Serenity

In wildness is the preservation of the world.

Henry David Thoreau

When times are stressful, a walk in the woods by yourself is excellent medicine.  Let nature take you away (not Calgon), and allow yourself to be immersed in the details of your surroundings, even for just an hour.  Let your mind wander, take hidden paths and explore.

A good long walk always does wonders to clear the mind. . . .

Achamore Gardens, Gigha, Scotland

Nestled on the southern tip of the Isle of Gigha is Achamore Gardens, a 50 acre woodland garden that houses the Horlick Collection of Rhododendron.  At the center of the gardens is Achamore House, an 1880s "baronial mansion" designed and built by the firm of the legendary architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Here you'll see rhododendron in hues you may never have encountered before, like this striking shade of peach.

Recently restored by islanders, the gardens offer visitors an opportunity to wander along paths amid stunning greenery.  At times, the gardens feel raw and wild and capture the natural beauty of the Scottish terrain.  But for those who wish something more formal, near the guest house B&B the site includes walled rose gardens used  by brides and grooms for weddings on the manicured lawn.

My suggestions:  pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at tables set up alongside the pond garden, where bluebells, harebells, wood rose, bramble, clover, vetch, willowherb and other beautiful blooms grow in a carpet of vibrant hues. 

Blooms are plentiful, and species of plants diverse.  Rain or shine, the walk through the Achamore woodlands and cultivated spaces is peaceful and serene, with plenty of color to delight the eye.




Achamore Gardens and Achamore House
www.achamorehouse.com

Sunset at Sheriffmuir Inn, Dunblane, Scotland

Imagine driving up and over a craggy mountain rolling with farmland, grazing and wandering sheep, cows, horses and greenery.  Now imagine pulling up to a 17th century Droving Inn rich with tales of the Battle of Sheriffmuir . . . and having a delicious dinner there.

Sheriffmuir Inn is rustic and charming with artisan flair.  Food is lovingly prepared and varies daily with seasonal specials posted on a handwritten board.

Scenery is spectacular - and completely unspoiled by commercialization. 

Sheriffmuir Inn, Dunblane
Tel: 01786 823285
www.sheriffmuirinn.co.uk
open every day except Tuesdays 

Edinburgh Atmosphere: Whiski Bar on High Street

Whisky.  Beer.  Wine.  Cozy pub surrounds.  Scottish locals and visitors alike.

Get it all at the Whiski Bar on Edinburgh's High Street, a classic pub with atmosphere that won't disappoint.  Multiple-award winner for being a whisky bar of distinction.  Sample the bartender's recommendations for an adventurous evening of relaxed fun.

Live music Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Outdoor tables.  Plenty of local color.

Whiski Bar
119 High Street
Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1SG
44 (0) 131 556 3095

Best Meal I've Never Eaten: OINK in Edinburgh

Okay, I confess.  I've nearly drooled over a meal I didn't eat.  You might blanch at the sight of this photo of a roasted hog in a window, but let me tell you, the aroma of roasted meat is nearly indescribable.  Simply amazing, hunger-inducing - awesome! 

Next time I'm in Edinburgh, Oink is a MUST.

When I walked past this hog the first time, he was . . . well, full and chubby.  An hour later, he was nearly stripped clean.  Suffice it to say that the huge sandwiches coming out of the restaurant speak for themselves.  Delicious, delectable, decadent.

As they describe, the Hog Roast Roll is a "freshly carved hog roast, served in a roll with a choice of sage, onion, apple sauce or chili relish."  A "Crackling" Hog Roast Roll is the same, but topped by crispy cracklings.

Let me tell you - the crowd was impressive, the sandwiches were awe-inspiring, the smell was incredible, and I think this stop might just beat American Southern Barbecue!  They even do whole hogs for weddings and parties.

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!  On my Absolutely Must Taste Meal list!

OINK
34 Victoria Street
Grassmarket, Edinburgh
07833 947032
oink@reiver-foods.co.uk

Charming Ardrishaig at the Royal Hotel Argyll

Looking for a great getaway at reasonable prices?  Visit the Royal Hotel Argyll in Ardrishaig.  It's a quaint place, nestled between the Crinan Canal and Loch Gilp. 

The 25 ensuite rooms are simple but spacious - great for plenty of breathing room while on vacation!   Perfect for families, the restaurant downstairs offers true Scottish fare and features the work of well known artists in the area.  Your hosts will be gracious - and if you need a translation, one of their experts even speaks Gaelic.

Be sure to enjoy a lovely dinner in the Brasserie overlooking the Loch, then go for a leisurely stroll along the canal.  Breakfast won't disappoint - plenty of hot and cold selections to choose from, and outstanding views.

The Royal Hotel
Glenburn Road
Ardrishaig, Argyll PA30 8EU
Scotland
www.royalhotelargyll.co.uk

TEL:  44 (0) 1546 606017

Strange Sighting: 6925 Piercings!

Guinness Book of Records' World Record Holder Elaine Davidson has an agenda - to stay ahead of the pack with her piercings and keep holding that world record.  She is a truly bizarre and fascinating woman.  Sleeps and bathes with all of her piercings in place.  I sat across from her on the tube in London, then ran into her again in Edinburgh.

Why it ever started, we may never know.  But . . . wow.

The Last Drop in Edinburgh

We spent the afternoon in the glorious sunshine at a classic Edinburgh pub - The Last Drop.  It's right on the Grassmarket, just across from the spot where public hangings and executions took place. 

Outdoors, it's a fabulous people-watching spot for enjoying a light lunch or a pint or two. 

Inside, history speaks volumes, with currency from all over the world papering the ceiling and walls. Great selection of whiskies and beer.

The Last Drop
74-78 Grassmarket
Edinburgh  EH1 2JR
0131 225 4851