Hey There Fellow Travelers!
I'm hoping this finds you all happy and well.
Back in the 90s, Charlie Rose interviewed the wonderful Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. He asked him who had touched his life.
“Oh, a lot of people, but a lot of people who have allowed me to have some silence, and I don’t think we give that gift very much anymore. I’m very concerned that our society is much more interested in information than wonder, in noise rather than silence…Oh, my, this is a noisy world.”
This interview, that I saw years ago, resurfaced in my memories after one of my Summer tours. I’ll tell you which one and why in a moment but first, we had the very best fellow travelers in June and July! One couple shared that they sat down to eat dinner and, during a conversation with the staff, they were told “Raven brings the nicest people!”
I’m not gonna be shy about it. I really do! And that’s all thanks to you.
But about those Summer tours. Wowza! I had 4 amazing groups of the most wonderful people. First, there was a music tour with the brightest light out there, Sara Hickman, and her best fans/friends who had the Scottish sun shining even on a dreary day. The Hometown tour was next, made up of my neighbors from Marshall, NC and friends. This was a tour of connection and friendship and fun and laughter. I had another music tour with Jonathan Byrd as the host. He’s an amazing songwriter and musician and this year’s music tour was our third tour together. His fans are so gracious and open-hearted.
In between was another tour hosted by Jonathan. It was a Photography Tour, our first, and it surprised and delighted us both. Some of our travelers only used cell phone cameras. Others had expensive equipment and years of experience. None of that mattered because this was the group that brought Mr. Rogers' message back home. They saw Scotland; each blooming flower, stone carving, moss covered tree, glowing red sunset, creatures great and small, in the spirit of wonder. They trusted that no matter where our travels took us next, they would uncover the magic. And so they did. We traipsed through shadowy woodlands and across magnificent hills and valleys. We veered off the beaten path to hidden gems, like the ancient stone bridge where, they say, fairies leave gifts behind. Lucky us. We found them.
During free time, some ferried across rough seas to see puffins and seals. Others climbed up to find breathtaking viewpoints. Wherever we went, we never had to wait long for a ray of sunshine to sweep across a valley just right or dapple in through cathedral glass or a highland cow to gaze our way for the perfect pose. And there was the gift of silence, interrupted only by the click of the camera. I saw Scotland in new ways and I kept thinking…well, this is something really special.
So Jonathan and I are doing it again in 2026! It’s a day longer and a different route that will take us through the stunning Isles of Skye and Lewis then Orkney. It’s limited to 16 people for a more personal experience and a smaller coach that can navigate some places off the main roads.
We can’t wait!
We opened this up first to those who went on our recent Photography Tour so it already has registrants.
"BUT, Raven, it's so far away?? It seems far away but that’s the nature of the Scottish isles. With fewer hotels, bookings are up to two years out for groups and some hotels don’t even take groups anymore. That’s why we will need to confirm the rooms soon that the hotels are holding for us. Come experience the wonder and perhaps, find comfort in the gift of silence with a group of kindred spirits. Enjoy the easy rhythm of awe and creativity and music and wisdom. Here’s the link.
I'll see you in Scotland!
xo,
Raven
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