Loch and wood sculptures.

Sadly I don't have any photos from our weekend in Aviemore. Mom and dad both came down with covid on the saturday so they spent the weekend sleeping and I spent it looking after them. Luckily I had had covid 3-4 weeks before so I was still immune (I tested often and didn't catch it again). So I got to play nurse maid. (I am NOT a good nurse!)

I amused myself with some craft things I had brought with and the view form the lodge was pretty. I spent some time just watching the sheep. So it wasn't a complete loss.

View from the lodge balcony

We had to move to the last stop on the Monday so they had to get up. We had 8 hours to kill between leaving Aviemore and being allowed into the caravan at Tummel Bridge. I managed to find a few places which were outdoors, only short walks and on the way. 

The first stop was Loch Morlick which is not far outside Aviemore and has a beach. We took a walk and some photos. The weather was so different from last week. Autumn has arrived and it was really cold (below 5C). 

Nice little beach.

Even the ducks don't look too amused at the weather

I think they were cold. 

The second stop was was near Feshie Bridge which is (in theory) on the way to Tummel. We took the more interesting back roads. There is a park on the way which was a sculpture walk by an artist called Frank Bruce. Due to some high winds some the sculptures had been taken down which was a shame. But the ones we saw were cool. 

This one was a bit freaky

Most of the sculptures are created in wood and not varnished so they will eventually rot down back to where they came from which I thought was pretty cool. There were a couple of stone ones as well.

I did like the windy paths through the woods. Sadly it started to rain again (this was the worst day, weather-wise) and mom was really cold by the time we got back to the car. So we had our lunch and tea/coffee in the car. (It pays to be prepared and this is not the first time we have had sandwiches and a flash in the car watching the rain.) 

Musselburgh

The end of last year the beginning of this have been boring and a disaster but fingers crossed it is looking up from here. 

I have been in and out of hospital since the beginning of the year, ending in surgery the beginning of May which hopefully means the issue is fixed! The upside of this is mom and dad came up for their first visit to look after me. They dragged me out for walks (only short ones but got me moving). 

I took them (or more accurately directed them and they took me) to Musselburgh for chips on the beach and a walk around the harbour. We weren't out very long as it was bit chilly.

Not appreciating the Scottish summer weather

Impressive skies.

Ice bar and Winter Wonderland

On Saturday we has a lazy morning before heading into town. We went to Winter Wonderland first. It wasn't as packed as last year but still really busy. We got some food and went to the rotating bar for a drink (we enjoyed it last year so why not?).

At the carousel bar.

Drinks!

Carousel bar.

Snuggly warm

It was pretty cold. Kerry at least was super warm in her new coat.
There was only so much time we could spend at Winter Wonderland, if you are not interested in drinking very large amounts or going on rides. And Kerry wanted to look for some ear muffs (we didn't find any). Oxford street was insane so we found a pub on a side road.

Sexy Santa.

Recent Street.

This year we planned better and got tickets for the ice bar. We got there early so had a drink in the war bar first before getting caped up.

Ice tentacles.

The glasses are hollowed out ice cubes. It didn't feel that cold; we only really needed the gloves because of the ice glasses. For our first drink Kerry and I opted for the Moet while Craig went with cocktail. (I switched to a cocktail for the second drink.) You are only in there for 40 mins but it was fun. Especially when the rowdy group of middle aged women quieten down and left. 

Selfie!!!!

Gorilla. 

Sisters

With the brother-in-law

Making our drinks.

Just to show that curiosity runs in the family, Kerry and Craig decided to experiment with the structural integrity of the glass once we were done. They did not hold up well under the "Hulk smash!" technique. You can't take them anywhere! :)

Destroyed!

Kisses.

Tube.

Way down.

After the ice bar we ended up at the cinema. Craig and I wanted to see the Justice League film but Kerry is not a fab. We enjoyed it. Kerry was asleep within 10 mins. But she said it was a good nap!

After we headed back to mine for a take-away.

They had to leave early this morning due to the heavy snow up their way. We haven't had much down here (quite disappointing!) but it sounds like travels has been insanely affected down here anyway. 

It was a great weekend and I am finally starting to feel a little more christmassy. :)

Trevone

Trevone is not far from Padstow and the caravan so after shopping on Wednesday we went for a walk. We planned to go to the cafe but they were shutting early as, unsurprisingly, there were many people around.

Headed to the beach

view point - way too cold to sit though 

On the beach

We did managed to convince the lovely lady at the cafe to make us some hot chocolates! Much needed.

trying to stay warm

Awesome sand castle!

 Given the temperature (it snowed in Bodmin, not far away, that day), it was not surprising for the most part we were the only people on the beach.

Empty beach  

walking (and some other crazy people!)

To the ocean 

Rough sea

Dad and I took a brief walk to the cliff edge to take a photo but we didn't stay too long. Not a good idea to be that close to a cliff in high winds!

Over the bay 

on the cliffs