Helmsdale

From ten o' clock this morning, the other vans began to depart, including our rather annoying neighbour who insisted on parking his van sideways across two spaces, and refusing to move when asked politely by the owner of a smaller VW van. Why, we thought. Last night had been the coldest since leaving home three weeks ago, around 5 degrees. But Marge keeps us snug with her warm air heating. We left Dunbeath just before noon, taking advantage of the low tide and walking around the beach across shifting pebbles to the caves.

Our stop for tonight was to be near Skelbo castle, but as we drove across the bridge at Helmsdale, we noticed some vans parked down by the harbour. Swinging Marge around in a side road we went to join them. It seemed a perfect stop. We lunched across the road, sitting outside a cafe with a view of the water.

John being faithful to his Scottish roots, felt it was only right for him to have haggis in a roll, and black pudding in a roll to accompany his chips. After we had eaten, we walked into the small town. Angela bought a handknitted bobble hat in the small outdoor shop. The lady who served her, said the temperature this morning where she lived two miles down the road was minus two. As they say, you don't come to Scotland for the weather.

Built the same year as our house at home!

We are glad we decided to stop at Helmsdale, albeit only a few miles on from Dunbeath. Today has turned out to be a rest day which we are very grateful for. As we sit in Marge watching other vans arrive for the night, we can hear the gentle waves splash against the sea defence rocks. Later on, we hope to witness a stunning sunset.