Hated to leave Ballater, it is a charming city, the people are extremely friendly, the scenery magnificent, and all the restaurants we went to were great. After yesterday's hike up to Lochnagar and the forecast of rain we decided today would be a good travel day. Jim and James did some research and decided on … Continue reading Leaving Ballater – Episode Ten
The official description of Locknagar: a long, gradual ascent on clear tracks and rough footpaths. Wonderful mountain and moorland scenery, and part of the route by the side of Loch Muick. Length 13 miles Height Climbed 2500 ft. We felt so good about our walk yesterday that we felt we were ready for a larger … Continue reading Lochnagar – Episode Nine
Now having arrived back in the Eastern Highlands, the weather had changed, blue sky peeped through the clouds as we ate yet another traditional Scottish breakfast. We were staying the Darrochlee B&B in the town of Ballater. Ballater is a handsome village, the hiking looked to be excellent, the weather was supposed to be nice. … Continue reading Loch Muick – Episode Eight
So much for me feeling smarter than the rest of the world. This has always been a flaw of mine. So I do all of this research on Scotland, where to go, where to stay, what to eat, where to hike, and what to wear. Ahaa, what to wear, there's the rub. We're going to … Continue reading The Laundromat in Bathing Suits – Seventh Scotland Blog
I know most of you are cringing and are waiting for some horrific story. But nah, nah, nah. Sorry to deny you. This happened today. Learnings: occasionally (best during lunch because they are less busy) drop in to a store to check with your mobile phone provider. You might be able to get a better … Continue reading A Trip to AT&T
Our son James wrote this paper for his English Composition class final in 1999 when he was 16. I had forgotten the paper but found it stuffed into our Scottish journal. James wrote an astounding summery and an enjoyable interpretation of an experience and a discovery. This all happens in James' recounting of a ten … Continue reading Skye Walking – 6th Blog
After breakfast we bid a fond farewell to The House of Kiel....again, this time we remember our jackets and coats. Jump in the car and listen to Scottish BBC weather, stating the weather should clear in the Northwest. We're now off to the Isle of Skye. Glencoe is amazing, James has lugged a huge leather … Continue reading Isle of Skye – 5th Blog
After a great night's sleep we awoke to a magnificent breakfast in Allison's large and stately dinning room. Seriously, it was directly out of Downton Abbey. There we ate along with a couple from a small village near Lake Constance in Germany and a couple from Paris. We have stayed in touch with many people … Continue reading Glencoe – 4th Scotland Blog
The day began again with another high cholesterol Scottish breakfast. We were soon on our way North-West. Along the the route to Oban we stopped near a wonderful Gothic church named Saint Conan's Kirk on Loch Awe. It was actually a combination of styles put together by it's creator who was later buried within. The … Continue reading Oban & Beyond – 3rd Scotland Blog
Had another day of fantastic Scottish fare breakfast. I think I failed to mention that all breakfasts are served with cereal, juice, and toast. Toast should always be prepared as we had it in Scotland. Laura, what's the difference? You might ask. Toast in the U.K. is always toasted than stood up, un-buttered, in a … Continue reading Still in Stirling – 2nd Scotland Blog
