Leader of the pack

Things have been looking up since my last post.

Long time readers will know that I have been a regular participant in the annual Grampian Tibet Support Group sponsored walk.

Traditionally, the event has taken place in early July, but this year they waited until September, last Sunday in fact, so the University of Aberdeen students could attend. And what a good idea that turned out to be. 

We always have a lovely day, and this one was no exception.

The walk started in Gourdon, a wee fishing village about 25 miles south of Aberdeen.

Look, here I am, leading out the merry pack, young and old.

We headed south along the coastal path to Johnshaven, where the weather was warm enough (just) for the group to enjoy a picnic lunch.

From Johnshaven we turned inland and uphill and walked along a grassy footpath. I was way ahead of slowcoach Gail at this point, so do not feature in the photo.

Where the path was too overgrown, we tramped through the adjacent field. I want you to know that the only reason I am not still leading the pack here is that barley stubble is mighty uncomfortable on WFT paws.

It was thirsty work too, but I'm pleased to say the students were all being so kind an encouraging.

We had a snoop around the old mill at Benholm before returning to the coast path.

And of course I posed nicely for more photos at the end of the walk, still looking sprightly and relatively clean after nine miles!

A wee sniff around Johnshaven

I know you'll all be bored with hearing about my podiatric issues, but I had a bit of a setback last week, when the horrid cyst thingy on my right front paw reappeared.

So it was another trip to vet Katrina. We came home with a bucketful of antibiotics, and with these and yet more gentle paw washing I am again slowly recovering my bounce.

I indicated to Gail that although I did not feel like walking too far, I would appreciate a change of scene at the weekend, and she kindly agreed to drive me down to the wee fishing village of Johnshaven, about 30 miles south of Aberdeen.

It is a sleepy place, especially in March, but of course I found plenty of interesting things to sniff out.


Someone with a cottage by the shore has an unconventional idea of garden ornamentation, don't you think?



You will of course deduce from the sandstone houses that we are south of that most important geological dividing line in Scotland, the Highland Boundary fault.


Gail liked the nautical theme of this front door,  and politely requested that I pose in front of it.
 
Which of course I was happy to do, on the promise of a 'baked cheesy oatie (wheat free)'.
 
I'm please to report that, unlike when I was younger, Gail now trusts me not to be jump recklessly off harbour walls and into the sea.


Although in truth it was more fun deciding which bit of fishing equipment was most in need of 'decoration'.


Next weekend Gail and I going off with friends to stay at Inshriach, a big house on the edge of Cairngorm Mountains. (We went to Inshriach once before, many years ago, you can read all about how that went if you click here and here).

I am hoping my paws will be in better shape to tackle more adventurous walks by then.