Good bye to the Scottish Highlands and Hello to the Lancashire countryside. We are currently hurtling down the highway in a tightly packed BMW. Luggage transport for 4 adults + reasonable rental costs for the car = Barbara and I squeezed like sardines in the back seat for the 5 - 7 hour road trip south. No matter - we can compare notes on the views on either side of the drive when we stop for lunch.
Yesterday we spent the day doing a final shop at an outlet mall in Inverness. Got some great buys on Single Malt Whiskey, lambs wool scarves, and assorted other goodies. I have a new favorite cookie - Cornish Ginger Biscuits. Yum! On the way back to the Locanhully Resort we stopped in Carrbridge to look at the very, very old (1750) arched bridge and the peaty brown water rushing under. There was a fragrant Mock Orange bush in full bloom near by that I couldn't resist plucking a few flowers from. I've been gathering a few wild flowers from our locations and pressing them to frame later as a rememberance of this trip. I hope they all make it ok.
Since last night was spent packing we got 'take away' from the Resort Pub. Fish and chips for all - and shared a last pint with Frank, the charming barkeep who regaled us with tales of his time in the British Navy. He also clued us in on the local politics, great routes to take for viewing the Highlands, and not-to-miss sightseeing. When asked about the Scottish Parliment's discussion about the possible seperation of Scotland from England, Frank said that the country was currently split about 40/60 with the majority in favor of staying with the current connection with England. It does seem the 40 percent that is for seperation is very vocal - we are seeing a lot of "Free Scotland" written on barns and bumper stickers.
Prior to bed last night Steve and Barbara took a walk around the resort, and found an obsticle course. Barbara made sure the perimiter fence wasn't electrified prior to Steve making a run on the course! The resort really was lovely, and our cabin had a sun room facing out to the mossy green Aspen forest. We fed the ducks an American treat of leftover microwave popcorn. We are all for sharing our cultures on this trip!
English to American translations:
Chips = French Fries (no salt, no ketchup!)
Crisps = Chips
scone = biscuit
biscuit = cookie
Tatties and Neeps = potatoes and turnips
Bangers and Mash = sausage and mash potatoes
Gammon = ham steak
Lorry = truck
Coach = Bus
Flat = Appartment
To Let = to rent
Lay by = highway turnout
Single Malt = Delux Scotch Whiskey
Tube = Subway/train
Queue = waiting line
Nackered = what happens when you break your vehicle's tie rod
Gob smacked = what the wife's expression is when you break the vehicle's tie rod
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