Highland Games: Where You Get Your Kilt On!

 This year was our second pilgrimage to the Highland Games. Honestly, we're really not there for the 'games'...but for the atmosphere, the people, the music, the clans that are dripping with tradition and the love of heritage and motherland. There's a mixture of vibes in the air: gypsy, hippy and tradition. People camp on the mountain from Thursday-Sunday. The tents are wolly-wompus (as far as I can tell) piled on top of eachother- tartan and confederate flags flown with equal pride side by side.

I am- and always have been a people watcher. There is no shortage of sites, people or "what the heck?" moments on Grandfather Mountain during the games. :)  At the end of the day- when all was said and done- everything had been touched, gawked at, tried or tasted- it was the music that is everyone's favorite part of the day.

This man was my fave last year- and this year too. I don't know his name nor his bands name...but he's a high energy performer doing it all: drums, bagpipes, singing and even said he wrote a few songs too.

This picture was taken by Sarah. Don't know this bass players name or band name either...but he was G.O.O.D....as in Maxwell House Good....to the last drop. ;)

A warrior with a soft-heart. He was more than willing to pose with the girls. Jake wouldn't get near him.

One of the clans had their booth set up with the history of their ancestry being that they guarded the Kings Castle and properties. This helmet was on display to let the kids see how the clan dressed during the reign of Kings and Queens. The helmet was suprisingly heavy.

By mid-afternoon- Rebekah was positive that she was a Scottish Lass from the yon heather moors. I kept telling her she would LOVE the Highland Games.....and it didn't take long for her to believe me.  She was given the opportunity to participate in a celtic fiddle workshop while there.

Tartans, tartans and more tartans. I think I dreamed in plaid Saturday night!

The Highland Games: Barbarians Welcome and Celebrated!

Sarah me lass with a Scotland Flag.

We met the neatest vendor. Her name is Syntheia Finklepott. (really, it's her name!) She threads silken fiary hair into your hair....they're really pretty and she said they can last as long as 8 months!

Jakey had quite a day- at the end of the afternoon he caught his second wind and was ready to tackle this rock wall- and his fear of heights. Well, at least he tried to.

Cello at the fiddle workshop

This is the fiddle player (no, really?!) from Mothergrove the Celtic rock band. They are a powerhouse of energy and fun tunes.