The Eagles have just left for Skye, generously providing us with the perfect opening sentence. Our sky is blue, and the temperature almost warm. Had a really good week with Sue and Roger, who are very much on our wavelength.

Yesterday was dry and a little warmer than it has been. We travelled to the Linn of Quoich in the Eagle car, which seems to have got over its tyre problem. Quite dramatic changes at Quoich Water, where the river has changed course and brought down trees and undergrowth. At one point we saw grass rolled up like a carpet beyond where the water normally reaches. A large tree was lodged under the bridge, and there was a notice warning that the upper footbridge had been washed away and some paths were no longer usable. Needless to say, the water was considerably higher than we had seen it before, but the level had clearly dropped from its peak ten days or so ago.

We spent some time there, but there were midges in the air, and we eventually retreated to Braemar, where we lunched in the Fife Arms.  I then thought it might be fun to go up the Cairnwell chairlift, and so it proved, Sue being particularly enthralled. Despite her asthma she managed to walk with us to the summit (3045 feet). It was a clear day; so the views were excellent.

We took the old road back into Braemar, then drove straight home, taking it easy for a while before our farewell meal at what was the Green Inn but is now an Indian fine dining restaurant. Very odd experience: the food was excellent, but the staff seemed quite hesitant and never got round to offering us dessert. Dot and I had sambuca, which was particularly hot and a peculiar blue colour. They seemed surprised we would want it.