Kilted Carolina Vacation

**Ryan Ross** · 17th July 10, 11:29 AM

Ah, looks like you met Hana at the Rath, and I'm glad to hear that Belhaven is still on tap there!

...hopefully it still will be next week, when I get up there. ;)

**BoldHighlander** · 17th July 10, 04:07 PM

Another wonderful set of photos Ern!

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

A trip to STM is a necessity to those in love with kilt and tartan!

On my "must do/see" list one day!
I have a number of ancestors from North Carolina (including Cherokee), and I've always wanted to visit the region.

Thanks for sharing your trip!

**gordontaos** · 17th July 10, 04:48 PM

Very informative!
I especially enjoyed seeing the MacDuff kilt.

**Kiltman** · 17th July 10, 08:16 PM

Thanks for taking me along on the trip by way of the photographs.

**Mael Coluim** · 23rd July 10, 08:07 PM

Work has a way of interrupting life. I now resume the rest of my story.
Piperdbh, (David Hensley) when learning I would be in the area invited to hike with him to see a gorgeous waterfall. An offer not to turn down. I was also anxious to meet David as we had corresponded through XMarks for a couple of years, now.

Conveniently, meeting David at the local Walmart in Marion, we headed for the mountain. On another thread, about this upcoming trip, when I wonder what kilts to pack, David has responded a Carolina tartan kilt. Well, I don’t have that one in my wardrobe, but I do have a Caledonia tartan, which is a USAK casual kilt a perfect choice for hiking. So, I wore it for this hike.

It wasn’t a far hike from the trail head to the falls.

**Mael Coluim** · 23rd July 10, 08:09 PM

David cools off in the water!

The flower of this tree has a sticky substance for trapping insects. Or in David’s case sticking on your ears as the mountain girls would do!

Nearby is an abandoned mica mine.

Afterwards, David took me for a tour of Marion. I think David must be associated with the local Chamber of Commerce. I was so impressed with Marion due to David’s tour I decided to re-locate my business to Marion. But then I realized, I don’t have a business! Thanks, David for the great hike and tour!

**Mael Coluim** · 23rd July 10, 08:53 PM

After lunch with David, I got my provisions for camping out the next four days on Grandfather’s Mountain.
A quick trip from Marion, I was soon there and make camp with the Gordons.

The next day, I hiked Grandfather’s Mountain.

I decided, again to wear my Caledonia tartan USAK casual. A winner for hiking and admiring glances from the ladies.
I don’t think I’ve been asked what tartan is that from so many ladies!