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Tour Day 5 

“Discover your passion, then take one step every day to live it.”   Annette White

July 26th, 2019

Before heading out of Aberfeldy to meet the sheep of Leault Farm, there was just time for a sunrise walk thru Taymouth Castle Estates. A red stag bounded away when I disturbed his breakfast, it was a quiet morning which brought me to reflect on how fortunate I was to be in Scotland. Travel, take that first step out the door, embrace the adventure, the past, the present and see the future in a puppy's eye.

Are shepherds born with an innate ability to make that high pitched whistle? That lovely note balancing on a thread and reaching out to the ears of the 35 lb, black and white tornado, telling it to bring in the flock, spin them around and make them stay. Fascinating and thrilling to watch as the dogs go out of sight, then back into view, whirling left and right, each dog having it's own whistle to listen for and respond to. An amazing animal waltz.

Using the hand shears was easier than I had thought but I was still terrified I would snip a bit of skin instead of fleece. Most sheep have to be sheared at least once a year to remain healthy, though must shearing is done with mechanical shears, not the hand shears several of us had a go with. Hand shearing isn't yet a lost art, in June of 2022, Scotland will host the World Sheep Shearing Championship with competitors coming from all over the world.

Right now they are all warm puppy breath, soft eyes and plump, round bellies but inside each one is a dedicated herder, just waiting to grow big enough to learn how to be the arrow to the shepherd's bow.

Sheared of it's fleece and 5 to 10 lbs lighter, our patient, practice ewe was happy to run off to quieter pastures, sadly she didn't even wave goodbye as we headed down the road to a tempting lunch at the Rowan Tree. Full of good food and fresh air we headed to Culloden, site of the 1745 battle that ended the Jacobite uprising and took the lives of 1600 souls. Inside the museum an incredible 360 degree theater gives an almost too real glimpse into the battle which killed so many in just an hour.

Tour Day 6  

"I care to live only to entice people

to look at Nature's loveliness.

John Muir    1838 - 1914 

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July 27th, 2019

Looking at the vista below, Urquhart Castle on the shores of the mystery shrouded Loch Ness, I was transported back in time. Not to the 13th century of the original castle but to my childhood when I dreamed of traveling to Scotland and visiting with Nessie. The castle and the charming area nearby are worth taking your time to wander through. Who knows what memories they will bring to you..

And who wouldn't be tempted to skip a rock on Loch Ness? So I gave it a go.. 6 or was it 7 skips before it sank into the dark depths of the Loch. Nessie didn't stir and I'm unsure if I am relieved or disappointed.

After leaving the splendid and fragrant gardens of Cawdor Castle I took a moment to stop in at the wool shop on the way back to the coach. Filled with lovely Scottish plaids and tartans and a kind shop keep named Tony who said he could tell our group was the Rick Steves tour. How did he know I asked? He said the RS tours were always smiling, relaxed and thoroughly enjoying themselves. He was right, we were all of that and so much more.

Cawdor Castle, occupied by the Cawdor family for more than 600 years and still holds the legendary holly tree it was built around. The inside tour is fascinating, but leave time to explore the lovely gardens and paths that beckon you out through the forest. Giant trees hang their shadows over the wooded trails. A worthy stop said the bard - ‘This Castle hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses’: William Shakespeare.

Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet and Inverness is full of friendly folk. The pound coin I dropped in the street was immediately picked up returned with a smile. I wandered the streets for a few hours, before heading to the Mustard Seed for dinner and a birthday celebration for one of our fellow travelers. A great day.

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