Oban to Perth to Pitlochry - Day 7 (July 3rd)

Sadly, this is the final day that the four of us are together. Todd and Rachael head back to the chilly, downright cold city of Madrid. 
 
With sunny skies, we packed up and hit the road. Our plan was to drop Todd and Rachel off at the train station in Perth, about 3.5 hours drive. Besides the Naggin' Waggin' beeping every five minutes, the drive was scenic and peaceful. 
 
Before reaching Perth, we decided on one last adventure, so we stopped at...
 

Drummond Castle was built by the 1st Lord John Drummond around 1490. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded him in 1612 and is credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle between 1630-1636. The keep still stands but the rest of the castle was restored and largely remodeled by the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1890.
   
 
The gardens were spectacular!
 

 
One of the very unique things about the garden was the freestanding sundial which was created in 1630 by the Master Mason, John Mylne, for John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth.
  
                     

After saying "What'chu talkin' about, Mr. Drummond Castle" we had some very yummy flapjacks from a coffee stand. Of course in the USA flapjacks are pancakes. In the UK they are sweet oat bars. We're definitely going to make some at home! 

We finally made our way to Perth for lunch at a pub, then a sad goodbye to our lovely friends. They were great travel partners!

 


  

After a 1.5 hour drive from Perth to Pitlochry, we checked into our B&B, Beinn Bhracaigh Guest House. It's run by a very charming couple, Sean and Tom. 

After settling in, we walked around town a bit before stopping at the Auld Smiddy Inn for a pint...or two...or three. Holly was the smart one and stuck with the Imperials (half pints). 

We had dinner that night at the Knockendarroch Hotel & Restaurant. It's an old Victorian Inn close to our B&B. When we arrived, we were seated in the lounge and offered a cocktail and amuse bouche. We were then given menus and asked to order (at first we weren't sure if they were going to bring us our meals in the lounge or take us to the dining room). 

We were finally taken to the dining room, which was fairly small (six tables). Only half the tables seated, so the atmosphere was fairly subdued. That said, everyone was on the tail end of their meal, so pretty soon we had the dining room to ourselves. The food was good and the conversation even better! 
 

Back at the B&B, we poured a drink from the honor bar (which was very well stocked) and enjoyed our nightcap in the lounge. 

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