Saturday 7 November 2015

The Enchanted Forest - In the Daytime

A couple of weeks ago on a reasonably nice day, instead of loitering around the house, I decide to take the boys (dogs) up to Faskally Wood, just past Pilochry.  Faskally Wood is the home of the nighttime light show The Enchanted Forest, which was sold out again this year.  I wasn't sure if you would be allowed access to the woods, but you were, as long as you had left by 4.00pm. It was an interesting wander around the loch with miles of cables and lighting structures for the evening light show.
The Autumn colours here in Perthshire are particularly stunning this year so I made the short journey to Garry Bridge for the view. I was going to go to the Queens View, but there is a parking charge now and I had no money on me. Quick stop at Glenfincastle Chapel, then an interlude in Pitlochry where I managed to find a free place to park for a brief look at the dam.

























Tuesday 3 November 2015

Gleneagles Hotel - Afternoon Tea

One of my far flung saunters out, well twice this year and only 45 minutes away, was to Gleneagles Hotel for afternoon tea. The first time was in August with my mother, who had been gifted a voucher for Christmas and kindly invited me along to partake in tea. The second time, in October, was again with my mother but also the three younglings, it was a combined birthday treat for them.

Having worked in a hotel in the Lake District for a number of years which was famous for it's Afternoon Tea, there was a potential I could be very critical. I must have served/prepared hundreds of Afternoon Tea's in my hotel days. I had absolutely nothing to nit pick over, both times were outstanding and recommended for a special occasion. The tea is served in the bar and if you are seated near the window it is excellent for a bit of people watching.

The food is served on a 3 tier stand. The top being savoury bites, the second layer sandwiches and the third layer a selection of small cakes/sweets.  The warm scones are brought separately when you request them. The whole service was very attentive.











The Massed Pipes and Drums of Canada

My lack of blogging has been plainly evident this year. I have a raft of pictures to share but to be honest my enthusiasm has been severely lacking as well.  I haven't ventured far to capture new sights, in fact I haven't ventured far at all. My lack lustre approach to life spills everywhere.
Anyway, going back to August the Massed Pipes and Drums of Canada were in town for a very short evening performance in Blairgowrie.  The day was promising with sunshine and then it went downhill, the dreaded heavy rain.  I thought 'do I really want to go out in this' but this small glimmer of light talked to me saying 'well, you may not get the opportunity again'. I took my old camera with me as I didn't mind too much if it got a few splashes of rain on it, it does the job admirably well.