A quick visit from Joseph,Nicola and Thomas, had me running down the trail with little Thomas…
He does like to run… and meet up with his cousins, who he doesn’t see very often…mind you, he does live in New York !
All too soon they were gone… back over the Ocean !
I stopped updating my blog, as I realised I would have lots of family commitments to keep me busy…
and didn’t anticipate a great deal of travelling…
So, here I am, December 2014….14 months gone by… and loads of ‘complaints’ from my loyal readership !… and lots of exciting events and travelling in between !!
So, I’m now going to update my blog- if only to refresh my mind- with backdated entries, obviously a lot shorter than usual ( good, you all say !)… giving you a flavour of the time I’ve had since September 2013, my last ‘live’ entries…
Then… when I’m ‘up to date’….I promise to keep ‘up to date’ !!
After my exploits of the day before, I awoke in Mabie a little stiff,bruised…and wondering what to do ?
-the heavy rain pattering down on Wallys roof helped me decide !…go home
So that’s what I did -ready for the Hayfield Sheepdog trials http://hayfieldshow.co.uk/whats-on/ this weekend, just hoping the weather improves, as forecast…although I arrived home to heavy rain !
Until my next travels…I’ll leave you with this quote from Oscar Wilde that Fr Colin made at church in Elgin last Sunday…brilliant
The only difference between the saint and the sinner is …that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future
i was up bright and early, setting off from Kate’s before 10 a.m…. I had decided to travel down to the Dumfries area again,hoping to beat the bad weather, which was further South and maybe get a ride in today and tomorrow, before heading completely home…
i went through several weather systems, as I traversed the Cairngorms, seeing a ribbon of snow on some of the highest ridges…winter is on it’s way !
I stopped in Perth for lunch at Tiso, wolfing down a hot spicy bean soup, and Mexican prawn sandwich…about halfway to where I intended on stopping…
I got to Ae forest, around 3 p.m., accompanied by black threatening clouds overhead, and not a very satisfactory place to stop the night.. so I continued into Dumfries, filled up with fuel, and headed back to Mabie forest again – where I had first stopped 2 weeks ago en route North…
The sun was shining, and I splashed out on a £3 parking ticket…no going back now, I was here for the night !
I changed into my riding clothes and set off on the Red trail again, up the hills,
twisting and turning through the forest, until eventually topping out, with a view down to the Galloway coast beneath me … then time to start heading down and round, along the rocky trail, 
which now and then gave way to sharp protruding rocks ..just enough to test me.. and every so often, breaking through the trees for views all around, and some nice sun on my back… the trail was almost 20 kms…
and eventually I started to feel it !, especially when I hit a tree stump head on, and went straight over the handlebars, landing in a crumpled heap on the forest floor…no bones broken though, I dusted myself off…and carried on, slightly more warily this time..down the aptly named Roller coaster… with high banked corners for me to swoop around…eventually landing back at Wally shortly before 7 p.m., glad to be back in one piece – with only a sore wrist, and muddy legs!
A quick visit to the toilets for a wash and scrub down, and I was ready for my dinner – hot chilli con carne…loadsa chocolate…and an early night beneath the starry sky of the Forest…Goodnight !
I’d stayed on at Kate’s for a couple of extra days, as she had a hospital appointment today, and I was to be ‘in charge’ of Chloe…fun just in itself..
So, on Monday we went to Roseisle a forest adjoining the beach, where Kate,Chloe and me went for a walk, playing on the climbing frames in the forest, 
before heading out onto the sand dunes, and into the blasting wind, although there was sunshine, unlike the gales and rain in the rest of the UK…so, not too bad !!
Tuesday morning Kate left me and Chloe to go for a walk on the beach…although we didn’t get far… the tide was in..and Chloe was already asleep, so I went back home to pack up, being back on the road tomorrow… whilst Kate was at the hospital…after springing the surprise on me as I arrived last week… of another Grandchild being on the way…and as she arrived back home, she doubled up on the surprise news…another Grandchild on the way…(that’s twins !!)
What a surprise, and a wonderful end to my time up in Lossiemouth…although I think I’ll be back a few times over the next few months !
Chloe was unperturbed, although she was seen examining new accommodation for herself, in case things get too busy !!
I stayed to watch Manchester United’s first match in the Champions League, another good start 4-2 , so, a happy Goodnight to all !
On a sunny Autumn morning at the seaside…what do you do ? Get the Grandchild wrapped up, and go for a walk on the beach…and, once she’s safely snoozing…treat yourself to a Chocolate Waffle cone, filled with Tutti Frutti ice cream ….luvverly !
Back to Kate’s to collect Mum, and into Elgin for the ‘Food and Drink’ festival, which was slightly disappointing, 
although Chloe (and Grandad ) had the chance to ‘milk’ a cow…udderly daft ! 
then we were able to watch the ‘balloon clown’ make us a special ‘swan’ before we headed back home, worn out with all our antics…
ready to relax before Dad came home from ‘survival’ in the forest !
As to Sunday ? a day of rest,reading and roasties… Grandads still the ‘Master Chef’ !!
Having fun in Scotland, before the Autumn gales arrive !!
Who believes in that ‘Friday 13th’….unluckiness ??
-not me…it was a nice fresh morning around Carbisdale Castle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbisdale_Castle , as I had a leisurely Breakfast,
and then set off on the ‘Red Run’ bike trail, relatively short at 7.5 kms, but one to warm me up on the cold and dry morning with not another soul in sight…
I was soon up at the top, nicely warmed, and ready to swoop down through the trees and banks, and back to Wally for a nice cup of tea and toast – luxury !
..and time for another run, as the weather turned a little damp…or was it my perspiration ? swooping back down to Wally, I was able to change, another cuppa, then off towards Lossiemouth, for another cosy weekend with ‘The Girls’ !!
Chloe had decided to take after Grandad, and do some riding..as she went off to the shops with Dad,
having already made a cake with Mummy for a very important person….Grandad !
The day was finished off with an aerobatic display outside the house…specially for Grandad ? or was it for the Officers mess Summer Ball ?
So, not such an unlucky day for Jotown !! Goodnight
Obviously my ‘nap’ the night before , helped me to get up early…and I watched the sun breaking over the distant hills
It was a nice sunny morning, and I breakfasted with delight..
then got on the bike, and headed off into the forest, scratching my way through the Gorse bushes on the link trail, and then climbed up towards the distant tower… I stuck to the ‘new me’ and refusing to do the Black run, suddenly found myself hurtling down the trails, 
towards the valley floor, and by the time I realised it- I was almost back down to the bottom…and I wasn’t climbing it all again…so that was it, done !
I sat in the midday sun having snacks , and reading my book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bradley-Wiggins-My-Time-Autobiography/dp/022409212X re-living the dream !
Then it was time to move on again, and having packed up I set off, firstly having a nice bowl of Curried Parsnip soup, and lemon drizzle cake in a handy cafe in Golspie, then drove across to Carbisdale Forest, hoping to do another ride today…unfortunately by the time I was there it was lashing down with rain, so could do no more than…continue to read my book, and watch the rain come down…it’s a tough life !
As it went dark later in the evening, the sky started to clear, and I later lay in bed looking through the side window at the stars falling from the sky (meteors)..brilliant, I spent hours with the binoculars on my nose, watching the spectral display…superb
So, on a late night starry night…Goodnight !
I awoke on the ‘Big Day’ to a wet and drizzly Cromarty – the last time I’ll have a Birthday in my 50’s !! , I know I don’t look it, in fact most don’t believe I’m 50 ! Thanks to everyone who got their cards/presents to me before I left…no doubt there’ll be a big pile behind the door when I get home…?
I had a look around a wet Cromarty early morning, whilst deciding what to do, having a long conversation with a chap trying to work out which Campervan would suit him best ! and having made plans for lunch, continued around the Black Isle, looking out at the oil rigs in the sea, 
and little harbours all around the coast – the rain was easing off, so hopeful of getting a ride later in the day… I called to the Black Isle brewery http://www.blackislebrewery.com/ hoping to purchase some Porter to celebrate the Big day later…unfortunately the place was closed…ah well, I left the Black Isle to itself, and returned to Inverness to meet up with Kate and Chloe for my celebration lunch, which she treated me to ! Lovely, Thank You
Then I was off again, further up North, to Golspie http://www.highlandwildcat.com/index.php to sample a few of the trails around here, although I had promised myself I wouldn’t do the Black trails anymore …( I’m an old geezer now !).
I found myself a good spot to stay the night, overlooking the sea to my front, and in a forest clearing, so hoping for a clear night sky…I got changed, got on the bike and headed off into the forest..along the ‘Pict trail’ and then out onto Queens Drive, up through the forest, guided by a local who I met, and out onto open roads, looking across at Ben Bhraggie 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Bhraggie which I’ll be climbing tomorrow, with the monument on the top.. it was quite a different view to what I had expected and I just kept riding for a while, before turning around, and roaring down the hillside to Wally, to finish all my phone calls and texts..and relax for the evening…
As it went dark, the sky was reasonable clear, so I settled down on my bed, to await it getting fully dark …and promptly fell asleep ! – when I awoke…the clouds had come over …so the moment had gone, and I retired undone ! 
Goodnight -Thanks again for all my Birthday Wishes
I’d packed and set off from Kate’s in the lovely sunshine of Lossiemouth, before tanking up with fuel and food at Nairn ( Sainsbury’s, of course !), and then on to Inverness, as I called through there I stopped at the ‘Dolphin Centre’, 
who directed me down beneath the Inverness bridge, to gaze out at the flowing river to see if I could se any Dolphins…yes, was the answer…although in the distance, and a lonely figure as one swam around out in the River, for a short time, before disappearing.. however my taste was wetted, and off I went out onto the Black Isle, and to Chanonry Point, reputed to be one of the best places in the world to see Dolphins from the shore..
The car park was full, so I was hopeful of it being a good time.. sadly it wasn’t, as I was told most of the ‘action’ had finished, 
although there were still some porpoises and Dolphins swimming out in the bay, which I was able to see with my binoculars ..and I wandered around for a while, and then returned to Wally, wondering where to stop for the night – in spite of the ‘No Overnight Parking’ (which is actually unlawful !)-
I decided to stop the night, and what a night…firstly it was nice and quiet, and secondly the late afternoon sunshine, gave way to a spectacular sunset , 
which in itself gave way to a Double Rainbow, appearing out of the lighthouse roof ,
the rainbow being a completely full arc..and more special effects to follow.. although unfortunately I couldn’t capture any pics of the stars which were out, and so I settled into bed a ‘Happy Bunny’
From early the next morning I could hear people arriving (6-30 a.m.), but took a leisurely approach to my Dolphin spotting, only going out around 8 a.m., as I sensed the tidal waters turning.. I was chatting to a chap with a big camera set up, and as he was telling me he hadn’t seen anything…
two fins appeared from the water, as two Dolphins, or maybe porpoises swam along very close to the shoreline, they spent some time in front of us, it seemed to be a mother and baby…great, and a good start to the day !
From then on I became the ‘spotter’ as different ones appeared from different directions, all swimming past the point I was on ( Chanonry) ,
some even performing acrobatics for the watching crowd, who’s ranks swelled as the morning went along ! I was about to go for breakfast just after 10 a.m. as a large pod of Dolphins swam very fast across the bay, flipping over as they went along, and rushed around the point, and off towards Inverness, very satisfying…I wondered whether it would get better ? – it didn’t !
Some lone ones appeared later, so eventually I had lunch, and headed off from there to a Bike trail a few miles away
When I got there I found the trail I wanted to do was closed, and so I went further along to Cromarty, and settled down on the hillside for the night, with views out onto the Moray Firth, and oil rigs being refurbished/prepared…and the rain arrived for the night !
So, before the big day…I’ll wish you all Goodnight !
A nice quiet night in Mabie forest (apart from the screeching owls..) and I awoke to a slight drizzle, although not much, and after packing up I set off to continue my journey up north, passing through Dumfries, which looked an interesting town and soon I was passing Ae forest, but had decided not to stop there, I may come on my return (when I’ve fixed my bike) so I kept driving up through Perth, where I had a big ‘Scottish breakfast’ in Tiso’s shop (and time to look at the current outdoor gear) and carried on along the A9, following a big line of single file traffic.. by mid afternoon I arrived in Lossiemouth http://www.lossiemouth.org/ Kate and Wayne’s new home, not forgetting my only Granddaughter Chloe !
I managed to catch them just as they were going out to the shop – she had texted me, but my phone wasn’t working (temporarily) – good spot !
I was then able to spend the rest of the day with everyone, and also an easy Saturday, getting a new tyre,phone charger ( Ooops!) and other bits I hadn’t realised I needed ! before we had some Big pancakes at Baxter's restaurant http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/our-stores/fochabers/ 
and then a mess about in the evening sunshine in the garden, before a relaxing evening, and early night
Sunday morning I was able to do what ‘Granddads ‘do…a walk on the beach with little Chloe , and down through Lossiemouth, 
telling her some great stories…you can see the effect it had on her.. great blue skies and sunshine, perfect for a walk… 
and later a bacon buttie from Dad…then an easy afternoon in the garden playing, 
before getting dressed up for Sunday lunch out in Lossie.. for a Roast Lunch , and then afterwards a walk along the sea front in the hot evening sunshine..delightful
So after ice cream we all walked home…rested and fed !
I’ll be off again in the morning, not sure whether I’ll be able to stay in touch, so until the next time..Keep Smiling !
I’m off again, up to Scotland to see my girls…eventually !
Firstly a trip into Manchester, see the dentist –and the good news that it will only cost £230 !! – I told them I’d see them in a few weeks, and set off with my gums still numb from the anaesthetic that the Hygienist said I’d need, whilst she hoked about in my roots !! I felt like a donkey..hee haw ..
A quick visit to my Dads and then I was off up the road, and onto the motorway.. another fine day in the North, although the forecast was for rain coming down from Scotland, so maybe I’d drive through it ? As it turned out I didn’t se any rain, although it was quite windy and chilly, when I stopped for my smoked salmon and cheese sandwiches (No, I wasn’t splashing out, just emptying the fridge !)..
After a few hours driving, I decided I’d head for Mabie forest http://7stanesmountainbiking.com/Mabie/Phoenix-Trail , just over the border with Scotland, and south of Dumfries – where there was one of the 7 Stanes bike trails/park.. I located it just after 4 p.m., the sun was shining, and it looked to be sett for a nice evening.. there were few people around, so I thought it would be great to stop the night… I saw a forestry worker who agreed that I could…provided I paid the car park charge - £3… even for pensioners !, good value I thought, paid my money, and changed into my biking gear, and hit the trails shortly after 5 p.m….
Even though it’s quite a while since I had ridden any mountain bike trails, I still decided to do the hard ‘Red Phoenix Trail’ and set off upwards, puffing my way past some younger men getting ready for the same I imagined .. I was going great guns, and enjoying the forest which had closed in around me, 
however as I neared the top of the hill, the views suddenly opened out in front of me, with views to the distant sea coast of Galloway.. 
although I couldn’t really figure out where I was !
Then it was time to start swooping downhill, along some narrow twisting rocky tracks down through the forest, and some boardwalk sections raised up above the rocks- balance needed ! I’d just got through the first section (looking good !) and turned along a forest road, to the next section when ‘BANG’ – my back tyre went flat almost immediately… Oh dear, it would have to be a long way from Wally, still no matter I carried enough spares…didn’t I ?
I soon had the bike upside down, and the wheel off, and found a big hole in the tyre – I remembered now, that had happened earlier this year ( Scotland again) and I meant to fix it…what a time to remember, obviously more Rosemary needed ? I had 1 spare inner tube, and was going to patch the tire, unfortunately I didn’t have any patches, 2 tubes of glue though… so I did what I could, pumped up the new tyre, replaced it on the bike, and started gingerly making my way along the trail… I had to go through another section, before I found an ‘escape route’ signed to the car park – still 4kms away though…
I took that and hoping that I didn’t pop the tyre again rode back down to the car park,Wally…and Chilli + Rice.. another ride survived, I probably did about half of it, I’ll have to come back one day, it’s nice here…
So, I’ll see what tomorrow brings, depends on the weather, and my thoughts on the tyre as to whether I can do another trail on my way up North..
So, for today..Good night, from bonnie Scotland !
I had a few ‘spare days’, so decided to dash down to Devon for the Dartmouth Royal Regatta…
firstly popping in to see Gerard and family near Stonehenge, with Ethan and Elijah ‘jumping for joy’ !! and then continuing down to Brixham, and a pleasant evening walk along the sea front, before being well looked after by Dot, the beloved M-in-L !
Friday we were collected by David and taken over to Kingswear, and soon we were all kitted out for a bit of ‘messing about on the River’…and I was soon installed in the front of David’s boat,
watching the rest of them ( Dot,Lesley,Phillippa, Hayley with little Willow and Delilah ) dashing across the River Dart, to do some shopping in Dartmouth , 
whilst us ‘men’ did some ‘proper sailing’ in and amongst all the Regatta traffic and racing that was also taking place in the river and out to sea… Rupert was soon preparing the 30’ yacht , ready for our sail out to sea..once we’d collected his Dad Bill, who kindly allowed us all to take his yacht… so soon we were sailing out along the dart, towards the open sea, initially using the motor, but once clear, the sail was unfurled, engine switched off and whoosh… we were sailing under wind power, being tilted by the strength of the wind,I could just about hold my beer !
Not content with giving me a first experience of sailing, Rupert says ‘Do you fancy steering Joe’ ? and with that gave me the tiller…I was sailing the yacht myself, trying to keep it on course, remembering that left meant right, and vice versa !!
I was soon into it though, even turning about and heading back towards Dartmouth threading my way through other yachts , and eventually handing over the steering to the experts..my first time in a yacht, and steering as well, Great, Thanks everyone (and the beer was nice !)
Having put the yacht back on it’s mooring, we located all the women and children, 
and headed back to Lesley's house, ready for the air display, which as it turned out was right above our heads mostly, really good show, 
firstly the Blades, closely followed by a very noisy Typhoon , even flying upside down – then time for the main event… 
The Red Arrows, who swept in and over us in a blaze of colour.. 
doing their acrobatics right over us , as usual a great display, and then they were off…leaving everyone hooting and cheering with delight…
The following day, a gentle day spent with Dot out on Dartmoor,climbing over Haytor, and looking down at he surrounding moor, ready for the trip home, early the following morning…
A great, but brief, weekend, Thanks everyone for looking after me, and showing me the sights…and sites !
