On the road again . . .

Friday - drive from Aberdeen to Glasgow

We woke up in Aberdeen and had tea and toast with David before packing up the car to head south. The plan was to take a different route back and return the car in Glasgow. The highway, we were told, is called the Great Western Road and it winds its way through the countryside coming quite near to the royal estate at Balmoral. David and Scott also let us know that the town of Ballater would have nice shops (including a bakery!) that would be worth a look. So with a hug and a word of thanks for their kind hospitality we were on the road again!

As we left Aberdeen we began to drive through some lovely little towns and the scenery began to change. There were more tall trees and we were soon driving alongside the River Dee. First stop was to fill up the car with “petrol” which was running 2.20 pounds/liter. We were later glad we did this when we did, as there were almost no places to stop once we got out into the countryside.

The next stop was the town of Ballater - a small village quite close to Balmoral Castle. The railroad car that Queen Victoria used to travel here is on display and there are many shops which proudly displaying the royal coats of arms and signs saying that they are patronized by the royal family. After wandering about a bit, we asked for directions to the bakery and found it. They are known for making Balmoral Bread, a whole grain, seed filled bread. We got a loaf to take to our friend Linda that night. And as we had only had toast thus far, decided to have a bite for lunch. In addition to sweets, they also make and sell warm savory pies. As the weather was chilly and rainy, this seemed like just the thing to warm us up! We tried the cheese, potato and onion pie, the shepherds pie, and the minced meat pie. Along with these we had a black currant Ribena drink - which is something we have seen everywhere. The pies were warm and filling and the drink tasty.

On to the castle an distillery . . . this distillery, Royal LochNagar, was one recommended by the nice man at the city house in Aberdeen. Since his shortbread hint had been so good, we decided to follow up on this lead as well. Once again we toured the distillery - we have found it interesting the little differences in how each place prepares their own special blend. From how they malt the barley, to how long it is fermented, to the shape of the still and how each batch is tested. One thing we’ve learned is that the smokier ones use more of the peat when they heat the barley in the malting process. And, much like different wines reflect the region where the grapes were grown, you can taste different flavors depending on what area of Scotland the whiskey is from. After a dram of whiskey we were on the the castle - only to find out it was closed to visitors, because the Queen herself is “in house” right now. So, postcard pictures will have to do.

The next few hours were simply spent in awe at the scenery. As we went south, there were fewer and then no trees. Which meant you could see for miles and miles. Much of it was open range, so we came upon a few sheep. Finally we were driving through a quite hilly area which in the winter is used for skiing. There were little creeks and mountain springs, heather was in bloom, and periodically there was a small village. It was all really just lovely.

Our car was due back to the Glasgow airport by 7:30 pm and we had arranged for our friend Linda to pick us up there. However . . . when we got to the airport, at 7, we discovered that the company from whom we had rented the car did not have an office at the airport! After a few frantic phone calls and some interesting directions we were guided to their off-site office and got the car there by 7:35. They were apologetic about the confusion and their shuttle driver got us delivered to the airport, so all was well.

Linda was there to meet us and took us back to her home where she served us a lovely dinner of steak pie, carrots and brocoli - with fresh strawberries and yogurt for desert (bought for our benefit as our host doesn't eat either!). We spent the evening in front of the fire, enjoying good conversation till well past all our bedtimes!