Friday morning the 22nd April we packed a bag for a short stay at Inverchapple Farm with Aunty Mary. We were regaled with family stories and caught her up on all our family doings on the journey. Climbing to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful was thankfully not as difficult as it had been in the past, hence the name of the peak on this steep road. Then a short detour to drive through the Ardkinglas Woodland Walk. Mary having the ready excuse of driving down the private road in an attempt to visit an old friend, and hoping any questioner would be unaware that said friend was a resident in the area - well, until his death many years previously….! The walk would have been too much for her and we didn't have time to spare anyway.

It was very pretty, the subtle colours of the trees in bud and the rhododendrons and azaleas just bursting into flower, while the last of the winter bulbs were dancing in the light breeze.

Once arrived and fortified with lunch, we walked down the road the short distance to Benmore Botanic Gardens. Unlike in Australia, there was an entrance fee to be paid. Then through the tea room and nursery area and out to the green grass under a row of huge Douglas Fir trees, quite magnificent in their lofty heights, but still tiny babies compared to those in the USA.

We wandered around happily, although the map in our hands and the maps on signs provided at various intersections of the path - plus the actual path configurations - did not seem to match very well! In fact, we decided that instead of a dot on the printed sign stating "You are here" it should really say "Admit it - you are lost!". Regardless of this hindrance we successfully made our way to the restored fern house, built partly out of a natural cliff face. Then on up the steep slope to the Tasmanian collection! We were all pleased to see familiar plant species and smell their familiar scents.

Attempting to reach the Nepalese plant displays, we discovered that instead we had managed to go to Tibet - reckon we should have turned left in Bhutan….. strange but true.

Then down the meandering paths and into the walled formal garden of this old establishment - it was getting quite late now, and this is a large property, so we had the whole place to ourselves. Then the waterlily pond and a quick lesson in measuring tree heights using a hypsometer. Some of those Douglas Firs were 90 metres tall.

Taking our now chilled selves into the tearoom, we discovered they were actually closed for the day, but our sad, wind-chapped faces must have pulled on their heartstrings, as they kindly made an exception and served us anyway.

Arriving back at Inverchappel, Mary didn't let us warm up inside, but kept us busy outdoors before the sun set. Karen was set to work picking 200+ daffodils destined for charity sales, and Nick was presented with a step ladder and asked to fix the bird feeder pulley system. Mary was understandably reluctant to tackle this herself, as last time she fell and broke her leg.

Jobs done, tea was ready, and then it was time for bed - electric blankets are one of the most marvellous inventions ever, we have decided. Luxury!