It's only the second week and already I'm cheating on the mission to write about "My Neck of the Woods". This isn't really my neck of the woods. Just the neck of the woods for someone else and a place I visited that if you happen to ever get there, you don't want to miss. This is Hamish. He is a fully functional Highland Cattle bull and as with most highland cattle, one of the gentlest creatures you are ever likely to meet as long as you don't touch his horns. He doesn't like that and will toss his head and you don't want to be on the receiving end of those points by accident.
Many of you have asked about the little Hielan' Coo on my sidebar. That is there in honor of Hamish whom I met while traveling Scotland five years ago. Before I've posted actual pictures of him, but while fiddling around You Tube, I found a video of some tourists who met Hamish and had a handy video cam. It was good to see a fondly remembered animal still in good health and just as good natured as ever (despite tourist squeals).
I also found another tourist who was as taken with Hamish as I was, possibly even more so since she took a whole album of pictures. Should you ever have reason to visit the Trossachs area of Scotland (and how could you miss Loch Lomond), be sure to drop in at the shopping mall (all the tourists buses go there). If you happen to have a carrot on you, it will definitely be appreciated.
7 comments:
Aaahhh, the mystery is revealed! I've always wondered about that sidebar guy. I thought it was a yak. The woman in the video made me laugh in a fond way. :-)
Highland Cattle are one of the oldest of the domesticated breeds with the earliest appearance in records in the 13th century. Both the males and females have those horns.
I've wondered about the sidebar guy, too! Hamish is beautiful...at least in the eyes of this beholder. And, I suppose we can stretch our imaginations and call Scotland "your neck of the woods," since you've been there.
I did put up a new header photo of "My Neck of the Woods" so that everyone could see my very tall neighbor. If Mount Ranier starts smoking, I'm leaving town.
Jamie, thank you for your get well wishes! Aren't they a bunch of silly tourists not appreciating that sweet Hamish? :)
Oh how sweet is Hamish?? I've admired your little sidebar logo and bit o' poetry for awhile. I simply love the lyrical flow of Gaelic. When I was a wee snip of a lass I had a lovely Scottish friend who taught me a couple phrases and I still love to make friends giggle from time to time by reciting them.
A fun virtual trip to the Highlands, Jamie! Thanks!
What a great personality Hamish is!! I would probably take a lot of pictures also.
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