It had been a couple years since I had done it. But it was such a great combination of fun and embarrassment that I had to do it again. The site was Flagstaff, as shown above. I learned one lesson at the games in '06 - you need at least cleats for the hammer throw. So I equipped as shown:

One pair of cleats...

...and one pair of cheap Cons for the spinning thows.....The shoes didn't help much. But what did I know.

I planned on roughing it on this trip. Originally the idea was to drive up, do the business, and drive back. Said plan was revised to drive up Friday, camp out Friday night, do the business, camp out Saturday night, and drive back. It's only a two hour drive. No big deal. First step-pack up the truck as illustrated. It was hard to fit all my make-up and perfume into one single suitcase.

After an easy drive Friday evening, I procured rations at the local grocery store. Note the sushi orientation. I've been really into healthy foods lately.

If you have not been to Flagstaff, take my word for it - there are some nice views.

I opted for a KOA in Flagstaff. Don't have pictures of this one. It involved a moonlight night, and Corko sleeping in the bed of the pickup. Not the most comfortable night. Next time I will not combine the camp activity with the games. It will be all or nothing.

Thanks go to the Schwartzes for taking the pictures while I was throwing rocks around!!!
It turned out to be a beautiful day. Friendly people and a fantastic time. The games were on the ball diamond as shown:

Lots of interesting people showed up. And a hot highland dancer. She was a cutie. Witnesseth:

The Braemar stone. Its only a 24 pounder. The idea is to throw it, gentle reader. Tougher than it looks.

The setup and orientation...

Corko steps up...

Corko's first throw. Ouch.

Set up for second throw. I got a short education at the same time. The judge was a great guy.

Corko's second throw. This turned out to be the top throw of the C class (yep, thats the bottom class, Corko is a novice).

...and back to the field. A lot of sportsmanship and support here. Except for a couple folks in "A" class who shall remain nameless.

Weight throw for distance setup and orientation...

Corko steps up...

Corko's setup.

...and the throw. Very tough to do this one. I probably won't get it right for years to come.

The standings for the C class:
1. Keith S
2. Clay P
3. Corko.

It was good enough for me.

A couple odd things happened on the way out. I ended up in a short guitar jam with a mandolin player on his Martin D-28 at one of the festival tents. Never saw that coming! But dude - thanks for the opportunity to check out a great guitar.

The other odd thing occurred as I was exiting the place. I overhead an old timer playing a certain song for a crowd. I recognized it immediately as Stan Rogers' "White Squall". Gentle reader, there are not a lot of Americans that know that song. Reference the story here. I met Stan Rogers briefly in the 70s, sheepishly asking this towering guy with the booming voice for his autograph. I was only 8 years old at the time. So, dear reader, his songs are special to me, and it was eerie to hear a guy playing it. Whoever you are dude, you did him justice. Thank you.

For the return, I ended up driving back that night. Thanks to Dr. Lyons and friends for dinner. Great people deserve kudos, and there were plenty on this trip. EOM.