First day in Nairn

 On our first day in Nairn, we didn't do much; we were all a bit knackered form the trip. But the weather was too good not to go out to the beach, which is only a few minutes walk from the caravan where we were staying. 

We had a nice walk and then dad and I went to get our swim stuff. We had a great swim though it was a bit colder than dad was used too.

Scarborough

On the second day of our York trip we took the train out to Scarborough for a day by the sea. The train station is at the top of the hill so there views on the way down over the bay were lovely.

After a quick fish and chip lunch (at the beach you have to), we hit the beach.

Hiding from the sun

We took it in turns taking the kids to the sea which was quite some distance away. The kids had great fun splashing in the sea and made me wish I had brought my swim suit. On the way back to the tent, we found some jelly fish on the beach, so decided to the stay on the beach after that. So the kids buried each other and then Clare. So good time had by all.

We had an early dinner on the train and then the kids were ready for bed when we got back. We had more S'mores while watching a film. Best way to spend an evening.

On the Monday morning, Clare and I both had trains at midday so we all went for a really good (and large) breakfast before Matt, El and the kids headed to the transport and Science Museum to wear them out before going home. My train was amazingly on time and not packed. So lovely weekend all round.

Ladies Day at the races

Last Friday I went with Fiona and a couple of her friends to Ladies Day at Musselburgh Races. It was a great day and for once the weather was glorious (it has been raining here everyday for months). We all got dressed up, complete hats or fascinators. 

We had booked tickets in the Pavilion where we had a private table in a marquee with our own bar and betting window. There were also nice people wondering around the tables taking bets and helping people which we very much needed. 

With the ladies.

I will admit my betting selection process was very unscientific. I pick the ones with either the best name or had a lady jockey (got to support the sisters!). Needless to say I got my money back on one race and lost the rest. If I could have bet on which horse came last, I would have done a lot better. Oh well. I figured I would be loosing the money anyway so it was good fun just to watch the horses. I am not at risk of becoming a gambler!

The other ladies were a lot more lucky than me and all at least made their money back. I figured someone has to support the underdogs. 

My unlucky bets

We also took a very nice picnic with us complete with a full cheese board. 

 It was a really good day and it was loads of fun looking at all the outfits. Some were amazing. Some questionable. But good fun. 

Camping

In July, Caroline and I went camping for the first time. I have camped next to my parents caravan but this would be the first time alone and Caroline's first time at all. I loved it. Not so sure about Caroline.

We left work early on the Friday and travelled down to just outside Bamburg in Northumberland. And of course it was absolutely throwing it down when we get there so we were quite wet after we had put the tent up. But we had a tarp for over the front so we sat there drying off and watching the rain with a bottle of wine and then Pimms. 

The next day was sunnier but really windy!

We managed to cook ourselves a very nice breakfast (thank god for the wind guard).

As we were camped only a couple minutes walk from the beach, we decided to go and chill no the beach. The idea was sound and the pictures make it look idyllic.

What you can't tell is the wind. We had put sunscreen on and within seconds were like sugar coated donuts! We got absolutely sandblasted. I was finding sand in my ears for a day or 2. We weren't the only people on the beach though. We ended up back at the tent taking cover between the tent and the car with a bag of nachos for lunch and reading and napping for the rest of the day.

We were going to try a BBQ on the evening as I have a portable BBQ pit I have been wanting to try for ages. But we figures hot embers and high gale force winds (we were one of the only tents still standing - thank you Vango!) were not a great idea so ended up walking into the nearby village and finding a pub for a lovely dinner.

Village church

Feeling windswept.

On the sunday we headed home via Bamburg castle, looking windswept and with a sand exfoliated skin. I definitely want to go camping again, but it might take some convincing to get someone to go with me. 
 

Ruthven Barracks

The last part of our day traveling to Tummel was a quick stop at Ruthven Barracks. We nearly didn't stop as it started chucking it down when we parked but cleared up 190 mins later and dad and I decided to brave it (mom's too cold and stayed in the car). It was worth it. There were even some bits of blue sky oddly. 

The barracks where built by the English in the 1700s to house troops to protect the area against the Jacobite rebels who did eventually take the barracks but they had to work for it. 

Chimmney

Great view

Never a straight road.

Arrow shooting window

Stables

It is even steeper than it looks

After this we drove to the last stop. (Well I drove - I didn't let mom or dad drive until the end of the next week. They had issues staying awake, especially  mom.)