Cows and Castles

There's been a couple of adventures this week, both locally and further afield.

On Monday a stroll along the road past the railway station (timed it right and saw another train!) led to a wee bit of cow-spotting down by the river. I'm perfectly happy with cows these days so long as there's a substantial fence or wall between us.

 

 

 

Tuesday brought a wee adventure to East Lothian, where Dave and I had a great time exploring Tantallon and Dirleton castles (the last time we'd done this we'd travelled in a limo - but that's another story!) and enjoyed a packed lunch on Yellowcraigs beach. A cloudy morning turned into a beautiful sunny day, and we even took a bit of sunburn home with us!

 

 

 

 

Tantallon Castle

Stunning herbaceous border at Dirleton Castle

 

 

 

 

Dirleton Castle

 

Fidra island from Yellowcraigs beach

This very afternoon we revisited a favourite 9 mile walk from Melrose to Cauldshiels loch, past Abbotsford and along the Tweed. We had to walk through a field of scary cows but thankfully we were allowed safe passage. Once through a gate, we spent a while conversing with the beasts as Dave tried to convince me they aren't that scary after all.

 

 

 

I didn't take any other photos of today's walk as it was a bit of a rainy cloudy day but the walk was lovely and it was good to be back out there. The steak slice from Martin Baird's afterwards was a most welcome treat!! Now, when does summer start?

Right place, right time

I can't believe it is the middle of June already! Nearly half way through the year, and only a week until the longest day.

I'd love to be blogging about adventures in the mountains or wild swimming escapades but life has been busy recently with work. And I'm not complaining - I am enjoying the pace of life these days and the variety I have now. The main victim has been my blog, as I haven't been off on as many exciting adventures as I would have liked.

It's hard to believe it has been a month since our trip to Durness for the Cape Wrath Challenge. As I always say, time is flying by.

Last week I did manage a couple of interesting walks in the Borders. On Sunday I took myself off on a wee stroll to Fountainhall and back; a walk I have done a number of times because it is pleasant and a good solid 8 miles. I also wanted to take a photo of the new Stow railway station sign, which had popped up earlier in the week. It is so exciting to have seen the progress of the station at Stow, and it's now less than 3 months before trains will be travelling through.

 

I also got very lucky on last Sunday's walk, as I timed it perfectly (completely unintentionally!) and saw a train going along the track. Right place, right time!

 

 

 

 

On Monday I found myself in West Linton to dog-sit Robbie, and enjoyed a 4 mile evening stroll with lovely views and interesting wildlife.

 

 

On Tuesday I met my friend Kate and we took a wee stroll in the Pentlands. It was a lovely day - warm, finally, but not too hot. We walked for around 5 miles before going for lunch. As always it was great to catch up, and also great to be out and about in such a beautiful place.

I've also been to Zumba twice this week, which is absolutely one of my favourite things to do now. As well as work, I have been busy. No, it's not awfully exciting and doesn't provide me with lots and lots to write about, but I feel happy and settled and surely that is most important.

I hope there will be more adventures to come in 2015, but right now it's all about being in the right place at the right time!