The Cairngorms - Libby's view

When we left Edinburgh, I was feeling a little frustrated. We'd just spent 5 hours trying to do laundry at the hotel before leaving (2 hours of waiting time, 3 hours for laundry that never completely dried). By the time we left the hotel, we should have already been at our B&B in the Cairngorms.

First world problems, right? Right.

We were on the road for only about 10 minutes, to get out of the city and across the bridge (one that will give the Mackinac Bridge a run for it's money on size), before the sights were erasing all of the frustration and negativity away. We had sunshine kissing the valleys and creating a beautiful palette of greens, as well as warming the hillsides and waking up the palette of golds, greens and reds.






Then we entered the Cairngorms National Park and the views just got better. Snow-capped mountains with their ice-cold streams feeding rivers and lakes below in the green valleys. And pine trees so green, you'd think they were painted. Little, and not so little farm houses dotting the valleys and little towns (we wouldn't even consider towns in the states) arranged on the hillsides. And every so often, you'd see a castle or cathedral that looks castle-like on a hill, or the ruins of castles and cathedrals. It was a fairy-tale drive.



Arriving at the B&B was fairy-tale like as well. A place that might, at first appearance, make you think of Alice in Wonderland. Mark and Ann, the owners, are so welcoming and take care to make sure you are comfortable, having a great time and providing recommendations if you want them. Mark is a wood-worker, who is currently making furniture and opening up two rooms to one larger one at one of the local distilleries. His work is terrific. Anna is a superb cook, making the best poached eggs I've ever had. Of course, getting fresh eggs from their own chickens might a little something to with the flavor.

The next day, we drove up Cairngorm Mountain and rode the Funicular Railway to the top, where it was snowing. Even so, what wonderful views getting higher provided.

We then drove out to the Glenfarclas Distillery for their tour (a private one as we were the only ones that showed for the 2:30) and a little shopping. It started raining while we were there, but even the rain doesn't mar the beauty of this country. Fish and Chips and tasting Haggis was for supper. Then a little relaxing in the sitting room and bedtime. Tomorrow we drive to Isle of Skye. Can it get any better than this? We'll find out.