"Opening Saturday" The clouds were
still cranky that day, having dropped rain onto the assembled gathering off and on for
most of the morning. Still, the enthusiasm of the kilted throng was strong.
You could hear the pipers and drums warming up around MacRae Meadow for the Scots were not
to be denied! Come fair winds or fowl, the 44th Grandfather Mountain Games were going to
unfold. |
"Highland Band" Scots are made of
stern stuff indeed, ignoring the mist and gloom the band being to play. And shortly
after they did... the sun peered through the clouds, maybe just to see what was going on?
And who could blame him if he did, for the drums rolling off the surrounding
mountain sides and the sound of the pipes stirred the very soul. |
"Clan Carmichael" A couple of well turned
out lads, who like many that manned their clan's tent were enthusiastic about their
Scottish Heritage. |
"Clan Couples" One of the visual treats of the
games were the number of Scots turned out in their clan tartans. A wholesome
family oriented gathering, the games gave many the opportunity to discover the arts and
culture from whence you came. |
"ClanRoad" Spreading around the meadow in
a great circle were the Clan Tents. What an adventure to view the proud
tartans, motto's and coat of arms of the individual clans and their septs. As you
met with your kinsmen and delved into their history, it was amazing at how easy the
converstation flowed, as if you had know them all your life. |
"ClanTents" Oh the stories told and tales
remembered as the clan reunited once again. These gentleman seem to be having a grand time
indeed. |
"GrandFather" Here are the games at their height
on Saturday. As you can see the weather is as capricious as ever. Grandfather
Mountain rises in the background over the meadow. You can almost make out the mile
high suspension bridge stretching from peak to peak. |
"Pipers" These fine gentlemen took time to let me make this
picture. Their handsome attire was only exceeded by their pleasant manner and gift with
the pipes. |
"Scottish Gentleman" A fine as example of a genteel Scotsman as you
could ask for. We had a grand little chat about his recent trip back to the highlands. |
"Hay Toss". One of the traditional
Scottish competitions, calling for some tremendous strength to send a bale flying high in
the air. |
"Wrestlers" This was as we say: "the Real
Deal". No gimmicks, no scripts. All a contestant could wear was a kilt
and the only cushion was mother earth. When these powerful lads hit the
ground, the mountain shook. |
"Shotput" I am not sure that "shot put" is
the proper terminology as it looked and weighed more like a cannon ball to me. |
"MarathonRunner" One of the runners in this
grueling contest coming down to the finish line. This race is ranked as one of the
toughest. Not only is there the distance involved but it's straight up the mountain side! |
"Dancers" After their competition, this
band of lass's received their
awards. |
"WeePiper" This brave young lad hung in there
with the big lads through out the entire routine, even though his kilt almost didn't.
|
"Lass" And while there was many a dashing male,
sporting his kilt,
there were a number of bonny ladies as well. As usual, their dress was more varied
and individualized than their male counterparts. |
"BandMaster" A candid shot of the master of the
band, Lt. Col. (retired) Franz David Cone. He serves as the Games Commissioner, Piper
& Historian for Clan Campbell Society (NA). |
"SevenNations" With a fusion of Celtic and Rock
music, this band was quiet the draw. They performed under a tent nestled at the bottom of
a natural bowl where they worked their magic. I had not heard them before but when
the pipes starting blowing the audience came to their feet and when the fiddle player let
loose they started swaying, but then he cut loose with a devil of a jig, burning that
fiddle up all the while and the crowd roared and the energy never stopped. It was a
sight to see, little ones in diaper's and elder's leaning on canes...all mesmerized with
songs that cut the age gap to a pile of sawdust. |
"ExitGate" Bidding farewell to Saturdays'
Festivities. A half hour
later, Thor and his Hammer let loose another storm. |
"The Craigs" The photographer and his wife
aboard the Norwegian Tall Ship "Sorlandet" Questions and comments
can be sent to:
craigclan@macconnect.com |
"Spectators" My lovely wife and sister waiting
for the band. |
A member of the Kennedy clan |
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