Aug 17, 2012

Snippets / Memories / Photos of the day:

• We decided instead of taking the route through the lowlands which was suggested to head for the Highland Tourist Route from Inverness to Aberdeen so we could see more of the highlands as we have discovered this is the area which appeals most to us of the Scotland we love and we were not disappointed! We will let the pictures mainly tell the story but add some comments as well.
• It rained all day which was just as well or we wouldn’t have gotten in before dark because the vistas and photo opportunities were just screaming at us all day and the rain prevented the majority of them….the bonus was that the new waterproof pants I bought in Inverness didn’t leak, YAY!
• We saw great rolling hills and plains of harvested fields and intensive farming land in the lowlands both near Inverness and heading to Aberdeen / Dundee.



The first view when we entered the Glenlivett Estate.

• Crossed and followed galloping mountain streams and rivers.
• Miles and miles of heather clad mountainsides.
• Great sweeping water soaked moors.



For those who thought all we had was fun. This is a reasonably low lying ski resort. The artificial snow machine is to the left and the ski lifts are on the right lost in the fog.

• Rode in the densest fog we have EVER ridden in….and no the pic above is not even close. It was quite scary since the road was covered in sheeting water making it almost impossible to see the edges and it was a 14% downhill grade with switchback corners. We stopped whenever we could find a pull off spot to dry the inside and outside of the visors and our glasses. Not pleasant!



Tiny cottage in the middle of nowhere amongst the heather. It has been burnt up to the fence to the left and further over the hill behind.

• Wound through ‘Enchanted Forests’….at least that’s what they looked like with dark understories with mosses ferns and lichen strewn across the ground and up the tree trunks.



After a lot of twisting roads we rounded a corner and below in the valley we spot a castle.



A cute arch (built in 1864) in a very cute little village.

• After lunch we decided not to continue on to Aberdeen but to strike out for Dundee to stay in more high country and away from motorways and high speed traffic.



Glamis Castle and yes the clock on the front confirms we missed the last tour by about 7 minutes. Damn! Never mind we got the photo just before it rained and beat a hasty retreat.



St Pauls Cathedral spire (Dundee) in the distance as the sun is disappearing.

• Now we have booked in to the hotel it has stopped raining and the sun has come out….as of course it would.
• The day was a long one though didn’t feel like that but it felt big (there IS a difference) because the roads and conditions were challenging all day and made for a brilliant ride!

Bits and Bobs:



An interesting unit we found at a servo today. The rear axle on the trailer is a steer axle to assist getting the trailer around tight corners.



Norm spied this quirky arrangement over my shoulder when we were having dinner tonight and said ‘That looks a pretty clapped out old lighthouse’. When I looked over my shoulder I said “Isn’t that a buoy?” to which he replied “I didn’t go round to the back of it to see”. It’s all I have to work with….what can I say?



On a more serious note, Normie's Mum would have turned 90 today and he took this photo some days ago as a remembrance of her and her love of gardens and his memory of her enjoyment of that.

Last nights’ Accommodation:

Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness (Scotland) UK

A lovely old building, well cared for and comfortable to be in. Room a comfortable space and the bathroom recently refurbished and comfortable. The food has been great and staff friendly helpful and keen to be involved. A nice spot to chill. It even had a pool and since I was there 2 nights I should have broken out the bathers but didn’t. Worth a stay.



Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness.