OUT AND ABOUT ELGIN

We started our day with a Scotish breakfast cooked by Kris the chef!.  Fortified with sufficient nurishment we headed out to explore the surrounding area.  I had to return one of the guide books to the smaller sitting area so while waiting for JoAnne and Ginger, Sharon  accompanied me on my mission.  Well,  we couldn't find it and opened every door in the church including  Andreas' office.  Finally armed with directions we found it.  It's just one of th charming rooms in our B&B.

Before driving away we had to take some pictures of our B&B.  As you saw from the sign it was an old church which has been beautifully converted into a very wonderful place to stay.

After driving off we stopped at Johnston's of Elgin a cashmir mill in the town of Elgin.  Wouldn't you just know it we all ended up helping the Scottish economy a wee bit.  They had wonderful things to look at both in their home goods area and their clothes shop.

The clerk was most helpful to provide us directions to the Elgin Cathedral and give us some tips on where to eat ( always paramount in our minds) One must be fortified to endure these strenous excursions.

Before leaving we stopped to take a picture of the goats who gave up their warm coats so we could enjoy the luxury that chashmir affords.  

Well, maybe not these exact goats!

On our way to view the Cathedral we stopped to tour the Biblical Gardens directly across from the Cathedral.  They were spetacular.  There is supposed to be one of every plant mentioned in the Bible in the garden.  Words cannot describe the beauty so I will just provide you with a small tour by showing you pictures.

Look what I found!

Then on to the Cathedral:

After eating once again we headed out to a monastary which at one time had been an old Abby.  

Today it is the home to 25 monks.  We were able to see one of the chapels where services are held.

Hanging in this chapel is "The Four Seasons Mural" which was embroidered by the Sacred Threads Embroiderers' Guild.

We were lucky enough to see Baxter the Abby cat.  

We left the Abby and the day was still young so we headed to Elgin and walked around the village and stopped to have a little treat - something other than wine :-).

After that we headed to Lossiemouth to see the beaches before heading home where we once again enjoyed a glass of wine, a warm fire, and a great dinner of sundried tomato and basil soup, Scottish Golash, and an Orange Whiskey Cream - delicious!