Pitter patter

Our caravan was just fine last night....until it started to rain cats and dogs just as we went to bed. Just off to sleep when the patter of tiny feet awoke mum - she is absolutely convinced that it was all the red squirrels and pine martens she hasn't seen, having a party on the roof. Even when dad pointed out that there were no trees she did not concede. No sooner had that finished than the flip flop of the seagulls commenced. Could be a tetchy day!

By breakfast, the rain had stopped and left behind it a 'strong' sea fret - the type that gets into everything leaving it damp, but not wet, and restricting visibility. They both got dressed up in all their waterproofs (and me) on top of which they applied their high vis. coats, and, as a finishing touch, dad put his head torch on flashing. It's alright you all laughing, I had to walk alongside them.

Back to our good friend the A9 and into the Flow Country, the largest expanse of peat and wetland in Europe - in other words, bog, but of immense environmental value. On we marched, and it wasn't long before the camera was out, and she was snapping away at a herd of deer - hinds and their youngsters - that I had identified for her. She was particularly taken with the backdrop of the North Sea. Then dad said wasn't it odd that people farmed deer in Scotland. What said she. He then pointed out that the yellow ear tags, and 9' high fencing round the paddock were a bit of give-away! Bubble burst (again) hey ho!

We passed Latheronwheel, a small harbour town similar to Dunbeath and on to Lybster. All these towns, that are hardly bigger than villages, have their own small harbours that in times gone by have been major fishing ports in their day. At the turn of the 20th century, Lybster employed more than 3000 people just to get the fish on the dock, before processing and marketing had even begun. Today there are just 4 small boats going out for prawns, crabs and lobsters.

We have been travelling through Clan Gunn territory today - their clan motto - 'Either peace or war' - no messing there then.

We met an Australian yesterday, walking for wheelchairs for the disabled in Madagascar. He believes in the see and be seen motto too!

When we got to Lybster, it was taxi time again. Nobody in that grand metropolis would take me, so off to Wick we went, ready to return in the morning to walk on a minor road to Watten. I know we're getting close now - mum did a Sainsburys order last night, and dad washed his socks (at last)!!

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M
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