It's a little known fact that the Loch Ness Monster makes an annual migration from her home in Scotland to a mountain lake in Colorado. I suppose it's a bit of a coincidence that the lake happens 
to be in Estes Park and the appearances always coincide with the annual Scottish-Irish Highlands Festival where increasingly inebriated clansmen spend the weekend lobbing bowling balls at her from an old trench mortar and trebuchets. Fortunately, the consumption of scotch and stout ale remains constant and the aim continues to get worse so by 
Sunday afternoon, Nessie has usually survived to migrate another year.
This past Thursday, Pam and I, along with Max and Mollie made the drive from Colorado Springs to Estes Park for the start of the annual gala. This 4 day festival at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park is a ritual that Pam and I always try to attend and it has never disappointed us. If you make reservations early enough you can get accomodations at the Stanley Hotel where Stephen King penned "The Shining" and the TV miniseries
was filmed. Then it's 4 days of pipe and drum bands, highland games, scotch eggs, haggis, deep fried mars bars, single malt scotch, Guinness beer, shooting at Nesssie, jousting, Irish dancing, tatoos (the military review kind), Celtic bands, shopping, and rugby.
Sunday morning found me in a kilt with sunburned legs but thouroughly satisfied and looking forward to the drive home since a slight detour would take us by the original Bucksnort Saloon.
So not only does Nessie live, but I can report that the Bucksnort Saloon is still standing and still serving some of the best green chili smothered burritos west of the Cherry Cricket (but that's a story for another day).
OMG! The pic of you and your son in your kilts is adorable! SO CUTE!
Posted by: AFSister | September 13, 2005 at 04:06 PM
Sounds like a fun time. I have a fun pic of a group of bagpipers in a parade with the wind lifting up the kilt of one of the players. Almost wanted to be there to sneak a peak. :) Very sweet pic of you your wife Pam.
Posted by: Toni | September 13, 2005 at 05:08 PM
So did they have any Guinness? :) Looks like you all had a great time!
Posted by: Gypsy | September 14, 2005 at 01:35 AM
Wow! So nice to read a post of yours with nary a word about the sandbox :) So nice to see you and the Mrs. having those few happy "normal" days together. Brought back memories of our R&R... thanks :)
Posted by: Libbie | September 14, 2005 at 05:31 AM
What terrific pictures! Hope you enjoy every moment.
Posted by: Sherri | September 14, 2005 at 02:10 PM
You have a nice looking family there! Glad you got to go to the games. Is that your Tartan from somewhere in your family line?
On a wicked Irish lass note - ya know you Scotts are crazy! The Irish gave up wearing SKIRTS a long bloddy time ago!! ;-)
HH6
Posted by: Household6 | September 14, 2005 at 10:49 PM
While all good things must end, and these things must be,
Though two are now leaving they are forever the Trinity.
Posted by: cheap jerseys | June 24, 2011 at 04:45 AM
You have a nice looking family there! Glad you got to go to the games. Is that your Tartan from somewhere in your family line?
On a wicked Irish lass note - ya know you Scotts are crazy! The Irish gave up wearing SKIRTS a long bloddy time ago!! ;-)
Posted by: puma outlet | August 17, 2011 at 09:57 AM