When one thinks of Scottish sports, one thinks of the caber toss. One must toss a tree
trunk in such a way that it lands on its other end and flips over. It appears that successive rounds use different cabers - they are lined up on the sidelines and dragged out to the field when needed.
Feel that caber.
Lift!
Toss! Then seek medical attention.
Too much for me, though I would have particpated in the caper toss if it was offered.
Other sports included a hammer toss, as well as a stone throw. Here's a stone (lower right) that's just been thrown.
Sporting events were not the only events judged. Individual bagpipers were judged, as well as dancers. In the words of Weird Al Yankovic "But if I finish all of my chores and you finish thine Then tonight we're gonna party like it's 1699"
Animals were featured as well. These Shetland sheep were featured at a stall that offered hand woven
wool things. Cattle are in the pen behind.
This young girl was leading around a bonsai horse.
Birds were shown as well. Here's a hawk.
There were lots of stalls where one could buy clothing, armaments, books, CDs and food.
For lunch I had a Cornish Pastie (no, that is not lingerie - I was surprised) and
a cup of Lindsay's 80 Shilling ale (did I mention that Schlafly was a sponsor?). The 80
Shilling ale was only $3, which seems like a bargain with the current exchange rate. You bought $1 tickets at the
table on the left, and turned in as many as required at the table at the right in exchange for alcohol. The ale came out of the rightmost tap on the side of the truck. I'm not
used to walking up to a truck driver and asking them what they have on tap. A new meaning to drinking and driving I guess.
Kids had a special area to play in. Yes, that's Nessie.
Live singers were featured, though the singers weren't singing when I was around. The
Boatrights:
Various instrumental bands were playing though. These are playing Scotland the Brave. Can't you tell?
Another band, another song.
I thought the Scots hated the British, but I guess they like their cars. Here's one:
Here's another. I want this one. Note the bagpiper in the background - his playing was being judged at that table.
The MG was open for inspection. Stylish. Snoopy likes it too.
In the early afternoon there was a parade of about 30 clans, led by a band that, yet again, played
Scotland the Brave.
The clans lined up in alphabetical order, though some were not well-represented. Here's Clan Bruce. Or maybe just Bruce, of a clan.
More clans. The dude with the gloves and sword looks like he is right out of LotR.
The blue and yellow flag was of Clan MacDougal. It was about 175 years ago when my family
married Louisa MacDougal, daughter of Alexander MacDougal (born on a boat to the US from
Scotland), but that's my claim to be Scottish.
Speaking of Scotland, the day couldn't have been more representative. Grey skies and
recent rain had turned the park into a marsh. Straw was spread over the worst areas.
Honestly, I was trying to figure out whether it was a dagger or something else in this
guy's sock by taking a picture of it, but make up your own caption.
This reporter appeared as I was about to leave. It took her at least 6 takes before she
was able to say anything - here's one of her screw ups when she started to crack up, then
bent over and started laughing hysterically. When she finally did say something, I couldn't hear her clearly
but it sounded like Spanish. Hmm.
