travel | Apothecary Shed

Kimonos, and Light.

September 18, 2017

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Whether worn day to day, borrowed for a special occasion, or rented just for fun, kimonos are lovely, especially when the light is right.

Young girl walks through arches at Fushimi-Inari-Taisha

Playing with color filters on my new camera.

a model photographer!

at Senjo-ji Temple

Model caught between poses at Senso-ji Temple.

and her formal look.

Bamboo in Kyoto

September 17, 2017

noplasticshowers nature, Photography, travel Arashiyama, bamboo, japan, kyoto, photography, travel, video 1 Comment

In a northwestern neighborhood of Kyoto called Arashiyama, there is bamboo. Walking through the grove is magical. Cameras don’t quite do it justice, but here are some pictures and videos anyway.

Three Shrines in Japan

September 15, 2017

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As a tourist visiting Japan, shrines are a must. We spent time in three large temple complexes.

Tokyo Meiji Jingu

This shinto shrine is relatively new and is somehow associated with the imperial family post WWII. The gardens and parks are in the middle of Tokyo and are a respite from traffic and crowds. Lots of people but lots of coexisting.

Tokyo Senso-ji

This temple seems very much more Buddhist. Also in town, it is surrounded by shops and stalls on all sides. The zen gardens are the best aspect.

Kyoto Fushimi Inari

This world heritage site is just incredible. Millions of arches all painted orange of different sizes create an line a long path up and around the mountain. When we walked this path it was a warm day and by the top I was soaking wet with sweat. Beautiful views from the 15 or so stations/shrines juxtapose the natural beauty of the mountain with the bustling city of Kyoto in the distance.

Eilean, Eilean, Eilean, Please Don’t Take My Man.

May 13, 2017

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As only Nancy could see – our “bungalow”

Drunk dude in Kilt explains history of McRae/McGraw Clan

The Family Red-Deer

Alliterative NEWS..

Just Cause..

Out through the In Door.

Scotland. Stop 1, revisited.

May 10, 2017

apothecaryshedster nature, Photography, travel, who knows environment, photography, scotland, travel Leave a comment

They vote with their Dandelions.

Room with A View.

Oh The Water, Oh,oh The Water, got it myself from the Mountain Stream.

Mountain man discovers bridge.

Eilean Donan Castle: Ancestral Home of McGraw/McCrae

May 7, 2017

noplasticshowers Photography, travel castle, clan McCrae, clan McGraw, Eilean Donan Castle, fortitudine, guided tour, kintail, Les McInulty, scotland, team tartan 6 Comments

Our trip to the Scottish highlands was short (only two days), but we brought with us the best weather in years. As a McGraw, a visit to the ancestral home of yore was in order. Eileen Donan Castle is the seat of the McCrae clan (aka McGraw on the American side of the pond).

The pictures mostly speak for themselves.

Eilean Donan Castle

A McGraw returns home

Eilean Donan Castle

The crest (part of the achievement) which we use on our Team Tartan hats

Eilean Donan Castle

These kids were playing with maps on the bridge. Adorable.

Eilean Donan Castle

We also popped over to the Isle of Skye, and then headed up the coast by the train line and partially along the North Coast 500. An incredible day.

Isle of Skye

Even our trusty guide was blown away by the day

Our delightful guide Les McInulty plays tourist

Palm tree

Ancient Comms

Sunny Scotland?!

For more about our trip to Scotland, see the pictures from our hike up Sgurr an Airgid where we took some one in a lifetime photos. We could see over 100 miles in every direction. And if you stay in Kintail, stay at the Kintail Lodge.

Norway in a Nutshell: Bergen in a Leaf

April 27, 2016

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Norway in a nutshell is a great way to see lots of a gorgeous country. It’s grueling though! We were on trains, boats and buses for 12 hours! Sadly, there is no beer on the boat until May 1st, so all future tourists make sure not to go to Norway in April.

This montage includes all legs of the Norway in a Nutshell trip plus our time spent in Bergen. We were joined by some great Norwegian friends for the last half of the trip. Conversation and laughter abound.

Norway is stunningly beautiful.

OSLO to MYRDAL