Blog Special Edition - Life on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman

Belmond Royal Scotsman, Clans, Castles and Isles Journey
September 11-16, 2019

This special edition of my blog is my way to forever capture in writing the wonderful journey that Russell and I experienced on board the Royal Scotsman.

It all started at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. At 11:30 am, all 36 guests gathered at the hotel to meet our host Mark and register for the journey. We then made our way to Waverley Station, a short walk from the hotel. Our train was on the platform, the red carpet deployed and the piper primed to greet all guests. It was an incredibly moving moment when the piper started playing. We boarded the train in the Observation Car, where we were greeted by Alex, the train manager, and the entire staff.  Champagne was served and we had the opportunity to meet our fellow passengers. Afternoon tea was served at around 3 pm....not your ordinary tea party. We feasted on a wonderful selection of crustless sandwiches, a delicious assortment of savouries and some lovely pastries.  Following tea, the guests were taken to their respective cabins. It was time to settle in, unpack and organize ourselves. Our cabin was quite lovely, a double bed, a night table, a closet and a small bathroom with shower. Life on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman was about to begin!

We were the only Canadians on board. There were two Swedish couples, a few people from the UK and Americans. One of the Americans was the actor Gabriel Macht, who plays in the series Suits. He was with his family, a nice way for his children to learn some of the Scottish history. All in all, it was a fascinating group of people. As the journey went on, we got to know some more than others. Towards the end of the journey, we had become close to two lovely ladies (one from NYC, the other from London) and a couple from North Carolina. We ate many of our meals together and shared lots of laughs and jokes.

The train had ten cars which included the Observation Car, two Dining Cars, one Spa Car, five State Cars for the guests and one crew car. The Observation Car offered a comfortable environment for reading, chatting or simply admiring the views while enjoying a morning coffee, a pre-dinner cocktail or nighttime entertainment and a nightcap. It was also the only car with WiFi...that's where I got to do my  posts. The Dining Cars offered seating for four or six per table. No reservations required! The Spa Car had two Spa rooms. Most guests, including us, indulged in at least one spa treatment during the journey.

We began each day with breakfast, ranging from a simple yogourt with fruit compote to a full Scottish breakfast, which included kippers, haggis and blood pudding. Neither of us went for the full breakfast but many did. One morning, we had the best Eggs Benedict we've ever had! So good in fact that one of the guests asked for a bowl of Hollandaise sauce on the side so he could dip his toast in it. Decadent!  Following breakfast, depending on whether the train was rolling or not, we would either disembark and go for a stroll or lounge around while taking in the Scottish Highlands scenery. Most spa treatments took place in the morning, so that was also an option. All off-train excursions took place after lunch.

This brings us to lunch, our second meal of the day on board the train, always paired with wine. Usually a simple entree followed by a light dessert....and Scotland's version of "sucre a la creme" called "Tablet". Totally delicious, sweet and decadent, served on a little plate placed on the centre of the table...within everyone's reach.

After lunch, we would all gather on the train platform and get started on the excursion of the day.  We visited castles, took the ferry to two Isles (Bute and Mull) and spent time in the beautiful town of Oban.  We also visited the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean....thus the name of our journey, Clans, Castles and Isles.

The afternoon excursion would normally end around 5 pm. As the guests returned to the train, a steward would be on the platform waiting to serve the "cocktail du jour". We would then make our way to our cabin for a wee nap and get ready for dinner. Three of the dinners were informal and two were formal, a chance for Russell to wear his kilt.

Pre-dinner cocktails and canapes were always served in the Observation Car, delicious little one biters! Dinner was served at 8 pm, always a three course meal, again paired with wines from all over the world. Following dinner, we would make our way to the Observation Car for Coffee & Cheese with Oatcakes (yes more food). A fine selection of Scottish Whiskeys was available for those who wanted to partake in a whiskey tasting.  Nightly entertainment was provided by local musicians and singers.  Scottish music is truly beautiful and nostalgic in so many ways.  Around 11:00 pm, the guests usually made their way to their cabin for the night.

On our second to last night, some of us decided to linger a little longer. It was a fun night, filled with lots of interesting chats. We called it a night at 12:45 am and walked to our cabin, which was in the second to last car of the train. I got ready for bed first then it was Russell's turn....and then this funny thing happened....Russell found himself locked in the bathroom. The latch was stuck and wouldn't open. I had no choice but to seek the help of a crew member. I walked to the front of the train hoping someone was still up, then walked back, 10 cars later,  and decided to enter the crew car.  I didn't hear a peep so I knocked on a cabin door, which happened to be the chef's cabin. I felt bad waking the poor guy up. I told him my husband was locked in the bathroom and we needed help. He did not hesitate to come to our rescue and he didn't need any tools to unlatch the door....just brute force. It was kind of funny at the time but if it would have been me stuck in the bathroom, I would have panicked. I don't like to be in small spaces. Needless to say we had a fun story to talk about at breakfast the next morning. Oh, and our latch got fixed.

A few words about the staff and the food on board the Royal Scotsman. The entire staff was absolutely wonderful and so attentive. From the moment we boarded the train, they knew our names. Throughout the entire journey, we were treated like royalty. They all had such an amazing sense of humour while taking their job very seriously. As for the food, well, it was truly Michelin Star worthy, all made from scratch in the galley. As we would walk to the Observation Car from our cabin, we would often see the chef and sous-chef prepping the food. Truly incredible to think that all those meals were done in such a small space.

While on board the train, all activities flowed seamlessly. So much happened behind the scenes. As an example, while we were out for breakfast, a stewart would come to our cabin to make the bed and refresh the towels. At night, bed turn down would take place while we were having dinner. An itinerary for the next day was also left on the night table. I have to say that the attention to detail was always present.

Our last day on the train was somewhat nostalgic. While the train made its way back to Edinburgh, we had breakfast, reminisced on the past five days and exchanged coordinates with some of our fellow passengers.  Upon our arrival at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, we all gathered on the platform, kissed everyone goodbye. It was then time to wave to the crew as the train departed. Our journey on the Royal Scotsman had ended.

In a nutshell, this was our journey on the Royal Scotsman. Russell and I made wonderful memories during this trip and we will cherish them forever. We would do it again in a heartbeat!

Russell, the piper and I in Waverley Station
just before being piped aboard the Royal
Scotsman.

Evening entertainment in the Observation Car. Fantastic!

The Royal Scotsman at Wemyss Station...ready to roll.

One of the two Spa rooms in the Spa car. Decadent!

A typical place setting for dinner...so well executed!

Dessert anyone...all hand made in the train's tiny galley.

An early birthday treat for Russell. 

A tremendous effort to pair wines with
each of the delicious meals.

The menu from one of the
Informal dinners.

The menu from one of the Formal
dinners.

Our State room, tiny yet comfortable with
all the amenities.

Our onboard host with the two spa ladies...we had the
opportunity to applaud each and show our thanks.

The chef and sous chef...highly skilled.

Russell and I in our finest
highland outfits...the Duncan tartan on show.

It was a funny story, at least Russell thought so!

The Royal Scotsman staff at the end of
the journey waiting to say farewell.

Happy Birthday Spicy!

Happy Sunday everyone! A truly soggy day, nothing but rain since this morning. Not the prettiest day to celebrate our little girl's 9th birthday but she brings so much sunshine into our lives that we don't need the sun.

Spicy has had a good day so far. She wasn't happy about going outside this morning due to the rain so it was a quick trip out and back in. Whenever the rain lights up, we take her out. Cooper doesn't mind the rain, he's always ready to go out and chase the squirrels, rabbits or cats. After a quiet morning for the pooches, we took them downstairs and had a play session. I did a bit of training with both...I got them to jump through hoops. They also worked the maze that I set up a few weeks ago. It is set up in such a way that they can get in and out of it in different ways. Just something fun to do on a rainy. Spicy got a special treat at 3 pm...the appointed treat time in this house. A piece of dehydrated chicken.  Cooper got one also....it is a birthday party after all!

All is good with us. The past week was quiet, not much happened. We had some nice weather and got a bit more yard work done. Yesterday afternoon, we sat outside until dinner time with the patio heater on. It was nice to enjoy the outdoors and take in the colours. It's been a beautiful Fall so far.

Russell is doing good. He submitted a few photos to the Lakeshore Camera Club for a landscape competition. He enjoys taking photos of the outdoors and sometimes the best shots are right in our backyard.

I went to the gym three times last week. My workouts are good but I'm limited as to what I can do given this bicep tendinosis that I'm dealing with. I continue to see the physiotherapist every week and I have daily exercises to do. My progress is slow but it's there.

Tomorrow, Spicy and I will be visiting the students at John Abbott College. The two of us and a few other teams from the Caring Paw Therapy Dog program will be on site to give the students much needed love and support before year end exams. We always enjoy those visits.

That's my blog for today. I leave you with a few photos from the birthday girl, taken yesterday on a sunny day, and a couple of Fall pics taken from our property.

Happy Birthday sweet Spicy! We love you with all our hearts! Have a great week everyone!

Spicy loves her birthday cake...it is lip smacking good!

Spicy enjoys sharing her cake with her best pal Cooper.

Spicy and I sharing some snuggle time, on her special day and
actually, everyday!

Brilliant Fall colour off our back deck.

The hydrangea (Limelight) in full colour in our front
flower bed.

Cooper smiling for his photo.

Paws up for treats....yum!

A nice Autumn day

Happy Sunday everyone! What a beautiful day we're having. We're sitting on the deck now, with the patio heater on just to take the chill away.

This past week was good and quiet. We didn't do much outside our normal routine. We had some nice walks with the pooches and enjoyed the Fall colours. On Thursday, we had quite the rain storm that left us without power for 15 hours, from early morning until late night. Montreal got a lot of rain. Luckily, we have a back up sump pump which is battery powered otherwise our basement would have flooded. Many of our neighbours basements flooded as a result of the rain storm. Not fun.

We are slowly getting ready for the next season. Today, we got most of our yard work done. I cut back all the perennials, we raked the front and back lawns and put away our garden ornaments. Next on the agenda is to rearrange the garage so that I can fit my car in. That won't take long, we'll do it next weekend. Following that, we will put away our deck umbrellas and cover our chairs but we have time for that. Who knows, we may still get a few warms deck days. I hope so!

Russell got his snow tires installed last week, another good job done. This year, the deadline in Quebec for installing Winter tires has been moved to December 1 from December 15. He also had to get a new muffler. My tires are "all weather" so no need to change for Winter.

We still reminisce about our Scotland/Ireland trip. What great memories we have from our travels. I started writing some thoughts about our train experience. I will do a special blog in a week or two. It will be my way to forever capture those moments.

That's my blog for today. I leave you with a few pics taken in our backyard this past week and a couple of Cooper & Spicy.

Before wishing you all a great week, I say to all my fellow Canadians: tomorrow is a big day for our country. Get out there and vote!

This little guy was looking for a spot to hide his stash..please,
not in our Fall planter on the back deck.

Some unfinished business,  an apple on the apple tree in
our backyard...the squirrels have had a feast this year.

Fall colour seen right on the back deck...perfect!

The sunrise this morning....sky on fire!

We learned a new maze routine this week...so much fun!

Perfect company for my shower...these two
are never far apart or far away from us.

Glorious Thanksgiving Weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What a glorious few days we've had, leading up to this long weekend. Perfect Fall weather!

We are sitting outside now, enjoying the weather and feeling a little full from lunch. We had my brother, sister and our two nephews over for brunch. It was a lovely get together and everyone had a great time. Cooper & Spicy were gracious hosts as always.

This past week was a good one. We thoroughly enjoyed the weather and made the most of it. I had planned on doing some yard work but decided to do it some other time. I quite enjoyed spending some time on the deck, reading my book. Not too many of those days left.

On Monday, Spicy and I resumed our visits to The Wellesley. It was nice to go back after taking a few months off. We saw some familiar faces and some new ones. On Tuesday, the Coop and I had our weekly training. It was fun as always. We must practice the "chin rest" exercise though....tomorrow, I promise. Oh, and yesterday was Blu-Belle's 6th birthday, our training buddy! Happy Birthday sweetie!

Given the beautiful weather, we decided to go apple picking on Wednesday. We went to Havelock, about one hour's drive from where we live, in the Eastern Townships. Thanks to my friend Eveline for recommending the place. It was lovely. We brought our lunch and had a nice picnic in the orchards. We brought home two big bags of freshly picked apples. Coop & Spicy quite enjoyed meeting the welcoming committee, the three resident goats. It truly was a fun outing.

On Thursday, I went back to the gym. I had planned on going Wednesday but apple picking took precedent. It was good to workout again and all my gym buddies were there, as well as coach Pam. I am still quite limited as to what I can do due to my bicep injury but my buddies and coach keep me motivated. It's all good. I saw the physiotherapist twice and I diligently do my daily exercises to help with the healing process.

Last night, we had our turkey dinner. I got a BIG turkey, 23 pounds, just for the two of us....actually for the four of us. Russell said it was the best turkey ever, incredibly moist, and it only took 4.30 hours to cook. No need to over cook a turkey. Today, I shredded some white meat for the doggies and filled up two Ziplock bags. I rinsed the meat under cold water to remove any possible salt and voila....a nice little add-on to their kibbles. Russell and I have enough leftovers to last for a few days, not too worry. I will also make soup with the carcass. Yum and Yummer!

For all of this, we say thanks. Russell and I are grateful to have each other and our two beautiful pooches, they bring so much to our lives. Life doesn't have to be complicated as long as we are healthy. Another reason to say thanks. I am also aware that some people spend this day alone for whatever reason and many suffer from a recent loss. Holidays are not alway easy. I sincerely hope that this day is a good one no matter how you celebrate. With much love, Russell, Cooper, Spicy and Anne.

Spicy and Cooper...wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving!

Cooper & Spicy are ready for the turkey feast...when when?

Counter 'surfing' Havanese style...Spicy
says to Cooper, if only we were taller...smells
so good!

Me with Cooper and Spicy in the apple orchard in
Havelock.

Fall colours at almost peak in Havelock at the orchard.

Apple trees and Fall colours...the best views.

The 'welcoming committee' at the orchard... Spicy and
Cooper were intrigued.

Apples don't get any fresher and the taste is awesome.

Back on track...almost

Happy Sunday everyone! A cloudy day for us but warmer than the past few days. We had some coolish days last week although it was sunny. We woke up to -1 Celsius yesterday morning....I'm still wearing my shorts to take the doggies out in the morning. Not ready to give them up yet! Except for tomorrow, this coming week is looking quite nice, with warm weather and sunshine, so my shorts will be totally in fashion.

This past week was good. We are almost back on track as far as our routine goes. There were a few days where we didn't do much other than walk Cooper & Spicy. Russell went back to the gym last Friday, good for him. As for me, I am planning to go back on Wednesday...I'm on the waitlist at the moment for the 9:30 am class but I'm positive that I will get in. I was on the waitlist for Thursday as well and just got notification that I've been added to the class. I'm looking forward to going back and seeing my gym buddies. Having said this, I'm still having quite a bit of pain in my left rotator cuff. Last Thursday, I saw a new physiotherapist (the one that treated Russell's knee) and actually received a slightly different diagnosis. It seems that I'm dealing with a bicep tendinosis (not to be confused with tendinitis). I'm told it could take 3 months to heal.  I'm now rethinking my workouts and how best to deal with this issue while still working out and not hurting myself. Not a big deal really, some people have bigger health issues to deal with. It's just annoying.

Last Tuesday, the Coop and I resumed our Advanced Fun Obedience training. It was nice to see our instructor Wanda again. As with the past three years, this class only has eight dogs in attendance, three of them Havanese... the usual culprits, Macey, Blu-Belle and Cooper. We are now learning the Dumbbell Retrieve using the Hold command. Not easy. Although Cooper (and Spicy) knows the retrieve game very well, learning to "hold" the dumbbell or toy until being told to release it is a different story. I must admit that I thought it would be a walk in the park...not so much. But we're practicing and I am confident that we will get there, one day.

Miss Spicy is doing well. Before our trip, she was a bit fussy with her breakfast and wouldn't eat right away, most likely a side effect of her heart meds.  So we changed her meal time in order to accommodate the timing of her medication. Ever since we've been back, she's been wanting to eat  breakfast first thing in the morning, with gusto, no fuss no muss. Go figure, so we have changed the timing of her meds accordingly...must be taken one hour before meal or two hours after, every 12 hours or so. Quite the process but we aim to please our little princess.

The leaves are changing and it really feels and looks like Fall. We have some yard work to do in the coming weeks. We also need to get our garage ready for Winter so that I can park my car. Lots of time still for all of this. With the warm weather in the forecast this week, we plan on taking advantage of it and sit on the deck with the patio heater on. Not too many deck days left, best take advantage of them.

Tomorrow, Spicy and I will visit the seniors at The Wellesley. We haven't been for a while, it will be nice to see everyone again.

That's my blog for this week. I leave you with more photos of our trip, those taken by Russell,  and a few of our pooches. I wish you all a great week. Thanksgiving weekend coming up!

Russell and I on a blustery day near the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher are stunning and even more so
in the mist.

The pasture lands of the Wicklow Hills, a quilt
of shades of green.

Sheep grazing hillside in Wicklow just beside the road.

A lonely winding road in the Wicklow Hills. 

Howth in the distance as seen from SandyCove a quaint
little seaside town.

EPIC museum (Every Person Is Connected), a truly
wonderful museum on the emigration of the
Irish people all around the world.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge (shaped like a harp) and the replica
of the Jeanie Johnston  which was originally built in 1847
 in Quebec. She sailed with passengers from Ireland to
Quebec in 1848 with passengers fleeing the Famine.

TV time....and total comfort for Spicy
and Cooper.

Catching a few rays in the backyard...Cooper and Spicy
enjoy romping around the yard.

Did we say we'd do anything for treats while training....
Spicy and Cooper demo up and land on my knees.