Scotland
Trip Start
Jun 14, 2010
1
6
19
Trip End
Jul 29, 2010
Invergorden, International
Saturday, June 26, 2010
We did the first shore excursion with the ship....always a riot, in some ways, coordinating them all is a nightmare, but it all flows smoothly, even if the organisers are a little terse at times from the many inane questions some ask...however we set off for Culoden, wondering what may actually be there, well a lovely trip through the green and very farmed area, animals, sheep and cows, thankfully, as lots of the UK is barren it seems of livestock, these were good looking animals, lots of potatoes growing, many pretty places along the way, lots of houses like "A Place In The Country"...everyones garden flourishing and of course the trees, huge and beautiful , lots of forested areas, and some Scots pine forests, with all the ferns growing under them. Ancient stone walls,and wild rhodo's.
Culoden was quite lovely, a very well done center with all the details,and walks through the area surrounding, covered in heather and wild flowers even orchids, so a sad history but a nice memorial, a wonderful shop of quality souvenirs.On to Cawdor Castle, a beautiful place, built in the 17th century, in stunning grounds, ancient oaks,huge ,and the garden in true tradition, beautifully kept and the herbaceous borders all out and so pretty. Roses growing up the walls, and some traditional people in kilts looking the part, one in fact with wild hair,and a flowing beard could have been our Grt Grandfather, Patrick Fletcher....I have pictures.! We were able to walk through the Castle, which is still inhabited, beautifully furnished,and though it would be awful to live in, the widow still does live there, hopefully she has company. It was a lovely experience.
When we came back it was almost time to depart,and the local pipe band came on to the wharf,and played til we sailed away, all the towns people came out to watch,and it was just so special, as they played Speed Bonnie Boat, and Amazing Grace...A very memorable day.
Thank you for all your little entries,we loved all the news, well not all, Jo I don't know who you mean, TV Dr...maybe not anyone we know ,but young life lost is tragic.
Pleased you are off to Hawaii Carol, and your Grandmother came from a lovely place.You will be delighted the PM is gone, not so sure about the humiliating replacement, the Aust's are very subdued.! Lorraine, good the Family are away to the sunshine,so exciting for them.Love all your input.
Edinburgh tomorrow, and I am off to Stirling Castle, looking forward to the regions the ancestors came from.
Love to all, Faye and Sam
![Culoden Cottage [What our ancestors lived in]](http://images.travelpod.com/users/hfs/2.1277562758.culoden-cottage-what-our-ancestors-lived-in.jpg)
![Culoden Cottage [What our ancestors lived in]](/travel-photo/hfs/2/1277562758/culoden-cottage-what-our-ancestors-lived-in.jpg/tpod.html)
Comments
Sounds just like some of the books we read about that part of the world Faye (Maybe Cross Stitch...), the colours sound magnificent. The pipe band would have been moving, I associate it with funerals more than anything these days.
Enjoy each day.
We are having a great relax today, made an ambrosia for a meal we are going to, a basketball family and we kiwis are off there for tea tonight. Have been watching tennis this morning, a wee tidy up while Nev and Mary went with David to organise a car, we have a Ford Escape I think it is. We are going to drive to Niagara, then to Boston and Squam then back to Boston.
We have been swimming today, finally managed to touch the bottom by diving. It is so lovely and warm.
Savour every moment.
LOL Thel
A lovely read on a bitter frosty, foggy morning Faye. Brings some light and delight to our day. Our TV's died.................now I can have a new slim line HD TV Yeah. Chris Robinson arrived with the gravel and we have a "new" back door area. I am so pleased. The hall is having it's make - over and looking better already. A chap called Murray is coming to Inspirations to service our sewing machines. He is very good and always does Jean Mowats machines. Good to not have to parcel mine off to Dunedin. Love getting your blog. Cheers Jenny
We visited all those places when we stayed at a hotel near Cawdor when we did the world cup trip...the weekend France beat the AB's!!!! My Granny was born @ Cawdor and I have some lovely photos of the village..also visited the castle and agree that the gardens were beautiful. As for our new PM..have gone from the fat to the fire !!!!!! Look forward to your next episode..Luv
Wonderful, simply wonderful, your descriptions of your journey make it all so real. I popped onto the Azamara Journey last night and found a fab video of your next cruise - Iceland looks so awesome and so remote.
Off to see the daughter, she is about to load almost the entire contents of her house on TM.
The Captain has secured the job with Qatar Airways, so exciting for Marion (and me)
XXX
Aw it does sound all so lovely and agree that the way you describe you bring it all to us so picture perfectly - thanks Faye - You know the TV doc - Rod McKenzie - he did your old telle one time... Had the boys ytesty for the funeral and they were good, Kate & I took them for a walk in the sunshine. Lucky it wasnt today, damned cold, low fog/cloud -brrr - you are in the right place.. Looks dismal looking out my kitchen wondow with no lights on next door and think the Sopranos have moved on :O( (not!) Just had a roast for dinner and now taking Jayden downstairs to make sure I'm rowing right - phew.. Enjoy! love you lots xo