Last Days in Scotland

This will be the last blog of what happened in 2014 in Scotland by pictures and video.  

Starting with New Years Day, Kevin and I ran/climbed Arthur's Seat, in Edinburgh while still feeling the drink a wee bit. By the end of our run (2hrs later) we felt refreshed and surprised at how quickly time passed during the run. We both truly enjoy running off the beaten path because it adds a different element of fun. You become immersed in natural beauty where time seems to pass just a little quicker. I think this is because of the surrounding scenery or maybe a conscious effort not to roll an ankle (or fall of a cliff edge!). You will notice on the video how windy it is. When we started there was but only a breeze, the higher we climbed the windier (and colder!) it got.

This video is from the top of Arthur's Seat

A quick look at the city of Edinburgh

Holyrood Park

The Crags in Holyrood Park

After returning to Portsoy we went on another hilly run up the Durn Hill. This hill used to represent a race that many of the people of Portsoy did several years ago. They would start and finish at the 'Portsoy Loch', and The Durn Hill would be the turning point - roughly a 4 mile up-and-back run. Kevin's last experience of this race was when he was around 15/16 years old and he placed 2nd. He was passed by an experienced runner on the way up the hill who gave a sly remark, "You shouldn't have started so fast". Kevin spent the rest of the run chasing him ha. 

Durn Hill is where I was headed, starting off behind Kevin's home

Part 1: Going through Kirkies Wood

Part 2: Running a trail between some farmland

Phase 3: Kevin couldn't remember the proper way up so he created his own route, via constant barbwire and mud

Phase 4: Last steep climb to what used to be a cross at the top

Phase 5: Enjoy/Celebrate the view

Video 1

Video 2: Kevin explaining what surrounds us

The next day we told Kevin we were going to Aviemore for the day. In reality we were going there for 3 nights, rented a beautiful cottage/home, and his friends were surprising him at dinner and staying over. 

The boys and Iyla went away in the car with Veronica as Carole and I went in the Van with Bruce and said we had to stop at Bruce's work (fire station) first. We drove in the direction of the fire station only to turn around, go back to the house and quickly/slyly pack up everyones bags for our days away. 

View from the van of Cairngorm Mountains, sorry about the quality of the picture from my phone

Getting closer!

Arrived at Cairngorn Mountains to take the Funicular Railway to the top for our favourite Hot Chocolate 

Iyla wanting to try the whipped cream, getting her hands messy

Soooo good

At the cottage, Kevin was in shock! Here we are enjoying a delicious Indian Meal

Craig serenading Kevin

Tammy and Dunc being entertained by Rhys playing Bop-It

Our beautiful view the next morning

Rhys teaching Iyla how to play Bop-It, due to her first cold...She wasn't too impressed

Now I think Rhys isn't too impressed with Iyla crying

Carole and Craig enjoying the hot tub

Birthday Dinner in Aviemore

Iyla in much better spirits, cold almost gone

I love this girl SO MUCH!

Iyla tucked away in her hoodie on the way home, asleep in Daddies arms

Till next time Scotland! We had a BLAST!!! Thank-you to all our family and friends in Scotland and in Canada who made it possible for us to be there and enjoy such great company. We are truly blessed!