Four Seasons Aviemore

Finally back at home. It's been 15 weeks and 12 countries (14 technically, but a stopover in Sydney and stepping on Zimbabwean soil whilst Bungy jumping don't count). There's been highs and low's throughout, but on the whole, the experience has been fantastic and completely and ...

... years later after Cromwells death, Charles II was restored to the throne but when he died in 1685, his younger brother James ascended to the throne. He and his wife were Catholics but were accepted because everyone thought the kings protestant daughter Mary (who was married to her nephew William of Orange also protestant, would succeed James) but then the king had a son, raising the prospect of a catholic dynasty. William of Orange ...

... 6.15pm to bag one of the last tables at the bar but the food doesn't disappoint and I treat myself to Cullen Skink and pan-fried pheasant.  That'll keep me going!


What makes me smile today:


Gary's pack - it was so heavy I couldn't lift it off the floor.   Apparently that was the light version as they'd eaten all their food!  No wonder he had blister problems

My delicious dinner

... What made me smile today:

The End-to-Enders - John Arris and friends.  It was great to hear their stories and get their advice.  One of them even gave me a donation for my charities.  Good luck with your next stage!

The eccentric Rory and his thieving chickens.  He runs the Abriachan Forest eco-campsite and cafe halfway along the path today and I stopped for tea.  One of his chickens actually jumped into the air to steal shortbread out of my hands!

Spent yesterday walking through Scottish terrain. Unfortunately the weather wasn't sunny but it wasn't raining so since coming to the UK I have come to know that as 'a good day'. I have to admit it, but any day that doesn't rain I consider a good day of weather too. How quickly standards change..

Time has flown by here in Scotland. Back down to London tomorrow and off to India Wednesday. This is quite possibly the most boring blog entry ever, but the photos should at least be ok

... access and hot showers!

What makes me smile today:

More blackberries - these ones were really ripe

The family picking berries on The Black Isle who told me that there were some "really big blaeberries" just down the road and asked if they were safe to eat.  Having found said berries I felt it would be cruel not to go back and tell them that they were sloes and that the kids might not want to eat them raw! 

Well apparently time does wait for one man, and he's the train driver from London Kings Cross to Inverness. After our million hour train journey, we finally arrived into Inverness late last night.

I've not got a week of doing sweet f&ck all.... Can't say I'm disappointed. In fact it is a joy to know that your only actions are to eat, sleep and shower ...

... river is the town. Unfortunately my camera batteries died so pictures will be limited for the next couple of entries. The girls were able to ride a train up the local mountain. They said it was a wonderful trip. We arrived at Aviemore and got checked into our rooms. Tami and Rachel had to bunk together for the weekend. There was a banquet on Friday evening and before the banquet I had the pleasure of attending a reception with the Elgin ...

... s*id they liked it. Th*t w*s one memory th*t will *lw*ys be in my mind. After our "shen*****ns" here we were w*lking *g*in *nd M &*mp; G were te*ching us *nd singing Scottish Folk Songs with the m*in one being "LOCH LOMMOND". Then the guys s*id " Let's go to the DISCO" *nd I'm like "Ye*!" thinking disco like Blondie, KC, Bee Gees, etc. This pl*ce h*d *n elev*ted d*nce floor *re* in the middle *nd pl*yed Techno music not the disco I'm used to, but still good ...