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General Category => Games & Festivals => Topic started by: Michael Thompson on January 04, 2011, 05:39:12 PM

Title: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on January 04, 2011, 05:39:12 PM
Colorado is proud to host the 2011 Annual General Meeting of Clan Thompson Society. The venue will be the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park Colorado. Check out our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177755148922975&ref=mf (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177755148922975&ref=mf) for more information.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Booner on January 04, 2011, 08:39:43 PM
I don't know how to use that facebook stuff, but I wanted to make sure your son will be playing his pipes again during the parade though Estes Park.  I was just outstanding last year.

Booner
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on January 09, 2011, 04:43:19 PM
For those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere could someone explain what season it will be and the average temps etc during the AGM.
I presume that it may be fall as we will be in spring with temps around 30C.
 Och Aye
Ern
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on January 26, 2011, 10:50:00 AM
It's a late fall kind of feel in Estes during September after Labor Day.  Always pack a jacket and have a couple layers.  It could also be like summer, but not hot.  Video from the last one at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g30ZOptx3gc
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g30ZOptx3gc)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on January 31, 2011, 09:20:11 PM
I don't know how to use that facebook stuff, but I wanted to make sure your son will be playing his pipes again during the parade though Estes Park.  I was just outstanding last year.

Booner

We're planning on it. As far as I've seen, Clan Thompson was the only clan in the parade with its own piper. :-) Maybe we need to write a tune called "Thompson's Farewell to Estes Park" or something.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on January 31, 2011, 09:49:32 PM
For those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere could someone explain what season it will be and the average temps etc during the AGM.
I presume that it may be fall as we will be in spring with temps around 30C.
 Och Aye
Ern

Ern, the average high temperature in Estes Park in September is 21C, the average low is 3C. A bit over an inch of precipitation falls during the month, though Colorado has more days of sunshine than California or Florida. The moisture can be rain or snow this time of year.

It's usually sunny and fairly warm, but can turn cool, cloudy, rainy, or snowy at a moment's notice. One year it snowed all day Saturday and we awoke Sunday morning to beautiful blue skies and sunshine with three or four inches of white stuff on the ground and mist in the hills. It was a real Highland moment.

There's a reason they call this the Highland Festival. Estes Park is surrounded by beautiful high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year long. Colorado has more mountains over fourteen thousand feet than another state in the U.S. We don't have the highest mountains, but we have lots of them.

As Parker said, mountain weather is changeable. We always say, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." It can go from sunny and warm to cold, rainy, windy, snowy, and back to sunny again, all in the same day. I've seen it snow and rain from a sunny blue sky. So be prepared for that. It won't be arctic winter, you won't need your heavy winter coat until later in the year, but have a sweater and a windbreaker with you at all times, and maybe even an umbrella. A good wool kilt and woolen hose will keep the rest of you warm, with a touch of the Uisge Beatha when necessary.

One thing many visitors don't anticipate is that our sunshine can be more dangerous than in other places. We have less atmosphere to shield us from the ultraviolet. But it's only dangerous to the unprepared. Wear long sleeves and a hat. Use plenty of sunscreen, SPF 30 or better.

It's also important to be prepared for the altitude. We have less oxygen than you're used to at lower elevations. Ideally, come a few days early and acclimate. At least drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Don't push it until your body gets used to the idea.

Don't let all this intimidate you. We have gorgeous scenery, a wonderful climate, and amazing hospitality. A great time will be had by all.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on January 31, 2011, 10:30:32 PM
Thanks Michael and Parker.
I got your message on FaceBOOK but due to my inability to navigate that crazy site I don't know if you received my reply.
I think I should forget about facebook and put all my messages here on the Forum.
Chez and I have been researching Longs Peak and surrounds and it all looks beautiful. (Chez's comments). We are really looking forward to seeing you all there.
Do they normally have a formal dinner for us to attend? There is nothing re this on their website.

Ern
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on January 31, 2011, 10:36:18 PM
There is no formal dinner per se Ern, though the Clan could organize something if we wish. There is something called a Tattoo, which is really interesting though. It's based on end-of-day ceremonies at a military post, though it has grown far beyond that. I think Tom and Mary are planning to attend one, and we can get reserved seating for Clan members if we wish. I'll pass along more details as they become available.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on February 02, 2011, 10:04:28 PM
Quote
There is something called a Tattoo, which is really interesting though. It's based on end-of-day ceremonies at a military post, though it has grown far beyond that. I think Tom and Mary are planning to attend one, and we can get reserved seating for Clan members if we wish. I'll pass along more details as they become available.

Actually, Ern.....the group that's renting the house (including you two!) already told Michael we all want tickets to the tattoo...just waiting them to advertise them as available. We all want to go the same night, too!
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on February 03, 2011, 12:02:11 AM
We'll do the tattoo with you guys.  We either spent time with family in the evenings or went to the Rock Concert, so the tattoo would be a fun new thing for us. 
Michael is right on about the elements- only a pain for the unprepared.  Since I live and work at an even higher elevation (my house is at 8700 ft), I would also say carry an extra water bottle, take in some extra complex carbs (a banana does wonders because of the potassium and fiber), and count on a little more rest.  This is all to "acclimate". It's usually just for a couple of days until your metabolism catches up.  It's really not a big deal if you are aware of elevation stresses. Just take it easy and pace yourself and have a good time. No big deal.
Cheers,
 ))
((
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on February 03, 2011, 01:41:22 AM
Could someone arrange some bananas as our banana crop has just been wiped out by a tropical cyclone that had a front of 500km.
Apart from the crops a lot of structural damage but thank the Lord no deaths.
It will take the banana farmers about 18 months to recover as long as they don't get hit again.
I've been surfing the web and am certain there'll be no probs food wise. Boy there are so many eateries in and around Denver/Estes I wonder if Americans ever eat at home.

Ern
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Donna on February 03, 2011, 03:12:49 AM
I'm just glad to hear that you and yours are all safe and sound!

Donna
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on February 03, 2011, 04:42:36 PM
Thanks Donna. We're a long way from the cyclone but my sister-in-law was almost right  in the middle of it. Just this morning we heard her and her family are safe.
Ern
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on February 03, 2011, 05:58:14 PM
hi Ern-

Thanks for checking in and letting us know the you and yours are OK with the abominable weather there in Queensland!

You may as well quit eye-balling the restaurants in Estes Park......remember, we rented a house so we could cook and keep costs down???  I think we might want to treat ourselves to at least one or two meals out...but don't get all excited! Remember - we're there for a week and you have more traveling to do.

:)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on February 03, 2011, 09:39:05 PM
But Momma I gota try catfish.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on February 05, 2011, 04:02:36 PM
well, I'm not sure whether catfish is a big seller in Colorado..........but it sure as heck is in Tennessee!  You can find all the catfish you could possibly want when you come and visit here! (And THAT will be a meal we eat out - I don't cook fish in the house!)

Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on February 09, 2011, 10:44:06 PM
We've GOT catfish in Colorado, but I think it's flown in from somewhere else. Our rainbow trout are more of the local specialty. However, there's a barbecue restaurant in Estes Park called Smokin' Dave's (http://www.smokindavesbbqandtaphouse.com/) that has some really nice catfish, among other mouth-watering temptations. Their chicken and pork barbecue specialties are amazing, and they have some really nice beer selections, for those of us who appreciate such amenities.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on March 28, 2011, 09:37:48 AM
Michael,
Have you tried the Tilted Kilt in Denver, yet?  Not that anyone would travel all the way from Estes to try it out, but just asking.

Thanks
Parker
 ))
((
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on March 30, 2011, 09:14:35 PM
They were handing out coupons at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, but I haven't actually been in there. The guys in our band were really drooling over those little plaid skirts though.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on April 25, 2011, 07:28:58 PM
For any of you planning to attend, here is some more information about the festival and games in Estes Park. Full details at http://www.scotfest.org (http://www.scotfest.com)

(http://www.thompsonmanor.com/img/35.jpg)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on July 12, 2011, 05:44:49 AM
Here's the updated ad for the games:
(http://clanthompson.org/Images/Estes 2011/estes park ad.jpg)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on July 29, 2011, 07:31:09 PM
Well, I've received our official registration today for Estes Park. As an honored clan, we have one of the large tents out in front of the Clan area, so we'll be highly visible for all to see. And we're now listed as one of the AGM Clans on the web site (http://www.scotfest.com/Scottish_Festival/Clans_%26_Societies.html).

A number of people are planning to attend the Tattoo on Friday evening. I understand Tom and Mary will ride in a carriage, because we are one of the honored clans, and there will be a space set aside for Thompsons in the seating area of the arena. Tickets are on your own, so make sure to reserve yours (http://scotfest.thundertix.com/) if you're planning to attend. We will all need admission tickets (http://scotfest.thundertix.com/) as well, and they're cheaper if you buy them online ahead of time, rather than at the gate.

If you're planning to attend the Tattoo or the AGM, it would be helpful if you'd let Mary know, as she's assembling a count. We're working on having food brought in, rather than the usual potluck, since we've got so many people from out of town.

Are we getting more and more excited? We look forward to seeing everyone in the highlands of Colorado in September. It's a beautiful time of year for us, with the Aspen turning and the elk beginning to bugle. The timing of both of these is dependent on weather, but we're hoping for our usual spectacular time in the Rockies.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on July 29, 2011, 09:20:33 PM
Michael, that's SO cool.  Thanks.  I wish Parks and Libby could be there, but they will be in Australia as Parks's job coaching at mt. Bueller was extended after last years success.   Anyway, we should have Janna and Cody back and if things go well, I'll be a Thomson Grandad (Senair? Grandach?- what is that in Gaelic?)  Are you going to the Highlands Ranch games this year?
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on July 31, 2011, 06:46:50 PM
Congratulations grandpa. And yes, I'm planning to be at Highlands Ranch.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on August 01, 2011, 01:11:37 PM
Can I have time away from the tent to watch the jousting ?????  I'm putting my bid in!  I've never seen jousting!

Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Sis Thompson's oldest on August 03, 2011, 04:21:28 PM
Senair it is Parker.
And Seanair would be married (one would hope) to Seanmhair with all the little Oghain (not sure thats the plural, but its close :-\) gathered 'round.

Ah, my Queendom to be able to attend these games! Alas not to be. :'(

Tom & Mary, I think I just might have Robert ground down and ready to give the go ahead on being Commissioner. If you'll still have me!

Have big fun all you Thom(p)son Cousins! Take lots of pictures.
I'll wait here. ;D
Yer coz,
Sherry
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on August 22, 2011, 07:05:08 PM
Hope all of you have seen the latest newsletter. The AGM will be held Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 5 pm in the clan tent at the Fairgrounds in Estes Park Colorado. Many people wanted to attend other evening events during this festival, so at Mary's suggestion, we changed it from the usual Saturday evening gathering.

The Clan will also gather for dinner together at 5:30 on Saturday evening, early enough for those who want to get back for those evening events, but late enough for those at the tent to be able to close things down at the festival and get over there. It's at my brother's house in Estes Park. We're featuring some of the finest Rocky Mountain barbecue you've ever experienced. You will want to be there.

We also encourage any Thom(p)sons in the area to march with us in the parade down the main street of Estes Park on Saturday morning. We assemble about 8:00 am at the west end of town, and I think it steps off about 9:30. As an honored clan, we're toward the front of the parade this year, rather than at the back between the Stewarts and Wallaces as we usually are. BTW, here's a photo from the 2011 program, giving highlights of last year's festival. We are pictured marching in the parade of tartans at the field with our fellow clansmen and tartan bearers. That's Booner up front:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321413_10150761216705367_747200366_20392200_1288148_n.jpg)

Looking forward to a great gathering in Estes Park!
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on August 23, 2011, 08:12:31 PM
We'll be there 'with bells on.'

Thanks to you guys for all your hard work to make this a great AGM and games. I know we are going to have a great time - how could we not?

Now.......do I bring summer or winter clothes?  :-\   

Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on August 24, 2011, 08:10:20 PM
[url](http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q271/pdtj/JannaTeganCody.jpg)/url] Janna (Thomson) Harter with husband Cody and Teagan. We are planning on bringing the newest addition to the Thomsons! I am now called "Grandach"
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on September 09, 2011, 07:12:27 AM
Well, things are underway in Estes Park. Those of you who follow Clan Thom(p)son on Facebook (hint, hint) already know about this, but thirteen lucky clan members attended the Annual General Meeting last night in our (honored) clan tent at the fairgrounds. Tom Thompson chaired, Mary took the notes:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320743_10150355062680210_98310815209_9910154_307682656_n.jpg)

Because of the layout, I wasn't able to fit everyone into the photo, so those who were there should check in an say hello.

The main business of the meeting was to count the official votes returning our incumbent directors to office and approving two ballot measures, one encouraging all clan members to have their DNA done, and one allowing online sales by clan members on the web site. Kansas City (http://www.kcscottishgames.org/) was suggested for the 2012 AGM. This will be put to a vote of the members.

After the official meeting was adjourned, and amidst lots of camaraderie, Dan "Booner" Thompson of Colorado was then installed as the newest Grand Poobah. He must wear his official hat at all clan functions and return the mandatory salute from any members he meets. I did not get a photo of Booner in his regalia, so perhaps Mary or somebody can fill in the details.

The festival officially kicked off on Thursday, but most of the events start today through Sunday, so I'll try to keep you posted.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on September 09, 2011, 09:24:36 PM
Well, it was a great second day of the Long's Peak Highland Festival. We got the clan tent all set up and ready to go:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318736_10150788667365367_747200366_20688736_666716191_n.jpg)

Lots of people were in and out of the tent all day, so we didn't really get a chance to take a photo of the Thompsons at the tent. Hopefully tomorrow. Since Friday is the first day, it doesn't get as much traffic as other days, but we still had a fair amount of visitors and talked to them about Clan Thompson. Had several sign up for the mailing list.

Since Ern Thompson had challenged me to single malt scotch at ten paces, I took him over to the Campbell tent. They gave us some nice Laphroig and we regaled them with stories and songs.

Lots of music at this festival, and we watched some of the bands. Ern liked Brother. He was wandering through the festival and heard a rock band playing digeridoo, so he watched them for a while. Harold liked Seamus Kennedy from Belfast, who plays guitar and sings. Tom and Mary got sidetracked with a realtor and missed the jousting, so Mary was upset and wants to watch that tomorrow.

Fred and Babs Cash and Cathie MacTavish hung out with us in the clan tent quite a bit and came to the tattoo in the evening. Parker and Jeanette had a family gathering, so they didn't go to the tattoo.

Everyone seems to be having a good time, and we are meeting lots of people. Looking forward to an even better time tomorrow, marching in the parade through downtown Estes Park.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on September 10, 2011, 07:28:28 PM
Day three was even better than those that went before. The weather was absolutely outstanding. Blue Colorado skies and sunshine, it was just gorgeous. We gathered in the morning for the parade through downtown Estes Park. As an honored clan, we were near the front of the parade, which was quite refreshing as usually we're down at the end of the alphabet with the Stewarts and the Wallaces. They're nice folks and we missed them, but it was nice to have a fresh audience during the parade, and no horses in front of us. Here are some of the Thompsons assembling at the start of the parade:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300548_10150790669415367_747200366_20702916_232166754_n.jpg)

The parade did seem to take an eternity, but our piper was equal to the task, and piped us nearly all the way. I counted twenty-six marching with us, but there may have been more added after I counted. It was the best turnout we've had.

After the parade, we went back out to the fairgrounds and got the clan tent running again. Tom and Mary got to sit on the stage for the midday ceremonies and be honored guests. I know they're humble and not accustomed to the spotlight, but they held up our heritage well.

Lots and lots of people came by the tent and spoke with us, many of them Thompsons, but also other clans and even people who didn't know their heritage. We had a wonderful time talking to them. Our piper (Sean) and his brother (Joshua) on drums began playing some tunes and attracted quite a crowd. A couple of other drummers came by saying they had been asked not to play so loudly in the Campbell tent because the other clans were complaining. Our tent is farther away from the other clans, so we didn't have that problem. We soon invited them to play along and had an even bigger crowd. The people really liked it.

Later, Sean competed in the Kitchen Piping contest and again took second place. The winner was young and cute and gave the judge a hug. After that we all repaired to my brother's house, where his wife had laid out a wonderful feast. It was a great time of fellowship and laughter.

Some went to the Ceili, which is part concert and part Celtic dance. Others took off, looking forward to tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on September 11, 2011, 08:10:03 PM
Best weekend you could imagine! We had such an outstanding time at the 2011 Long's Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park Colorado. It was all about the people. Thompsons and non-Thompsons from all over the world stopped by to see us and chat about their families or their heritage or so much more. I spoke with a Thomsen from Norway this morning, Scottish Thomsons, Irish Thompsons, even English Thompsons. Some knew something about their family history, others did not and we filled them in on the general history of the Lowland clans. Tom was a fount of information as always and held them enraptured with stories and history beyond their wildest dreams. Ern Thompson from Australia kept us all entertained and happy, Harold Thompson told us stories, Cathy MacTavish brought a breadth of history that was just amazing, Tom and Barbara Thompson brought a passel of kids and plenty of enthusiasm with them, Fred and Babs Cash could not have been more friendly and helpful. And of course, I brought some of my own crew, Sean Thompson, our bagpiper, Joshua Thompson, who drummed with him, Krystal Thompson who took first place in two different Irish dance competitions, and of course, Timothy Thompson, who always serves faithfully in the tent and beyond. Parker, Jeanette, Jenna and Cody, MacRae, Cody and Schuyler couldn't be with us today, but they had kept us all entertained Saturday, and of course Scott and Karen Thompson who had opened their house to us Saturday evening for a wonderul gathering. Mary Thompson told us that Thompsons always seem ready to eat, and we proved it that evening. There were many good times around the clan tent:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/309334_10150793975590367_747200366_20736705_410261511_n.jpg)

Sunday morning dawned bright and blue and plenty of kids stopped by the tent to have their Clan Passports stamped. Tom and Mary were honored dignitaries on the stage during the Kirkin' of the Tartan and Clan Thompson stood at the front as one of the honored clans. The afternoon wound down with shopping and music and festivities and all kinds of good times. The people who stopped by the tent were amazing and friendly, and the great folks from the other clans were more welcoming than we could have imagined.

The Colorado contingent was so honored and pleased to have been able to host the 2011 Annual General Meeting and gathering of Clan Thompson. We look forward to so many more years of fellowship ahead. Ya shoulda been there!
Title: Clan Thom(p)son - Honored Clan- 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on September 15, 2011, 02:49:55 PM
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/pdtj_2007/2011ParksMcRaeHonoredClanPlaque.jpg[/img]](http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/pdtj_2007/2011ParksMcRaeHonoredClanPlaque.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on September 16, 2011, 08:54:26 AM
Quote
After the official meeting was adjourned, and amidst lots of camaraderie, Dan "Booner" Thompson of Colorado was then installed as the newest Grand Poobah. He must wear his official hat at all clan functions and return the mandatory salute from any members he meets. I did not get a photo of Booner in his regalia, so perhaps Mary or somebody can fill in the details.
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/035a.jpg)

We had a GREAT time in Estes Park............now, I want to LIVE there! :)  Michael, Parker, Booner and their friends/families did a superb job. Their enthusiasm about the clan was evident in all they do and they simply couldn't do enough to make our visit to Colorado a trip of a lifetime. I didn't get to spend a lot of time at the tent - it seemed that I was out getting food/drinks or getting lost, or trying to get to the jousting (did finally make it on Sunday for about 20 minutes!). The setting is spectacular, the organizers couldn't have been more helpful, the weather was PERFECT...........quintessentially a fine Scottish/Irish gathering. I also found the Welsh tent (uhhhh......isn't that also a Gaelic nation but it's never included in events.....????) and had a nice chat with them about my mother's line.

Michael, Parker, Booner, Friends/Family.....thank you for a great AGM location, a wonderful week in your mountains, and a chance to meet all of you and get to know you better. We WILL do this games again!  

I'll put up some more pics ASAP.

For those of you who didn't get to go - you missed a big one. Start stuffing into your money sock for the next time we get to do it again!
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Parker Thomson on September 16, 2011, 10:03:20 PM
Hey everyone!  Clan Thom(p)son was on Channel 9 News- Denver!!!! Saw a friend of mine at a party tonight and he said he saw me and the rest of the clan ibn the parade of tartans on Saturday!  It was a couple seconds or so, but the Clan Thom(p)son came through the screen and that caught his attention, then he saw me and the others lower our tartan flags.... Cool!   ;D
Title: AGM dinner pics1
Post by: Mary on September 18, 2011, 09:00:07 AM

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/093.png)
 Parker and Scott

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/091.png)
Fred, Lyndell and Tom's head :D

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/090.png)
Josh and Sean
Title: AGM dinner pics 2
Post by: Mary on September 18, 2011, 09:01:39 AM
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/089.png)
Michael and Ern

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/088.png)
Group shot

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/087.png)
Group shot
Title: AGM dinner pics 3
Post by: Mary on September 18, 2011, 09:05:45 AM
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/086.png)
Scott (our host), Fred and Tom

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/085.png)
Patsy, Harold and Ern

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/080.png)
Tom, Harold, Karen (our hostess), Babs, Patsy and Cheryl
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on September 18, 2011, 09:11:09 AM
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/066.png)
What the parade looked like from our vantage point!

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/063.png)
Ready to go!

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/062.png)


Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on September 18, 2011, 09:12:25 AM
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/061.png)

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/060.png)

Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Barbara on September 18, 2011, 08:00:55 PM
Wonderful photos and write-ups about the Estes Park Games and AGM meeting!  You all just had too much fun without us!  We missed everyone but we were with you in spirit.  The Rocky Mountains are a beautiful setting for the Scottish Highland Games.  We lived in the San Juan Mountains for 10 yrs.  Miss the beauty, flora and fauna but not the waist deep snow!    ;D

Barbara and John
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Sis Thompson's oldest on September 19, 2011, 06:15:50 AM
Great pictures Mary! Everybody looks like they had a good time. Wish I coulda been there! How exciting to be the Honored Clan and to be on TV. Clan Thompson is making way and soon we"ll be recognised, I just know it!

The Rievers will ride again!

yer coz,
Sherry
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Sis Thompson's oldest on September 19, 2011, 06:18:44 AM
Uh...That would be Reivers....................Dang spell check.......it wanted rivers.....mutter, mutter, mutter
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Sis Thompson's oldest on September 19, 2011, 06:19:29 AM
AND we will be riding!
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on September 20, 2011, 11:24:02 AM
Here are some more!

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4969a.jpg)

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4968a.jpg)

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4966a.jpg)



Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on September 20, 2011, 11:26:36 AM
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4964a.jpg)

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4963a.jpg)
Marine Band

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/Estes%20Park%202011/IMG_4948a.jpg)
Shooting the canon at "Nessie" in  the lake
Title: The Camel Corps part of the Tattoo
Post by: Mary on September 22, 2011, 08:17:09 PM
http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/?action=view&current=008.mp4 (http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/?action=view&current=008.mp4)

I don't claim to be a photographer, but I think you'll get the idea!

I thought it was interesting - the camels marched in the parade through town too!
Title: AF Precision Drill Team at Estes Park, CO Tattoo
Post by: Mary on September 23, 2011, 10:29:53 AM
I was having some camera trouble, so I missed the beginning of this sequence. Still, I think you'll enjoy it.

http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h354/librarymary/?action=view&current=AFdrillteamestespark.mp4
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on October 04, 2011, 05:41:01 PM
Brilliant photos Mary! Almost like being there again. What a lovely time we had.
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Sis Thompson's oldest on October 07, 2011, 03:33:42 PM
Outstanding pictures! I get goose bumps everytime I look at them. So glad there was such a great turn out for Clan Thom(p)son! You all lloked fine, made me proud. :)
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on October 08, 2011, 07:04:12 PM
G'day Y'all,
We're finally back in Oz and recovering from a fabulous trip around Colorado and Texas.
Cheryl and I would like to thank you all for the tremeandous hospitality shown us and how we fitted into the greater Thompson family.
I'm certain to miss someone on the list of those who we'd like to thank personally so if I miss you thank you.
Tom and Mary for organising our accom. etc
Harold and Patsy for their guidance around the mountains and their company.
Fred and Babs especially Babs for her assistance with Cheryl's shopping.
Parker and family for their generous hospitality.
Scott and Karen for allowing us into their lovely home.
Michael and ALL his family for their entertainment and Michael's ability to search out some wonderful Scotch when it's most needed.
By the way I secede. You win the Scotch at ten paces.
Cathy McTavish for her company and last but not least
Boonah for his generosity to take us to the airport. When we got out of his car I'm sure I heard a sigh of relief.
Anyway folks thank you all so much y'all made Estes Park the greatest Gathering we have ever attended.
God Bless
Cheryl and Ern
P.S. see attached photo's                                                                                     

http://s1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff411/ernestt481/
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Mary on October 11, 2011, 05:57:07 PM
Dang! I hate always being outdone by the Aussies!

Great post, Ern! All of us who made the trek to Colorado have a similar list ---with the same names (except I'll swap Tom and Mary for enjoying Ern and Cheryl!) There were so many involved in so many ways and IT ALL WORKED!!! 

Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Barbara on November 14, 2011, 06:02:55 PM
Gosh dang, wish the Moore's could have been with our favorite people!!!  :(  I know it was a blast.  :D

Barb
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Michael Thompson on November 25, 2011, 05:36:39 PM
Ern, thanks for the photos. You were one of the highlights of the weekend. We all had such a great time. And I want a rematch on the single malt at ten paces, whenever you're ready.  ;D
Title: Re: 2011 AGM in Estes Park Colorado
Post by: Ernest Thompson on November 26, 2011, 04:30:26 PM
Michael,
A rematch would be my pleasure we have some very good labels here also.
Get my drift.
Did you happen to notice the photo of Sean in the march past? The background is taken up by an Australian flag.
A good sign of things to come.
G'day to everybody and hope to see y'all in the not too distant future.
Ern