Day 3 (June 9) Phew — Made it to Balmoral!!

The Kenmore resort is on land that was once a part of Taymouth Castle.

Loch Tay

Although the Highland Safari and Red Deer Centre website said breakfast was available, it wasn’t. Thankfully, their chef was already in the kitchen and whipped a few sandwiches for us before our  Barn Owl and Red Deer experience.    The Centre is in Dull, near Aberfeldy.

I did not try this!!!!!

                                                                                    

A  West Highland White Terrier never saw a Scottie, however.

Our chef

Ossian, the barn owl was rescued several years ago and is used in educational talks.  A beautiful bird

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Yes, we were allowed to feed the deer.  Ooh, what fun. Very friendly deer.  

Hi!  Nice camera, American lady

A respected senior citizen

The antlers are soft.

Many whisky distilleries in Scotland!!!

It was a beautiful drive from Aberfeldy to Braemar.  It was in Pitlochry when I noted a message on the car’s dashboard about tyre (tire) pressure.  At the time, Alison was not concerned as the car was new.  She had bought it a few months earlier.  The goal was to find a gas station on the way to Balmoral.  

There were no gas stations from Pitlochry to Braemar.  We pulled into the Gleaner station in Braemar several later.  Turns out the left front tire was punctured.  I am astonished that we made it safely to Braemar.

The tire could not be repaired at the station on a Sunday, which meant that the Balmoral visit was in danger … several miles down the road. Michael and Alison were determined to get me to the castle … they could come at another time.  I asked every person who came into the station for gas if they were heading to Balmoral. Explained the issue numerous.   

Louis and Sandra were getting gas and they said yes.  They had just come from a service at Crathie Church and have a home in Braemar.  They drove me to the castle and gave me their phone number in case I needed a ride back.   Meanwhile, Alison and Michael dealt with the insurance company and the Mini dealership.  

I had a screenshot of the ticket as it was for three people.  The people at the Visitor Center were awesome.  I explained the situation and had no issue getting in.  I left Michael and Alison’s names with the person checking tickets if — and I hoped – when – they got to Balmoral.   Alison still had the original tickets on her phone.

It is a good walk to the Castle.  You walk through several gardens including the Kitchen Garden.  The King is adding at least one more garden (under construction) and a maze.  

After you walk through the gardens, the castle comes into view, and what a view.  I was a month too early for the first tours of several rooms that had never been open to the public.   The only room I saw was the Ballroom which featured an exhibit of the King’s watercolours and clothes worn by the King, Queen Elizabeth II,  and the Queen Mother at Balmoral.   

Photographs were not permitted in the ballroom.

Garden Cottage – where Queen Victoria wrote her journals.

Expansive farmland – – facing this, the castle is behind me.

One of the King’s sheep.  A cute sheep.  In fact, there are many, many sheep in Scotland.  This includes a small number of ba ba black sheep.  So many to count, which allowed me a good night’s sleep.

After visiting the ballroom, I headed to the cafe for a bottle of water and an ice cream.   A new restaurant was under construction.  It opened earlier this month, My next stop was the Balmoral shop where I bought a guidebook, postcards, and a Christmas ornament. 

Throughout the day Michael and I texted each other about updates.  It was now unlikely that they would make it to Balmoral.  Alison was on the phone with her insurance company and Mini to have the tire prepared as soon as possible.  

I walked along the River Dee heading toward the Princess Alice Memorial and the pet cemetery, where it started to rain.   

The cafe featured a selection of royal photographs.

One can imagine the late Queen walking by the Dee on a summer afternoon, perhaps alone, or with family members.  It is a calming walk.

I cannot thank these two people enough for their kindness.  Instead of heading to the gas station, Louis and Sandra drove me to Crathie Church (outside Balmoral’s grounds).  The church was closed but we walked around it, with Louis pointing out different things, including the door where the royal family enters.   It is understood that Crathie Church will be closed for some time due to major renovations.  The date for this is unknown because the Church of Scotland has to acquire the funding for the repairs.

A room at the Fife Arms starts at about £600 per night,  The hotel was once a home owned by the first Duke of Fife, who married Princess Louise, Princess Royal, eldest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.

The tow truck and taxi arrived as we returned to the gas station.  The taxi provided by the insurance would take us to Aberdeen airport where a rental car was waiting for Alison.  The car’s tire would be replaced in a garage in Aberdeen.

We said our goodbyes and many thank yous to Louis, Sandra, and Gladys for everything they did for us in Braemar.  We never got to Mar Lodge or eat in Braemar, but the trip will remain unforgettable.

While I was at Braemar another car pulled into the gas station.  Engine trouble I think. Turns out the driver of that car was the piper at the Queen’s funeral … the one who played at the end at Windsor and walked off into the darkness.  Michael and Alison got to talk with him as he waited for his dad to pick him up,  Gladys told us she has known him since he was a “wee lad.”

It took an hour or so to get to Aberdeen Airport.  Eventually, we were back on the road to return to Kenmore, but we needed to find a place for dinner.  Most roadside stops close early on a Sunday, but then Alison spotted the Golden Arches!  

I had to break my rule about not eating in a McDonald’s outside the United States.   This Mickey D’s was in Forfar.  It was close to 9 pm by the time we were able to order, sit down, eat, and relax after a rough day.  

Back at Kenmore for the night.   Day 3 in Scotland awaits

Michael and Alison Rhodes.

Michael and Alison were happy that I made it to Balmoral.  They have plans for their own trip.