Lossiemouth and Elgin

On our second day, we went to Lossiemouth. Mom was looking for some fresh fish. Apparently there were lots of options when Susan Kalman visited. We did not get the same greeting and there was nothing! So we has a walk and lunch by the beach instead. The beach was amazing. White sand and huge. And practically empty - just the way I like it. And there were enough dogs to get a left dog cuddles from random dogs, including an adorable greyhound. 

On the way back we passed through Elgin and I really wanted to see the cathedral ruins. The cathedral, also know as the 'Lantern of the North', is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in Scotland. And It is lovely. It was first built in 1224, though it had to be rebuilt a few times over the next few hundred years. 

One of the towers is still standing and you can go up. On each level, there are displays, mostly of stone carvings from the original build and from the 14th contrary. It was quite impressive how complete they still are 700 years later. 

The original glass of 1200s. 

How it would have looked.

Mom made it about half way up. Dad and I went to the top though 3/4 of the way up I realised she had the right idea. The stairs got smaller and steeper and more worn and it was a bit hairy at times, especially going back down.

freedom!

The view from the first floor balcony was lovely. It must have been so impressive when build. And it would have had a rose window (like that in Notre Dame) at the far end.

View from the first floor

We had a wonder around the grounds. I liked some of the graves. 

The best bit was prayer room which is still standing. There is a giant pillar in the centre and a gorgeous ceiling. Mom and I couldn't agree whether it was stone under wood. I still vote stone. It was very peaceful in there and really quiet. 

While mom and I sat waiting for dad (he loves taking photos in grave yards), I got some nice dramatic shots. 

After we finally corralled dad we headed back to Elgin. Dad and I have another swim and then we went to the site pub for dinner (thanks to the lack of fish). But it was tasty so we weren't too disappointed. 

Nairn

A few weeks ago, I went with mom and dad on another Scottish road-trip. This time we went up to Nairn, near Inverness, then to Aviemore, and finally down to Tummel Bridge near Pitchory.  

We had to slightly change our plans due to the Queen's funeral, which we all wanted to watch so set off late on the Monday. The funeral was so sad but glad I watched it.

We took the scenic route up up instead of the main roads. It took longer but was well worth it. The route was straight through the Cairngorm mountains. It was only when we got to the top of the pass we realised how fair we had climbed (though it is called the snow pass so that should have been a clue). So stopped to a snack to admire the view.

We were staying in Nairn, outside Inverness. It is a lovely little place with the most amazing beach. On our first day there, we just had a wondered around town and dinner at the harbor. The weather was still warm enough at this point to eat outside. 

I have recently started wild water swimming so while away I convinced Dad to try it. I have gloves and socks/boots but am holding out with just a swimsuit otherwise. (I didn't realise Dad's top was fleece lined which is a little unfair.)

The water was cold but not too bad. I am hoping to continue this through the winter but I am making no promises. 

Nairn's tropical beach

We're in!

Cold but having fun.

We managed this a couple of times in the north sea while we were away. I think dad is a convert. :) We were hoping to get a loch in as well but didn't manage it. Next time. 

Skydiving

July has been pretty busy. I finished my job at Tesco and got to spend some time at home in between. The weather wasn't as hoped but we managed to head out to the river and for lunch and a few walks. One of the main reasons for going home was Dad's 70th birthday. And instead of doing something normal, he wanted to go skydiving. So we all went.

Signing in.

Mom was not going to go up in a plane, let alone jump out of one! So jumping, it was myself, my dad, my sister, brother-in-law and one of dad's friends who was also 70th year. We were split in runs, so Dad and I went first, Craig and Uncle Jim second, and Kerry was on the third flight. We all decided to have the video packages (who knew if we were going to do this again?).

On the way up.

Dad jumped first

He's off.

Then my turn.

It was an experience.

Oddly I wasn't nervous jumping (my fitbit says my heart rate got up to a massive 90 bpm) - maybe because I was firmly attached to someone who knew what they were doing. We did free-fall for about 45 seconds and were falling at about 120 mph, hence the wonderful face lift photos. :)

When he pulled the shoot, that hurt. I had straps around the top of my legs, my shoulders and across the chest, and damn the legs straps hurt. It was very pretty coming down but I totally screwed the landing. You are supposed to lift your legs up and land on your butt. But thanks to the straps my legs were numb and didn't go up. So I landed on my knees. I had some impressive bruises for the next few weeks. Though not as bad as my brother-in-law who go a huge bruise on his thigh from the straps.

Dad was glad he did it, but like me, not over-keen on doing it again.

After the skydiving, we all went back to Kerry and Craig's house for dinner. She had done some decorating and got a cake for dad. He was very happy with it all.

Happy with the giant balloons.

The awesome cake.

Dad was very happy with his cake and apparently it was a very good red velvet. He had a great time. So did I, though it took quite some time to get over the bruises and aches.