2009 VIRGINIA SCOTTISH GAMES

Mo Cinneadh Agus Mo Chairdean: Ciamar a tha sibh? Is mise gle mhath, tapadh leibh! Here are some photographs that I took today at the 2009 VIRGINIA SCOTTISH GAMES AND FESTIVAL at Great Meadow Park in The Plains, Virginia. Click on the pictures for a larger view. The day was sunny and hot! As usual, I enjoyed hearing the constant sound of the bagpipes in the background. Every now and again, we'd hear a great roar of cheering spectators when some athlete would perform exceptionally. I also observed a children's version of Scottish games, with young'uns tossing a smaller and lighter version of a caber. I did get the opportunity to strum my guitar and sing for the folks gathered in the Clan Henderson tent. There were a lot of visitors to the Clan Henderson tent, and many of them were Irish. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the families, with their little ones and their pets. I especially enjoyed seeing the Border Collie sheep herding demonstration. But, that is an expensive festival! It cost me five dollars ($5.00) to park my truck, eighteen dollars ($18.00) for my admission, and five dollars ($5.00) for a cup of lemonade! Also, because the event is so spread out over a vast outdoor park, any visitors had better be in excellent physical health. Never the less, I really had a good time, but left early so I wouldn't be too exhausted driving home. As I departed, I stopped long enough to purchase a souvenir T-shirt. Slainte mhath! Is Mise Le Meas, John Robert Mallernee Official Bard of Clan Henderson Armed Forces Retirement Home Washington, D.C. 20011-8400 NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."