From the first date, a drink in the pub and getting to know each other, they met up every night. He was a little older, lived at home and had a big family, none still living at home.
Although they usually went to local pubs, often playing darts, if they wanted a night in it had to be at his house. Males were not allowed in the hostel.
Steve's mum was a lot older than Ann's, in fact he had a sister similar age to Ann's mum. He gave her money for food but many times she didn't cook anything and gave him money back to get a take away usually Indian food.
After a short while Ann offered to make the odd meal and substituted take away with home made Indian food. Usually chicken with spices, rice and chapattis from a recipe in a book she bought. Steve was well known at the Indian restaurant and when they went Ann would chat about the meals she made and they were quite shocked stating they made their chapattis exactly the same way. They were always given a free glass of wine even when ordering take away.
At weekends his two sisters, Shirley and Carole, nicknamed Billie and brother, Bruce would come with their families. Same routine each time. On a Saturday all the women went to Church Street market, sometimes with the children in tow. Shirley's husband never stayed around and Bruce sometimes went fishing taking the children with him. Steve and Ann would sometimes join them. Sometimes they went to the market but never went their separate ways.
On Sundays the women all stayed home to cook dinner and the men went to the pub playing darts, Ann went with them. She joined them all for the meal, far better than the hostel food.
There was another sister living in America. She had gone there on holiday with a friend and stayed, eventually marrying an American man.
Ann enjoyed the homely, family environment. Although it had it's problems. One niece, Diane, a little younger than Ann was quite obsessed with Steve and her mother, Shirley, wanted treating like a queen. She was the one close to the age of Ann's mum. Then there was Bruce. Ann was informed to keep her handbag in sight, no further explanation until Steve said that he was prone to stealing money!
Steve and Ann often took the other two younger nieces, Kelly and Dawn and nephew, Matthew, to the park, either Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. A little bit of open space that was a haven from the hustle and bustle!
Bruce's wife, Val, was a lovely person and Ann warmed to her but she did have a problem. She had to be told to have a bath and the aroma was rather unpleasant!
It was hectic but fun on those weekends other than times when they tried to interfere in Steve and Ann's relationship.
Dawn was only young but used to often talk to Steve about his ex girlfriend knowing it was upsetting for Ann. If there had been any hint of words between Steve and Ann his mother would tell them all. The sisters then took Ann aside and informed her she had upset their mother. Nothing was ever said by them to Steve and Ann felt trapped at times having no family close by.
Steve had proposed to Ann after only two weeks and the relationship built.
It was difficult to have time alone, they had to wait until Steve's mum went to bed. They were then left with the sofa to make love on.
Steve was not her first but this felt right, love making rather than just sex.
They were constantly listening in case his mum came back down for a drink or saying she couldn't sleep.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Saturday, 3 September 2011
The Bright Lights Beckoned
At seventeen Ann couldn't wait to leave the constraints of home. She had a good relationship with her mother but not her step-father.
They'd just left as she settled into the hostel that was to become home in the big city of London.
She unpacked her few belongings and decided to venture out!
It was a warm evening and music filled the air. Suddenly she recognised it, somewhere Queen was playing. She followed the sound unaware of where she was going and reached the gates of Hyde Park just as the music ceased. A loudspeaker announced free LPs to anyone collecting rubbish but she needed to find her way back.
She had been placed in a triple room but one bed remained empty. The other girl, Rita was lovely and they soon became friends.
Ann was a student amongst other students, civil servants and those who stayed short term. She made many friends.
The food was never very tasty but included in the rent and after tube fares she couldn't afford food as well. Her grant didn't stretch far. She also had to buy books and equipment, cigarettes and booze!
Ann had the weekend to settle in and say hello to a few fellow boarders.
Then on the Monday she started college.
She was the only student living away from home even though it was the only college offering the course she wanted.
It meant she had two different groups of friends.
Ann was used to living in a friendly area and found it easy getting to know people.
She did know of someone from school, her sister's age, but only the name of a pub where she may be found!
The following weekend she found the pub but Sharon was not there. People in the pub said that she would be in later so Ann sat alone with a drink.
Yes she was only seventeen but had been going to pubs for the last two years. She didn't look her age but was never questioned.
Soon Sharon joined her and they found plenty to talk about. This would be the start of many more nights and weekends drinking together and introductions to new people.
As Ann got to know more girls at the hostel they ventured to a few local pubs. At one she often played darts having played in her home town.
One evening she was out with Debbie, a very beautiful, leggy dance student, Marilyn another beautiful, blonde, busty dance student and Jan, the first lesbian Ann had ever met.
This particular night there were a group of blokes who asked to join them playing darts. They all had a fun evening then shortly before leaving one bloke Steve took Ann aside and asked if she would go on a date with him. She was quite taken aback. She had had a few boyfriends and recently split with Stuart before leaving, him believing a long distance relationship could never work. It had never been very serious. But here she was alongside beautiful girls and he'd asked her.
They'd just left as she settled into the hostel that was to become home in the big city of London.
She unpacked her few belongings and decided to venture out!
It was a warm evening and music filled the air. Suddenly she recognised it, somewhere Queen was playing. She followed the sound unaware of where she was going and reached the gates of Hyde Park just as the music ceased. A loudspeaker announced free LPs to anyone collecting rubbish but she needed to find her way back.
She had been placed in a triple room but one bed remained empty. The other girl, Rita was lovely and they soon became friends.
Ann was a student amongst other students, civil servants and those who stayed short term. She made many friends.
The food was never very tasty but included in the rent and after tube fares she couldn't afford food as well. Her grant didn't stretch far. She also had to buy books and equipment, cigarettes and booze!
Ann had the weekend to settle in and say hello to a few fellow boarders.
Then on the Monday she started college.
She was the only student living away from home even though it was the only college offering the course she wanted.
It meant she had two different groups of friends.
Ann was used to living in a friendly area and found it easy getting to know people.
She did know of someone from school, her sister's age, but only the name of a pub where she may be found!
The following weekend she found the pub but Sharon was not there. People in the pub said that she would be in later so Ann sat alone with a drink.
Yes she was only seventeen but had been going to pubs for the last two years. She didn't look her age but was never questioned.
Soon Sharon joined her and they found plenty to talk about. This would be the start of many more nights and weekends drinking together and introductions to new people.
As Ann got to know more girls at the hostel they ventured to a few local pubs. At one she often played darts having played in her home town.
One evening she was out with Debbie, a very beautiful, leggy dance student, Marilyn another beautiful, blonde, busty dance student and Jan, the first lesbian Ann had ever met.
This particular night there were a group of blokes who asked to join them playing darts. They all had a fun evening then shortly before leaving one bloke Steve took Ann aside and asked if she would go on a date with him. She was quite taken aback. She had had a few boyfriends and recently split with Stuart before leaving, him believing a long distance relationship could never work. It had never been very serious. But here she was alongside beautiful girls and he'd asked her.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Thursday, 1 September 2011
The Mistress finale
Move, move how could she move, uproot and leave her family and friends!
But this was the love of her life and he was willing to give up everything.
They continued as always, lifts to school and work with breakfast at the same hotel.
Evenings out dining, to shows and concerts and those wonderful times at home.
Then Charles said that he had a meeting arranged with his brother about selling the business as he part owned it.
Jayne had to tell Alison as they may be moving quite soon!
When Charles saw Jayne that night it wasn't good news. His brother totally refused the sale of the shop and gave him a lecture about his relationship being a 'whim'.
Jayne couldn't believe it!
Their relationship had been fine and although she had fallen in love she would never have shared the fact.
They should have just been able to continue but Charles spent much of the time debating how he could change his brother's mind... He couldn't sell up without his agreement!
Somehow the fun started to leave, the relationship was more serious and Jayne was unsure if that's what she wanted. Was this a sign of the future as a couple and no longer that special something!
They saw each other a few more times but they both knew it could no longer work!
It was hard saying goodbye and it pulled at Jayne's heart strings to see Charles around town!
She went into the shop a few times to see him but their love could never be rekindled!
She suffered headache until she moved the following year!
But this was the love of her life and he was willing to give up everything.
They continued as always, lifts to school and work with breakfast at the same hotel.
Evenings out dining, to shows and concerts and those wonderful times at home.
Then Charles said that he had a meeting arranged with his brother about selling the business as he part owned it.
Jayne had to tell Alison as they may be moving quite soon!
When Charles saw Jayne that night it wasn't good news. His brother totally refused the sale of the shop and gave him a lecture about his relationship being a 'whim'.
Jayne couldn't believe it!
Their relationship had been fine and although she had fallen in love she would never have shared the fact.
They should have just been able to continue but Charles spent much of the time debating how he could change his brother's mind... He couldn't sell up without his agreement!
Somehow the fun started to leave, the relationship was more serious and Jayne was unsure if that's what she wanted. Was this a sign of the future as a couple and no longer that special something!
They saw each other a few more times but they both knew it could no longer work!
It was hard saying goodbye and it pulled at Jayne's heart strings to see Charles around town!
She went into the shop a few times to see him but their love could never be rekindled!
She suffered headache until she moved the following year!
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
The Old Croft Skye
How could I forget the delectable home made vegan treats we came back to each day! Coconut & fruit biscuits, fruit cake, chocolate crunch and walnut cake!
How will I manage without them!
How will I manage without them!
The Mistress
What had started out as a light hearted relationship was turning to more. Jayne was falling in love knowing it could lead to nothing. She couldn't believe she had found someone whom she felt so comfortable with, who she could talk to and such great sex.
She would never dare to tell Charles for fear of scaring him away.
The nights out were amazing, so many different places but nights in were fun too. Charles always came bearing gifts of wine, sometimes chocolates and the sexy lingerie that always fitted so well and added spice to their love making.
Jayne often led him to bed and stripped leaving the snug fitting teddy and stockings. She would tease him by not letting him touch while she lightly stroked his body arousing him. Followed by her tongue gently licking finding all his sensitive spots and still she held his arms so he could not touch.
She let the straps fall from her shoulders and caressed her breasts still making him watch but make no movement.
She sat across him slowly moving backwards then raised herself onto his pulsating manhood and finally she let him touch her.
Charles always wondered how she managed to make him ready again so soon and they often made love all through the night until he left at dawn.
One night Jayne got such a shock when Charles told her he loved her and she took time responding. She wanted to know why he had told her when it could lead to nothing. He told her he wanted more. She didn't raise the subject again for some time.
Alison got on well with Charles the few times she saw him but Jayne was wary as she had had broken relationships before.
A few people started to ask Jayne questions about Charles as his car was often seen outside her house. She was to tell them they were just friends.
During festival time Jayne took Alison on one of the floats. Everyone was in fancy dress and Charles was there as always helping organise things. He was dressed in a toga and Jayne was able to give him a few wry smiles and this time they could speak briefly as it would have been more unusual not to!
She would have loved to have shouted to the world they were together but still had to be discreet.
Their love making was never dull and often different, sometimes very romantic, sometimes passionate and sometimes very raunchy.
Then one evening Charles told Jayne he wanted to sell the shop and take her and Alison to a nearby city.
Her head was in a whirl!
She would never dare to tell Charles for fear of scaring him away.
The nights out were amazing, so many different places but nights in were fun too. Charles always came bearing gifts of wine, sometimes chocolates and the sexy lingerie that always fitted so well and added spice to their love making.
Jayne often led him to bed and stripped leaving the snug fitting teddy and stockings. She would tease him by not letting him touch while she lightly stroked his body arousing him. Followed by her tongue gently licking finding all his sensitive spots and still she held his arms so he could not touch.
She let the straps fall from her shoulders and caressed her breasts still making him watch but make no movement.
She sat across him slowly moving backwards then raised herself onto his pulsating manhood and finally she let him touch her.
Charles always wondered how she managed to make him ready again so soon and they often made love all through the night until he left at dawn.
One night Jayne got such a shock when Charles told her he loved her and she took time responding. She wanted to know why he had told her when it could lead to nothing. He told her he wanted more. She didn't raise the subject again for some time.
Alison got on well with Charles the few times she saw him but Jayne was wary as she had had broken relationships before.
A few people started to ask Jayne questions about Charles as his car was often seen outside her house. She was to tell them they were just friends.
During festival time Jayne took Alison on one of the floats. Everyone was in fancy dress and Charles was there as always helping organise things. He was dressed in a toga and Jayne was able to give him a few wry smiles and this time they could speak briefly as it would have been more unusual not to!
She would have loved to have shouted to the world they were together but still had to be discreet.
Their love making was never dull and often different, sometimes very romantic, sometimes passionate and sometimes very raunchy.
Then one evening Charles told Jayne he wanted to sell the shop and take her and Alison to a nearby city.
Her head was in a whirl!
The Beautiful Isle of Skye
Well I'm just back from the Isle of Skye. Having visited very briefly on the way to and from the Isle of Harris/Lewis I wasn't so impressed. The Isle of Mull being the first island I visited, a few years ago, the standards were set. Mull is amazing with ever changing scenery & weather and small enough to explore nearly completely.
Anyway back to Skye. How wrong I was.
Firstly we stayed in a vegetarian B&B as the only guests in an end of the property where we could come & go as we wished! I'll post some photos on Twitter soon!
With 6 options for breakfast we were spoilt for choice, with healthy cereals to start, fair-trade orange juice and toasted home made bread with marmalade & Rowan jelly! A great start to the day.
Cooked breakfast with vegan option of saute potatoes instead of egg & both with home made paprika & herb sausages, field mushroom, baby tomatoes and home made baked beans. Or wonderful Scottish porridge with a variety of fresh fruit or plump sultanas. Another choice of Scottish pancakes with fresh fruit, yogurt & warm golden syrup. The two we didn't sample were a bockerglory of fresh fruit, granola & yogurt and cinnamon French toast with warm golden syrup & fresh fruit! Vegetarian heaven!
We looked at the map but never went where we expected always finding roads/tracks shooting off to who knows where!
After a long drive I'd intended we stay local and sit relaxing & reading the next day but the island was calling!
I know already I'm not going to be able to remember all the names but hopefully description will suffice!
We ventured along most off shoots apart from south of Kyleakin opposite the Kyle of Lochalsh where the bridge reaches the mainland! Yes bridge which is strange having always had ferries to book and time for! However nearly every road runs close to a loch or the sea so you're always aware that it's an island!
We went along Waternish, Trotternish & Minginish and everything in between and around.
The one thing to make sure of is a constant tank full of petrol just in case.
The Cuillin Hills are an awesome sight with many roads leading towards them. At one point I thought we would drive right in Batman style!
Seeing them more than once means a different view in different light, either the sun bouncing off them with bare rock or water glistening from afar or tops hidden in low clouds like rolling mist and the colours changing dependant on grass, heather, bracken or waterfalls.
One day we went to Dunvegan known for it's castle owned through the centuries by the Clan McLeod. Who also owned St Kilda until handing it over to the National Trust of Scotland. I'm presently reading a fascinating story about this.
We didn't visit the castle although managed to capture a distant photo.
Through visiting the Tourist Information there we discovered the 2 churches walk something we aimed to complete but have left for another time!
We did go on many walks however. One such walk was at Glen Brittle. Someone had kindly circled it on a map at the B&B.
We got the final space in the parking area and watched people don walking boots, thick jackets and backpacks. Not us. I've walked miles over various terrain in my trusty flat shoes. We did however don jumpers and lightweight jackets. With hindsight we maybe should have taken water but we survived! We headed down a steep grassy slope with scattered sheep towards the Cuillin Hills and quickly detoured towards the sound of splashing water... A run of numerous waterfalls leading into beautiful clear pools, some big enough to swim. Decision made we were to return with swimsuits. Ironically had we not taken them with us we would have stripped there & then and swam in bra & knickers as we had before in finding remote rivers.
Instead we walked further towards the hills turning only when the sun beat down so intensely we needed water! On returning to the car we knew we had walked far enough in such heat and would return.
And so we did on not such a sunny day. We firstly drove to the end of the road, most roads are T roads but very long & winding with stupendous scenery. There was a 'beach' and a campsite and the wind was fierce and the rain started just as we approached the car. Looked like the swim was cancelled. I quote beach as we later found there are some sandy beaches but well hidden and not as many or large as those on Mull with the green blue Atlantic lapping at them!
Anyway as we made our way winding back up to the parking the rain eased and the wind dropped a little. We had to chance it. We took a different route with no specific pathway leading to the top waterfall that we had not visited before. This was the place, secluded, sheltered and quite warm. With costumes on we tiptoed slowly into the Fairy Pool... I wish that was my description but that's what they're known as. I walked quite far and was able to have one of the falls splash over me, yes it was freezing but so invigorating. We didn't venture right into the pool as many stones were slippery and it wasn't as deep as we first thought. But the experience was just as rewarding. As we left we dried and threw on joggers just to go back. Once at the car we changed and closed the doors just as the heavens opened again, what timing. Next time we will return with appropriate footwear.
On chatting to Sam at the B&B we discovered Kate Rew swam in the pools as part of her wild swimming. Having checked it out since it appears there are larger pools further up the glen... Another reason to return!
Most places were deserted bar a few distant folk apart from along the Trotternish peninsula. Here you will meet up with coaches, mini buses & cars taking many tourists to a number of areas of interest. Lealt Falls with fabulous waterfalls & a very precarious steep, winding & narrow path down to the remains of a grinding & drying factory for diatomite and a loch! Sorry no we didn't venture as the wind was howling and that path was very narrow! Then there's the Old Man of Storr, a single rock standing solitary and tall away from the rest. Then onto Kilt Rock and many more. We eventually left the tourist trail as it was becoming a bit of a convoy!
On another day we did find Coral Beach with a little sand but mainly rocks and shale with very large shells to collect. It is also a point to view seals and we wonder had we gone further maybe we would have seen them but hunger was calling.
However seeing a hovering bird overhead on closer inspection it was either a sea eagle or hawk. We were to see many over the days.
We mainly took food back to the B&B as this meant we had more free time to explore. One night however was a pizza from a lovely Italian restaurant in Portree and the meal I blogged about at Cafe Arriba also in Portree.
Having seen the signpost to Braes many times, we turned left and down yet another narrow winding track (road) leading to a dead end! This is where Raasay can be seen across the water.
All surrounding islands can be seen from various parts of Skye.
Staffin Bay was popular with parking on the pebbly beach and a great photo opportunity with the white rearing waves crashing into jutting jagged rocks.
I know I've missed all sorts like the road from the B&B with a solitary primary school & river.
I've also not mentioned the many sheep, some sheared, some full fleece all with lovely long tails, no docking there. And the remote cottage industry where fleeces are naturally dyed, a haven for my daughter to buy wool to crochet.
Then there were the cattle especially the highland ones with lovely long locks with many calves as they're hardy enough to calf all year round. Many were blocking the roads/tracks that remind you of the slow pace of life.
And the distillery at Talisker where we bought 10 year old whisky as a present.
Then there was the long journey to find the place that sold goat's cheese & soap... Just a little shed at the back of an ordinary house... We drove past it twice!
Also the fabulous soap shop in Portree with all natural ingredients perfumed with oils and soya wax candles!
In conclusion I have to say all scenery was spectacular & I'm not sure I've done it justice so please check out these places on the Internet!
Although a long drive the Scottish mainland continues to impress but unfortunately no time for stopping apart from a food break & the loo!
There are the motorways that help the journey along then the tip of the Lakes & into the Dales.
Home & back to reality!
Luckily I have the memories, the photos, the soaps, the candles and the few post cards I got!
Anyway back to Skye. How wrong I was.
Firstly we stayed in a vegetarian B&B as the only guests in an end of the property where we could come & go as we wished! I'll post some photos on Twitter soon!
With 6 options for breakfast we were spoilt for choice, with healthy cereals to start, fair-trade orange juice and toasted home made bread with marmalade & Rowan jelly! A great start to the day.
Cooked breakfast with vegan option of saute potatoes instead of egg & both with home made paprika & herb sausages, field mushroom, baby tomatoes and home made baked beans. Or wonderful Scottish porridge with a variety of fresh fruit or plump sultanas. Another choice of Scottish pancakes with fresh fruit, yogurt & warm golden syrup. The two we didn't sample were a bockerglory of fresh fruit, granola & yogurt and cinnamon French toast with warm golden syrup & fresh fruit! Vegetarian heaven!
We looked at the map but never went where we expected always finding roads/tracks shooting off to who knows where!
After a long drive I'd intended we stay local and sit relaxing & reading the next day but the island was calling!
I know already I'm not going to be able to remember all the names but hopefully description will suffice!
We ventured along most off shoots apart from south of Kyleakin opposite the Kyle of Lochalsh where the bridge reaches the mainland! Yes bridge which is strange having always had ferries to book and time for! However nearly every road runs close to a loch or the sea so you're always aware that it's an island!
We went along Waternish, Trotternish & Minginish and everything in between and around.
The one thing to make sure of is a constant tank full of petrol just in case.
The Cuillin Hills are an awesome sight with many roads leading towards them. At one point I thought we would drive right in Batman style!
Seeing them more than once means a different view in different light, either the sun bouncing off them with bare rock or water glistening from afar or tops hidden in low clouds like rolling mist and the colours changing dependant on grass, heather, bracken or waterfalls.
One day we went to Dunvegan known for it's castle owned through the centuries by the Clan McLeod. Who also owned St Kilda until handing it over to the National Trust of Scotland. I'm presently reading a fascinating story about this.
We didn't visit the castle although managed to capture a distant photo.
Through visiting the Tourist Information there we discovered the 2 churches walk something we aimed to complete but have left for another time!
We did go on many walks however. One such walk was at Glen Brittle. Someone had kindly circled it on a map at the B&B.
We got the final space in the parking area and watched people don walking boots, thick jackets and backpacks. Not us. I've walked miles over various terrain in my trusty flat shoes. We did however don jumpers and lightweight jackets. With hindsight we maybe should have taken water but we survived! We headed down a steep grassy slope with scattered sheep towards the Cuillin Hills and quickly detoured towards the sound of splashing water... A run of numerous waterfalls leading into beautiful clear pools, some big enough to swim. Decision made we were to return with swimsuits. Ironically had we not taken them with us we would have stripped there & then and swam in bra & knickers as we had before in finding remote rivers.
Instead we walked further towards the hills turning only when the sun beat down so intensely we needed water! On returning to the car we knew we had walked far enough in such heat and would return.
And so we did on not such a sunny day. We firstly drove to the end of the road, most roads are T roads but very long & winding with stupendous scenery. There was a 'beach' and a campsite and the wind was fierce and the rain started just as we approached the car. Looked like the swim was cancelled. I quote beach as we later found there are some sandy beaches but well hidden and not as many or large as those on Mull with the green blue Atlantic lapping at them!
Anyway as we made our way winding back up to the parking the rain eased and the wind dropped a little. We had to chance it. We took a different route with no specific pathway leading to the top waterfall that we had not visited before. This was the place, secluded, sheltered and quite warm. With costumes on we tiptoed slowly into the Fairy Pool... I wish that was my description but that's what they're known as. I walked quite far and was able to have one of the falls splash over me, yes it was freezing but so invigorating. We didn't venture right into the pool as many stones were slippery and it wasn't as deep as we first thought. But the experience was just as rewarding. As we left we dried and threw on joggers just to go back. Once at the car we changed and closed the doors just as the heavens opened again, what timing. Next time we will return with appropriate footwear.
On chatting to Sam at the B&B we discovered Kate Rew swam in the pools as part of her wild swimming. Having checked it out since it appears there are larger pools further up the glen... Another reason to return!
Most places were deserted bar a few distant folk apart from along the Trotternish peninsula. Here you will meet up with coaches, mini buses & cars taking many tourists to a number of areas of interest. Lealt Falls with fabulous waterfalls & a very precarious steep, winding & narrow path down to the remains of a grinding & drying factory for diatomite and a loch! Sorry no we didn't venture as the wind was howling and that path was very narrow! Then there's the Old Man of Storr, a single rock standing solitary and tall away from the rest. Then onto Kilt Rock and many more. We eventually left the tourist trail as it was becoming a bit of a convoy!
On another day we did find Coral Beach with a little sand but mainly rocks and shale with very large shells to collect. It is also a point to view seals and we wonder had we gone further maybe we would have seen them but hunger was calling.
However seeing a hovering bird overhead on closer inspection it was either a sea eagle or hawk. We were to see many over the days.
We mainly took food back to the B&B as this meant we had more free time to explore. One night however was a pizza from a lovely Italian restaurant in Portree and the meal I blogged about at Cafe Arriba also in Portree.
Having seen the signpost to Braes many times, we turned left and down yet another narrow winding track (road) leading to a dead end! This is where Raasay can be seen across the water.
All surrounding islands can be seen from various parts of Skye.
Staffin Bay was popular with parking on the pebbly beach and a great photo opportunity with the white rearing waves crashing into jutting jagged rocks.
I know I've missed all sorts like the road from the B&B with a solitary primary school & river.
I've also not mentioned the many sheep, some sheared, some full fleece all with lovely long tails, no docking there. And the remote cottage industry where fleeces are naturally dyed, a haven for my daughter to buy wool to crochet.
Then there were the cattle especially the highland ones with lovely long locks with many calves as they're hardy enough to calf all year round. Many were blocking the roads/tracks that remind you of the slow pace of life.
And the distillery at Talisker where we bought 10 year old whisky as a present.
Then there was the long journey to find the place that sold goat's cheese & soap... Just a little shed at the back of an ordinary house... We drove past it twice!
Also the fabulous soap shop in Portree with all natural ingredients perfumed with oils and soya wax candles!
In conclusion I have to say all scenery was spectacular & I'm not sure I've done it justice so please check out these places on the Internet!
Although a long drive the Scottish mainland continues to impress but unfortunately no time for stopping apart from a food break & the loo!
There are the motorways that help the journey along then the tip of the Lakes & into the Dales.
Home & back to reality!
Luckily I have the memories, the photos, the soaps, the candles and the few post cards I got!
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