Shetland Rambles Part 4 - Northmavine

Northmavine remains my dearest place in Shetland. I'd set off for one place and find myself headed back to the north, especially in late afternoon. Here are photos of the area from various days.

Eshaness Lighthouse

Shetland Rambles Part 3 - Brindister and Clousta

West Shetland 

Shetland Rambles Part 2 - Yell, Nesting

Shetland has more than 100 islands, 15 of them are inhabited. This trip I stayed on the mainland all but one day. I took a trip to Yell and ran into a Viking squad. I happened to arrive at Cullivoe at the merry moment that the local Viking squad was arriving at the school with their galley as part of their Up Helly Aa celebration. Burly, bearded men in full dress with shields. Fully decorated galley. Seriously impressive. And a wee bit intimidating.

Shetland Rambles

Shetland is a magical place. The first time I visited, my cheeks were sore from smiling all week. Now on my 4th visit, I still walk with a ridiculous grin on my face. For me, it isn't just one aspect of the place. It is the people. It is the combination of changing light against the texture of land and sea. It is the wildlife. It is the miles upon miles of coastline, isolated beaches, dramatic cliffs, moors, lochs. It is the weather. It is the diverse geology. It is the long history of human life on this land. And so much more.

Sock Adventures: Glen Affric

Where would be the first place I would explore on my first overnight in the Highlands? Why a forest, of course. Actually I think that is a bit ironic. I come from a place of amazing forests. Yet no disappointment in Glen Affric with munros on the horizon, Scots pine and birch, waterfalls, and a surprise.

Caerlaverock Castle And Sweetheart Abbey

A friend brought this castle to my attention. I found my way to this dramatic and often attacked castle on a misty Saturday. Caerlaverock Castle was the home of Sir Herbert Maxwell and his family in the late 1200s but fell when it was attacked in 1300. It was rebuilt and in 1634, it was retrofitted to become a fashionable mansion for the Maxwell family, keeping the basic triangular structure but adding large windows and more common rooms. Ironically, it was sacked once again a few years later by the Protestant Covenanting army.

Sock Adventures: A Short Train Ride

An hour train ride to the Arrochar/Tarbet station. Walked to Tarbet to enjoy Loch Lomond and some home baking at a tea room. Walked along a wee portion of the Three Lochs Way to reach Arrochar and Loch Long. Enjoyed lunch at the Village Inn and back home on the train.  I dream of really stretching my legs and getting to the top of these hills but until then, this was a lovely way to spend a day. Cozy Smartwools set the tone for a relaxing, peaceful trip.

Not Quite Milestones...More Like Pebbles

It has been a little over two months since I officially became a resident of Scotland. It might be a bit obvious...I am happy. Oh sure, I still have some messes to sort out - like how I managed to have my gas provided by one company and my electricity by another. Oh and having a bit of a row with a particular phone company. I have noticed minor changes in myself that I think are signs I am adapting to my new environment...

Sock Adventures: Trains and Vikings

Did that title catch your attention?  May be a wee bit of let down. I didn't meet any Norse men. One day I hope to be in Shetland for Up Helly Aa and then, I will definitely see Vikings (here are some photos from the Up Helly Aa in Lerwick this January  http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/02/up-helly-aa/100453/ ).  Back to my adventure. There is a new exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland about Vikings.  I popped over to Edinburgh to check it out.

Case of the Anne Maries

I think I may have a fairy godmother named Anne Marie who is a retired school teacher.

Sock Adventures: My Celtic Connection's Finale

Everyone has their "go to" music when you want to boost your mood; Music that seems to warm you from the inside out.  One of mine is Fiddler's Bid.  Brilliant show.  With an appearance by Skeklers!

Are these the socks that come to mind for attending a concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall?  Maybe.  Was I cozy and warm?  Yes!

Then on to the Festival Club that goes into the wee hours of the morning with acts doing short sets.  I didn't make it much past midnight but enjoyed more great music, including Lau tearing up the stage.