Holidays Day Two

The sunshine and heat of yesterday deserted us, but at least the rain stayed away. We headed back to Aviemore this morning for our steam train trip. We’d checked out where to park yesterday, so that was no bother. We’ve been on a steam train some years ago, so we knew that actually, you get the best views when you’re NOT on it… and so it was today. The anticipation was the best bit - the actual trip was, well, a bit of an anti-climax. Though I managed to invite myself up into the cockpit (?) and take a photo of the inside.

We chugged along, then we stopped, then we chugged along a bit more. We stopped to fill the train’s tank up with loads of water at Boat of Garten Station, which looked lovely, with lots of interesting old railway stuff over on the other side. Then we chugged on and stopped for a while (actually for the train to go to the other end of carriages). Then we came back. 

The best thing about being on a steam train is that people stop what they’re doing (golfers, cyclists, walkers - everyone) and wave at us. JR thanked me rather effusively for arranging that ‘very special treat’ for her - was she was being a tad sarcastic?

A coffee at the Mountain Cafe in Aviemore - sadly not run by the Kiwi chef/baker we’ve read about (and wanted to visit) for years. Then we took a drive to Loch Morlich, where everyone was an outdoorsy, fit type person. It must have been heaving yesterday in the sunshine, but it was pretty mobbed today too, with campers, swimmers and dozens of paddle-boarders.

Back round to the Boat of Garten Station (passing a gorgeous herd of Heilan’ Coos) and then we could have a poke around the old ramshackle railway debris. Fantastic! I know several blippers who would LOVE that place - the rust and the peeling paint was on a truly epic scale. I’ve blown my year’s supply of extras to include some of them.

The station itself was so cute - flower-bedecked and tidy, with the old original waiting room and the horse and cart statue, which was what originally met every train.

An excellent day out. And a fine end with dinner tonight in the hotel. We know how to live!

PS A few texts from Moira - Archie has been such a good boy - no barking, slept all night, off the lead on walks, and sat near her on the sofa.