12/30/2019
The posts on my page have been sparse this year because I've been, well, busy. It's been a wonderful year of good tours with lovely guests and all of the things that make Scotland so dear to so many hearts, including mine.
Wales is becoming a very close second, although I've not spent as much time there as in Scotland, having first visited in 2016. Wales reminds me a lot of what Scotland was like in 2002 when I made my very first trip to the UK. It was peaceful, almost serene, so much so that the mountains seemed to whisper a seductive "don't leave" with my last glimpse of each one.
As the decade ends, I'm reminded of how many people have been part of Celtic Journeys, who have helped a little one-person tour company to survive through some of the most challenging times. Thanks to all who have been there: the guests who come to share their love of the lands of magic, the hoteliers who extend great care and every courtesy to us, to the people who keep history alive at the places we visit, to the coach company and to Gary, to the guides including the best in Scotland, Alison.
2020 is the year that I'll hit the 100-trip marker with the Outlander Tour in June. When Celtic Journeys opened the doors in 2004, it was with the very first Outlander Tour ever. I was hard-pressed to find eight people for that tour and, operating with just one tour each year until 2008, let's just say it was a labor of love and sort of a "not-for-profit" organization without the tax breaks! Thanks to everyone who share their stories with others, who repeatedly return, who bring friends along with them. We've seen a good bit together over the years. This is most likely my last "End of Decade" message, I can't imagine doing tours when I'm 82... but as long as there are beautiful places to see and as long as there are wonderful people who want to see them, I'll keep the light on for you, the light that burns with the glow of gratitude.
Happy New Year!
