Grandfather Mountain 2012

**rlloyd** · 19th December 11, 09:22 AM

The 57th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held July 12-15, 2012.

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

The Rabble will convene at High Noon near the Scottish Tartans Museum Tent (not to close to allow the public to visit the tent freely), Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At 10 minutes past the noon hour the official Rabble of XMarks the Scot Meet Up photograph will be taken. Arrive early to chat and practice "The Hamish"!

**TxScotsman** · 19th December 11, 09:48 AM

I would love to make it to this one. It would be my first big games. Plus my clan president is a fixture.

**Thomas H** · 19th December 11, 09:52 AM

Looking Forward to it as I have never been , Clan Ferguson is having there AGM there this year as well

**turpin** · 19th December 11, 11:10 AM

Tarps. Big ones. Lots of rope and bungee cords to hold them up.

The camping experience at Grandfather is a huge part of why I go. Try to arrive Wednesday if possible, because you'll have a better site selection and can spread out a bit more. Late arrivals take the fill-in spots. If you play an instrument bring it. There is always a chance for a session.

Try to arrive by noon. It often rains late in the afternoon and it's no fun to set up in the rain.

**Avonlea22** · 13th February 12, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by turpin

The camping experience at Grandfather is a huge part of why I go. Try to arrive Wednesday if possible, because you'll have a better site selection and can spread out a bit more. .

Looking at the camping registration form, it states campers can start setting up at noon on FRIDAY. Is this right?

Looks like the wife and I will be able to make it this year, and we're planning on doing the camping thing. It's been over 20 years since I've camped, so this will be quite the experience. I'm hoping to bring an air mattress, but have concerns with getting electricity to inflate it. Would a couple of 100' extension cords work?

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th February 12, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Avonlea22

Looking at the camping registration form, it states campers can start setting up at noon on FRIDAY. Is this right?

Check the dates. That's probably Friday of the week before the games.

**Mael Coluim** · 13th February 12, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Avonlea22

Looks like the wife and I will be able to make it this year, and we're planning on doing the camping thing. It's been over 20 years since I've camped, so this will be quite the experience. I'm hoping to bring an air mattress, but have concerns with getting electricity to inflate it. Would a couple of 100' extension cords work?

Only if you could find a source of electricity then it really doesn't matter how many feet you have, just take the mattress and puimp to it.

But that's why I use an air pump that runs on batteries.

**Pyper** · 14th February 12, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Avonlea22

Would a couple of 100' extension cords work?

The campground has two sides. One side is literally the side of a mountain and there is little electric (and very little "flat"). This is the "non-curfew" side. I always camp on the "curfew" side. It's not flat either, but not as sloped as the other side...Anyway, I don't think I've ever needed more than a single 50' cord. Actually I guess both sides have curfew now, but if you call them that everyone knows what you mean.

Bring clothing for all four seasons. It hasn't been cold the last few years, so it's about time. I have one prediction that is guaranteed to come true: It will Rain. Hard. At least once. Keep that in mind as you set up your tent.

Some random observations:

They sell ice in the campground.
It's really crowded. They will fill every open space with a campsite.
Nearly everyone is nice and will go out of their way to help you.
It's really crowded by Thursday afternoon. If you can go earlier in the week and if you like camping, then go.
There's a grocery store on the county line called Lowe's. It's in the next county because Avery county is dry (means literally that you cannot buy, has nothing to do with what you consume).
You won't be able to take your car out of the camping parking lot after Thursday morning (lest you lose your spot).
The games venue is a fair hike from the campground. Bring light folding chairs to take over.
It's going to rain (thought I'd mention that again).
They sell firewood.
An ice storm ruined the tree canopy two years back, so the campground is a lot warmer than it used to be. Bring shade. Or meet new friends who have some. ;-)
Register in advance because they sell out.
"Curfew" means you can't be really loud
If you camp on the "downhill" side of the main road (where the tents are, and the RV's are not, then you might want to hook up with one of the Saturday evening pot-luck dinners. If you're camping near us, then you're invited to ours. Even if you're not near us you're invited.
My popup has a vintage pinup girl graphic on it. She has a set of bagpipes. Can't miss it if I get the same spot 'cause it was right on the path.
When you leave the mountain, you will continue to hear bagpipes in your head, at least half way down.
You can sleep when you get home.

If I left anything out, just ask

**rlloyd** · 19th December 11, 11:46 AM

Odd that the GMHG website should go down shortly after posting this topic. Information coming about the 2012 games, maybe? One can only hope.

**rlloyd** · 20th December 11, 08:47 PM

So tonight at a Christmas party, I won a door prize which consisted of a tent and other various camping supplies. I guess that's a sign I should plan on camping for the games!