We are now securely ensconced in our house at Ballater.  According to the plan, we should have been on our way to Aviemore, but unfortunately the Eagle BMW had a flat tyre, so we turned back – fortunately before we had actually got out of town. Roger is now ringing for assistance, and we are drinking tea.

Before their arrival, we woke rather late on Sunday and scraped into church by the skin of our teeth. I forgot my glasses, but could just see enough of the hymns to navigate the service. Afterwards we bought pie and sausage roll for lunch and drove up the Tomintoul road, returning via Balmoral in rain and wind. Got a few nice pictures during breaks. In the evening we ate  at La Mangiatoia, and very nice too.

On Monday we bought a watch for Dot at Byzantium and visited the station, where I bought another map. The Eagles arrived mid-afternoon with a delicious quiche, which we had for supper after a walk round the town. Weather still cool, windy and with frequent showers.

Yesterday after some deliberation we did the Seven Bridges Walk and were lucky with the weather,  encountering a couple of light showers only. Oh, and a small deer. Later we drove to the Log Cabin and had a lovely light lunch; Dot bought me a shirt, which I wore to the Glen Lui in the evening. Another excellent meal with first-class service.

I have been feeling a bit under the weather off and on, and was quite shivery this morning, so have started a course of antibiotics after much consideration. All very odd.