Eben and I had given Micah a list of things we'd like to do while in Scotland. On that list was to see a true highland games and more specifically, the caber toss. Most of the highland games take place in August, so like seeing the puffins, I didn't think this would happen. As luck would have it though, when we were driving from Aberfeldy to Nethybridge we noticed a sign for the Pitlochry highland games happening that day. We hopped off the A9 and parked just outside of town. Now you must know that Eben and I have been pretty much the luckiest tourist to ever hit Scotland.
We walked into town and litterally the moment we reached the sidewalk of the main street a parade of 20 pipe bands began their march into the games.
Some bands were a bit more serious in their costumes than others.
These sporans belonged to the pipe band from St. Andrews, and they were my favorite with the thissle on them.
We followed the bands through town to the games where I got to see the caber toss. I always thought that the toss was for distance like the other heavy events, but in actuality it is for accuracy. What he must do is toss the huge log such that it goes end over end and lands with the end which he was holding pointing directly away from him ideally in the twelve o'clock position. The angle at which the caber points determines how successful the toss was.
After seeing several heavy events, some dancing, foot races (which the public is welcome to join in), and some piping competitions, we were on our way to Blair Castle in Blair Atholl. Also on the to do list was to see the inside of a castle. This one is home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. We toured 30 rooms with lots of antique furiture, dishes, weapons, and dead animal heads most of which were older than our country.
The gounds were quite impressive as well with woodland paths and gardens.
I've already shared the hairy cows and the stag but here he is again with his ladies.
We walked into town and litterally the moment we reached the sidewalk of the main street a parade of 20 pipe bands began their march into the games.
Some bands were a bit more serious in their costumes than others.
These sporans belonged to the pipe band from St. Andrews, and they were my favorite with the thissle on them.
We followed the bands through town to the games where I got to see the caber toss. I always thought that the toss was for distance like the other heavy events, but in actuality it is for accuracy. What he must do is toss the huge log such that it goes end over end and lands with the end which he was holding pointing directly away from him ideally in the twelve o'clock position. The angle at which the caber points determines how successful the toss was.
After seeing several heavy events, some dancing, foot races (which the public is welcome to join in), and some piping competitions, we were on our way to Blair Castle in Blair Atholl. Also on the to do list was to see the inside of a castle. This one is home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. We toured 30 rooms with lots of antique furiture, dishes, weapons, and dead animal heads most of which were older than our country.
The gounds were quite impressive as well with woodland paths and gardens.
I've already shared the hairy cows and the stag but here he is again with his ladies.
1 comment:
Hey guys,
Did you know the folks from your Castle Atholl are responsible for the name of the town where the Rat race starts. Orange is also named after a Scottish Duke.
You guys are on your way home now. I can't wait to hear about all your happy times. Thanks so much for keeping us in touch with your adventures.
love, Candy
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