We made our way to Aberdeenshire and Deeside, stopping by Balmoral on the way in.  No one was in residence, so we were allowed to go in.  It's very nice, impressive as these things go I suppose.  It didn't have the feel of Dunvegan or Eilean Donan, perhaps just because it has a lot more significant amount of upkeep -- it looks to pristine and neat, perhaps.  Still, I figured I couldn't let this trip go by without seeing Balmoral.
 

Once in Feughside, we stopped to cross a bridge looking over the river Feugh, then went to see the Nine Stanes standing stone circle.  Almost as interesting to me was the enormity of the surrounding trees, both in height and sheer numbers.  You have to understand, I'm a desert-born-and-raised girl from Southern Arizona -- the amount of trees and greenery and water I've seen in the past week and a half is probably more than I've seen in my lifetime. (Okay, so I'm undertraveled. *g*)  I like seeing all the green and the stands of trees.  That has thrilled me almost as much as the other things I've seen.  Almost. *g*  I have to say that Eilean Donan was the most thrilling thing for me so far.  Yes, I am too much of a HL/Connor fan. *g*
 

We finally got real Scottish weather today, too -- very changeable.  Rain on and off, clouds then sun then more clouds and rain, then more sun.  It's finally colder again too,  I can't complain too much -- I don't mind rain, and it hasn't rained too hard or long, just in spells.  And back home, it's edging toward 100 degrees F -- I don't think it's even broken 80 degrees here on the warmest day.