What a full weekend .... and a different. Terry, Ellie, Grace and myself arose at 4.30 am last Friday for the drive down to Maclean. Turns out we didn't need to leave quite so early as things didn't start until 4pm. Mum met us at the caravan park and we settled into our tents.
Friday evening we enjoyed a Ceilidh in the main street where dancers showed some of their pieces including a very interestingly choreographed African/Scottish piece. The other highlight was the Bellingen River Drum Corp which did an amazing routine of drumming combined with tricks with their sticks.
Saturday was the dancing competition with the girls performing very well. Grace was in an enormous group of 17 under 9 year olds and did well to gain two second place medals. This was Ellie's final competition and it was a lovely finish to gain a first, second and a third placing.
She then had to run over to join the band in their march competition. I think they got a fairly good review. The highlight of the whole weekend for us all had to be the 600 strong massed pipe bands in Ellie took her spot.
The evening was an Armidale Pipe band barbecue and then informal performance of piping and dancing.
Word of the Week: Ever heard of a Piobaireachd? (pronounced pee-brock) It is an ancient Gaelic style of music created before the music staff and any idea of timing came into existence. It is very hard to find a rhythm in but would sound beautiful on a mist filled Scottish highland!
Sunday and Monday were spent with Terry at the beach at Yamba (he got there every day!). At the Main Beach there is an ocean pool where at high tide the waves come crashing through a grill that was a bit of fun.
