Late post - Sorry Away Again

I am writing this from an idyllic spot on the west coast - a complete contrast to the Rockies.  Damp weather, narrow roads with passing places and rolling mountains.

The view of the Loch from the doorway of Pier Cottage

We are here on this beautiful Highland Estate, a hidden gem, to celebrate our elder son's thirtieth birthday albeit a bit late.  We are delighted to join him with his wife and dogs, his brother Techie and some of their friends for a relaxing weekend of outdoor activities. (I think that is maybe an oxymoron!) Unfortunately the weather is not being terribly kind to us but as they say it's not bad weather, we just wear bad clothing but as long as you wear the right waterproof jacket all is well.  

Yesterday we spent some time with the estate ghillie who gave us some instruction in clay pigeon shooting.  What a great time we all had.  I missed all the clays completely, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had fun watching the others. We had a beautiful dinner in the Boathouse Restaurant and it was good to have the family together with their friends for a great night.  

Today is a late start and the roast is being cooked for the buffet dinner tonight.  It's a grey driech day but we are hoping it might clear a little to allow us to have a pleasant stroll in half an hour.  The youngsters have all gone off with the dogs for a hike around the estate, or off on their road bikes - kayaking was mentioned too!  We will just walk along the shoreline in the hope we might see an otter.  This is a wildlife haven - we have seen deer, otter, cormorants, northern divers, eider, herons and little wagtails from our window.

Needless to say there has been no sewing done.  I have knitted half a sock,  done some reading and have caught up on my magazines which were delivered while I was away.

Tomorrow my three boys are having a Fly Fishing session with the ghillie while V and I are heading to a little gallery and yarn shop - so a wee bit of craftiness included in an otherwise male orientated weekend.

I am off to get in to my waterproof trousers, Gortex jacket and boots now and brave the wild outdoors. I do believe the sun is trying to shine through the clouds. I had better go or I might just miss it.

We did see some blue sky when we went out for our walk - this was taken from the head of the loch

 

Update, Sunday evening.

 

We did manage a lovely walk this afternoon which was mainly dry and sunny but the storm clouds rolled up over the mountains on our return journey and we did get a bit wet half an hour from our door. We met up with the lads who had indeed been kayaking.

 

We have just had a delicious meal made by all the girls in the group and we have now left the youngsters at the Steading while we return to our little cosy cottage for a welcome cup of tea before bed.   

PS this post was written on Sunday but I was not able to post it as there is no mobile signal far less an internet connection.  Bliss!