Scotland 7:  Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle

Oh my goodness could I gush about Stonehaven.  We absolutely loved the little fishing town on the East Coast of Scotland.  The town was charming and quaint and the castle just to the south was absolutely breathtaking.  

J really wanted to golf here just on the north side of the town but unfortunately the timing and chilly, wet weather didn't let it work out.  The course was beautiful right on the cliffs above the ocean and I'm sure he'd love to go back and play if he ever got the chance.  

What an ideal setting for a round of golf

Oh....my....goodness!!!  This was one of my favorite Scotland moments (there were multiple).  You must click on this picture to make it bigger to get a better effect.  We drove down from Aberdeen and watched a storm pass right over the ocean near Stonehaven.  We pulled up to this bay on the main part of the town and witnessed one of the most complete, brilliant and gorgeous rainbows I've ever seen.  It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.  For our wedding we got a beautiful sunset and for our 10-year anniversary trip we got this.  What marvelous gifts from God.

J & I goofing off at the tide pools of the bay.  Our B&B hostess said the tide is about 18 feet!  Holy tide Batman!  Of course she said it in meters and J translated in feet for me.  He's so great like that.  Our B&B was amazing and we were on the second floor bumped right up against the boardwalk of this bay.  And sure enough in the morning the tide had unbelievably come in to perhaps 10-20 yards of the boardwalk. 

I love hermit crabs!  I found this little guy and several of his friends in the tide pools.  Can you spot him?

No, we did not have a deep fried mars bar but the thought of it almost made my heart stop.  We did eat at what ended up being my second favorite Indian restaurant of the trip.

We took a walk around the town and harbor, just next to the bay with the rainbow.  Ahh, so picturesque.  I'm afraid the pictures don't do it justice.  You will just have to go yourself.  

Dunnottar Castle

This castle was just a mile or two south of Stonehaven and it was one of the most magnificent views to behold.  Just the location alone provides much to ponder from medieval romance to sheer beauty and natural protection from enemies to a calm, quiet place to pretend to call home.  Trying to imagine life in a castle in such a setting conjured up many feelings.

Much of the castle is in tact.  You could see where sleeping quarters were, much of the chapel, the stables, the kitchens, the keep, blacksmith shop, gate, and the Whigs Vault--a chilling vault with a story of captives from the wars of religion from the late 1600s.  This was a castle full of history that we simply couldn't capture in pictures.  But, this gives you an idea. 

Next up:  St. Andrews, Glamis Castle & Falkirk Wheel (the end)