April 19

Today is castle day!! 👻🛡🏰 We drove back to Craigievar Castle (we were too late on the 17th when we headed to Tomintoul). On our way we stopped by Balmoral. “Stopped by” like we were popping in for a quick cuppa. Queen Elizabeth was not there to greet us (apparently she was unaware that a Princess was stopping by). I tried to use my regal title to grant us an exclusive tour but no. They had not heard of Her Royal Highness Princess Stacy of the Strachanshire. In all likelihood she has not been reading my texts - busy with Harry’s wedding, Kate’s baby, Phil’s hip replacement and her own impending birthday. I guess I can forgive her. Darian was disappointed because she wanted to, “have a poke through her knicker drawer”. It is very nice that we are early in tourist season - very peaceful. 

Back in the vehicle to Craigievar and when we got there it was the quietest castle yet - until we realized it was closed. We knocked on the door but no one answered. That’s when we realized that it is far more difficult to storm the castle than we thought. Walked around it 4 times, knocked on the door 10 times, waved at the lady closing the blinds, called The National Trust of Scotland but nope, they would not let us in. Darian was happy she got to see it and Dekker found a geocache so still a win for all. 

Then lunch at Alford Bistro. People are so friendly and we bought £30 worth of carrot cake, Kit Kat squares, Malteser squares, and 3 other magically delicious (probably low carb) treats. 

On to Fraser Castle. (Again not a Gordon friendly castle - what the hell did Michael’s great, great, great, great, great, great grandfathers do?!) Mike was able to play piano in the great hall. Pretty cool. 

Then to Huntly Castle. THIS WAS A GORDON CASTLE!!  This was THE Gordon castle. Impressive. Unfortunately it is a ruin (a house wrecker or two) but still awesome. 

Then we came home and had roast chicken. Mmmm, Ryan is a great cook. More cards - and bed.