On this day we headed east and toward the Royal Deeside.  It is called the Royal Deeside because Balmoral is in the area (hence the Royal) and it is alongside the River Dee (hence the Deeside).  The scenery is breathtaking and David took us some incredible, unspoilt places – whimsical bridges, charming castles, and stunning landscapes!  But rather than prattle on about them, let me show you some of the sites of our day:



Another lovely bridge along the way





Crathie Kirk where the Queen attends church when at Balmoral.  The inside is impressive, but no photographs – it IS a church after all.

 

Corgarff Castle, very far away, but still delightful!



In Ballater, Alice shows Queen V how to do haughty

  

Joan welcomed us to Delgatie Castle and allowed us the privilege of playing in the Chapel – a fantastic experience



We weren’t this relaxed in the Castle Chapel, but we did learn a lovely tune!  Don’t you wish you were there?

At the end of the day we enjoyed a drive through the Moray Coast which is so beautiful people should write tunes about it.  Oh, Wait!  They do!!

We had the typical tourist fascination with sheep… just couldn’t get enough of them

After another full day of sites, history, stories, meeting real people where they live, and learning another tune, we headed back to the Dowans for another delicious dinner, a sampling of their impressive collection of single malt scotches and then to bed – tomorrow promised another delight!