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.

Foggy Arley

On Christmas Eve, Dad and I went to Arley to get roasted chestnuts and look at the trains. It was beautiful clear skies when we left home but some serious fog when we got to the river so got some lovely photos.

However we were very disappointed when we got to the station. Apparently there is no christmas at Arley on Christmas Eve. Which meant no roasted chestnuts. We were both gutted. 

Deserted.

We ended up at the garden centre for lunch.

Dungeness

Last weekend Mom and Dad came down for a road trip. It didn't start well. They arrived on the Thursday evening and I spent a portion of the night being sick. No idea why. Plus my cold was still in full force at this point. We were carried on, on Friday morning down to Dungeness - I just spent a few days eating little bits of very boring food before I was convinced by stomach would handle it.

We drove to New Romney and get the miniature railway to Dungeness.

On the train.

Train!

On route.

We had some lunch and took a little walk on the beach. We couldn't go far as Mom's ankle is still not great and she had trouble walking on the pebbles.

Dad and I took some photos of the boats. A few are still working but some equipment has not moved in a long time.

We'll have to go back and take a longer walk at some point. I would also like to go up the lighthouse but every time I go, I seems shut. This time it was due to high winds, though to be fair it was really windy.

After this, we headed to our caravan in St. Margaret-on-Cliffe. We had a caravan (which was very nice) for 3 nights and then moved to the hotel for another 2 nights. 

Hampton Christmas Fair

Sunday evening was Hamptons Christmas fair. They closed off some of the main roads and most of the shops had a small stall outside. The best was the Santa Train. Though I could not find Santa!

Santa Train

Nativity.

Entertainment

Not a clue

Snow machine!

More music

The Reservoir Dads.

Children's choir

Raffle

Too cute.

Teddy pile.

Chocolate shoes!!!!