A windy day in Nairn–beaches, wandering the Maggot along the River


A long bus ride from Inverness bus station to Nairn but totally worth it. I packed my throw blanket and off I headed–the bus driver instructed to me which stop to take to easily access downtown Nairn–which was just a mere few blocks to access the Maggot and East Beach, via the walk way along the River Nairn.

I purchased a “picnic” lunch for myself, a sandwich with a pack of crisps and a beverage and off I went to the sea!

Along the walking path, I spotted a pair of adult swans, white ones, and a small flock of what I assume were the teenage brood of the adult pair in the river, amongst the reeds and rushes.

A very windy, chilly awe inspiring day! The skies were crystal clear today and bundled up with my wool blended cardigan and scarf, the best was had all the way around–and even Nairn by evening sunset is beautiful (the photo is a bit fuzzy as it was taken from the bus!)

Prayers and Blooms, Biblical Gardens Along the River, Elgin, Scotland


A simple walk and I stumbled across a gated community Biblical Garden here in Elgin. It’s blooms, despite being mid-to-late fall are still abundant and fragrant, cascading over the walls and embankments of their containers and garden beds, yet leaving the pathways accessible.

There are stone placquards across the garden,interlaced with statues and carvings. Upon one statue, where the disciples hands are out-stretched, a person has left a blanket/throw for someone in need–an offering!

I am unsure if the gardens are open all year long but it was a wonderful place to reflect, enjoy my coffee, and commune.

My favorite place in Inverness–Old High Church and Cemetery


Located along River Ness in the old part of the city, Old High Church in Inverness is my most favorite of all the churches, not just in Scotland but likely world wide.

Why?

It enchanted me from the onset. The old masonry work, the chiseled headstones, the history, the smell of the peat wafting from the river below, the lingering scent of history past and present saturating the air–the lush plant life underfoot–it’s intoxicating. While located on the River Ness, Nessie doesn’t swim up river from Loch Ness, so no worries of Nessie snatching you away from the River.

Then, personal happiness occurred here–meeting here for coffee with old friends years ago, making new friends–drinking coffee and writing in my travel journal, meeting other history enthusiast here–showing others the history on a walking tour and so much more. The far retaining wall has hosted many a conversations of sillyness and seriousness for me, all with fond times.
The history isn’t just personal either, it boasts the history of Scotland’s past–resulting deaths, forced by the English, of Jacobite freedom fighters whom were put down forcibly, filling the soil with blood of the extinguishes-internment of loved ones-and surviving centuries of everyday living and community–Old High Church will has stood tall for centuries and will continue on-

Is Old High Church Cemetery haunted, given it’s history? See for yourself and don’t worry, the hauntingly beautiful place stays rested within it’s realm, never leaving it’s safe place along the river Ness.

Coffee, Tea and the Rosemarkie Pict Man at Rosemarkie, Black Isle, Scotland-


Who doesn’t love a day on the beach–a double hot beverage for myself, listening to the waves lap on the firth was a delight.

The person whom might not enjoy the scenery would be the Rosemarkie man, whom was murdered and left in the caves many a year ago and found. The history of what happened can be read on this link–I admit, he is quite handsome but then again, I am in the highlands of Scotland.

Enjoying reading about the local history on beach placards and watching families build sand castles on the beach, despite the cold wind, made for quite a day. The Rosemarkie Beach cafe not only offers tasty hot beverages but outside seating for ease and enjoyment–which is a delight, and offers a few local postcards as well.

Brunch on the Harbor in Avoch, Highlands of Scotland


A lovely, albeit windy and chilly, day on the Harbor–getting some local history and enjoying an “All Day Breakfast” kind of brunch–with a big coffee, of course, made a perfect day

The small village of Avoch dons a beautiful harbor and a fishing history. The sign provides some great information–

Where’s Waldo’s? Wall Murals–Playing a Postcard Game in Invergordan, Scotland


A person, an experienced adventurer, several years ago shared a “game” with me. Hence, I play this game every chance I am able and even shared it with other. It’s a very basic concept but so fun!

The object is to buy a local postcard-literally a postcard of your current location-and find the objects or places on the postcard–it’s like playing where’s waldo but in your local geography of highlighted features. That is exactly what I did today.

Invergordon is a quaint town/village in the Highlands of Scotland, along the firth. The firth is oddly deep enough to hold/host a major sea liner, which surprises me. Scotland, especially the highlands, are mysterious that way.

I popped into the Post Office to purchase some stamps and found the Murals Postcard so off I went to find all the wall paintings. Success!!

I also found a beautiful church and, of course, I had to stop for a delicous coffee.

Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase benefits the Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado as well as supports an an artist/adventurer..

The RoseGarden with Lunch


While in Tain today, we ate more fish and chips (it’s so delicious, especially with malt vinegar and salt!) We stopped at the local chippy, to pickup lunch and a beverage, after doing some walking and touring. We went down to the Rose Garden to enjoy our meal, spectacular meal with quite a view!

Tapestries and Tea Time in Tain, Scotland


A stop off to get a pot of tea and a pastry is always essential on an adventure, like the Hobbits–there is always time for such necessities.

While Kevin enjoyed a Cappuccino, I enjoyed a blended fusion pot of tea and some scones shared between us. What better way than to start of the daily adventure and tours?

We walked up Lamington Street in Tain, we stopped to read and admire the statue/monument and moved forward to the oldest royal burgh in Scotland.

The Tain Museum and Ross Center is free of admission but the volunteer on site gave Kevin and I the most amazing tour of the museum, the old church and the cemetary on site–so it’s a must!

King James visited Tain in the past and even attended this church, which has been historically maintained through the years. It is now on the historical registry.

The small painting in the photos below is part of the history musuem and I absolutely love it, noting that is worth sharing. It reminds me of Scotlands history as well as Ms. Price in Bed Knobs and Broomsticks (Disney Movie!)

Want more information?

Check out the history website. https://tainmuseum.org.uk/visitorinfo.php

Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase benefits the Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado as well as supports an an artist/adventurer..

The Walk to Clava Cairns–and Kerbis Cairns–Gravesites of Old–with Standing Stones


After visiting the moor and battlefield of Culloden, Kevin and I walked the 2 or so miles to the Cairns, through the countryside in the Highlands of Scotland–it was a mild, sunny day, perfect for walking outside.

We crossed over a small creek and meandered along the road to get there. Kevin was really enjoying the wondrous views. He was snapping many photos along the way–and I don’t blame him–the view is stunning and the early autumn is beyond lush and colorful. I love that he snaps photos–a great souvenir (for both of us.)

The site has been enclosed with a spring gate and fence, to aid in preservation and to help deter critters.

As seen by the photos, I attempted to go through the stones and back into time (or jump forward?) I obviously didn’t travel through the stones-despite my best efforts. I also didn’t have anything to offer for the ferryman for payment-a gem? A precious item? Or it is the wrong time of year?

Over the Sea to Sky-Portree on the Outer Hebrides via Eileen Donan Castle


Celebrating Kevin’s Birthday was so much fun–while his birthday was technically at the beginning of September, we celebrated it in Scotland with a fully loaded, day long tour (via Timber Bush Tours--highly recommended!) I booked the tour some months in advance as I wanted to guarantee that we had seats on the special tour.

The Epic Tour included these stops (plus more!)

Highland Coo’s (no we couldn’t pet but they are still cute!)

We happened to see the infamous Highland Stags (Monarchs of the Glen Deer)

Old Man of Stor

We stopped in Portree for lunch. Kevin and I chose fish and chips, of course, and I purchased some postcards, naturally. We saw all the pretty rainbow colored houses on the harbor as well.

We stopped on the way back to Loch Carron and other Glenns and lochs. There was a famous one that had a dinosaur found on it! On the way there we saw the outlines of hte famous ruins of Urqhuart Castle and on the way back we saw another famous castle but I forget the name of it.

The Isle of Skye is famous, not just for being the major “hub” of the Outer Hebrides but also for being the primary escape route for Bonnie Prince Charlie, Charles Stuart, the last Kind of Scotland trying to regain the throne of Scotland.

The day was eventful and our driver/tour guide was absolutely amazing. Kevin’s favorite part was touring Eileen Donan Castle (which was built as a family estate in 1919). It was Kevin’s first castle.My favorite part? The lochs and glenns, of course, and getting to see the wildlife.