Day 13

​Coffee and doughnuts were interesting today as we prepared for Savannah’s Scottish Games and Celtic Festival. 

​BUT FIRST, we stopped at Ft. Jackson, a restored 19th century fort, were we were sworn in.  If we were sworn to secrecy, I just failed…..

​We toured the inside of the fort

​Leave it to Kay to find what those soldiers did for fun.
 
We learned about the medical practices and medicines that were used.

​AND we saw a canon demonstration.

​Once we were relieved of our duties, we marched on to the Scottish Festival.

​Savannah has always had a bit of Scottish flavor, with one of the earliest social organizations, St. Andrew’s Society formed in 1737, filling an important need in the community.  What an experience to see all the clans celebrating their “roots.” 

​The modern great pipes were developed in the Scottish Highlands.  Some historians believe the pipes were used in Scotland as early as 100 AD!  The piper was held in higher esteem in Scotland than anywhere else.  By 1500, every clan chieftain worthy of the name had a piper in his retinue. 

​Herding demonstrations were throughout the day.  The border collie is a breed of herding dog that originated along the borders of England, Wales and Scotland.  They are regarded as the most intelligent dog breed and considered the world’s best sheep herding dogs. 

​Watching the collie herd the geese was cute.  Although their herding ability is instinctive, they must be trained to “work” the livestock.  We were beyond impressed. 

​The children’s race was also quite cute.  On your mark, get set, GO!

​Great lunch with great entertainment.

​The afternoon was comprised of COMPETITION, one of the oldest forms of human interaction.  Strength and endurance is the name of the game!  Who is the biggest, the strongest, the fastest?  The Highland games started around 2000 BC  in Ireland, spreading to Scotland by the 5th century BC, beating out the Greeks by over 1,000 years. 
 
In the heat of the day, we watched the Sheaf Toss, using a pitchfork to launch a 20 lb. sack of hay over a bar, not sure how high that bar is. 

​Throwing metal weights with chain handles where the competitor attempts to throw the weight as far as they can by spinning with the weight.  It is down in two segments.  The first, using a lighter weight, 14 lbs for women and 28 for men.  The second, using heavier weights of 28 for women, 42 for masters and 56 for men. 

​The Caber Toss takes center stage.  The caber is about 20 ft. tall and weighs about 100-150 lbs!  The caber is set upright in front of the competitor who then hoists it into his hands while at the same time stands erect.  You must balance the caber while running forward until tossing it end over end.  The object is to flip the caber so that it lands straight in front at 12 o’clock.  WOW!

​There was so much going on you just could not see everything.  So we are looking forward to next year.
 
Back at the ranch, we celebrated Cinco De Mayo. 

​The campground put on a HUGE pool party celebration for us, complete with tacos and margaritas.  Meanwhile, RiVoli Rallies gave out lots and lots of door prizes.

​Not only that, Linda and Ted celebrated their wedding anniversary.

​We were so excited they decided to spend this special day with us.  Happy 45th!!!!!!!