Friday 2 November 2012

Blue skies, a walk, lunch, maps, but no cake

The day was looking promising when I dropped David at work, earlier than is natural to be up and about. I then made my way across country to drive over The Lecht towards Laura’s house, enjoying spectacular views and clear blue skies on this crisp, fresh morning. On arrival, I was offered coffee before we went for a bit of a stroll around the Balmoral Estate, admiring cairns, statues and views along the way.

SDC14171The frosty bridge

SDC14173  Princess Louise’s cairn, with Laura for scale

SDC14175 Views from my cairn

SDC14180 Cairn commemorating the purchase of the Balmoral Estate, with Laura for scale, again

SDC14181 Views

SDC14185 Pretty church

SDC14187 Prince Leopold’s cairn, with Laura etc., etc., (my shadow makes her look legless…

SDC14188 Looking down on Balmoral

SDC14192 The Queen’s most loyal servant, the rather handsome Mr Brown

It was a delightful little stroll, roughly 3.7 miles, average 2 mph (we chat a bit) and 679 ft total ascent.

When we got back to the house, we had a cup of tea and got the maps out to discuss routes. This actually went a lot more easily than I’d anticipated, we do think alike.

Then it was time for lunch, which was delicious. Especially if I closed my eyes… There was, however, a distinct lack of the cake I had been promised and lured with. Hmmph. More coffee, however fresh, is not a suitable replacement. Still, if I’m ever invited back, I’ll make the effort.

A spectacular autumn day in wonderful company, hopefully won’t be too long before we have another day out.

10 comments:

AlanR said...

Well its not everyday you visit Royalty. I would sack the chef though. No cake indeed ma'am.

Louise said...

Shocking it was, shocking.

Alan Sloman said...

I popped over to Laura's place to check on the shocking lack of cakey comestibles.
It's true. There was none.

Civilisation is grinding to a halt.

Standards, girls, standards!

Louise said...

It wasn't me! I was promised I was, and the cupboard was bare. Not a sniff of a tea shop. I hope for better behavior on the Challenge.

Laura said...

Ok ok I admit it - there was no cake - but there was flapjack......great day though!

Louise said...

True, there was flapjack. And it was nice. Fab day, has to be said, again!

Tony Bennett said...

Good grief girl! It's a poor walk that has no cake :(

Louise said...

Wasn't me! Going take some with me next time, homemade, just in case.
Reminds me of school reports, 'Must try harder'...

Phreerunner said...

No cake!! You must be made of sterner stuff than any of my walking pals!

Louise said...

I suspect more effort will be made next time...