Memories...

My Dad's passing left me in a little bit of a lull, so some gentle, quality outdoor experience was in order to help me navigate my way through the emotion. Straight after dealing with things down south, I joined everyone heading over to North Berwick for some lovely family time with the Gurneys. It was really good being back in North Berwick as I'd not been for what felt like an age. It's such a great place for the soul, which was just what I needed, coupled with a lovely bbq on the beach and a very long run, which were both good for my body too. The sea and beach offered time for quiet contemplation as the sun set and I spent some lovely refreshing moments lost in thought. The 'grown ups' also enjoyed beating the 'kids' at our new family favourite game of Kubb - an old Viking game minus the pillaging. Recommended for a family summer's day in the garden if you've never played it.

And then as the school holidays started, we quickly moved on to dog sitting the neighbours dog Blue. Having a dog around has been equally good for the soul and has got me outside much more. Allergic sneezing aside he's been a great companion, particularly for Niomi who was already having him round most days after school. Last year Blue helped us all get up Ben Lomond, and this year, despite the intermittently rainy weather, we managed a glorious days walking up Beinn Dubh by Luss. Niomi even declared that she 'loved' the walk up the hill, although that's not quite what she was saying when she was actually going up it. And then the way down became another opportunity for some quiet contemplation as we were followed half the way down by a pair of larks in full song and flight. An absolute joy to watch. 'The Lark Ascending' by Vaughan Williams was played at my Mums funeral in 2020 so it was really poignant - like Mum and Dad were just letting me know they were still there, hovering about, keeping watch.

At the end dementia had stripped Dad of most his memories. They are in some ways what make up much of our identity, and I hold dear my memories of him. And so, now that holidays are here, it's time to make some more lovely memories. Next stop - Croatia! Watch this space...

Barbeview

Good for the body

Kubb

Quiet chat

Half way up

Summit shot

Videoclip: Climbing mountains...

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Good for the soul 1

Good for the soul 2