Scenes from Grandfather Mountain

**Cynthia** · 13th July 09, 08:16 AM

Wonderful photos, thanks so much for sharing them! I really enjoyed the mist/bridge photos. Best wishes!

**Zardoz** · 13th July 09, 09:46 AM

Awesome photos Rex! That really looks like an fun event, I need to attend it next year.

**Macman** · 13th July 09, 09:57 AM

Thanks for posting all the pictures, and for the commentary, Rex. It looks like you had a great weekend.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 13th July 09, 10:00 AM

My original Grandfather Mountain pic thread has been removed, as it went rapidly off topic, but the mods have given permission to post my original post here.

My wife and I were at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games on Friday, just for a day trip. Saw lots of X Markers there, but most of them will be in attendance the whole weekend, so I suspect I'll be the first one to have opportunity to post pics. Please add to this thread with your pics when you can!

First, the traditional gathering of X Markers:

My wife and myself:

The Scottish Tartans Museum info tent:

A gathering of the minds:

On the far left is Dr. Phil Smith, author of the popular Tartan for Me! reference, as well as other works on tartan. His wife, Shirley, is in the background. To the right is Brian Wilton, director of the Scottish Tartans Authority, who was one of the dinstinguished guests of the Games this year. With him is Henry Scott, of Clan Scott (and also Purple Heather Pottery, which we carry in our gift shop for those who have seen it). Henry was serving as Brian's "bodyguard" for the weekend.

Brian Wilton again:

A young male Highland Dancer:

I am always excited to see young men involved in Highland Dance. It was traditionally a male activity, though it is mostly young ladies involved these days.

This gentleman was wearing a familiar looking t-shirt:

He had purchased it from our own gift shop!

One couldn't help but notice this car parked by one of the vendors:

Yes, "instakilt" was there, though I only saw one man wearing one.

Finally, the namesake of the Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain itself:

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**Zardoz** · 13th July 09, 10:05 AM

Question for those that attend Grandfather Mountain, Obviously it was a bit damp this year, but what is the average weather and temps like at that event?

**Bugbear** · 13th July 09, 06:23 PM

That's neat that the person who designed your tartan, Rex, was there at the same games as you.

**piperdbh** · 13th July 09, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Question for those that attend Grandfather Mountain, Obviously it was a bit damp this year, but what is the average weather and temps like at that event?

The short answer is, the average is whatever the weather is for that day.

The long answer is: Last year it was hot (85-90F) and sunny, and crowded. This year was cooler (70s) and more like what it is supposed to be. I've seen snow on Grandfather in April when it was in the mid 60s just a few hundred feet down in elevation, and rain can blow up the side of the mountain at any time. If you go to Grandfather, it's wise to pack for warm, cool, dry and wet weather, and various combinations thereof. It can get quite cool (40-50s) at night, too.
It was really nice on Sunday to feel the cool air, but not so nice back at my house a couple of thousand feet down where it was 20 degrees warmer.
If you want more detailed weather stats, Google Linville or Boone, NC weather.
I hope this helps.

**Highlander31** · 14th July 09, 02:23 AM

Great photos. Looks like a great time.

**MacMoose** · 14th July 09, 11:46 AM

W00t! I made the pics...That is me, skulking in the background at the auction, tan colored t-shirt, dark brown hair and beard.

Chris, your piping was great, btw...

**turpin** · 14th July 09, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

The short answer is, the average is whatever the weather is for that day.

The long answer is: Last year it was hot (85-90F) and sunny, and crowded. This year was cooler (70s) and more like what it is supposed to be. I've seen snow on Grandfather in April when it was in the mid 60s just a few hundred feet down in elevation, and rain can blow up the side of the mountain at any time. If you go to Grandfather, it's wise to pack for warm, cool, dry and wet weather, and various combinations thereof. It can get quite cool (40-50s) at night, too.
It was really nice on Sunday to feel the cool air, but not so nice back at my house a couple of thousand feet down where it was 20 degrees warmer.
If you want more detailed weather stats, Google Linville or Boone, NC weather.
I hope this helps.

Don't know which Grandfather Mt. you went to last year, but it rained every day except during the actual Saturday games. The opening ceremony was a washout, and the games ended early on Sunday due to predicted storms. That said, it was a grand week and brought me back again this year. for me the camping camaraderie and community on the mountain is over 50% of the enjoyment.

And yes, pack for hot/cold/wet/dry weather, because that is what you will get. If you don't like the weatehr there, wait 5 minutes or drive 5 miles.