Do you remember in elementary school when you returned from a blissful couple of weeks of freedom from homework assignments, annoying teachers and the daily academic routine to find your school chums buzzing loudly in the hallway about what they did over winter break? Commonplace were conversations about new toys received at Christmas or the hours spent playing Atari Pong (dating myself!), trips to Grandma’s house and/or the family ski cabin or beach house. Then there were those really annoying kids who havered on about their trip to Disneyland where they rode every ride (5 times) whilst simultaneously becoming besties with Mickey and Minnie. I can say now that my winter breaks are decidedly boring compared to days-of-auld. But, given how hard our Outlander Crew works, I am happy to report that they made the best use of their seldom-free time over the holidays.
For most of the month of December, the cast and crew were working 6-day weeks. These are long, 12-15 hour days in the bone-chilling cold and wet of Scotland. Just a day or so before Christmas, the cast and crew took off for a well-deserved two-week winter break! So, what did they do? Where did they go? We have some clues… and we even threw in a few #Gonelanders for good measure, just because we remain ever devoted! Read all about it after the jump…
Happy Christmas from this little pudding …. ????#possiblepetabuse pic.twitter.com/cUjRSsvBq3— Caitriona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) December 25, 2016
Fab new issue of @wmag celebrations with @Audi … thank you @LouisVuitton @TaraSwennen and @Keurban for the Glam pic.twitter.com/jdjeUeK8nH— Caitriona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) January 7, 2017
— Lynette Rice (@Lynetterice) January 8, 2017
Sam Heughan
Not to be outdone, our main man, Sam Heughan, was actually doing the Lord’s work for all or part of his break. His fitness and lifestyle program “My Peak Challenge” (MPC) kicked off its third year on January 2nd with much fan-fair. My blog colleague, Holly Richter White, wrote about how MPC has gone mainstream and how Sam’s dream is positively impacting lives. Indeed, thousands of men and women decided that 2017 was the year to get fit while achieving some personal goals by signing up for MPC 2017. And, even though Sam was enjoying a holiday break in Amsterdam and Switzerland, he still took time to Tweet encouragement to Peakers around the globe!
Welcome to all of our Peakers and the first day of @mypeakchallenge !#jazzhands #mpc2017 pic.twitter.com/uD4wpdYut5— Sam Heughan (@SamHeughan) January 2, 2017
Sam even shared a personal challenge… sort of. He didn’t actually tell us what it was, but my guess may be he took to the slopes and tried some skiing or maybe snowboarding. Pretty ambitious to try skiing in the Swiss Alps, or at the Matterhorn for that matter! But, I know I felt emboldened reading about Sam taking on a big challenge despite being fearful.
Today! I was challenged to something I thought I couldnt do.I was scared.
Thank you for inspiring me. ALL our @MyPeakChallenge Peakers! pic.twitter.com/UerJGP8YCL
— Sam Heughan (@SamHeughan) January 4, 2017
I know, I know… Laoghaire rears that baby-faced head of hers. But, character aside, the lovely Nell Hudson will have a pretty significant part to play in season 3 of Outlander. She is a busy girl, currently working on the PBS Masterpiece series, Victoria. However, Nell took some time over the holidays to venture to Iceland for a dip in one of the region’s famous hot baths and a visit with some Icelandic ponies. Awwwww.
Well, it would seem that Ron and Terry’s winter break was a bit less jolly than some of the others. Given Ron’s rigorous schedule (back and forth from Scotland to Los Angeles every few weeks), I am sure both he and Terry were looking forward to spending some quality time together. But, such was not the case when both had unfortunate accidents. Ron apparently sustained some injuries puttering about the house and Terry another injury — origin unknown. Oh dear, you two!
Ron is in a sling, my hand is wrapped.— Terry Dresbach (@draiochta14) January 2, 2017
@pnhmr Ron was attacked by the garage door— Terry Dresbach (@draiochta14) January 2, 2017
Graham McTavish
One of our favorite #Gonelanders spent most of the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday delighting his fans (female, in particular) with daily videos of his push-up challenge to support combat veterans. I find Graham a most singular man and he never lets us forget it! It would appear that Graham traveled somewhere warm to spend the winter break (and his birthday on January 4th) with family. Good for him. And, not to be outdone, we got more shirtless fitness-related Graham views. God bless Mr. McTavish!
Duncan Lacroix
Fresh off the push-up challenge himself, Mr. Lacroix took the plunge and joined MPC over the holiday break. It would seem that his fitness-crazed colleagues may have had a lasting effect on our dear Murtagh. Duncan heralded his membership in a way only he can!
Ok for those asking I signed up this morning. I’m hoping to be as big as The Rock by next Xmas. Good luck mofos @MyPeakChallenge https://t.co/sflWOoMJnF— Duncan Lacroix (@LacroixDuncan) December 20, 2016
It also appears Duncan spent some time in London. Originally from Southeast Greater London, I believe his mother and family currently live there. I’ve noticed Duncan spends a lot of time at the theatre when he has a break from acting. He worked in theatre for years and is very passionate about it having performed in many stage productions in Dublin and London throughout his career. He took in a production of Amadeus at the London National Theatre while home during the holiday. And, guess what? He noted that another #Gonelander was involved in the production. We miss you, Willie!
Lucky enough to nab a ticket to see Amadeus at the National Theatre and who do I spy in the programme but our Willie @FinndH pic.twitter.com/sbU961g9lX— Duncan Lacroix (@LacroixDuncan) December 30, 2016
Sadly, Scott Kyle – a.k.a. Ross of Lallybroch – also suffered some misfortune over the holiday break. His community theatre in Bathgate, Scotland, was vandalized and some equipment was destroyed. But, Outlander fans to the rescue when close to $4,000 USD was donated to help with the repairs by various fan groups for Scott.
To the @ScottsKylanders and everyone who has supported the work we are doing @BathgateRegal thank you all for your kindness and generosity x pic.twitter.com/k4gdwxYMSe— Scott Kyle (@scottjkyle1) January 10, 2017
Thank u 2 @portulass who just donated 2 the @bathgateregal Community Theatre in Bathgate, Scotland. Support if u can https://t.co/rzu3qjv9mV pic.twitter.com/89FDECxJpa— Scott Kyle (@scottjkyle1) January 10, 2017
6th day of the KYLANDER 1,000 and I’ve just done my morning run. That’s another 500 calories burned. Happy New Year everyone. pic.twitter.com/JUsyofgrG6— Scott Kyle (@scottjkyle1) January 6, 2017
And, then lastly we check in with our beloved Matt Roberts. He is the chronicler of Outlander the series as a respected writer/producer but, importantly, through his unique photography of cast and crew and spectacular Scotland. Matt did an impromptu Q&A just days after Christmas where he answered some season 3 leading questions.
.@gwhitmanwriter Hard to say how you’ll react but you might weep laugh weep sigh, cheer, weep so more, smile, scream, weep. Oh yeah and weep— Matthew B. Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) December 27, 2016
.@sweetriknlady We have some amazing Eps “in the can – finished” (and more to come) — I truly can’t wait for you to see them. #Outlander— Matthew B. Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) December 27, 2016
And, so to wrap our winter break news round-up, we leave you with some amazing images from THE Matthew B. Roberts. Lovely. Evocative. Scotland.
— Matthew B. Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) December 28, 2016
On the holiday break – looking out my window -reading #DrumsofAutumn preparing for #Outlander S4 and writing the S3 finale with #ToniGraphia pic.twitter.com/e2qfA57G4k— Matthew B. Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) December 27, 2016
Great holiday update on the Outlander gang!
And you've been busy in your break too Anne – posting great updates for us all. Thanks so much.
Anne K. Hawkinson — Thanks for reading and commenting!
Jayne Coleman — I TRY!!!! However, this busy cast and crew is hard to keep up with 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
Anne this is a wonderful informative post,you're great for keeping us in the loop,Thanks a bunch!Loved Cait's frock at the GG!
zsuszip — Thanks. Try to stay on top of things when I can. Glad you enjoyed. And, yes, Cait nailed it at the GGs! Thanks for stopping by!
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