We arrived in Scotland on Saturday afternoon. The other girls had also arrived the same day and they all wanted to relax for the evening, so we went to the local grocery store, picked up food for the next day, and spent time getting to know one another. For Sunday we decided to take it easy, sleeping in and then planning on what we were going to be doing for the next week.By around noon I was getting antsy and wanted to explore, so Emily and I went for a walk. After the non-stop pace in Japan and Amsterdam, it felt as though we were wasting away our time in the cottage. I vented my frustration with Emily, who took what I was saying personally (I hadn't meant for that), and we had a little argument. It was the only time the whole trip that we really got upset with one another. We gave each other a short time to cool off, and afterward, I think we were closer for it. I realized that our pace was going to be quite a bit lazier with the five of us, and once I adjusted my thinking, I took advantage of that and got plenty of sleep--after all, I hadn't really been able to sleep in over five months since before River was born. Having a newborn really wrecks your sleep, and the bed in the cottage was really comfortable. I was still going through postpartum stuff, and although I don't get depression, I do go through a phase that I call "baby coma," where I tend to be a little more withdrawn and quiet. While we we go-go-go in Japan and Amsterdam, I didn't really notice it, but when we were just chilling with the other girls, I found I was too tired/restless to sit down and play endless games of Monopoly with the others. I found myself falling asleep and just being aloof, which isn't like me. At the time I didn't catch it for what it was--I just thought all the lack of sleep was finally catching up to me.
As Emily and I explored the castle grounds, we met up with the rest of the group, who had finally ventured out of the cottage to look around as well. Since we were staying in the cottages on the castle grounds, we were given free reign to explore, and we took advantage of it.
Aldourie Castle is located just on the shoreline of Loch Ness, within 500 acres of
private estate, and has become part of the incredible landscape of the
Scottish Highlands.
An idyllic and enchanting setting, Aldourie Castle is just 6 miles from the Highlands’ capital city of Inverness, on the south shores of Loch Ness, the most iconic Loch in the world and home to the Highland Games. Hidden amongst wilderness you could be anywhere yet just minutes away guests have instant access to the main travel networks.
Aldourie Castle is of Scottish Baronial style and Grade A listed property. It was originally known as a 17th Century mansion house and was later extended to include an arts and craft wing in 1903. Impressively, the Aldourie Estate belonged to the same family for 250 years until it was bought privately in 2004 and subsequently underwent a generous £10 million development winning it the Sotherby’s UK Restoration of the Year 2011 award. Since its grand restoration the Castle has welcomed family groups, couples, weddings and other celebrations to enjoy its wonderful calming ambience and welcome atmosphere. A medieval castle to the core, Aldourie features hidden doors, old family portraits and vast fireplaces. It epitomizes Scottish history in both its interior and external characteristics.
Exploring the grounds:
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| We saw a doe. I had had my camera tucked away, and by the time I pulled it out, I was only able to get this shot |
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| Loch Ness |
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| A chair at the end of the path, it overlooked Loch Ness |
We found an old graveyard:
Some very unusual trees:
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| We met up with the rest of our group. Nikki is the one in front, bending down. Jamie is in the middle, and Alex is the one walking away. |
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| Ferns |
So beautiful--when I think of Scotland, this is what comes to my mind:
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| Emily and Nikki sparring. They did that a lot |
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