A weekend in Aviemore - Thursday

Funny how much we used to travel and, so far this year, this is only our second trip and the last planned one of 2020!

Alan had the opportunity to photograph Ospreys with a friend of his and I just came along for the weekend, not expecting to spend much time with him.  I must give him credit though, he took time out of his day to do something with me.  Looking back, I thought those times were when the hides were closed, but he could have spent the whole time there - not trying to entertain me.  Give credit where credit is due, it was very nice of him to do that.

Alan's last chance for an action shot of Little J

On the day before we headed out for Aviemore, we left Taymouth Marina after spending a super time with our family there.  Our son, GF and puppy came back with us, since it was on the way back to London where they live.  So we squeezed in another night and morning with them before saying goodbye - for who knows how long these days?

As soon as they left for London, we left for Aviemore!

It is always a scenic drive through Scotland, going past Stirling Castle and heading into the Highlands and then the Cairngorm Mountains.  We arrived at Aviemore in time to wander along the main, or only street, before trying to find a place to eat.  This was difficult!  Aviemore is certainly not as crowded as it would be in a normal year, but there are many people here and all restaurants have to take bookings for tables to comply with Covid regulations.

We ended up at the Winking Owl.  I must say, it did not look welcoming. It is off the Main Street and dark looking.  Also not being able to enter the front door may have not helped the first impression.  Sadly, we also had to sit indoors because - by now - we could not be picky, we needed to eat!

Sitting indoors was a nice surprise! The dining room was almost empty with only about 3 tables in the room We were the only diners for most of the time we were there!  And the food was super!  Due to allergies, I was limited to what I could order - mine are odd, nothing to do with the menu choice.  I am allergic to cumin and bell peppers!  So I ordered what I assumed would be run of the mill Haddock goujons.

I could not have been more wrong. These goujons were absolutely delicious!  Turna out, they buy the fish fresh from the fishmonger across the street. Alan got a steak burger that he said was very nice too.

So a successful dinner and the last real meal to be had until Sunday. Did I know that Friday night?  Not really!