We’re all starting to slow down. The exuberance that once livened our days has quieted and we are now much more pensive, and deliberate, with every minute we have left. As the last few days of our big adventure draw to a close, we’re excited to get back home, but at the same time sad and astounded by how quickly time has passed. More and more, we’re feeling the need to just sit with each other, and reflect, and share in the joy and laughter of these past seven weeks together.
We arrived in Banavie on Wednesday after a gorgeous but wet drive from Skye. Our new home away from home is on a beautiful, rolling estate with views of Scotland’s highest mountain- Ben Nevis. I should say that it theoretically has a view; if only the weather would co-operate! A continuous cycle of rain and fog for the past few days has made things interesting and very atmospheric. Catching glimpses of the impressive peaks surrounding us has been a challenge, but when the mist dissipates, and sunshine bleeds through for even for the briefest of moments, they are breathtakingly beautiful.
Despite the damp and dreary weather, we’ve still had an incredible time here. I finally got my fly rod out and we spent the better part of one morning fly fishing in a gin-clear lock just a few minutes away. The kids and Andrea practiced casting, and like all great fly fishermen we all enjoyed the experience, peace and art of casting flies rather than catching any actual fish!
We have a few more amazing hikes in the bag as well- including one from today that Caitlin was determined we should do. It was our first “three boot” hike, meaning more difficult, dangerous and steep; and hence, on Caitlin’s to-do list! Since she found out about the rating system back in Skye, and the fact that we had been purposely dodging some of the more extreme hikes, Caitlin has been singularly focused on us all completing a “three boot!” Well, we have one now, in addition to a few other outstanding highland walks…
All of those adventures aside, the highlight of our days so far was our journey on the Jacobite Express; a vintage steam engine that chugs and smokes its way through some of the most dramatic and scenic tracks we’ve ever seen. The kids did their own write-ups on both the train ride and “big” hike, so I’ll let their words tell you more! In the meantime, I’ve attached some photos from the past few days. The kids material is on their site- or you can click HERE.
DACA's European Vacation 
Hopefully we’ll have some nice hot weather for you when you get back. It’s certainly looking like that for the next few days anyway! Have a safe trip back and see you all soon.
TT-I know what you mean about bittersweet. That’s why I always shed a few tears when cottage vacation is almost over, because I don’t want it to end! We’ll have lots of fun boating, fishing, eating, playing games, and just catching up. This year, our cottage has a stand up paddle board. That will be fun for us to try! And I know Hamilton is looking forward to going home and seeing you guys too. I’ll miss him!
D & 🐹 xxoo
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Thanks D! We’re looking forward to the cottage as well and catching up with you all! See you soon! Love DACA
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Really enjoyed reading this latest blog ! From Dave ‘s description of the scenery to Caitlin’s feelings following the difficult hike . We could feel Aidan ‘ s enthusiasm talking about the train ride .Your last home away from home looks very modern and luxurious .I kind of feel sad like you do about your once in a lifetime trip coming to an end but happy for us to see you soon. Love xoxo.
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Thanks Mado! Yes- Aidan was in his glory riding the rails on that old steamer- it was a ton of fun! We’re looking forward to seeing you guys as well. Hard to believe it’s coming up this week!! Love DACA
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Great blog, as always. Those pictures would do credit to National Geographic! Your mixed feelings about your adventure coming to an end are really understandable. I’m anxious to see you all, but I’m going to miss the blogs, pictures and videos too! It has been such a literary adventure, especially to read Aidan and Caitlin’s thoughts on what they have seen and experienced. Memories for a lifetime.
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Thanks Roy! Yes- it’s definitely been an adventure that we will savour for many years to come. It’s also been really rewarding to get back into photography and the video’s have been unexpectedly fun as well! We have a bit of catch-up in that area though- I have an almost overwhelming amount of footage that I have not been able to process and publish! Oh well, I’ll get around to it eventually! We all can’t wait to see you guys soon! Love DACA
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