Grandfather Games

**MacMoose** · 17th July 08, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by duchessofnc

If our high commissioner wants to continue doing Grandfather Mountain, wonderful. But I won't ever pay that kind of money. I saw with our clan one major, major failure in customer service that was utterly pointless. I also eavesdropped on a few tents that were less than happy with Grandfather Mountain.

And the other person who does the clan tents for MacKinnon isn't in love with Grandfather Mountain either. Not as a convener. But since I was effected with the failure in the customer service, it will have to snow in Miami, Florida before I would consider it.

Exactly. At Loch Norman, for example, you get a golf cart come to your vehicle. They help carry your stuff, and staff, to your tent, and back again at Games end. They come around a few times a day with a golf cart to offer ice. You tend to feel appreciated, and you should be, you are an intregal part of the Games.

In contrast, at Grandfather, you pay a much higher fee, and get none of the benefits mentioned above. It is also much tougher to get around up on the mountain, with youtr clan tent materials, etc. Especially if you camp. On top of this, Grandfather is very poorly organized (as my old man would say, they couldn't organize a p**s-up in a brewery).

Despite this, I intend to return for years to come, beacuse of the commeraderie, and the spectacle (and considering whom I camp with, they are usually one and the same). I did not miss the hassles of being a Clan rep. this time out. It seems very likely those days are over, at least for Grandfather.

**mrowolf** · 17th July 08, 11:40 AM

Thanks for the insight.

**Seth Mac** · 18th July 08, 10:38 AM

We had a great time, but I also noticed a great deal of disorganization that seemed to have been easily overcome. For example, on Friday (even in the morning), you had to ride to the Meadows to learn that there was no parking available due to rain, and had to drive back down to Linville and shuttle up.

I got no problems with shuttling, but one well placed sign at 105 and 221 could have easily prevented a whole lot of traffic up (and then back down) the mountain. Not to mention the wasted time...

**macsim** · 18th July 08, 07:50 PM

I got there around 7:30 Friday and parked on top. Didn't know they sent people back down. It was awfully muddy though. I stepped down as convener for my clan this year too. I enjoyed having leisure time for a change. Grandfather is expensive and our clan does pay for one tent with a certain member paying for a second. It's my understanding that a big part of the cost is the "volunteers" actually get paid. I think they'd actually prefer you to remove your stuff each night but there's no way I'd do that. If we're paying $500 for tents I expect a bit of security but I know clans who have had stuff stolen in the night. If you're not careful they'll tear your tent down at the end before you even get your stuff out. They want you in and out of the field early but sometimes I would show up at the appointed time and I was turned away at the gate. Adding Friday made it such a long weekend that I just couldn't get away for the whole thing. The cost, even if the tent is paid for, is still great when you have to get lodging for 2 or 3 nights, buy meals and of course the gas. Add in some wind, mud and rain and it can be a miserable place.

One of my biggest disappointments was that many clan members were not attending anymore unless I could give out a free parking pass but I only had one extra. Many just wouldn't fight the crowds or pay the cost. Our registration got "lost" one year and we ended up on the hill by the latrines. I honestly didn't think I could face doing those games as convener again. Maybe if I stay away for a while I'll want to do the job once more. It's sort of a love/hate thing I guess.

**Carolinascot** · 13th December 08, 10:34 AM

Already starting to make plans for the games, hope to be there when camping opens on Fri July 3rd....hopefully it won't rain as much next year

**Carolinascot** · 13th December 08, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

hmmm. GMHG are July 10-12 - more like 7 weeks. I'll be camping starting 7/8. I'll fly the XMTS tartan for any who care to approach and be recognized.

Where do you usually camp?

**turpin** · 14th December 08, 06:41 PM

If I make it next year I will camp in MacVillage, near the silver dome (Ken Potter's compound). I would only miss it if I go to Scotland.

**Carolinascot** · 14th December 08, 07:50 PM

Well I'd love to meet you but if I don't next year I can wait a wee bit longer, I hope you get to goto Scotland!!
We will be staying just up the road from MacVillage, in the area that was dubbed MacTownship last year, it's toward the security gate right along the road....more travel trailers... and less tarps and tents...my wife has her limits. LOL

**Leprechaun 91** · 18th January 09, 01:48 PM

As a Stone Mountain Games veteran, my family and I are looking forward with anticipation to Grandfather Mountain '09.

It looks like there is much more to do than simply watch the games. Is this true? I intend to run the BEAR if can. Anyone here do that one yet?

We will be staying in town, but plan on spending all 4 days on the mountain.

**piperdbh** · 19th January 09, 05:36 PM

Yes, there's MUCH more to da than watch the games, although I hope no one misses out on them. There are a multilplicity of bands, singers, craft demonstrations, border collie demos, scads of vendors, muchos tents, and 50,000 of your closest friends, all of whom are anxious to meet you and compare sporrans, hose, brogues and whatever else can be compared.
My father-in-law ran the Bear once. He used to be a long-distance runner, running all the way across Florida once. I've never run it because I'm too lazy.

Come on up to Grandpappy this year. It's worth the drive, in my opinion, although I've never had any of the vexations of other posters in this thread.