Would you believe, a ski town?

Next stop, Aviemore. We arrived near evening and realized this was not your average Scottish main street. Instead of every other shop selling woolens, this town sold sporting goods. It reminded me of Stowe, Vermont, or other small towns in New England ski country. Apparently the Highlands attract loads of bikers and hikers in the summertime.

We checked into a nice B&B 5 miles up the road in Carrs Bridge, where the chatty proprietor discovered a kindred soul in Herb. The two men shared some Scottish Open talk (golf, if you were wondering which open), then Herb and I headed back to Aviemore for our evening's entertainment on the dinner train.

This being the Scottish Highlands, there was of course a bagpiper providing ambiance as the passengers found their way to their dining cars.

The day's off and on rain was just lifting off again, presenting us with mysteriously misty views of the Cairngorms.

It was a very entertaining evening. Mostly we saw sheep, cattle, and mountains, plus a train graveyard.

And the best part was our first sticky toffee pudding.