Monday 16 September 2013

After the rain

Well it's raining, it rained yesterday, it's raining today and is likely to rain for the rest of the week - the van is moist, the walkers are moist and the munches are drenched.  That said the team (joined by the vet and missus and murphy the dog) smashed out 20 miles yesterday and 18 odd the day before in the most horrendous weather.

Saturday was pant wettingly exciting for monster munch - we went on a real live steam train on the Srathspey Railway - he could hardly contain himself.  Missy V even bought him a Percy train.  His encounter with the fat controller did not go quite so well  - he hid behind me!

The desire to be warm and dry was overwhelming so we went to Papa Rock in Aviemore for dinner.  I can not recommend it more.  The munches thought it was great (I was quite excited by the built in kids toilet seat on the loos), fantastic children's meals and mini got a tour of the restaurant while I got to eat my dinner with 2 hands!  If you are ever visiting this part of the world - Papa Rock is a must.

We woke up in the rain, put the tent down in the rain - we may have put a bit much in the van - said goodbye to the Dad's friend (who has been amazing all week) and wound our merry way to Fort Augustus in the rain.  We had lunch in possibly the worse cafe in Scotland (behind the costcutter supermarket), played in the rain, watched the moving bridge and tried to explain to monster munch how locks worked - climbing on them was more fun in his opinion.  Hot chocolates were enjoyed in the lovely Boathouse Restaurant which had big sofas and views of Loch Ness.  Monster even had a lesson in glass blowing in Iceberg glass blowers.
We were all very glad to check in to Morag's Lodge in Fort Augustus.  It's warm, dry, has a bar, a kitchen and HOT showers.  We have a very happy team and can not praise the staff here more.

The walkers appeared with tales of sogginess and the dad's attempts to appear on you've been framed and boost the money raised by crossing rivers in the most comedy way possible.  Oh and we found out what they did in the bothy overnight - made a candle and played pass the pigs - pretty dull I'm afraid.  Warm beer and refreshing showers were enjoyed with lasagne, treacle tart and custard.
Monster munch is determined to find the Loch Ness Monster - I feel a boat trip coming on.....

Jen xx

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