THE BOAT TRIP

Once again, we went away for a couple of days in November, this time to the Boat Hotel at Boat of Garten. Not too far away from home, but well worth it. We had a great time, despite the weather and we even made some new friends, They weren't quite the honeymoon couple away for a quiet time that we spoilt - but it was close - more about them later!

Anyway, the Friday evening started as all good evenings do - in the bar and then the restaurant. As you can see - Dave was in an expansive mood - Mac wasn't quite so sure. At least Janet held on to her water!

Elsewhere on the table, Sharon made sure that Hugh picked the healthy option from the menu - just like school dinners.

Soon we were all tucking into a pretty good meal - good food, good company and good wine - what more do you need - well it seems we needed to be a bit more discreet!

Sitting next door, trying to have a quiet time, were a couple who were soon to have their lives changed. Charles and C...........................no not what you think - Charles and Carl..............................no, still not what you think - Carl is Charles' wife.

Anyway, they decided that if they couldn't have a romantic weekend away, they would join us - it may have been the lure of more alcohol, but soon they agreed to come walking with us on the Saturday morning.

And soon - it was the morning, and Robin clearly had too much wine the night before because he thought he was playing golf and not walking for miles in a pointless way with some other people - although, is that not what golfers do anyway?

Meanwhile, Susan and Sandra started dancing in the car park. Is it me, or did no-one seem to know that we were there for a serious walk!

Anyway, we did eventually get going on our walk and, as promised, Charles and Carl joined us, which was a surprise because they must have got a good idea what we were really like when some of us started on the Sambucas the night before. I can tell that some of you don't actually believe that we attracted other people to come walking with us, but here is the proof - Charles is on the left of the photo and Carl is third from the right. Susan still can't believe they were daft enough to come with us.

By now we were well into the woods and Sharon began to behave like a nymph - I have kept the series of photos after this one for my own private collection, which anyone can access for a fee.

Despite Charles and Carl being there, we still got confused at junctions in the track!

But soon we got on the way, passing under the arches below the Strathspey Steam Railway line.

We were not travelling too fast, though.

Then Jim and Dave took us on a detour from the route that was originally intended, but it took us down to a little lochan, so we didn't think that anything untoward was going on.

Even when we passed the dead bath, everything seemed quite innocent. We should have known better!

It all became so clear when we saw the gate that we had to climb over - what a coincidence - Dave was over first and had to help everyone else, including our new friend, Carl! Charles was left to clamber over as best he could.

Dave feigning innocence.

So shame-faced was he that he considered going into exile on a little hut on the river, but it was a bit minky.

Eventually, it was time for lunch and we stopped at a nice, but locked, fishing hut. As you know we are not too impressed by the intelligence of many of the aristrocracy and others who make up the fishing and hunting classes. We are not alone in recognising that money may not equal brains as can be seen from this sign within the fishing bothy.

It wasn't long before we were all tucking in - obviously Robin was doing so rather more enthusiastically than Susan thought was good manners.

The obligatory lunch time group photo - as we had guests we all kept our clothes on. That's got Charles and Carl worried now!

Then it was on past the livestock towards the village and warmth and civilisation and alcohol and food and all the comforts of life that old folks like us have come to expect.

And then what do we find when we get to the village - the locals have bears in their gardens!

However, we make it back to the hotel, much to Hugh's relief.

A good walk, made all the better by having some new friends to share it with. Soon it was time for a hot bath followed by a cold drink and a good meal.

Of course, by the time we were ready to eat, Sue and Charlie had arrived. Here is a rose between two thorns - or at least a couple of prickly birds.

Another rose between two thorns - no further comment this time!

By now, Charles and Carl had not learned their lesson and they had joined us for dinner - although I think Charles was having second thoughts - and who can blame him?

It didn't seem to stop Carl - although David seems to be taking a bit of evasive action under the table.



Meanwhile over on the dark side, I try to keep the intelligent conversation about the latest twist in the financial crisis going.


Sharon tries to tell a joke about me, but Sue is clearly more interested in my exposition on the Eurozone problems.

All good things come to an end and we all go to bed - not in the same room because of our new friends, but we soon get up, have breakfast and then get ready for the next walk. Charles and Carl had earlier decided that one walk was more than enough, at least with us, so they give it a miss.

Susan, meanwhile shows that she can still reach her toes, and there is a bit of exposed flesh in there.


Jacque shows that she still needs a bit of help getting properly dressed before she goes out.

Robin, meanwhile, shows that anything Susan can do, he can almost do as well.

Susan goes one better and checks her flies!.......

............which Mac, Janet and Sharon find quite amusing!

Soon, we get to the start of the walk and there is quickly a dispute about who has the nicest umbrella.

But Maureen and Jacque ignore that and quickly revert to playgroup days.

Meanwhile, I get serious and take this fantastic photo of a crested tit.
Or at least a close up of the information board in the car park.

Sue and Pam have bought new gaiters.

And this is why!


And so is this!

But soon it all becomes worthwhile when we reach Loch Mallachie - so clear and serene - a metaphor for all of us, I think.

It really was fantastic.

Indeed, it was so fantastic that Susan put down her umbrella.

And then she put it up again.

Charlie was so amazed that he couldn't speak - Susan was just amazed!

And then we got to Loch Garten - even better - how artistic is this photo?

Obviously, quite a lot, because we couldn't stop looking at the view.

So much so, that no-one noticed the brown python creeping along the shore.

Luckily an otter appeared and ate it!

We soon left the water's edge, but, if we had stayed, we would have seen the geese whiffling in -and I thought it was only Charlie that whiffled.

Just in case you really think I took the last two photos, they were off the information board in the car park next to the loch.

However, I did take this one of us all on the walkway at a bog on the way to the end of the walk.

Seriously!

Charlie and Neil were actually discussing why they had not bought new gaiters when they had the chance.

So, soon we were wending our way to the car park and the end of a good walk and a great weekend. Well done to Sandra and Dave for all the organisation and even better done to Charles and Carl for putting up with us on their romantic weekend away. They did tell us about how they had met, parted, met again and parted again and then met and stayed together, but then I lost track. What I can say is that it was good that we met them and I am sure we will keep in touch - if only so that they can sue me for any wrongs I may have done them in this blog.