Return to the Highlands

Shall I let you into a wee secret?

In my role as (unofficial) Ambassadog for Scotland, I sometimes try to draw a veil across the less attractive aspects of the Scottish climate.

Take this weekend for example. For the first time since March, we were allowed to drive more than five miles from home for 'leisure purposes'. Gail decided we'd go for a walk in Ballochbuie Forest, on the Queen's Balmoral Estate. Long time readers of this blog will know it's one of our favourite places.

Just at the moment, as I'm sure you'll understand, our tourist industry needs all the help it can get. What a great opportunity then, for me to showcase our glorious landscape in perfect summer conditions.

It was bright and sunny when we arrived at the car park and I was raring to go.

The River Dee was at its sparkling liveliest too.

We tried to ignore the gathering clouds, and every time the sun peeked through, Gail grabbed the camera.

But it became increasingly difficult to capture those brief moments of brightness.

At noon, as we reached the Queen's hut, I could feel a few raindrops falling on my head and back. 

While Gail ate her sandwich on the sheltered bench, I was given a chew. But for fear I might drop the chew through the gaps between the wooden slats, I retreated on to the grass, and pretended it was not now raining hard.

While I was wishing I had a bigger chew so I could eat it safely on the sheltered terrace, Gail packed away her camera and was wishing she'd put her gloves in her daypack.

At least it was too windy for the midges...