My trip to Victoria

[The Wizard of BC]

Ronstew,
I think there may be some confusion on what Tartans we are talking about here.

Piperdown is the guy in this photo in the Argyle jacket and the red and green Kilt. He is holding on to his wife in the darker red and green skirt.

Both of these Tartans are different versions of the McKintosh or McIntosh.
Modern on the Lady and Hunting on piperdown.







This picture of our piper and this of Hamish are of the same Tartan, Buchanan Old Sett, Weathered.

[Panache]

In front of the Freedom Kilts Shop Ensign BEEDEE and ENSIGN Splash with the tree!



For those that do not understand the significance of this tree should read "Panache and the Great Hunt for the Acryli-beast" or at least this installment http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a...f-105-p-2.html

Afterwards we bade goodbye to Hank and the lovely Mrs. Highlandtide BEEDEE, Splash_4, The Wizard of BC, and I had a meeting about important issues about the bright future of XMTS (unfortunately the G&T was voted down as the official forum drink Personally I thought I gave quite the impassioned speech, but alas it fell on deaf ears. You have no taste at all gents! ) *

Then we all went to the Royal BC Museum for a personal guided tour by the Wizard himself!

Pictures to follow ...


face to face the Royal BC Museum

[Panache]

My apologies Ladies and Gentlemen.

This photo was taken at the end of Friday night before heading home to Steve and the Kilted Knome's house.

In honor of Craig Saylor, I suggest you all "grin and bear it"





The Wizard of BC makes a kilt for this bear statue every year.

It has an 80" waist! Does he qualify for membership in XMTS" "Gentlemen of Substance" Group?


Back the Museum in a minute...

[The Wizard of BC]

Gee, if your gonna quote me at least get it right. Stewart The Bear's waist comes in at a whopping 84".

Who says a kilt can't be made to make a "Gentleman of Substance" look good?

[Panache]

The Wizard of BC is a docent at the Royal BC Museum and the expert among the museum docents on poles (Steve can explain why they aren't "totem" poles)

Brian (BEEDEE) and I have had the pleasure of hearing Steve's talk on the poles before but we both still enjoyed learning more about "The world's largest lawn flamingos"

Mike (Splash_4) and the lovely Mrs. Splash hadn't and seem to quite enjoy their visit and Steve's talk.

On to the pictures!

Poles on display at the lobby







View from the second story of the museum




Steve and a friend




My favorite of all the Poles (this one looks like he belongs on Easter Island)




I snapped this picture for all the Ladies and Gentlemen of XMTS




Steve and Brian with a fellow childhood peer




Outside the museum discussing the outdoor display of poles



Me and a pole




Pole against the sky near dusk




To be concluded ...

[Panache]

For one usually pretty glib I am having trouble summing up this weekend...

There were so many wonderful things about seeing all these great people again of meeting them (at least in person) for the first time.

I could go on for pages about each of the fine ladies and gentlemen I had the pleasure of sharing this weekend with....

...so mercifully I won't


Needless to say I was amazed at all these wonderful people I have had the very good fortune to come across in my life.

Visiting twice to Victoria this year was wonderful but still not nearly enough time there.

I will say how gratefull I am Hank for creating this crazy amazing place and for Steve for buying it and hitting the ground running!

An overwhelming (in a very good way) time

But the weekend ended and it was time to go home



I hope I can keep the memories of it for the rest of my life

Thanks to everyone who made it such an amazing event!

Cheers

Your Friend

Jamie

ith: :blimp: :ootd:

[Hamish]

Brilliant, Jamie! Just brilliant. Thank you for your fine reportage.

Take care,
Ham.

[Rex_Tremende]

Personally I thought I gave quite the impassioned speech, but alas it fell on deaf ears.

Now, are you sure it wasn't quite the impaired, slurred speech?

Great photolog, Jamie. Really - I wish I could have been there. This is the next best thing.

Regards,
Rex.

[Panache]

I really should mention one thing that Bruce (BruceBC) mentioned about surfing/body surfing during a lovely chat with Brian at the Bengal Lounge at the Empress because it was very well worth repeating and pretty profound.

What he said is that surfing is the ultimate optimistic sport

You wait for a good wave

If a wave proves disappointing you don't worry about it

You just look forward to the next wave

That one might a good one

I think Bruce explained why floating on my boogie board I find myself smiling and happy

...and that is a very good thing!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[sydnie7]

The Wizard of BC is a docent at the Royal BC Museum and the expert among the museum docents on poles (Steve can explain why they aren't "totem" poles) . . .[snip]

Interesting. He might want to share that information with the State of Alaska, in re this website.
[/OT]

Thanks for the photos and reportage, Jamie!