On our last day we went on a walk in Lael Woods. We climbed till we were at the top a waterfall.

The woods were quite unspoilt.

Totally lush

That evening we went sailing on a 47 foot yacht called Angels Share owned by a young couple, Murray and Yaz.

It was 6 weeks into their business. Yaz cooked tasty food. Her mum is a cookery author called Ghillie Basan. It was delicious.

We sailed along the loch, chatting and marvelling at the views and peace. It was such a special way to end our holiday.

Sun setting at 11.30 pm

Let’s have a gentler day we said. Off we drove to Inverewe Gardens.

A sub tropical oasis of lush ferns, rhododendrons, sequoia, cacti and much more on Loch Ewe.

Walled garden

boo!

Loved it there. So pretty.

On the drive back we stopped at Corrieshalloch Gorge. A short walk took us to a bridge over the gorge to view the waterfall. Very scary on that wobbly bridge but I crossed it. Twice!

there’s the bridge. In the distance

Me on the bridge

The next day we drove up north through The Assynt mountains to Tarbet, a tiny place on the coast where we boarded a boat to Handa, a nature reserve with thousands of birds. Beautiful island. Very cold and windy.

Boarding the boat

on the boat

good look!

landing at Handa

lots of nesting birds

Has huge fish n chips meal at The Arch Inn that night.

Totally exhausted afterwards and slept for 10 1/2 hours.

Today we ventured to Ullapool Hill. A short climb we thought. Not so! But enjoyable despite the poor weather.

Alfie got left in the kennels. Not at all happy but he hates car journeys and the drive to Ullapool was a long one.

We are staying in a lodge on Loch Broom with fantastic views.

On our first day we climbed a mountain, Stac Pollaidh. Big climb but worth it for the views at the top.

Stac Pollaidh in the centre

views from top

there we are

big climb

We spent the evening outside our lodge playing games and watching sun go down. It eventually got dark about 1130. But not that dark

Today we went to an area which explained the geology of this part of the highlands. Lots of sculptures and good walks.

We drove further to a point where we walked up to some Bone Caves. The caves were caused by internal limestone erosion and it is believed that animal bones were either pushed into by glaciers, or predators carried their prey around the last ice age. Again it was a big climb and a hit scary but beautiful up there.

Caves on left. Steep climb on right.

Entrance to a cave

Nice to see you, to see you, NICE!

Boo!!

Planking

Had a drive up to Lochinver through a fantastic landscape.

Out for tea tonight at The Frigate in Ullapool. Pizza for him. Venison for me.

Both tired and ready for sleep 💤

My excitement tonight was overwhelming. Clare and Sam took me to the White Swan. Was I going to see Joe?

No 😔 Harry was at the bar. Joe was not to be seen. My family played cards, Colin turned up and I was given the odd treat.

Neil and Jane asked Clare how joe was getting on and were really pleased to hear his news. They said to say Hi. Seems like everyone misses Joe. But not as much as me 😩

I walked home with Clare. No stick throwing but a good sniff around!

Except Clare.

Joe left a week ago with a bag over his shoulder.

A week later and he’s still not home which makes me sad but I hear he’s having a great time.

Sam has come home for a couple of days to keep us company. Colin’s away in Birmingham.

I went to vets again to have a nasty injection. It hurt ☹️. But I got lots of treats. The sadder I look the more I look the more I get. This afternoon Clare and Sam took me to meet Morag and her little labradors. I ran and swam and got cross when they took my sticks.

Here’s some recent pics:

Today I was bundled in the car and driven to Egton Bridge. Once there, a torturous contraption was put around my nose. Every time I moved it hurt. Why would my family do this to me. Colin kept saying “good boy” as if to make me happy.

Eventually it came off and I was free to run, to chase sticks, to swim in the river. It was a fun walk.

Afterwards we went to Lealholm (aren’t I clever knowing all these places). We went to a place full of plants and free roaming hens! They’d forgotten the awful contraption so I spent the whole time straining at the lead to try to eat them. I bet they’re super tasty. One day I’ll find out, hopefully.

Once home I flopped. They’ve got funny about me sleeping in the hall now. It looks like a jungle in there. I keep wondering what the monkeys would taste like but I think I’d be sent away if I tried to eat them.

Been on lots of walks collecting huge sticks and bashing them against people’s legs. Rachael came home yesterday. That was fun. They all sat round the table drinking wine and beer and singing loudly!

Today Rach and Clare took me on a long walk in woods and across fields at Roseberry Topping. Afterwards we went to the Velveteen Rabbit. I was given peanut butter biscuits which I prompt threw up. Don’t they know I’m allergic!

Chilling in the garden now.

Off on my morning walk today with Colin who left me outside the health centre for ever! He came out holding his arm, muttering something about taking blood. Came home to find strange people dressed in white moving furniture around. They stayed all day and drank lots of tea.

Had a very long walk with Clare followed by a trip in the car 😕 to Swainby. Yippee, another walk? No!! I was bundled into a strange house and left!!! I was so very sad and worried. I cried and cried 😭.

After a lifetime Joey rescued me. The man in the house told Joe that he couldn’t have me again as I’d been so unhappy. Phew!! I’ll never be apart from my family ever again! Must remember that crying thing. Very successful.

Usual breakfast today and a quick walk to the fields for my first toileting.

Then I unhappily got in the car with much shouting from Colin 😕. Off we went once Clare had faffed around cleaning and stuff.

We stopped at a wooded car park and I was super excited to investigate all the new smells. I bounded up the steps, over the bridge, down the steps, dragging colin behind me with him muttering something about a heel. We went into woods with lots of wild garlic. Joe would’ve loved it! Bluebells too. I chased lots of sticks. Out of the woods into fields with cute little lambs wanting to be chased. But that daft lead was on me again.

Eventually we got to a pub. They had beer and pork pies. I had nothing. I gave them so many sad looks but I didn’t even get a crumb. Cleverly I found some rabbit bones on the way back 🤣.

Lots of old steam trains to see and back in the horrid car.

Waiting for dinner now but I think they’ve forgotten me….. again 🙄

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton