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In Which Two Goddess Readers Go ‘Native’ At The Highland Games . . .

Aug 1st 2007Karen Hawkins
Karen HawkinsGoddess Readers Speak Out

josephw.gifTwo of our talented and lovely Goddess Readers, Gannon and Kim, recently had an adventure that we asked them to share, namely the GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES.

For your delectation, they have listed The Top Seven Reasons to Attend Next Year’s Highland Games:

GANNON: #7 Men in Kilts! — It goes without saying that the opportunity to see hundreds of men in kilts should not be passed by! Of course, some of them may not be as ideal as Liam Neeson in Rob Roy (*sigh*), but you do have the opportunity to discover exactly what those men wear beneath those kilts. Never fear, the wind is always blowing on the mountain!

cabertoss1.gifKIM: #6 Men in Kilts with big logs! (aka caber toss) I witnessed many men in kilts trying to pick up these HUGE logs…some succeeded, some did not, although it was very entertaining! There was also the hammer toss, the sheaf toss, and wrestling too! And let me tell you…it’s always more fun to watch men do these things in kilts than in regular clothing!

GANNON: #5 Music, music, music! Whatever your taste, you’ll find something at the games; folk music, Celtic Rock, Tribal Drumming by those yummy Scots from Albannach, Celtic Fiddling by fellow reader goddess, Kim (she rocks!), and traditional drumming and piping. There’s nothing like hearing Amazing Grace played by dozens of pipers. Gives you chills and brings a tear to your eye!

KIM: #4 Not just music, but Awesome Music! At the Games, there are three groves that are designated just for music, and they each offer several different bands to listen to! There’s Celtic Rock, more Celtic Rock, Tribal Drumming, Traditional Folksongs, and so much more that it’s hard to remember all the groups! Also you can hear traditional pipes and drums all day, every day of the games!

GANNON: #3 Food, Glorious Food! if you like to eat, like me and my family, there is food galore: fresh scones with strawberries and cream, gigantic fudge cakes, turkey legs a la Henry VIII, funnel cakes, and any other highly caloric food you can imagine. Wearing an elastic waist kilt is highly recommended!

KIM: #2 Seeing Old Friends and Making New Ones! This year, I was able to see a lot of people from past years, some from other bands. We got together each evening and drank and played some great music! It was also great to see the guys and Jacquie from Albannach! One of the best parts is meeting new people and this year I got to meet my fellow goddess, Gannon, and her wonderful family in person!

AND THE #1 REASON TO ATTEND THE GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES —- (drum roll, please!)

2005_13.jpgGANNON AND KIM: #1 Did we already mention MEN IN KILTS?!! We should provide one wee warning: Since men don’t know how to sit in skirts, be prepared to get an anatomy lesson!

So? Are you coming? What do you think about seeing real, live men in kilts with big logs? Be sure to thank our lovely Goddess Readers, Gannon and Kim, for sharing their stories!

47 Comments »

47 Responses to “In Which Two Goddess Readers Go ‘Native’ At The Highland Games . . .”

  1. Karen Hawkins on 01 Aug 2007 at 11:00 pm #

    Thank you, Gannon and Kim! You have gone above and beyond Goddess Duty putting this together — you guys ROCK!

    This is on my calendar and I CAN’T WAIT!

  2. TinaLouiseF on 02 Aug 2007 at 2:36 am #

    Sounds like something I would very much like to see.

    I just finished Suzanne’s new book. Great stories.

    I’ll start Rachel’s new book after work.

  3. Stacy ~ on 02 Aug 2007 at 5:52 am #

    How fun! I loooove me a Scottish accent, just gives me tingles. I love the idea of these strong men exhibiting their talent (and their muscles) in the various challenges and competitions. And I love the music, too. Sounds like a grand time.

  4. pri.r. on 02 Aug 2007 at 6:59 am #

    TinaLouiseF i envy the fact that you have BOTH Suzanne and Rachel’s new books!!… was rachel’s good?? because i was practically drooling while reading the blurb!
    and i really want to go the the highland games..but i thought it had already been when everyone was at that RWA conference thingy…..perhaps pri is mistaken…anyway too bad the games aren’t on in a different continent like Australia, completely devoid of any hot men entertainment!

  5. Karen Rose on 02 Aug 2007 at 7:14 am #

    Kim and Gannon - CONGRATS on a very cool blog. Men in kilts rule the day! I’m wondering some practical things:

    1) Do they have EMS personnel ready at the caber toss? I’m imagining some men in kilts have stronger hearts and/or backs than others.

    2) Do they sell kilts to bring home to the hubby? DH has himself a nice pair of calves! He’d wear a kilt to school - with proper undergarments of course - and call it a teaching tool.

    3) Is there a soundtrack of Kim’s band playing? If so, where can we get our hands on it?

    4) When is it next year? My calendar’s fillin’ up, girls.

  6. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 7:46 am #

    What a trip it is to see my words, and my fellow reader goddess, Kim’s, here on this blog! Ladies, the Games are too much fun and must be seen in person at least once!

    Karen Rose, I do believe they have EMS personnel standing by, in case tossing the caber is too much for some of those guys.

    Yes, they have kilts for sale! It would be a great gift for your hubby. What does he teach at school? History?

    The band that Kim plays with is the Ric Blair band and they do sell CD’s online. Go to http://www.blairband.com

    Next year the Games will be held July 10-13. I hope to see many Goddesses in attendance. I will be there–since I live right here–checking out more men in kilts! :D

    Karen H., thanks for asking us to write this blog. It was a blast! See you at the Games!

  7. cail on 02 Aug 2007 at 7:59 am #

    oh, i LOVE the highland games! haven’t been in years though. i have a few friends who own kilts. sadly they don’t go ‘au naturale’

    i’ll totally be checking out Kim’s band- Thanks for the link gannon!

  8. Karen Hawkins on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:12 am #

    Karen R, I bet your hubby would LOVE to use a kilt while teaching! I gotta meet this man; he sounds like a card. :)

    Gannon, thanks for the links! I’ve got to get a cd of that. I looooove Scottish music!

    Cail, I plan on going next year and starting my own competition. It’s going to be called “Kilt Flicking.” The contestants pick a spot along various highly used pathways at the games, plop themselves in a nice camp chair, arm themselves with a broom handle, and flick kilts as they go by.

    For every ‘au naturale,’ the flicker gets 2 points, for every ‘non-au naturale but with good thighs,’ the flicker gets 1 point. I plan on being the Kilt Flicker Champion, too! Maybe, if you come, we can go in as a team. One of us can be a Kilt Spotter and the other the Kilt Flicker. Whaddya say?

    Oooooh! I think it would be such fun!!!

  9. Ellen on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:12 am #

    I am blessed. There is Scottish Blood on my husband’s side of the family…that and great calves. Recently our cousin had a wedding where all the men came in Kilts. They went so far as to research the plaids they should all be wearing.

    You haven’t lived until you see grown men in kilts doing the Electric Slide!

    Thank you Kim and Gannon for going above and beyond for your fellow Gees.
    Ellen

  10. Ellen on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:20 am #

    And Karen…I am starting intensive training today to qualify for the 2009 Kilt Flicker Team. I good with broom sticks and have a very good sense about which men will be ‘au naturale.’

    Unfortunately, it’s usually the ones with bellies so big you understand ‘ugh naturale’ and get tempted to forfeit points to avoid retina scarring.

  11. Nicole Jordan on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:31 am #

    Oh, this is sooo cool to see some of our fellow goddesses blogging! Loved the details… almost felt like was there with you. And I feel like I “know” you now.

    I went to the Atlanta H games many years ago when I was researching one of my Scottish historicals. Got to talk to the MacLean clan and buy a book that had great info about their family history. It was wonderfully instructive.

    And one of my fave things was watching the sheepdogs herd geese since they didn’t have any sheep to work with. What a hoot.

    I sure wish I could hear Kim play. I’ll have to go check out the link to your band, Kim.

    Thanks, ladies, for a great blog!

    NicoleJ

  12. Julia London on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:36 am #

    I have a question, Gannon and Kim….did you see any men in kilts?

    Okay, tell the truth: Were they the spindly-leg guys in kilts, or were they MEN in kilts?

    Great blog! How cool that you guys got to meet. I feel like we made something beautiful happen on Mt. Olympus (*sniff*)

  13. Darla on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:37 am #

    Thanks Ladies….absoutley loved your post! I would so love to go, Celtic music is a fav of mine to listen to…then I think I’d give you some competition for the Kilt Flicker champ! LOL

  14. Susan K on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:41 am #

    oooh, this sounds like fun. I may have to look into going sometime myself. With my best friend of course. She does have a thing for men in kilts. Doubt she could get her hubby in one though.

    OT - I hope any goddess bloggers and their families in the Minneapolis area are safe. My prayers are with the victims and their families from this tragic accident. We are still waiting to hear from my Uncle.

  15. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:46 am #

    Karen and Ellen, please save a spot for me on the Kilt Flicking team! There will be some worthy “flickees”, but alas, there may be those who “scar your retinas”, as Ellen said. :D Ellen, I would love to have seen those men in kilts doing the Electric Slide! ;)

    Julia, there were MEN in kilts–truly excellent legs!–and there were others you wished would just put on some pants to spare you the sight!

    It was truly a delight to meet Kim! When I went up to her after her band finished playing, she was so surprised. She wasn’t sure if I would be there. Hopefully next year, Mt. Olympus and the Highlands will combine. Now, that would be one rockin’ party!

  16. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:48 am #

    Susan K, I will keep your uncle in my prayers!

  17. Susan K on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:03 am #

    Thanks, gannon. We have no reason to believe he was anywhere near it and I’m sure he’s fine but nobody in my family has let my mom and I know either way. We’re hoping no news is good news!

    Where are the Highland Games held?

  18. DebMarlowe on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:05 am #

    The Goddesses descend on Grandfather Mountain! Sounds like a plan, ladies!

    I’ve always wanted to go to those Games, now I have a great excuse!

  19. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:55 am #

    Thanks guys! We had a fabulous time!

    Karen Rose:
    1)yes, they had EMS…they were not very good looking though and they WERE NOT in kilts…it was sad, really.

    2)They sell so many kinds of kilts it’s not funny…the utilikilt is my fave…but beware–kilts are expensive!!

    3)check out the http://www.blairband.com and go to the celtc sessions disc..I’m on track 8 (there is an mp3).
    also, you can look at my website (shameless plug..but I dont’ think I put any music up!)..it’s http://www.kimberlyhaller.com

    4)gannon probably knows when next year is more than I do!!

  20. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:59 am #

    Julia L….YES…I really did see some good MEN in kilts. Yes, there were also chicken-leg guys…but there were definitely some mmm mmm yummy ones!

    fun/not so fun moment….we were playing in Grove 2 where the stage is up against a huge rock and it’s lower than the seating–people slant up a hillside…and can I just tell you, men REALLY don’t know how to sit in kilts?? I saw more there than I ever have…sometimes it’s not so yummy!

  21. Julia London on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:11 am #

    Hahahahaaa, Kim! That’s hilarious. They’d probably turn three shades of red if they knew you were getting an eyeful.

  22. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:20 am #

    hehe..probably Julia! I just tried not to look that way again!

    I had a great time meeting Gannon too–she’s so sweet! And her family is adorable! We hung out for a bit at the merch tables and got some good pics with Albannach…those boys are yummy in kilts!

  23. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:23 am #

    Nicole,

    I think I’ll be at the Atlanta games in October (Stone Mountain Highland Games) but I may be there as a spectator and if I play, it’ll be sitting in with a band called Henri’s Notions….I’m really looking forward to that!

    Anybody here in Raleigh-Durham, NC?? (that’s where I’ll be this weekend) It’s so much fun meeting other fellow goddesses!

  24. zambonigirl on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:32 am #

    When I went to Scotland, I was in love with every man in a kilt. I didn’t care how old or young, tall or short, fat or slim. I loved them all. I will be there if I possibly can, but the goddesses will have to keep me from losing my heart! I LOVE a man in a kilt!

    We have highland games in California, too. I saw a guy in a kilt at the Starbucks a few years ago. I fell in love.

  25. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:47 am #

    Susan K, the Games are held on Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC, in the northwest corner of the state.

    Kim, LOL, that’s so funny about your “up close and far too personal” view of the men in kilts. If they only knew….

    Ladies, if I was more technologically saavy, I’d attach a picture of those yummy boys from Albannach–I have a great pic of Kim, two of my kids, and me with them. Oh well, you’ll just have to come see them in person. Or send me your e-mail address and I’ll give you a preview! :)

  26. Kay on 02 Aug 2007 at 11:11 am #

    Minneapolis person here. Thanks for everyone’s concern. Dh was working at the scene until after midnight. Neighbor, on water patrol, is out diving for bodies now. You can’t believe what a mess this is. This is THE main N/S hwy through the city. I used to drive that bridge daily.

    This disaster was handled so well by all of the professionals. WHAT AN AMAZING GROUP OF PEOPLE. Everyone there deserves three cheers. The Red Cross out did themselves.

    I would love to go to the highland games. Maybe that lottery ticket I bought will be a winner! Thanks for giving me something to smile about today. :-)

  27. Susan K on 02 Aug 2007 at 11:33 am #

    Kay - I am glad you and your family are all right. I just got word that my uncle and his family are fine.

  28. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 11:49 am #

    Kay, bless your husband and all of those who are helping with this tragedy! I hope your lottery ticket is a winner and I’m glad we were able to give you something to smile about. :) (((((HUGS)))))

  29. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 11:52 am #

    Kay–I’m glad to hear that you and your family are safe–thank you to your hubby who is helping so much!

    Susan, good news then about your uncle–I’m glad he is safe!

  30. zambonigirl on 02 Aug 2007 at 12:00 pm #

    *crosses fingers that lotto ticket is a winner*

    You guys definitely deserve some kilts and whiskey, Kay!

  31. Kay on 02 Aug 2007 at 12:22 pm #

    Great news, Susan. Thanks for the whiskey-gram, zamboni. If the lottery ticket is a winner, the Highland games are on me. :-)

  32. cail on 02 Aug 2007 at 12:42 pm #

    oh, i’m glad they’re ok!!

    i love the ideas of goddess meet ups… anyone else in the nyc area?

  33. cail on 02 Aug 2007 at 12:44 pm #

    oh, i’ll totally help captain the kilt flicking contest. sounds like fun!

  34. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 2:14 pm #

    cail–where in nyc?? I’m originally from Buffalo…my parents are still there so I try to get home as often as I can!

    Count me in on the kilt flicking team too!!!

  35. Karen Hawkins on 02 Aug 2007 at 2:15 pm #

    Hugs to those from the Minneapolis area. What a tragedy! Kay, give your dh an extra hug from all of us.

    Gannon and Kim, what sort of camping is nearby? Or are there a lot of hotels? I go in that area to vacation but I always rent a cabin. I loooove hot tub under a canopy of trees — happy sigh! Just wondered where you guys stay!

  36. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 2:34 pm #

    Karen, there are numerous campgrounds nearby, even camping on the mountain, which I’m sure goes quickly. Plenty of inns and small hotels in the area , as well as cabins to rent. I’d say to plan early as things probably book up.

    As for where I stay…my house! I’m lucky enough to live in the area now. When we came for the Games before we moved here, we stayed at my MIL’s vacation house. My sister and her friends stayed there this year. If there is any way I can help, let me know. One thing about this area is that everyone knows everyone else and they are friendly and helpful. I’d be happy to get any info that you need. :)

  37. KMB25 on 02 Aug 2007 at 3:53 pm #

    Karen,
    I stay at the Park View Lodge right in Linville Falls, which is where they put all the bands (except Allbannach) for the games. There are a bunch of other motels (I think Pine view is right at the base of the mountain–but they go really really quick!)
    There’s some camping nearby where I stayed…as well as some cabins, and that might be the best way to go!
    I might try calling the owners of the Park View lodge–David and Cindy, and asking them. Gannon’s right–everyone knows everyone and will know where to tell you to go! David and Cindy are really sweet too–they host a great party on Sunday night after the games! Just give them my name (mention fiddle player from the Blair band sent you) and I’m sure they’ll be able to help you out!

  38. cail on 02 Aug 2007 at 4:04 pm #

    Kim, I work in midtown, live in Queens across the river from the east side of manhattan! Always fun stuff around here. I wonder if you’ve ever run into a bunch of my old professors from NYU. We were in an Irish Folk group there in college run by a few of the staff. If you’re ever in the area, post and we should hit up a session!

  39. goddess2574 on 02 Aug 2007 at 4:52 pm #

    That sounds fabulouse, and yes thank you so much for sharing with us. I just called my sissy and told her we need to start making plans…LOL Actually being from the mid west doesn’t always afford one the many options that many of you probably have. However, there is a renaissance festival in MN that my sissy and I are going to be attending next year, we will have to take pictures and share our experience with all of you. I am totally excited. Maybe not as excited as seeing men in kilts, you did say men in kilts right?!?!?! *G* Again Thanks for sharing!!!
    Amy

  40. Dot C on 02 Aug 2007 at 7:33 pm #

    Our Highland Games here in Maine are August 18 this year, in Brunswick. I’ll be there all day with my French self. I so would love to get my Mr to wear a kilt, but he doesn’t like the man-skirt swinging in the breeze thing so much. He didn’t want to attend the games with me, but i did my jedi mind trick on him and said he had to if he wanted to get registered for a whiskey sampling. So, I’m thinking after 4 or 5 whiskey samples, he’ll be ready for that kilt afterall. muahahahaha. I’ve been blessed to attend the games in Argyll, Scotland, and they were absolutely amazing there. And, as a sideline, has anyone heard the new CD by Anuna? It’s really great! In preparation for the games, i have that, Celtic Woman, and Loreena Mckennitt. Our festival is featuring Prydein this year. Vive Caledonia!

  41. lisapbailey on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:07 pm #

    I have been to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games many times. I am always in search of Jamie Fraser (any Diana Gabaldon fans out there?). The very first year my friend and I found the Fraser tent and swore our oath to the Clan Fraser. Then proceeded to drink with them for several hours. This Italian girl felt very, very Scottish on the way down the mountain. Och aye, everyone should give it a shot.

  42. Karen Hawkins on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:15 pm #

    Gannon and Kim, I will definitely check out those options! I love that area — have hiked a good bit of it (Linville Gorge is gorgeous) and grew up just north of Asheville in East Tennessee. I love those mountains, too.

    It looks as if we’ll have a full goddess contingency next year. The only problem is that I’m ready to go now. :(

  43. dbrown3400 on 02 Aug 2007 at 8:19 pm #

    Hey all, my eyes are still dilated from a doctor’s visit earlier but I’ll try to remember what I can.

    I’m in for kilt peeking, flicking, wind blowing up kilts, whatever. My bf has great legs so I might get him a kilt for his bday.

    Somewhere I saw the hammer throw, maybe in Braveheart, and enjoyed that.

    BTW, Suzanne and Rachel arrived today after a UPS nasty-gram telling me I wasn’t home yesterday — which I was.

    That’s all I remember from earlier. Pardon any typos or missed bdays or other congrats.

    Donna

  44. gannon on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:30 pm #

    Dot, I bet the games in Argyll were wonderful! I’ve been to Scotland twice and it’s one of my fave destinations.

    Incidentally, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are the largest clan gathering in the world! Even bigger than the ones in Scotland. Amazing!

    Have fun at the games in Maine–another beautiful place!!

    Yes, Lisa, I luurve me some Jamie Fraser!! Alas, I have never seen anyone at the Games that looked like him. *sigh*

  45. TinaLouiseF on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:27 pm #

    pri.r

    I got called into my second job so I’ve only read a 100 pages. Great story so far.

    My cousin went to scotland on a photo shoot for a friend of his that has a company that makes kilts. It has been too many years ago for me to remember the website. There were some good looking models.

  46. TinaLouiseF on 02 Aug 2007 at 10:30 pm #

    I take that back, I did remember enough to do a search. http://www.whitethistle.net
    My cousin, Doug, is the bottom right photo.

  47. SuzyQ on 03 Aug 2007 at 7:34 am #

    Kim and Gannon - great job on the blog! I was without power on and off yesterday - I guess it was all those air conditioners running full blast. I have never been to any type of Highland games but it sounds like soooo much fun. You can count me in on the kilt flicking! Hey, who would pass up a chance to see men in kilts!

    Cail - I’m from Jersey and was just at Radio City the other night. Saw Michael Buble and wow what a concert. If you ever get a chance to see him live I would highly recommend it!