April 25

Was raining still this morning and we reckoned there would be snow about! The forecast was certainly not promising sunshine! Braemar Lodge turned out to be terrific, nice accommodation, dinner & breakfast & we also hit the jackpot and were able to do our laundry before leaving this morning. Took a photo of the park where the Braemar Games are held and of the pavilion where the Queen sits.
Set off in the direction of Perth, via a few other places. Progress was very slow as the road was covered in sheets of water and driving conditions not ideal. We could see fresh snow on the mountains nearby and as we climbed towards the summit it started to snow. Was really beautiful and as we passed through the tiny ski area of Glenshee it reminded me of Mt Hotham.
Continued on to Dundee and did a quick drive around the city but weather conitions didn't allow for a look on foot. Over the Tey Bridge we saw a sign to St Andrews, 11 miles, so decided to drive there and buy some lovely placemats we had seen in the pro shop of the Old Course Hotel when lunching with Gretta. Will be a nice gift for the Pritchards as each mat has a plan of a famous Scottish golf course. The weather today was a far cry from our earlier visit - how anyone could possibly play golf in such conditions is beyond me. But they were!
Drove on then to Perth which was a really lovely city, not that we did much other than have a much needed coffee. Lovely gardens and houses along the river. Decided to make Crief our overnight spot. George has been talking about Crief since 1971/2 as he spent NY's Eve here. Thought we might be able to stay in the same 5 star hotel that he & Jack Woodside stayed in, at £5 a night. I reminded him that that would now equate to about $200 a night if it were
still operating! So, I parked the car, he went in to enquire about a room, wifi, etc etc but came back to the car fairly shortly afterwards to tell me it is now boarded up!!!!! So we drove around the town & came upon a comfortable hotel, very old, but that adds to the charm. Going off to dinner now after a very chilly walk down the main street.
Was good to skype with Caroline and Jane this morning. Also good to watch (on the ipad) the Pies have a 1 point win over the Bombers.