Bass Rock

 When Mom and dad were here in May, we went on a day boat trip to Bass Rock, which is famous for its huge colony of gannets. The weather had improved a bit but it was still chilly.

On the boat.

Quick trip to Joss rock before going to Bass.

Bass rock.

Bass rock lighthouse.

A lot of birds.

There weren't as many birds as normal due to bird flu last year but it was better than people expected so the birds are coming back.

We warmed up with fish and chips back in North Berwick and then drove home, stopping at Gullane Bay on the way. Mom had a nap in the car while dad and I went on a walk to the beach. It about 3 miles to the beach but a nice walk and wonderful beach.

Trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh

On the friday we moved from the caravan in Nairn to a lodge in Aviemore but had the day to spend between places. 

In november 1984 mom and dad did a trip of the sleeper train up to Inverness and then got the steam train across to the Kyle of Lochalsh where they spent the week. Mom really wanted to do the train trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh again so we did it as a day trip as we were practically in Inverness anyway. In theory I was on the trip as well as mom was 7 maths pregnant with me at the time. I had a better view this time. 

The train trip on the way there was pretty busy and the view was ok, though we were on the wrong side to see the best bits. It took about 2.5 hrs to get there.

Sadly when we got there we realised there really wasn't much to do. And very few places open, even to get some food, and of course it started to rain on and off. We found a place to get some seafood (I have a very nice seafood salad) and thankfully the rain mostly held off while we were eating. We had a walk around and eventually ended up at a local pub for a drink while waiting for the train home. (The train are quite infrequent or we would have left earlier.) 

The port.

Looking towards the bridge to Skye in the distance.

Chilly.

I think most people going to the Kyle of Lockalsh are heading onwards to the Isle of Skye which is opposite. Which did mean the train was basically empty on the way back and we got to pick our seats to get the best view. Unfortunately mom started to feel unwell on the day back and ending up sleeping most of it. (Dad also had a nice long nap.) 

Thankfully the view was pretty good on the way back so I kept myself occupied taking photos. It was pretty dramatic at points. 

A really long trip to see not much when we got there, but some great views on route.

We got back to Inverness in the dark so I drive to Aviemore. We got to see a little of Inverness on a Friday night. They have a very hard working and apparently extensive police force! We were all very glad to arrive at the lodge. The drive was a bit scary in the pitch black (I didn't realise the head lights had been dipped down when dad washed the car which made it even more tricky) and mom was really not doing so well. 

We found out the next day she had Covid and dad came down with it later that day. :(  
Thankfully I had had it recently so could play nurse maid.

North Berwick

On the Sunday after the race, Clare and I headed to North Berwick, just up the coast from Edinburgh. It is a lovely little sleepy town on the sea front which I have been meaning to visit for a while. No idea why it took me so long. We had fish and chips (which were so amazingly good) on the sea front before taking a walk to the end of the headland and along the beach.

GF fish and Chips. So happy!!!!!

Statue beach watcher

Fake seal

There were some dramatic waves.

Looking out to sea.

Clare started climbing the rocks

She didn't care I wasn't going after her if she fell in.

Hidden sleeping duck keeping warm.

We took a bunch of photos of us, though some look like we trying out for the part of Medussa. It was a little breezy (combined with sea salt, he hair was .... impressive later on).

Best hair picture

After our walk to the end of the head land, we had intended on getting an ice cream (there are a couple of award-winning ice cream shops/palours in NB), but decided a cup of tea was more appropriate. It wasn't that cold, but really windy.

View for our cuppa.

We walked back to the car along the beach. It looks a little like winter form the photos but I promise it is summer.

That evening, we watched old episodes of Baywatch (cheesy good fun and some nice eye candy) and snacked (still full from lunch.)