Scotland day 4

Monday was supposed to be warmer, with occasional showers. We drove west into the Cairngorms National Park. This drive took us up into the mountains and the views were spectacular! I was very glad I was not driving. The roads were narrow, very winding and went up and down, following the contours of the hills. We went first to a place where one could view ospreys. Geoff is very much into birds and he really wanted to see the ospreys. Of course, having boated on the Chesapeake Bay, ospreys are no thrill for me. I think Geoff caught a glimpse of an osprey, but it wasn’t very exciting. We spend an hour and a half or so there in the hide where there were binoculars for bird watching.

We ate lunch in the car, as it was raining at that point, and then drove south, planning to perhaps take a scenic rail trip. In the end, we decided instead to go to the Highland Folk Museum. This was a real winner. There were restored buildings from the 1700s to 1930. We didn’t manage to see it all, but we surely enjoyed it. There was a sculpture activity for kids in the woods. A very talented man named Kevin helped the kids create small animals from bits of wood. He allowed the kids to use his drill (with his hands holding it in place) and they were very creative in what they made. We came home with a hedgehog, a mouse and a gerbil. The kids really enjoyed the 1930s school where they used ink pens dipped into the inkwells in the desks. Great fun was had by all. Kate's family blog has more photos.