Nov 17

Scotland.

We arrived in Scotland after a cross-country drive through the highlands near Pitlochry, Visiting the monument and bridge across the Tay River in Aberfeldy, we saw a group of river rafters ( two successive rafts) head straight for, and then collide with the pillars of the bridge, bouncing off and heading on their way.

The moors are spectacular with a play of autumn colour that reminds me of Canada- yet not. The heather is really a different palette, as is the effect of the mist. Just when things might have become a little routine, instead they became Dull, which is a village twinned with Boring (in Oregon, USA). You never know what is around the next bend!

We arrived in Aberlour and installed ourselves in a guest cottage just outside of the village. The sheep were most interested in their new neighbours. Yesterday, we toured to Elgin, visited the cathedral ruins and shopped for food necessities. Today, we decided that we were homesick, so went to Banff. Unfortunately, for those thinking of fresh snow and the idyllic place in the Rockies, this Banff is perched on a hill overlooking the estuary into the North Sea. Also picturesque, but in a very different way. The mist was rolling in, as were the waves.

We were able to make the first visits to Scotch distilleries, and tried a few small drams. Lots of very pretty places, with scenery of the sea and of the highlands. A very different landscape and experience than that of the canals, which really extends my British experience.