• Stumbled across some morning shows in Gaelic today. Rather surprising given our collective assumption that it was more or less a dead language, but there is a dedicated radio station for the language as well as several childrens' TV programs. And thanks to a Gaelic clone of Steve Burns, we know a few choice words: "ballooniken", "helicopteren" and "party"!
• Breakfast at Old Firestation, pored over the paper. For the nth day in a row, there is news on the MP scandal, which involves them claiming questionable expenses and new rules being put in place that call for them to pay the money back. Better than the latest on Brangelina I guess.
• Stopped into the Whisky Castle (a magical place). Talked to the owner, a really nice and informative fella who spent five years in Idaho/Utah (can't remember which) and went to Portland at one point. He gave me some pointers on picking a good Whisky, and noted the importance of non-chill filtering, non-coloration (caramel color is frequently added) and testing the body of a whisky by shaking the bottle vigorously and watching for a head that stays for 1-2 minutes. Recommends the 14 year Tomintoul over the 16 year for these very reasons. Had intended to stop for just a browse but left after nearly ten minutes of information. Amazing. You can see more at http://www.whiskycastle.com/
• More exploring the Cairngorm countryside, and stopped and browsed at Nethybridge Pottery. Beautiful hand-made stuff.
• Gassed up for the first time in a nearby town. Diesel self service, and pump before pay...strange but manageable for an Oregon boy. Came to about 50 liters for 60 pounds. Amazing how far you can go in this country on a single tank of gas.
• Moved on to Cardhu Distillery – staff on holiday, but fellow working there gave us a taste of their 12 year malt and explained the history as well as the distilleries role in the production of Johnnie Walker. Tasted their single grain whisky, which as anticipated was closer to vodka. Plus, hairy coos out back!
• Next was Speyside Pottery, whose friendly artisans use a fire kiln for all their work, a rarity in the area. Gives a beautiful brown/tan finish to the raw pottery.
• All three of us were fascinated by the cask-making process, and were looking forward to seeing more about it, so we went to Speyside Cooperage where casks are broken down and reformed from those imported from Spain and the States. Took the tour, watched the warehouse floor in action, studied the fascinating art, and Dad had a great time seeing the coopers fast at work. Had tea and pastries in the gift shop, chatted with the staff
• Back to the Cottage to check on laundry, Dad and I walked the property looking for the outdoor lights and how they might be wired so we can figure out how to turn them on. No luck.
• Down to Tomintoul and a different hotel for dinner, but they had a crowd in from a Coach service (about 50 folks) and didn’t have room, so we went across to the pub instead. Saw several of the same people from last time, had a lovely chicken kiev and a couple pints (John Smith Ale and Guinness), then got back to the cottage in time for a Channel 4 documentary on pub culture (the Red Lion).
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