The tide has turned

Over dinner last night, they were discussing the final part of the jigsaw, to get home - somewhere to stay on the way down. Dad's opening gambit was for a really nice hotel, and buy some new clothes on the way down. Mum was concerned because that would mean shoes make up and everything. Oh said dad, make up maybe, but I don't think you need shoes. Ian, she said (very patiently, in my view), I can't wear a frock with walking boots!

When asked for her opinion, the waitress said, oh yes and a bag, and jewellery, oh and a pedicure and manicure. He's gone a bit quieter on the subject now.

Today, we have walked to Dingwall. Nearly all Tarmac, but some pleasant countryside nonetheless. You know how we've kept going on about phone boxes. Well we passed a phone box graveyard today, with 6 of them in a very poor state of repair. Bless.

On the way,we went through Muir of Ord. This is a small market town which also has a distillery. They visited here on the Royal Scotsman 2 years ago. Dad remembers the distillery, mum recalls the visit to the stately home. Neither can remember the names. The village has a curious sign to the PCs which are said to be seasonal. Must be in season, because we managed to hunt them down.

A little further on we passed through Conon Bridge. As we were coming out of the other side, there was the sound of a car pulling up and a pipping horn. The car was driven by Angela, accompanied by her freind Mary, who had heard of our exploits in the village shop and were anxious to give us a donation. Thanks so much for making the effort 'girls'.

As we approached Dingwall, mum got her first glimpse of the sea proper, and dad was tempted by the auction mart. We were overtaken by 15 Italian mobile homes - could this be the support fleet for yesterday's Ferraris?

Those of you in the know, will be wondering why there has been no reference to the campsite on this beautiful summers day. Not. Last night, the old dears watched the weather forecast and decided it was time to throw in the tent. We did go to the campsite - to collect the final box from home and my last box of Burns, hailed a taxi and went back to the hotel. I'm not arguing, those two take up so much room! The site managers wers so kind, allowing us to dry our waterproofs in their tumble dryer, finding us a seat in the dry, offering us a cup of tea, and making a donation. Thanks so much boys.

Final rest day tomorrow.

Keep spreading the word.

M
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