It as been a day for recollection and memories. I first came to the Cairngorms at the tender age of twenty. I can remember ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was the song in the pubs.
This is my first time in Braemar and if the rain would cease for more than a couple of hours at a time it could be a wonderful place. At least there is little wind with the rain.
The Butchers Braemar. Good pies and good haggis. The town has everything, a CO-OP, a convenience store and a superb privately owned mountain clothes shop. I spent my pension cheque with them. I got a new pair of Meindl approach shoes; Oh, the luxury of having dry feet and grip. I also got a pair of Mammut trousers. The posh ones that dry automatically as one wanders along. Great for rain, sleet and incontinence. Whilst in this wonderful emporium I also got some new anti-ice slip ons’ for my shoes. Little sign of ice yet but it is early days.
So sad, the eldest twenty five and the youngest nineteen. I like the fact that they have erected this reminder of the futility of war. Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and British all lost family in this accident
Braemar is heavy on churches and thankfully light on wind farms and power lines. It did cross my mind that Queeny has a house down the road called Balmoral. Don’t be silly Adrian. It’s just pure chance that Queeny would object to the erection of the odd wind mill. She can’t be that small minded surely. I have heard odd rumours that Queenies great grandmother was having an affair with a peasant up here. If one were to believe such scandal then Immoral castle would be a better name. Shame on me, I don’t know where such cynicism comes from.
No internet here so part two will follow. Part two could be in front of part one. I will try and get them in chronological order.
Have fun.
Nice and emotional to be in a place where you where years ago.. Really great! This is freedom
ReplyDeleteLaura, I have spent the last three weeks travelling in convoy with a friend. It is good to be back.
DeleteLooks and sounds like a good place - being able to find the things you need!
ReplyDeleteMonica, it is perfect for me. It has what I want and nothing more.
DeleteI imagine there are a few fond memories here Adrian.
ReplyDeleteThose self drying trousers sound pretty good.
Keith, I have been here in winter five times before. I love the whole area.
DeleteThe trousers are superb.
I love these pictures! And I love how the town looks and the churches! Everything here is plain. Say, what do you think about posting us a picture of the town with those street lights on?
ReplyDeleteThe trousers sound great. There are times I could use a pair. I laughed when I read your description.
David, I've moved up the road now. I was going to take a trip at dusk but the rain dissuaded me. In addition to these churches there are also a couple of Chapels.
DeleteIs this a cryptic post Adrian ~ tender age of twenty ~ royal peasant fodder? Great to see you online again.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I was expecting WIFI in Braemar but it was broken. I had to move early as I have a chap screaming on the phone for some pictures. I'll get on with those when I've caught up here.
DeleteIt's good to hear that you can still remember that many years back Adrian but rather worrying to hear that you now feel the need to purchase some incontinence pants, I guess the new running shoes will come in handy if the pants fail to life up to their reputation?
ReplyDeleteLooks a bit dull and dismal there, you could do with some sunshine?...[;o)
Trevor, I don't remember all the details.
DeleteIf things get to the running stage then I'm pretty sure that moving at anything faster than a crawl would be self defeating.
This constant rain is getting me down.
Everywhere you go you find and interesting story and something attractive to photograph. You've got the history of the churches and the war memorial. Modern day planners could never design anything as attractive as this village.
ReplyDeleteRed, even the most unprepossessing of places usually has something to look at.
DeleteThese old towns weren't planned they just evolved. Most of Braemar is Victorian so not very old.
The Queen owns a lot of turbines especially those anchored in her waters/seas, Philip produces his own wind anyway:o)
ReplyDeleteDouglas, she no doubt charges for the ground rent on them.
DeleteVery nice architecture Adrian. Those churches are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteMaria, it is an attractive town. I wouldn't want to be here in summer though.
DeleteAs Highland villages go Braemar certainly has a certain charm many others do not possess. It can get very chilly in the winter though so you seem to be being on the lucky side for this visit.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I decided to move east to try for some cold and crisp weather. It was not to be on this trip.
DeleteIt is an attractive town. I'll have to list the good Scottish towns. There can't be more than a dozen.
It must be nice to re-visit a place in the country after such a long time. The opening shot does it for me with the mist as well creating the mood of so many similar Scottish village and town landscapes.
ReplyDeleteNever ever been to Braemar (for walking purposes either), maybe it's because my Mother once stayed here on a coach trip and I had to later look at photos of hotels full of antlers and woollen mills ... maybe that has put me off !
Jay, there is lots of walking and the town is fine for a wet day.
Delete