I got up early and watched red squirrels run around this morning. Then I decided that today was a driving day and pointed myself on the A9 to Inverness. Now I know where the River Ness is. Once you get away from the multi-story carpark where the bus station is you’ll find that it’s quite a nice place. I stopped in the cathedral for a few minutes and lit a candle. Somehow it feels less to me when it’s not a catholic candle. My memories of catholic candles is that you can pay more for a bigger one. It’s one of those indulgences that can get you closer to heaven.

I’m in the bar next to the campsite. It’s been a great place for dogs all week. I haven’t seen any two that look the same. This is almost like a cat cafe experience for dogs, but the’re nof for sharing. They are just well behaved pets.

I was asked if I was one of the team working in the bar. There’s more in this story, but not now. The people I was speaking to are still here. They were lovely, and I have a history of the Pine Marten Bar in Glenmore.

The question that comes to mind was “Do you speak English?” from a Scotish lady at the Blue Lake a couple of days ago. I have nothing much to say about that at the moment either.

Where was I? Oh yeah, I ended up in Dinwall. There’s a castle, which I didn’t visit, and they still have a Wimpy burger bar. Ian Blackford the SNP MP has his office there. The outside really needed a wash and I suppose I could have walked in and told him if I wanted to. Instead, I looked for a cafe for tea, cake, and macaroni pie. Even as I ordered, the lady was giving a way out, but I pushed on and ordered it. It tasted as I expected, and it was all washed down with good tea.

I saw Nessie! I have photo evidence, but this post will have to wait.

There was a brief moment of dog barking and excitement. Luckily, it’s all calmed down now.

I feel good after my time away. The car is packed for tomorrow, and all I have to think about are my midge bites and a long drive home in the morning.

I saw Siskins on the bird feeder. If you’ve never seen them before they’re the ones that aren’t Yellowhammers.