After a restless night (because of little Stephen being on Canada time and thinking that he needs to be fed every 3 hours) we dragged ourselves out of bed on Saturday morning to meet up with the Van Doodewaards in Inverness. We picked up young Matthew McFarlane on the way and arrived at Bill and Rebecca’s just after ten.

We first drove to the Clava Cairns. This is a cemetery used by the Picts around 2000 BC, around Abraham’s time. They would pile rocks in a circle with an opening in the middle and bury the person(s) in there. Each cairn would then be surrounded by 12 upright rocks. These cairns dot the northern Scotland landscape and are a grave reminder of the paganism that gripped these people and so many others so many years ago.

From there we traversed through lovely Scottish countryside, along one lane roads, to Cawdor Castle. We ate a picnic lunch there and then toured the castle. The main tower was built in 1317 with additions throughout the century. The Cawdor family still lives in the castle. The gardens are breathtaking and will be more so in a few weeks when more of the flowers bloom.

Bill and Rebecca thought they would take us through the back country to the next place on our itinerary. Take us through the back country they did! It was delightful if not somewhat circuitous. One of the highlights of our meanderings was fording a small stream with our vehicles. No bridge; just drive through the stream.

We finally arrived in Elgin to visit the Cathedral ruins. The sandstone structure must have been glorious in its day but alas, today, it is not even a shadow of its former glory. A sobering reminder of what the Church can become if her watchmen are unfaithful and the blessing of the Lord is taken from her. May God prosper his Church and make her glorious once more.

After a delicious soup dinner at the Van Doodewaards, depositing young Matthew at his home in Conon Bridge, stopping at Tesco (a large supermarket), the van Eyks arrived home weary and worn but not sad.