We opened our eyes to clear skies and relatively warm weather. For the first time in 3 1/2 weeks we could comfortably wear shorts. We decided to hike to the Birks of Aberfeldy, immortalized in a poem by Robert Burns. We even saw where he sat and supposedly composed the poem. It was not a … Continue reading Birks of Aberfeldy & Scotch – Episode 16
We left Ullapool early, couldn't wait to get away from the cold and damp hotel and most of all the very crabby innkeeper. Also breakfast was terrible, cold and greasy. Good news was the day was clear and crisp. We decided to drive a little further north along the coast. The views were superb, the … Continue reading Perthshire – Episode 15
Cannelé means "fluted" in French. These were first made by French nuns in the early 14th century. They are small, sweet cakes that take their name from the molds in which they are baked. They are extremely luscious, with a crispy browned exterior and a creamy pudding-like interior: fantastic with coffee or tea in the morning. … Continue reading Cannelés
We were seated with our new Italian friends; Stefano (father,) Stefania (mother,) and Alessio (son.) They insisted we order breakfast for them this morning. Due to Stefania's reaction to yesterday's breakfast we especially had Blood Pudding excluded from her plate before serving. She was very pleased! We discussed our travel plans. They were going up … Continue reading Sometimes the Best Travelers Make Mistakes – Episode 14
OK, so we agree air travel simply isn't what it used to be. Sorry if I'm showing my age but when I was traveling for corporate America I traveled a lot, and fortunately my employer always flew me Business Class. Didn't matter if I flew early morning or late at night, it was always full … Continue reading Travel Hacks: Bring Protein
Laura and I are kind of addicted to Hot and Sour Soup. We always get it when we go to a Chinese restaurant, but quality varies widely. They make a good one at this Chinese buffet we go to, but when you go to one of those things it is like you want to eat … Continue reading Hot and Sour Soup
I got this recipe watching a Jamie Oliver video on YouTube. It looked yummy and quite simple to make so we made it last night for dinner while James was visiting from Portland. I pretty well followed Jamie's recipe, but I added some sliced red pepper for added color and crunch. I got a bit … Continue reading Chicken Noodle with Baby Broccoli Stir-fry
So you all know from Episode 12 that my hiking route was set and Jim and James went fishing. I had finished the Black Castle portion of the hike, lots of long green pastures and many many stiles to cross. I found myself in Moulin and decided to stop at The Moulin Inn and order … Continue reading Meall na h-Aofainn Moire – Episode 13
We're now in Pitlochry, this village is even more stunning than Aberfeldy, more flowers and surrounded by mountains. We woke up in the Carra Beag Guest House to the smell of a promising Scottish Breakfast and the sun shining outside our windows. Since we're so far north and sun rises at about 4:00am and doesn't … Continue reading Pitlochry – Episode 12
James and I decided that a trip to Scotland would be incomplete without doing some fishing. We bought fishing licenses, rented a boat and some rods, bought bait and fished the Loch Faskally in the center of Pitlochary. James chose a spinner, while I tried worms. The Loch is formed by the river Tummel and … Continue reading Fishing in Scotland
