Scotland, Mexico, and Best Wishes for 2019

To celebrate Gail's return from her Mexico holiday, I took her yesterday for a walk through farmland near the Deeside Gliding Club.

It was a excellent opportunity to remind her why she should be pleased to be home in Scotland. 

In case they're not obvious, let me list some of the reasons:

• Walks are more fun with your favourite WFT for company.
• The air in the North of Scotland is clean and free of pollution. 
• The ground is soft beneath the paws/feet.
• There is no danger of dehydration.
• Pale and freckly skinned humans can venture outdoors without slathering themselves in Factor 50 sunblock.
• We have 'right to roam' laws throughout our beautiful and uncrowded land.
• There will be a nearby café selling tea made in a proper teapot, and you don't have to ask for milk.
• Your WFT will bounce up on your lap for a nice cuddle when you put your feet up at the end of the walk.

Oh yes, and finally, you can go for dip in the river Dee without fear of encountering any of these guys...

Wishing all my lovely readers a Happy, Peaceful (and crocodile-free) New Year! 

Morven - always worth returning to

Just pausing for breath - it's been a while since we last did a big hill walk

On the look out for mountain hare and ptarmigan

Can you see all the snow on Lochnagar in the background?

Gail! Did you sign the Morven summit book in the wooden box?

Let me go - I think I just saw a hare!

Oh alright, I'll sit still, if there's a treat in it...

Let's get moving again Gail -it's windy up here on the plateau

So much empty space to explore...

What? A picture without me! Is that allowed?

Heading back down to the car - still going strong after eight miles

My little patch of heaven?

ODE TO A DEESIDE SUMMER

You can take your Costa Bravas, the Greek Islands are all yours,

The Italian Riviera's not for me,

I'd rather be in Deeside where the ground beneath my paws,

Is soft and green, and clear the river flows,

And the air conditioning's natural and free.

The Balearics are too crowded, and Australia far away,

And California's sun has too much glare.  

But a little patch of heaven's a short bounce from where I stay,

Where the only sound is birdsong on a gentle summer's day

And a sweet pine resin fragrance fills the air. 

If you're searching scorching sunshine and a Mediterranean tan,

Then I'll point you to cheap flights on EasyJet.

But for dogs, a trip to Scotland is by far the better plan,

We have laws that grant you access to our wild and empty land. 

Come here! Roam free! All weary cares forget!