Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

**smaughazard** · 9th July 06, 11:21 AM

Debby and I started up to Grandfather yesterday morning, and had the day somewhat marred when we hit two deer on US321! They leaped right out in front of us, and we hit both simultaneously. Lots of damage to the front of the vehicle, but we decided not to let it ruin the day.

I met Mark Simmons at the Clan Fraser tent and left the XMarks sign-up sheet there (only three of us total for the day, and I never did find Scottish Chi). We spent most of the day at the music venues.

Here are some pics: Grandfather Mountain pictures

**Tartan Hiker** · 9th July 06, 03:49 PM

Great pics...sure wish I could have made it.

Next time you get bumper venison, give me a call.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 9th July 06, 06:10 PM

I have to make Grandfather next year. Those are some awesome pics, especialy of Albannach! What did you think of them? Did you get a chance to talk with the band? They are a great bunch!

**GMan** · 9th July 06, 06:12 PM

Bummer about the start of the day, but it looks like you had a good time anyway.

Grandfather is on my list of needing to attend.

**smaughazard** · 9th July 06, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

I have to make Grandfather next year. Those are some awesome pics, especialy of Albannach! What did you think of them? Did you get a chance to talk with the band? They are a great bunch!

I talked to several of the Albannach members (this was the first time I'd seen them since last October, or, as Jamesie said, "right before the sh*t hit the fan"), and talked them into performing the old Matt McGinn song "Grigaloo." Had a hard time understanding Davey as we talked in the crowd during the concert Saturday night as the Kildares are loud. They will be back in NC this October for the Carolina Celtic Jam at VanHoy Farm in Union Grove- it's a great place to see them as it's not so crowded and they have time to socialize.

I also spent time talking to Ed Miller (who did a request, "Ferry Me Over"), members of MacTalla Mór, Jeff and Dave from Gael Warning, Jamie Laval, and Jeff from the Ric Blair Band.

**Scottish Chi** · 9th July 06, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

I met Mark Simmons at the Clan Fraser tent and left the XMarks sign-up sheet there (only three of us total for the day, and I never did find Scottish Chi). We spent most of the day at the music venues.

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We just pulled into the drive about 15 minutes ago. We decided to leave about 3:30 and got in about 12:30am. Pretty tired from the long drive after a great time. Sorry I missed you. I signed up at the Fraser tent and went by a couple of other times but my timing was poor. I was hoping that folks were going to meet at the BBQ as suggested but no one showed. I did get a chance to meet Macmoose and Kiltedmusiclover while I was there. It's nice to have a face to put with a name. My wife and I camped from Wednesday until Sunday afternoon and had a great time. We usually try to find a site away from the crowd but that is not possible there. What we did find was a friendly and courtious group of campers. It was one of the best camping experiences we have had so we are already making plans for next year.
Right now I got to get some sleep.

Cheers! Bill

**smaughazard** · 9th July 06, 11:43 PM

Sorry I missed you Saturday, Bill. My wife and I caught the last shuttle to the parking lot in Linville- and we didn't get back to the meadow until about 5:45. I kept looking for the frog kilt pin!

**Big Paul** · 10th July 06, 05:29 AM

Very nice pics! I like the 12th pic! The drummer on the right is so into it he is in mid-air!!

**smaughazard** · 10th July 06, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Big Paul

Very nice pics! I like the 12th pic! The drummer on the right is so into it he is in mid-air!!

Aye, that's Jamesie- I don't think he could play if you made him stand still! I talked with him several times during the day; the band is pretty heavily booked through the fall, but he said that they are going to try to get back into the studio in late November to record the next CD. I've never heard (or seen!) a higher-energy group- Donnie is the only one who ever stands still (I guess it would be really hard to bounce around while playing the pipes that fast!), and Ed Miller, who followed them on the stage, commented that there were so many drops of perspiration that it looked like it had been raining!