescot.com and www.finalhavenlarp.com . That was really great, Timber and Big Paul and Jim, Shane, and Christine (no photo). All of their families and friends! Woo hoo!


(Sorry that one didn't come out Timber, hope yours did)

Oh yeah, and my son spent his own money to buy his first kilt. He's been asking about one, and we kept hoping to make it because buying it with shipping and everything was so much. But being there and him being able to try it on, we decided to go for it. Its a little big but he grows fast! Can you tell I'm proud? You should hear him talk about!


All of my pictures from Alma can be found here . I do have higher rez version on my computer if someone is interested. Anyway thanks for helping make it a great day guys!

[timber]

And I thought I would get pics up first! Anyway, djweso and me:



And Geoffrey Tailor/TFCK had a vendor tent manned by Howie Nicholsby himself. It was an honor to meet him as well as all the xmarkers.

Big Paul, did anyone manage to get a full turn on their caber?