We spent today at the Canmore Highland Games this weekend, which provided plenty of entertainment and beautiful weather (for once!).

Canmore is an amazing place to attend the games, especially the massed pipe bands that wrap up the event. The surrounding mountains provide an impressive visual backdrop but also enhance the sound of the massed pipes and drums so you hear and feel the music.

The 2011 games were the 21st that Canmore has hosted, which draws thousands of spectators from all around the world. The talent is world-class, too, with many of the pipe and drum groups having won events around the world.

Being held in the mountains of Alberta late in the year the weather can be iffy. The games have seen their share of rain and snow but this year the weather was beautiful.

A big thanks to all the organizers, the pipers and drummers, the heavy games competitors, the sheepdog trainers, the Highland dancers and everyone else who always makes these games a fantastic experience.

View my 2011 Canmore Highland Games photostream.

Pipers, drummers, dancers and vikings! This year’s Calgary Highland Games was fantastic!

This was the largest Calgary games we’ve been to so far, and while moving the location much further away mean for a longer drive, the extra space allowed for much more entertainment.

View my 2011 Calgary Highland Games photostream.

An amateur scientist has captured what Loch Ness Monster watchers say is among the finest footage ever taken of the elusive mythical creature reputed to swim beneath the waters of Scotland’s most mysterious lake.

See the video footage of Nessie at CNN.