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

Great Western Road Trip

Date of this trip: October 27th, 2012

We had just gotten our first snow since living in Aberdeen. Visiting castles and heading west to see the snowy countryside seemed like the best way to spend our weekend.

Drum Castle

All of these pictures were taken the same day. The weather was a bit moody.

All of the colors of fall were lovely!

Crathes Castle

Interesting landscaping in the Crathes Estate Garden

The Falls of Feugh in Banchory

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters." Psalm 29:2-3

We stopped for an afternoon dessert of sticky toffee pudding at this sweet little tearoom.  

Our table had a beautiful river view.

Under construction, Braemar Castle may not be as pretty as is usually is.

In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park

We loved the snowy mountain tops. 

We love seeing the different seasons and are enjoying the colder weather here. 

Bring on more snow!