"I would very much like it to arrive. I'm going on holiday..." ~ HRM the Queen

Prince George has already performed royally...
fashionably late,
but in plenty of time to oblige his Royal Great Grandmother an introduction 
before her holiday in the Highlands of Scotland.

She arrived in Aberdeen this past weekend and will spend the months of August and September on the beautiful grounds of Balmoral.

  Her first week or so will be spent at Craigowan Lodge 
while the dust settles from the last summer visitors at the castle tomorrow.

Fortunately, we were able to squeeze a visit in while a friend was in town...

and ambled through the grounds under bright sun, blue skies 
and unseasonably warm weather.  
Much more comfortable than my last visit.

The garden was in full production mode...

and while...

was quiet...
it did show signs of busyness.

Although the estate includes 49,000 acres, 

our meandering was never more than a mere morning stroll 
away from the castle...
as we walked...

for another amazing view of the castle...
and down to the cool waters of the River Dee...

to dip our toes in the river as it passes through the royal estate... 
before heading to the golf course...

in search of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert 
who gaze at each other from opposite sides of the course.

With plenty of room to roam,
Balmoral provides a peaceful retreat from the city 
and a sensible explanation for HRM the Queen's eagerness to return each year.

Happy Tuesday.