Standing on the shore of the North Sea mid-March, in a light rain, about a 25-30 knot breeze, with at least a degree or three between you and freezing......not to be missed. If you haven't, arrange to do it. Or, above Aberfeldy, coming from Crieff, pull over and stand in the rain, bright sun on the mountains north of the Tay, the north bank all the way to the snowcaps in bright sun with you in the rain. We've all heard about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; I got a shots of a rainbow crossing the big open field between the road and Blair Castle, one with the bow ending on the castle. Traveling just two, no crowds, no lines, no shortage of rooms.

All the way from here, Jock, I can feel the eagerness you have for the Gathering to return. I give you my solemn oath here and now, before witnesses, the minute_no, the very second my invitation to the Stirling Gathering arrives, I will shoot you an e-mail and fax you a copy, so you'll know how to make your your reservations. Tenerife? Perpignan? Pisa? Tibet?