The kind couple from the restaurant told us to visit Elgol, so we drove there first thing in the morning.
Waking up early is so fun when you’re in a new country.
The black sheep crossing the road were cute and they knew it.
Rather unromantic, but here are my favorite things to bring for immune support.
Mixed Herbal tea. Nettle, chamomile, lemon balm, mint and raspberry leaf.
For the times they don’t serve decaf at night, and on the airplane. Being in the UK, there’s plentiful tea at each Airbnb or restaurant, so I’ve only had mine a couple times.
Ginger Chews/ raw ginger.
For the stomach. Even if you’re not eating ultra-processed foods, the travel and lack of sleep catches up with you. Especially if you’re a Sommers. I don’t like the texture of the chews, so I just bought ginger root at a market to eat raw. I also have fennel seeds for bloating.
Fire cider.
An affordable immune & digestive support. I bought this bottle at home but put a batch I made into it. I love the flavor so much it’s almost gone🫣
Colloidal Silver.
It may just be placebo, but I’ve taken this daily for immune support.
Prunes.
Iykyk.
Defender & Peppermint oils.
I dilute use these in jojoba oil & rub onto my neck if I have muscle pain or a headache.
Allibiotics from Now.
One per day, just in case.
Liquid Magnesium
Muscle relaxant, sleep aid.
On Guard Drops
Immune support, sore throats, sour breath.
I missed two night of sleep (apart from naps) this trip, and I believe these things are helping me from sickness. Remember drinking lots of water and walking will always benefit you too.
Grant found and treated us to the cutest coffee shop in the world, Lean To Coffee. They served pretty pastries and a fantastic dirty chai. The baristas were extra kind; when I painted a postcard I decided to gift it to them.
We dined in the lean to and were very grateful for the wool blankets and heaters provided.
We stopped back at the charity shop just for fun. I found a couple things, but when we got to the front, I decided to look through the artwork and I found a picture of what I think is Elgol. Absolutely perfection.
Dad asked us if he should buy this shirt. (Having my room solely decorated in black and white plaid at age 13, I have a slight aversion now). I didn’t mean for my taste to prohibit his happiness, but I suppose I have a little influence. We were out in the car, waiting on dad, a rare occasion. He ran back with the shirt and a big smile. “I’ve always wanted a shirt like this.”
Eilean Dunon Castle exceeded all the expectations. It was only £13 to go inside!
Photography inside was prohibited so I scribbled away in my journal. It made me absorb things more deeply, I believe. The scent of the fireplace, the feel of damp rock walls, and the views from narrow windows.
A mounted stag hung above the fireplace in the banqueting room. A Scotsman told stories of the history.
I wish I’d have gotten the audio tour, but I suppose if I need more information I can research.
There were two dresses from the 1730’s displayed. My jaw actually dropped, they were very beautiful. The MacRae clan continued to wear them to balls and special events until the 1970’s. Clans also have their own tartans and crests.
The kitchen stored beautiful dishes, but not an original. There were stuffed geese, ducks, rabbits and other creatures in the pantry.
I was perfectly okay with not taking pictures of the wax figures. I jumped when I thought one had moved. That started a conversation with a couple from British Columbia (of course they know of my home in Idaho).
I overheard one of the Canadian men tell his friend, “Your wife is looking for you.” A Scottish man replied, “You canna get away from em for even five minutes, aye?” Everyone got a good laugh out of that.
Back across the bridge, a young boy played Scotland the Brave. A lump formed in my throat at the sight and sounds around me.
The light is always changing here. This is the photo I took when we left the castle.
We ate lunch at Spean Bridge Mill Cafe and browsed the souvenir shop.
Even the toilet house was cute.
I saw the sign for Highland Soap and asked to stop. The Airbnb had Sea Kelp soap from there and it smelled lovely.
After dropping Grant off for a round of golf, my parents and I went to Glencoe Farm Store and Cafe. I found the rhubarb soda that Ella adores. (Yes, more please). I think I may try to make it at home. (This list is growing by the moment).
I’ve already used my store of 5G data, so the WiFi here was most useful.
Across from the cafe, a man and his dog were in their driveway. I told him how beautiful his dahlias and roses were and he said, “they’re near their end, it’s been so windy and rainy.”
Mom and I walked up the street while dad turned the car around. I think this cat wanted company.
Dad drove us to this darling bridge he saw.
We picked Grant up from the golf course, and drove to the visitor’s centre to find highland coos. It wasn’t any later than we drove into the Nature Reserve, that we decided to keep trekking instead.
Casually driving past the most beautiful views- hands out the window- while whistling Scotland the Brave. There’s a lot of practice needed. As soon as we harmonize I smile, and if you whistle you know..
Wow. What else can be uttered?
Hallelujah.
People. It is so grand, so giant😭.
Loch Lomond, as we viewed it from our car. Bonnie are her shores.
The Old Mill was the best option for our dinner. When we walked inside, the decibel levels were quite high. We were led back to a yurt heated by wood fire.
The server told us it was the rugby players in for the evening. Each of us was grateful for the quiet table we shared.
The starter consisted of gherkins, smoked salmon, Brie, oatcakes, focaccia, sautéed onions, green olives, pickled apples, something I can’t name, and greens. Grant watched me bite into Brie, until I realized: Oh there’s also butter on this tray.
Mother kindly asked to buy the wooden tray, but the chef is short on them of course.
While waiting on our food, I took the back door to our car to grab my paints. That restaurant door had no handle outside, so I peered in the window, knocked, and said, “daaaaad.” After dad let me inside, one of my family members informed me that the man at the other table asked if they for sure wanted to let me back. And when we left he asked if I plan to come in again, or will I stay out this time. XD
Okay, pals. This sticky toffee. Our waiter brought us an extra quarter cup of rich, burnt caramel. This cake didn’t have dates, although he thought it should. I’m not sure how I’ll make it yet, but I will indeed try.
We stopped at the co-op for our breakfast ingredients. Everything is so tiny and cute here.
I’m grateful that this bnb is the only one that we felt may have been misrepresented.
I listened to the Scottish radio as I wrote this post, and now I must rest up for church tomorrow.
Much love, I miss you.
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