Slains Castle

Date of this event: November 17, 2012

Due to our love of visiting castles and everything we had heard about Slains Castle, we ventured out for a day of exploring.

About 25 miles North of Aberdeen, Slains Castle is near Cruden Bay and faces the North Sea.

Our walk to Slains Castle was quite an adventure. My favorite part was the fluffy and springy grass. It reminded me of Dr. Seuss, and it almost felt trampoline-like.

So we didn't exactly pick the least muddy route. Having not yet purchased hiking boots, James wore his Vibram toe shoes, and I wore a pair of old tennis shoes. We weren't too worried about the mud, but we hadn't accounted for the freezing muddy water that would soak through our shoes and insta-freeze our feet. Yikes. (I think James had it worse than I did.)

This is the trail right before the castle.

I should have taken a picture of the shortcut swamp through which we trekked.

(The day after this trip we went out and purchased proper hiking boots.)

Full of smiles because the beautiful views made us forget about our throbbing feet 

What a great location for a castle!

Taking a good look at Slains Castle from afar

Starting our exploration

Inside the castle ruins

Castle at sunset

It was about 4 P.M...

Upon getting the recommendation that we needed to try fish and chips A.S.A.P., we picked some up on our way home from the castle. 

We knew that it would be super greasy, which is not at all the kind of food that James and I usually eat. However, we went for it, being in Britain and all.

It looks like it wasn't too bad after all!

Lesson Learned: If you move to Scotland or come to visit, bring weatherproof and waterproof shoes! 

Hiking Bennachie

Date of this hike: November 10, 2012

There are several well known hikes in Aberdeenshire. After walking Scolty Hill with some ladies in the AWA, I knew that James would love hiking in Scotland. James, our new friend Herman, and I headed out to the Bennachie Hills for some walking and hiking. 

According to Trip Advisor, "Bennachie Hill Walks" is the number one attraction in Aberdeen. The views you are about to see should explain why that is.

Starting out on our adventure

Looking at Mither Tap, the most prominent peak

The view of Aberdeenshire as we are walking toward Mither Tap

James and Herman kindly stopping to pose for a picture while I take a breather. (Disclaimer: Don't let the description "hillwalking" fool you. It's not always as easy as they make it sound.) 

On top of Mither Tap, looking toward Oxen Craig

On top of Mither Tap

Our hiking leader paving the way

A view from the top of Oxen Craig

Oxen Craig is the highest peak of Bennachie.

The summit!

James: "Do something more exciting."

Beautiful Scottish countryside

Taking one last look back at our accomplishment

Thankfully, we had great weather and could enjoy the beautiful views that hillwalking has to offer! We are looking forward to more beautiful hikes, particularly when the weather is a little warmer! Thanks for going on this hike with us, Herman!

Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the fifth of November!

(Date of this event: November 5, 2012)

The history of Bonfire Night dates back to November 5, 1605 when Guy Fawkes and other members of the Gunpowder Plot planned to blow up the House of Lords, assassinating King James I of England. Guy Fawkes was in charge of the explosives.

However, the authorities learned about the plot, and the assassination attempt failed.

Great Britain now celebrates November 5th in thanks that the assassination attempt failed.

James and I joined some of our friends in celebrating at Aberdeen's Bonfire Night and fireworks show near the beach. We look forward to learning more Scottish traditions!

Edinburgh- Take 2

Date of this trip: November 3, 2012

James and I wanted to visit a few more castles when we had this free weekend. Having newly joined Historic Scotland, we were excited to explore many more castles.

Craigmillar is one of the most well preserved medieval castles in Edinburgh.

Inside walls

Conquering the castle 

It was such a fun castle for us to explore!

Once we got to Edinburgh's city center, we stopped at the Elephant House where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The "Mallow Delight" is fabulous!

Boards filled with articles about J.K. Rowling 

This is the building that inspired Hogwarts.

View of Edinburgh from Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Now that we were officially members of Historic Scotland, we went in the castle.

Prisoners of war museum

Did you see that?... "Because the Americans were officially regarded as pirates..." 

The Mons Meg cannon. I believe this is the seventh largest cannon!

Checking out more weapons

Inside the castle

After visiting Edinburgh castle, we walked up Calton Hill to watch the sunset. From here, you can see the whole city.

A lovely sunset to end our trip to Edinburgh