On October 4th I took part in the Friends of the Sanctuary‘s Nature and Wildlife Day at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary located between Morrisburg and Ingleside. It was my first time as this event and was pleased with my results.
Me wearing my warm, fur vest I bought on my recent trip to Scotland and my tartan boots from Sinister SolesMy display in the main tent
By the end of the day, I sold 3 copies of A Shadow in the Past, 2 copies of The Consequences Collection and 1 copy of Tim’s Magic Christmas. I also donated a copy of Tim to the silent auction which was to raise money for the sanctuary.
For $3.00 you could get your face painted and the money raised went to the sanctuary. It was mostly children having it done, but my husband is an overgrown kid at heart so he had it done, too. He was forewarned that if he did, he would be getting his picture taken and it would be posted on my blog… well guess what? Yup, he did.
Hubby with his face painted
What do you think? Would you get your face painted?
Inverness to Nairn isn’t much distance wise, if you were to go straight there and back but we rarely do anything in a direct route when we’re on vacation.
Our first stop this morning was to see the sixteen men of Tain at the Glenmorangie Distillery after a few photo ops along the way.
Bridge over the Cromarty Firth
Unfortunately, they were fully booked for tours because of two cruise ships. But we were each given a free dram of the amber nectar (not that I could drink mine because I was driving but I did let it touch my lips and had a wee sip).
The Glenmorangie Distillery
We bought a bottle to take to Kennethmont for our stay there along with a couple of other things from the gift shop before heading off to see Hilton of Cadboll stone.
The Hilton of Cadboll stone
Before making our way back to the main road, we found ourselves on another single track road and at the Shandwick Stone which is under glass to protect it from the elements.
The Shandwick Stone
We headed back towards the Dornoch Firth for a stop at the Tarbat Discovery Centre at Portmahomack.
The Tarbat Discovery Centre
Now that our thirst for sculptured Pictish stones had been temporarily quenched, we got back on the road. We weren’t the only ones who had a thirst needing quenched. Our car wanted petrol (not to the point we were on fumes or anything) so we drove into Invergordon to fill up. The two cruise ships that we had been told about at the distillery were docked here and the passengers were being shuttled by bus to Glenmorangie. Those who weren’t wandered about aimlessly like cattle.
Another reason we stopped here was on our way up, we had seen lots of rigs in the water and this put us right along the Cromarty Firth where we could get a good look.
Next stop was Fortrose Cathedral. Not as impressive as some of the ones we’ve visited over the years but filled with history and interesting artefacts.
Fortrose Cathedral
Fort George is almost directly across the Moray Firth from Fortrose but because there is no bridge, you have to double back to the main A9 road bridge. The fort is also a working military base so there are places where you can’t go. It reminds me a lot of The Citadelle in Quebec City.
It was late when we arrived here so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore but we did see the highlights (as suggested by Historic Scotland).
Fort George plaque
Cawdor House B&B was our destination for the night. Aside from street parking only, it was a lovely place. Our room was enormous! 4-poster bed, daybed and leather sofa and a spacious en-suite bathroom.
Our room at Cawdor HouseOur room at Cawdor HouseOur room at Cawdor House
Our hosts suggested a restaurant where we could have our evening meal that was within walking distance. That meant I could have a drink, too.
During our meal, I had been eyeing the cocktail menu so afterwards, I had not just one, but two Porn Star Martinis!
Me enjoying a Porn Star Martini
Whilst drinking Porn Star #2, a devilish thought came to me… Remember the movie Around the World in 80 Days? Well, I came up with with a twist on it. Around Scotland in 80 DLays. I know, I’m bad and stay out of the Porn Stars. LOL!
Throughout our time in school – primary, secondary, post secondary – we’ve all likely had a teacher who had a huge impact on who we are and the paths we’ve taken in life since.
