The stone mountain highland games and gathering 2013

[creagdhubh]

I chatted with Jamie Sempill, David Rose and Margaret Elliott and caught a glimpse of Hugh Montgmerie. I didn't catch sight of Andrew Dunrossil, and I don't recall seeing his flag at the SSA tent which was located diagonally across from ours, but that doesn't mean he wasn't in attendance. The crowds were great and the weather was super, especially on Sunday. All in all I'd rate Stone Mountain as streets better than Grandfather
Mountain.

Thanks for the information, Scott.

I have yet to attend the games at Grandfather Mountain, but I have always thought that if I had to pick between going to a Highland games in July versus October, I think the latter would be my preferred choice. I never understood why the majority of Highland games here in America take place during the heat and humidity of the summer months and not during the fall and spring when it's so much cooler and less humid - ideal weather for wool and tweed.

Rest assure, Stephanie and I will be in attendance at Stone Mountain next year. We have made our tentative plans already and were actually quite surprised to learn that it would only be an 8 hour drive for us (due south on I-75 from the greater Cincinnati area). We hope to see you next year, as well as other members of the rabble!

Kind regards,

[ChuckTN]

Thanks for the information, Scott.

I have yet to attend the games at Grandfather Mountain, but I have always thought that if I had to pick between going to a Highland games in July versus October, I think the latter would be my preferred choice. I never understood why the majority of Highland games here in America take place during the heat and humidity of the summer months and not during the fall and spring when it's so much cooler and less humid - ideal weather for wool and tweed.
Kind regards,

The high elevation at MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain contribute to a somewhat more highland experience in some years. This past year, the days were pleasant with occasional showers and the evenings were very cool.

I think many come to this highland games for the camping experience. October would just be too cool for most folks to enjoy the camping. They are expecting a dusting of snow in the higher elevations later this week.

However, this past year, the campers had to endure swampy conditions from all the rain.

[EagleJCS]

I never understood why the majority of Highland games here in America take place during the heat and humidity of the summer months and not during the fall and spring when it's so much cooler and less humid - ideal weather for wool and tweed.

It's probably because the organizers of the summer Games/Festivals believed that more of the general public would be available to attend while their kids were off from school. (Giving the kids something to write about in their 'what I did this summer' essay).

Now that more and more school systems are going to a year-round schedule with longer mid-term breaks (1 or 2 weeks instead of 2-3 days), we may see events calendars changing to accommodate (or take advantage of) this.


OT: I've enjoyed my two visits to the SMHG. Plenty of parking (once you're in) and lots of vendors and things to do/see/hear. The only issue I've had - from a pipe band perspective - is that the bands tune up in the trees (nice, cool, shady), then get out on the competition field (bright, sunny, 5-10 degrees warmer). This can drive the tuning all over the place!

[MacThomas]

BTW what are the main differences (cultural?) between Highland games in and out of Scotland (sorry if this question has already been addressed)?

[creagdhubh]

BTW what are the main differences (cultural?) between Highland games in and out of Scotland (sorry if this question has already been addressed)?

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...cotland-81423/

[McFarkus]

Thanks for the information, Scott.

I have yet to attend the games at Grandfather Mountain, but I have always thought that if I had to pick between going to a Highland games in July versus October, I think the latter would be my preferred choice. I never understood why the majority of Highland games here in America take place during the heat and humidity of the summer months and not during the fall and spring when it's so much cooler and less humid - ideal weather for wool and tweed.

Rest assure, Stephanie and I will be in attendance at Stone Mountain next year. We have made our tentative plans already and were actually quite surprised to learn that it would only be an 8 hour drive for us (due south on I-75 from the greater Cincinnati area). We hope to see you next year, as well as other members of the rabble!

Kind regards,

The highs at Grandfather Mountain this past July ranged from the 60's to low 70's.

[creagdhubh]

The highs at Grandfather Mountain this past July ranged from the 60's to low 70's.

Well now, that sounds delightful! I've always heard that it gets dreadfully hot there during the games. I guess it's all subjective.

[Thomas H]

The Clan Ferguson tent meet up

[Thomas H]

Well now, that sounds delightful! I've always heard that it gets dreadfully hot there during the games. I guess it's all subjective.

Its all that rain at Grand Father - it makes it cooler

[fragor]

Mattie,
Although we haven't met, many thanks for all of the fine pictures that capture the essence SMHG!
May God be with you and your wife as she undergoes treatment at Emory.
Fragor