The warmth of hospitality...through the mist.

We bloggers can sometimes establish a relationship with one another akin to "pen pals" of earlier times. We share, in the context of our postings here, a mutual enjoyment of the outdoors and self-propelled activities such as sea kayaking and hill walking. We had looked forward to the possibility of meeting up with a fellow blogger for a long time. Ian writes an superb blog, Mountain and Sea Scotland, and we enjoy every posting. Yesterday we all met up, and it was simply a great day.

As the Scottish meteorologists had forecast, the conditions in Cairngorms National Park were, indeed, overcast with intermittent rain, and the tops of the mountains were frequently hidden in the soft mist. None of that, however, detracted at all from a most enjoyable day with Ian and Linda.

The  Earl of Mar's "Punch Bowl", the River Quoich.

The warmth of their gracious and generous hospitality was tangible and deeply appreciated. Their knowledge of this special place brought the rich geography, geology, history and pre-history alive. Most important of all, "pen pals" became friends.

Ian, Linda, and Joan, along the river.

The meteorological conditions in the Cairgorms were cloudy with rain.
The "weather" that mattered, however, was warm and sunny. :)

Cheers to all,

Duncan and Joan.