A beautiful day, dry, sunny and mild. Is it to much to ask that the rest of the week is like this?
Hire car arrived prompt at 10am, well done Focus for the efficient service. Being a little early to book in at the hotel we thought why not visit a distillery? This we did at the Glen Ord distillery near Invergarry. Hidden away in some of the finest scenery you could wish to see. We were the only visitors so enjoyed a one to one guided tour which included a warehouse of aged oak barrels still maturing. Most at currently 15 years old. Day would not be complete of course without a purchase of a bottle!
Next stop was the village of Beauly to the Bobroy Pub for lunch of Haggis Burger and chips and a pint of light ness. Set up now for the rest of the holiday.
Once rested we found our way to Dingwall and Tulloch Castle, home for four days. What an incredible find. Just hope the service is as good as the look of the castle. First signs are good, friendly welcome, brilliant room. No lifts so not suitable for the infirmed.
After a welcome cuppa I made my way to the bar while Mrs.T enjoyed a cat nap! The bar was a disappointment, no local real ale. Very surprised at this. Made do with Bass.
Evening meal very good with background Scottish music playing, a good end to the start of the holiday proper.
Picture 1 - Fiat 500 hire car.
" 2 - Gen Ord distillery.
" 3 - Castle frontage.
" 4 - Castle entrance showing grand staircase.
Mild, dry but overcast morning. Departed Kings Cross 10am and arrived in Inverness at 9pm after several delays. Weather from York onwards was just brilliant, sun until dusk with a beautiful sunset as we passed Aviemore.
Although late Premier Lodge treated us well and made sure we enjoyed a good meal. Hope the hire car arrives on time tomorrow.
A good day for packing and organising documents, camera etc for the Scottish holiday. Early start tomorrow.
A stunning Autumnal day. Warm, sunny and dry. Another brilliant sunset tonight.
Day spent in town, train tickets to London purchased, new cases purchased and two frames for my Moth photographs purchased.
Enjoyed another good dinner at Cafe Rouge.
Good to see more Fungi on the lawn this morning. Only one Moth in trap last night, tonight will be the last time for this year.
Pictures 1 - 3 - Morning Fungi.
" 4 - Lonesome Moth.
" 5 - Sunset from back garden tonight.
Another mild, dry day. We missed the rain again.
Messy day today, meeting with pension adviser this morning and dentist this afternoon.
Any spare time spent working out an itinerary for the Scotland holiday.
Making the evening coffee this rather large chappy ran across the worktop. Never seen such a large spider in my life.
Another beautiful day. Sun, dry and mild. We appear to be missing the rain that has been forecast this week.
Photobox delivered my four seasons block prints. Now hung in their rightful place in the observatory. Final fixing once I am sure this is where they should be hung.
Henry Street this afternoon for another Gardena gizmo, I do like their products.
Managed my first photograph with my new camera of a Peacock Butterfly on the Sunflower. It is a stunning picture, think I am going to enjoy this camera.
Picture 1 - Sunflower still in full bloom.
" 2 - Interesting look of a fungi that is past its sell by date!
" 3 1 - Four Seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
" 4 - Before (1973) After (2013).
" 5 - Garden Wildlife Photograph Gallery taking shape. **
** The Waxwings were taken at Bracknell **
Ist October, start of Autumn and what a wonderful start to the season. Mild, sunny and dry.
Another lazy day for me, trying to rest my tennis elbow arm so ok for driving over the Highlands next week.
Had another read of my new camera instruction manual, maybe in a position to attempt a photograph tomorrow?
Bees and Butterflies busy on the sunflowers today, this is brilliant news. Fingers crossed for a milder and dryer winter 2013/14.
Enjoyed an evening with Brian and Carol, what a cook you are Brian, many thanks. Despite the good weather in Whitley, on arriving in Basingstoke it was very wet after a day of rain, amazing.
Pictures all taken today showing start of change to leaf colour on the shrubs and trees.
