When we got up at 7.30 it was very cool in Tomintoul – probably around 12 degrees. We got dressed quickly and out in our walk – the circular walk around Tomintoul. 

It starts off down a fenced off trail through the fields with views of the hills. 

It then goes up the old military road built in 1754 to get the Scots under control after the Jacobite riding in 1745. The road took us up the hill with great views over the river and the valley. 

We then went down a big slope off the road into a very quiet, dark forest. Nothing grew under the trees – the floor was thick with pine needles. 

We then came to the edge of Tomintoul . Just next to a house was a field of these grumpy looking rams!

Tomintoul is a nice town. We liked all the various sculptures.

We then continued the short walk back to Gus through the wildlife meadow that is scythed only once a year.

We were back at the birdhide again!

We got back on the road after breakfast towards Nairn.

We saw large amounts of smoke from the Cairngorm wildfires over in the next valley. It’s been going for 2 days now and they are having trouble getting it out. The grass is very dry so it’s easy for a fire to get going.

We then drove an hour down to Nairn to visit Cathy’s dad Callum. He gave us a great welcome and it was great to see him.

He is still very bright even though he is suffering from a chest cold.

We caught up on what’s happening locally and in the world – climate change is a definite concern. Callum said he saw forked lightning like he has never seen in his lifetime. Also these consistently high temperatures in UK are not normal.

We wanted to help Callum out with a few jobs around the garden but we weren’t allowed to. 

We went to check out the garden. Callum grows many fruit and vegetables but his prime crop is potatoes. It is now harvesting time. 

Glenn dug up a lot of potatoes out of the tubs they had been planted in. Some were very productive and some were not. Callums favourite Ezell Blue variety had done well producing many small potatoes. 

We took some big potatoes leaving Callum with his favourite smaller potatoes.

We then picked blackcurrants that were very thick on the bushes. The neighbours had already picked around 30 pounds. We picked probably around a pound to take away with us.

We also got some very healthy looking rhubarb. 

Here is Callum with his very productive garden behind him.

We then got back in Gus with our big swag of fruit and veg. We had to stock up on food at the supermarket first and then looked for somewhere we could park up and have a late lunch. We found nearby Brodie Castle, a National Trust site. It was close to closing so we had a quick wander around and then went back to the van for lunch.

We then headed for Nairn Harbour where we were spending the night. It’s a great motorhome spot with a beautiful sea view. The only slight issue is that motorhomes are very close together where they should really be 4m apart. But people will jam themselves into any available space.

We went for a walk along the beach and had a paddle in the sea – very invigorating!

We then went back to the van to have venison burgers and Callums potatoes for dinner. The potatoes are amazing colours. 

It was all very delicious. 

Glenn then watched the birds on the beach from his seat while I relaxed reading my book.

We then had showers on our new shower base (very good!) and went to bed relatively early.