Almost all ‘incomers’ to Skye will have friends and family
somewhere else in the UK
or in the world. As Skye is a long way from everywhere, it can be a bit of a
trek to keep in touch with everyone. But for us, it is an important part of our
life here. I know I’ve mentioned before that, three or four times a year, Sue
and I both make trips to the south of England to visit family and
friends. These days, Sue takes the train, while I prefer to drive. I bought my
fabulous Jaguar XK with the specific thought that it would be the ideal car for
my regular long road trips.
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Puss just above Glencoe.
The main road was clear of snow. |
I am just recently returned from one of the most enjoyable
visits south that I can recall. The weather and the traffic were on my side. I
encountered a bit of snow on the way down, but the roads were OK. I didn’t meet
a hold-up anywhere in 1,700 miles of driving. Puss, my Jaguar, is indeed
purrfect for the journey, and the miles flash by. On my way back, for my
overnight stop, I enjoyed one of the best B&Bs I have ever encountered. I’ve
already booked to stay there again in June, when Sue and I will have a
three-night mini-holiday there.
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Big comfy bedrooms at
Wallamhill House B&B, Kirkton near Dumfries |
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View over the garden from front bedroom
Wallamhill B&B, Kirkton, near Dumfries. |
Even better still, I was happy to catch up with my sister
and brother-in-law, who are both turned 70, but remain fit and in good health.
I was also delighted to meet again with my niece and nephew and their families,
all of whom seem happy and enjoying life, with Jeremy, my niece’s husband,
having some especially good news about a new role he is shortly to undertake in
his work-life. Well done Jez!
During my trip, I was even able to meet up with a couple of
Jaguar people and make a visit to the excellent
Haynes Motor
Museum near Yeovil.
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| Puss makes friends at Haynes Motor Museum |
As for friends – my dear friend Val, in Torquay, does not
always enjoy the greatest of health, but certainly looks better when we meet in
person than she sounds on the phone – maybe I should visit her more often…? And
I always have a great visit with Sara and Rod near
Southampton.
Rod will be fully retired next time I see them in July. You will love it, Rod –
I promise!
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Sara, Rod and Lucy-the-Pooch
Peninsula Barracks, Winchester |
For Sue and me, being able to regularly travel south to
visit our family and friends is very important to our happiness here. But be
sure – having been south for a visit, as we travel back into the Highlands, and
see the hills of home ahead, we know for certain that we did the right thing by
making our new life on the Isle of Skye.
