Highland Games

The Gnu Herd traveled to the mountains for a quick vacation. It was good to take time off from work. I still had class assignments to do, so it was a working vacation, sort of. Still, The Skating Gnu and I managed to find some free time to go take in the sights at the annual Highland Games taking place down the road.

A good time was had by all, and The Skating Gnu even got a quick lesson in playing the bagpipes from a pipes master visiting from Aberdeen, Scotland. Might just have to invest in a pair of those myself, one day. Can you imagine yours truly, kilt-clad piping away in the backyard? According to Scottish Tradition, the bagpipes are supposed to only be played outdoors - the more likely reality is that the poor piper's wife threw him out of the house to go play somewhere else! Still, in the hands of an expert, there is a haunting beauty to the sounds echoing across the Glen...

Some pictures below for you. Click on the thumbnails to see them full-size:

Grandfather Mountain


Musical Guest Performer Colin Grant-Adams


Piping Competition


Wee Lassies in Scottish Dancing Competition


Tossing the Caber (click on the picture for a larger view!)


All pictures (c) 2008 The Smoking Gnu
All rights reserved