NHHG 2014, Part 2

[Dixiecat]

NHHG finished up for another year.

What a nice games. Not so crazy as Grandfather Mountain, or intense like Stone Mountain, but very relaxed and busy at the same time.

The xmarks meet up took place at 2 on Saturday, but only 3 of us were in attendance, myself, ctbuchanan and someone else whose handle has completely slipped my mind. Pictures were taken, but not by me. Hopefully someone will post the pic.
Tulloch came to the dance area Saturday morning to say hello. He just missed Barb T. and HHastings who both came over to the dance pen where I was lined up for the Sword for a word. Later after the morning comp, I wandered the games looking for and finally finding Tartan Tess and Pastopat and then chatting with Tulloch and daughter before they lined up for massed bands. I failed to find Barb T. playing with her band, although I came across her band's various grades, I just never seemed to find the one that had Barb.

Saturday was cold!!! Only 2C. A temperature which I can assure you is very inconvenient to dance in. We were all bundled up. I don't remember that I stopped shivering all day. Sunday was much, much warmer.

I spent most of my time in the dance area. The dance competition was amazing. It was the largest competition I've been in outside of the Canadian Championships. Very well run and except for the piper being late Saturday morning, everything else seemed to go without a hitch. Incredibly, 90% of the dancers were Canadian! It was also a real thrill to be dancing in the same group as the Canadian and World highland dance champion.

The drive to and from the games was long and tiring, but I saw many old friends from both the dance and kiltmaking world and made some new friends. I look forward to next year!

[tulloch]

I echo Dixicat's comments. I'm really sorry I could not get to the Buchanan tent. I was owned by my band until later than that in the afternoon.

Saturday was pretty chilly. Lots of condensed moisture played havoc with the pipes. Standing in the massed bands on the parade ground for a long time without a sweater was a little challenging. Mid-day it was still chilly. Massed bands at the close of the day was still a cool affair.

I was really happy to meet Dixicat and to see Barb with her band. They are good! Saw Raymc, Patti, Tartan Tess and brief glimpses of others.

I got to see Dixicat dance. She is good!

There was lots and lots of music. I never get tired of it. Saw many old friends and made some new. Glad you liked it Dixicat! You must come back.

[ctbuchanan]

It was a great games and Saturday was extremely busy despite the decidedly chilly weather. It took a few drams and a hot tub afterwards to thaw me out. Friday and Sunday were spectacular to make up for it. The meet up was small but many members came by the Buchanan Tent during the three days and it was great to see old friends and meet new ones. I have been to all the big games here in the US except Estes Colorado and I have to say (despite my bias) that New Hampshire offers an amazing array of entertainment and tradition and very big crowds. A high point for many was the appearance of Hafþór Julius Bjornsson of Iceland who set two world records in the heavy weight competition. Someone said he wore an Anderson tartan , I don't know why. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...620854&fref=nf

[Bluescelt]

I also enjoyed the weekend and was at the Buchanan tent for the meetup. Another very cool thing that NHHG has done is to add a bronze plaque to the back of the gigantic standing stone that was installed a few years ago. On this plaque are the names of a group of patron clans. Clan Donnachaidh and Buchanan are among those names.

[BLHS209]

You ask for, you got it (now that I am thawed out)



Left to Right: Bluescelt; blhs209 (me); DixieCat; CTBuchanan