We got back from Scotland late last night. It's a really long drive, but well worth it. We had a great time, I just wish we'd had a few more days. As it happened I wasn't well prepared at all and spent the whole journey up remembering stuff I'd forgotten to pack, despite the car being stuffed full. We managed anyway!
We went to a house that belongs to a friend of ours. It is in the most gorgeous setting, completely remote and wildly beautiful as so much of Scotland is. The house was built in the sixties (I think they must have shipped everything in by boat) and it is a bit like stepping back in time. There are even loads of old books there. I found a biography of Pat Smythe who was the first British female Olympic showjumper back in the 50's. It was a fascinating read. The sport has changed so much since and become so technical. Back then the British were unbeatable. At the last Olympics we didn't even qualify a team! Anyway I digress..
Emma was really good and I was so proud of her. Actually both the children were. They played really nicely and I think became quite fond of each other. We went to the beach and collected shells and built sandcastles, sometimes in the rain but it didn't matter. In the evenings we sat around a lovely open fire and drank and ate ourselves silly. Perfect!
We also had a close encounter with the local wildlife who came to rummage through our bins. I have to admit that at first we didn't know what they were. They have cat bodies, with badger feet and weasel faces! It was Cath who identified them as pine martens and I wasn't sure but after checking on the net today she was absolutely right. Apparently they're quite rare, but this little chap wasn't very shy!
Anyway a great time was had by all, it was just the break that James and I needed. Thanks guys!
lovely weekend with lovely people (particularly the little ones). fab photo of the pine marten you got there.
Posted by: snowcat | 05/30/2006 at 09:55 PM