Squeezed a lot into this day – took our time over everything too, most enjoyable. Inexplicably up very early. Decided to head up Moray way (well I decided and waited impatiently for everyone else to wake up). Visited Elgin Cathedral where much discussion was had about the history of the building, catholicism, protestants, the reformation, Dante’s Inferno, etc. etc. We then drove the 3 miles or so over to Spynie Palace to see the Bishops home. I was guilty of making a few sarcastic comments about the frugality of the Bishops living abode (a palace which became more lavish as time went on with the addition of banqueting halls and extra towers) – obviously giving their excess money to the poor and needy then… but did have to concede that they did bring much work and money to the local area with their lavish accomodations and lifestyle. One tower is kept locked due to owls nesting in it. After this we warmed up at Findhorn with lunch in the cafe and retail therapy in the shop (no better than the bishops really). Also saw spawning frogs in the pond. The sun came out again and we ate chocolate on the beach of the bay – tranquil. On the way home we passed in by Speymouth Forest to see if there were any frogs in evidence there as we have often seen tadpoles in the dam – answer: no. Walked up to the viewpoint and got a very good look at Fochabers. Then home for Sutaki pies, new potatoes, spring greens, onion-miso gravy and a bottle of wine (does it show? – hope not).
Elgin Cathedral, first one is a Pictish stone and the last, Charlotte signing her name in the comments book:
Spynie palace:
Findhorn: lunch then frogs, spawn (look hard!) and beach…
Speymouth:
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fabulous guide to foraging in Britain.
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"Girls just wanna have... wanna have fun...", and we still are :)
