Back O' Bennachie

This weekend we dog sat Laine and Jonathan's two pups while they were enjoying checking things off their bucket list. I didn't think Laine would take me up on the offer to keep Bailey and Samson but I am so glad she did. Angus LOVES Bailey (as do I) and it was fun to have little dog (Sam) running around in addition to one that thinks he is. I miss them already!

He can curl up into a little ball

Angus and Bailey playing in the sunshine

Samson found his spot

I knew I wanted to take Bailey and Angus on a long walk/hike on Saturday so it was perfect when Falene mentioned hiking Bennachie with a friend of hers that was in town (she also a lab, named Kady). Our friends, Nary (Nary's pictures are awesome) and newlyweds Pam and Fin came along as well. It was a little lot windy but the sun was shinning and that's a beautiful thing in Scotland, in the fall (or really anytime of year).

Me and my boy (courtesy of Nary)

On our way UP (courtesy of Nary)

Beautiful views

The crew minus Nary, she's behind the camera :-)

Bailey girl in action

The pups enjoying the view

Bailey girl posing for mom

Kasey's Trip Recap: TOP 5

Here are Kasey's Top 5 favorite things about Scotland (in her own words). She told me it was hard limiting it to five and she wants to come back next year. Yipee!!

(In no specific order)

1. Braemar games. Simply because I love competition and sports, but most importantly being at an event with Her Majesty and seeing her in person!

 

2. Military tattoo festival. One, it was my first "event" of the Scotland trip but really enjoyed the patriotism, never ending bag pipes, and the beautiful view of the castle!

 

3. Fringe festival. Out of the Blue, Vocal Orchestra, and Flash Mob rocked my socks off. Probably some of the most talented people! Along with walking through the streets of Edinburgh, it was an amazing experience.

 

4. Dancing at Espionage. It reminded me of grad school and so nice knowing we can still get crazy together even creeping up onto our 30s! Ha.

None of the actual dancing pictures are appropriate for this blog. Ha, just kidding!

5. St. Andrews. I just fell in love with that town. Everything about it; 18th hole bridge with hot Canadians, Will and Kate's (star struck) old stomping grounds, amazing ice cream, the coast.....the list could go on!!!

The hot Canadians that insisted we get in their picture.

 

 

 

Pitmedden Gardens

Last Tuesday I headed out to Pitmedden Gardens with the fabulous ladies of the AWA. This was part of the Discover Aberdeen group which introduces gems around Aberdeen and usually include a little tour so that you learn a little something also.

Pitmedden Gardens was first created over 300 years ago and has since been modernized. It features over 5 miles of hedging as well as the coat of arms of Sir Alexander Seton all made from flowers and hedging. It is a stunning sight to see and an ideal place for picture taking.

Debbie, Me, Nary

Debbie, Me, Tanvi

The tree

The fruits. The apples and pears are having a hard time this year due to the late freeze in Spring.

Scotland Thistle

Loch Muick: Take 4

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Saturday we headed out to Loch Muick to hike the circuit. Our friend, Clent, was in town and Debbie and Luke had been wanting to go so, we headed out early that morning in hopes of having nice weather and beating the rain that was forecasted for later that day. The weather was absolutely PERFECT and the pictures from this take are probably the best yet. The glass top water, sunshine and picture perfect clouds made for some great photo ops.

Hello, sunshine!

Perfect reflection on the water

Clouds on water

Once again, this walk took my breath away and continues to be my favorite.