My Royal Wedding

My Royal Wedding Adventure began at 5am when I got up to take a shower. Kathleen and I had decided to watch the wedding broadcast at Balmoral Castle which is nestled in the highlands north of St. Andrews by approximately 2 1/2 hours. We left town at 6:30am but we weren't the only ones up! There were students, dressed to the nines and in their academic robes all heading for St. Salvator's quad where the 'Royal Wedding Breakfast' and viewing was to beheld - tickets only!

Anyway, Kathleen and I headed out and did pretty well on time until we began the 14% incline climb into the highlands. Poor little Franklin (Kathleen's car) barely had the oomph and did most of the climb in second gear. We let him catch his breath at a turn out near the summit of the pass. I used my time wisely and got a picture of the still early morning view...
Now, I've climbed Mt. Washington in New Hampshire - which, according to some west coasters, isn't much more than a mosquito bite. And I've driven over the continental divide at least 6 times but this view was magnificent and the picture just doesn't do it justice.

My first view of the small Scottish hunting lodge - Balmoral Castle. Perfect day! Perfect weather!! The tv screens for watching the wedding were set up off to the right.

Balmoral was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 1800's. Rebuilt and enlarged it has been a favorite vacation get away for royals ever since.

Anticipation builds as Prince William and Harry set off for the church. See the castle in the background?

If you weren't waving a union hack you were taking pictures. My flag was standing proudly in the pocket of my coat while I snapped these.

Believe it or not - this wasn't the only table with Silver service, table cloth, champagne, and large odd hats!

Kathleen and I all ready with our flags. And bundled up because the clouds has begun their one and only pass for the day.

Can you pick Kathleen out in the crowd? Her purple jacket usually gives her away (My empty green chair next to her helps). The castle behind us, as well as tea and sandwich trucks. They had four really large tv sets in front.

and then the sun came out again and all was BRILLIANT on every level!

After the wedding some packed up and went home. Others took the walking tour around the castle grounds.

Others being me and Kathleen while others stayed on the lawn to watch the instant replay of the wedding. The blue tent on the right is protecting one of the four really large TV sets.

We rented the walking tour 'phones' and a scooter for Kathleen - who took thorough advantage of both! Here we are in the greenhouse/garden area of the tour.

The head gardener's house dates back over 150 years.

Couldn't resist the color of these tulips that reminded me more of tiger lilys for some reason. And they are supposed to be horizontal not vertical but, oh well, you get the idea.

I poked my head in each green house - this one especially because of the brilliantly pink geraniums -and there was always music. (Can you find the small silver radio in the upper center of the picture?) No human around to hear the music, so it must have been for the pure enjoyment of the plants. I'd call that the real royal treatment.

This picture is for my sister Amy - just in case she needs some inspiration for a backyard green house. ;-)

Another flower picture for my collection. These beauties were growing up a stone wall in the garden.

And then there were the tulips! Down south they are past and pathetic but here, in full bloom, they seemed to want to offer their congratulations by adding to the color and pageantry of the day.

Had to get the whole castle in for the whole effect!

Then there was the little cottage off to the side where Queen Victoria used to get way... from the hustle and bustle of the larger castle.

Pretty little fountain tucked away on one side of the castle. By this time the shadows were getting a bit long in the tooth but it was still such an amazing day that Kathleen and I kept right on walking.

Flowers in the shade of the afternoon but still standing tall.

Close up as if to say
'Congratulations Will and Kate!...'

'...We miss you and hope you come for a visit very soon.'

By the time Kathleen and I were done (and done in) walking back to the car was a revelation! We had arrived around 9:30am and parked in the grass parking area with other cars. By the time we left around 5pm we were almost the very last ones to go.

Franklin had had a nice long rest in the Castle parking lot and most of our homeward journey was down hill but we still stopped to catch one last glimpse of that view.

And then there was the sunset as we got closer to home. Perfect ending to an amazing day!