Our delightful host, Annie, admits to being a bit scattered at times so we all had a laugh at breakfast this morning when she offered us two kinds of whisky (Scotch) with our croissants, or, if we preferred, orange juice and tea. Then came the tea and eggs, served with two knives (no fork or spoon). We were all talking and laughing so hard, I don’t think we even finished what we were served, though it was completely delicious! Since today is moving day, we had to move out early. So, very fond goodbyes to Annie and family and off we went, to the Spey Valley.

We are in Gallic-land here so we needed a translation. Spey refers to the Spey (hawthorn) valley and the town, Granton on Spey Golf Club, was named after Sir James Grant, the local laird of the area in 1766. The golf course doesn’t go back that far, but was designed by Willie Park of Musselburgh fame. James Braid also took a hand in refining the design. These days, it’s a traditional nine out and nine back course, but loops around in two places. The 7th tee hits over the 11th fairway and the 11th tee hits over the 7th fairway!  Hole 1 and 13 share some of the same land. So, be careful there. And the 13th and 18th almost share greens, so be careful not to hit to the wrong one! It’s a beautiful hilly course through deep woods which means that straight shots are rewarded. We’re becoming very good at mountain goat golf! I did well and John, who is a lovely golfer, only lost two balls today, remembering that driver isn’t always needed!

Annie told us at breakfast that if we had time, we should stop by an island castle called Loch an Eilien on the way to Granton on Spey. We decided to do the castle after golf (and clubhouse lunches of lamb and beef stew, today!) The ride was much longer than advertised and often on a single-track road, which means that cars coming the other way share the same road and both have to carefully edge by or back into a turnout. Rather scary driving, for some, but if amazingly no one seems to have even a scrape going by. See below for the darling castle almost floating on the loch. We are determined to see more castles this trip because of this little gem.

The ride to Elgin was easy once we had our own lane again! We went through village after village all decked out with hanging flower baskets— so lovely. Well, now we know why! The villages all get together and the council decides on the flowers. The area councils do all the work, which is why the flowers are always in bloom, look similar and are everywhere. It’s the kind of look that makes a driver step on the brake when he/she arrives in any town and say, “This looks like a perfect place for tea and shopping!” Which is why this movement all over Britain is called “Britain in Bloom.” 

Westfield House is on a very large acreage and has been in the McClean family for centuries. We stayed here in 2017 in a top corner room. This time, we had our pick and chose the one overlooking a clearing the forest with a small view of the road. The room is big and lovely and comfortable. Best of all, though, is just being back here. We had such fond memories of Veronica from last time that I’ve kept in touch with the promise of returning. Last time we were here, she wore huge red oven mitts that looked to me like lobsters so this time I brought her a gift of alligator oven mitts. She loves them and said they cheered her up. In between moving in and settling down, she told us all the family news, and not all of it good so she does need a bit of cheering up! We’re here for four days, so they’ll be plenty of time to walk the gardens and perhaps sip tea together. Once we were fairly caught up, John and I went out for a short dinner and that was that. Tomorrow and tomorrow. We hope our So Cal friends and their houses are safe!