Category: Travel

  • A Journey Along Scotland’s Coastline and into Spar Cave

    Photo of Spar Cave

    Coastal caves have always captivated me, and their presence in my books reflects this fascination. These aren’t just intriguing places to explore; they often carry rich histories. In Taming the Highland Beauty, my protagonists encounter Spar Cave, a hidden gem near Elgol on the Isle of Skye.

    This tidal cave, adorned with glittering calcite crystals, boasts a captivating legend. In the ninth century, a local princess fell in love with a shipwrecked man, unbeknownst to the two of them, their fathers were sworn enemies. To protect their secret and avoid conflict, the pregnant princess hid her child within Spar Cave.

    Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 visit brought fame to Spar Cave, immortalized in his poem “Lord of the Isles” where he described a mermaid within. This inspired Victorian-era excursions, unfortunately marred by the theft of numerous stalactites.

    Initially muddy, the cave opens into a magnificent cavern of calcium carbonate, complete with a flowstone staircase. Ascending these steps reveals a breathtaking space, with a high ceiling and freshwater pools. A visit to Spar Cave is an unforgettable journey, offering a glimpse into the raw power and hidden beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

  • The Fairy Pools

    In Only a Highlander Will Do, I sent Tormod and Fiona on a “date” to the Fairy Pools located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It seemed like the perfect place for them to finally have some time alone, away from everyone at Dunvegan.

    The Fairy Pools are a collection of pools, streams, and waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands that create a beautiful setting in the middle of the Glen Brittle forest. The Fairy Pools are said to contain a certain amount of magic in their unbelievably blue waters. On a sunny day, the water is so clear you can see each moss-covered stone in the bottom of the pools.

    There is no legend associated with the Fairy Pools other than that which comes from the lore associated with the fairies and the MacLeods of Skye. The waters of the Fairy Pools might be bone-chillingly cold, but that doesn’t stop visitors from swimming in them. Their near supernatural atmosphere has made them one of Scotland’s most enduring natural wonders. 

  • The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan

    Am Bratach Sith or The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan Castle is the most treasured possession of the MacLeod clan. Legend has it that this sacred banner has miraculous powers. When unfurled in battle, the clan would invariably snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

    There are many tales of the flag’s origin but the one the MacLeod clan chooses to believe is this:

    Once upon a time the MacLeod chief, Iain Cair, stumbled upon a fairy dwelling where he met a fairy princess. The two fell in love, married, and had a child. But after a year in the mortal world, the fairy princess had to return to Fairyland. After promising his wife never to let their child cry, the laird did just that. Hearing her son’s cries from the fairy world, the fairy princess returned to her son, wrapped him in a fairy shawl, and sang him a fairy lullaby. Years later, the child told his father that the shawl his mother had given him had magical powers. That magic could be used at a time of great need, but only three times, before the flag, and the flagbearer would return to the fairy world.

    The Fairy Flag and the legends surrounding it are woven into the storyline of The Return of the Heir.

  • New York: Where Art Meets Fashion

    When I was in New York a few weeks ago, I walked everywhere! One of my favorite walking spots was along 5th Avenue where I could window shop day or night. One store’s window displays were both entertaining and artistic. This window was a nod to the in-town museums. It reminded me of the Mona Lisa.
    The Mona Lisa
    What store’s windows was I browsing? Bergdorf Goodman of course! Bergdorf Goodman is a famous luxury goods department store in Midtown Manhattan. This next window was just crazy, fun!

    Bergdorf Goodman has found its way into a variety of movies and television shows over the years. In the 1962 movie That Touch of Mink, Doris Day is feted by Cary Grant with a shopping spree at Bergdorf Goodman’s. I can see Doris Day in this dress. Can’t you?
    Pink Dress

    In the 1966 film, Penelope, the main character, played by Natalie Wood, uses the proceeds of a bank robbery to purchase her disguise at Bergdorf Goodman’s. However, she wouldn’t be wearing these shoes to “get away”.
    Tall Shoes

    In the 1981 film Arthur, Dudley Moore shops for sweaters at Bergdorf’s when he sees Linda (Liza Minnelli) shoplifting a tie there.

    Shopping Therapy

    Bergdorf Goodman was a favorite shopping spot for Sex And The City’s main character, Carrie Bradshaw. It was featured in the opening to Sex and the City 2, with the girls meeting at the entrance of the store and buy wedding gifts there.

    Dress in the City

    No matter what the film, television show, or the occasion, Bergdorf Goodman’s is just plain fun! What’s your favorite place to window shop?