That long wood pole you see in these photos is extremely rare. It’s one of only two Challenge Cabers outside of the United Kingdom. It makes its home in San Diego, inside Balboa Park’s House of Scotland cottage!
What’s a caber? It’s a heavy tapered pole that competitors try to toss end over end at Scottish Highland Games. The Braemar Challenge Caber proudly displayed here in San Diego has a further distinction. It has never been successfully flipped (turned).
Beginning in 1976 competitors have tried to turn this particular caber at the San Diego Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans. A successful turn would require extreme strength and skill. Many accomplished athletes have tried. None have succeeded!
This very heavy Braemar Challenge Caber was a gift from the Braemar Royal Highland Society. It was cut from a larch tree and sealed while still green. It’s 19 feet long and weighs a daunting 175 pounds.
As you might notice, I took these photographs during the holiday season.
Visitors can view this rare, historic caber on most weekends at Balboa Park’s International Cottages. Simply step into the House of Scotland cottage!
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