Catching up with friends

After a choppy sailing from Lerwick to Aberdeen when the best place to be was asleep in our cabin, we drove to Montrose to meet up with a Guiding friend, Laurie, who I haven’t seen for at least 20 years. She hadn’t changed a bit! We spent a pleasant day at the Scottish Wildlife reserve and by the sea, before heading north to Carron to stay with some other dear friends, Stella and Howard, for four nights.

We were treated to home cooking, fresh bread, local sightseeing, a chance to relax a bit and lovely company. Summer started knitting her first pair of socks under Stella’s expert guidance, and Racheal’s log book was updated.

Stella gave us a fascinating tour of Knockando Mill, where she works as a volunteer. Racheal couldn’t get everywhere, but there were plenty of things for her to feel and smell.

On the way to Brodie Castle we stopped at a magnificent view point, but as usual the photos don’t do it justice.

The Playful Park at Brodie Castle kept us entertained for quite a while and there were things for everyone to enjoy. The castle itself wasn’t wheelchair accessible, but Racheal and Stella went for a walk while Summer and I went on a tour of the castle.

On our final day, we went for a local walk where Racheal got to smell the nearby whiskey distillery and hear the River Spey.

I also managed to fit in a short catch up with an old school friend, Angela, so definitely a week of rekindling old friendships for me!

A lovely time, over too soon.