Made it back from Maxville, Ontario, home of the North American pipe band competitions, and as good a highland games as you will find anywhere. At the end of the day, with over a 1000 musicians participating in the massed bands, it is truly inspiring. The pipe band championships draw some really great pipes and drums and there is lots of opportunity to OD on bagpipes.
Met up with one xmarks member. Acquired a vintage horse-hair sporran that's about my age (not antique, but getting there).
A great day all around, but hot, almost Texas hot.
Maxville was fantastic. The showers were COLD but the weather and entertainment was hot! I think I heard it was 43 C (109 F) with humidity. A very clean games as well. The grounds folk were seen constantly throughout the day, not only emptying garbage put picking up around the grounds. Even the portapotties were clean and well looked after. Unfortunately I missed most of the Scocha show on Friday but was introduced to Rathkeltair. Those guys put on a terrific show and are well worth a listen. Saw, but didn't speak, to Robert at RKilts as he seemed to be constantly selling something to somebody, though I did manage to check out his wares. He had some lovely sporrans in what I guess would be the Rob Roy style. Beautiful work that left me sorely tempted. My wallet is happy he was so busy whenever I went by!
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