Scotland

It's the furthest North I've ever been in the UK. Seven and a half hours on the train - London to Aviemore.  My daughter was going up there for a month and I was going as support team to help her get settled into her bothy (wooden hut) at the Highland Wildlife Park, in the Scottish mountains. Then a bit of time on my own to go exploring the area.

The logistics of getting around and stocking her up on groceries for the first few days was no mean feat without a car but we managed it with a bit of planning and much studying of the bus timetables.  Once we had arrived at the Wildlife Park and got the food put away, unpacked her very large bag with a months worth of winter, working clothes we were able to have a look around the park and see all the animals.  There is so much space in that part of the world that all the animals had huge enclosures. Link  here

Then it was time to leave her in her bothy and catch the last bus back to the hostel in nearby Aviemore.

So, my daughter started her work experience  and I travelled to Inverness for a couple of nights.  It was strange being in hostels on my own and the weather was wet and cold in Inverness but I explored the city, had a fabulous cream tea in the Royal Highland Hotel, went to a lecture as part of the Science Festival on the Loch Ness Monster and did a lot of reading.

I was glad to get back to the hostel in Aviemore after my trip to Inverness as the hostel in Aviemore is fantastic, has a cosy lounge with a fire and great facilities.  The weather also gave me two sunny days to explore around the area which lifted my spirits after a wet couple of days in the city.

I met my daughter for a fish and chip supper, heard all about her days at the wildlife park and told her about my trips.  Then I stocked her up with more groceries and said goodbye .

High drama at the Osprey centre when I visited as 

a visiting male kicked the eggs out of the nest

I have had to keep up with proceedings on their blog since I left

RSPB Loch Garten

View from the top of the Cairngorm mountain

I cheated and took the train

I did walk around this beautiful Loch though

Red squirrel in the gardens at the hostel

I met some great ladies from Glasgow who were staying at the hostel.  Audrey was there on her own when we first arrived and gave us lots of great ideas of places to visit and practical help on using the local buses.  Angie and Carol were in my dormitory on the second weekend and were great fun to go out for a drink with, their company was much appreciated.

I  am now back at work and have had a cold all week so any benefit of my travels has quickly evaporated but Alf has been very good about keeping me company while I rest and recuperate in the evenings.
I hope my daughter enjoys the rest of her time on her placement and gets out and enjoys the Scottish Highlands.

Not sure I will ever get up that way again but you never know, it's a beautiful part of the world.

xx