Red Squirrel

I have had a wonderful day today that started with a little voice shouting "Good morning Grandma!" at an earlier hour than is normal for me to be awake on a Saturday morning! We made pancakes and then went out for an adventure. First stop was Reyveck Highland Estate in the Gairngorms. It had a great adventure playground that we had all to ourselves and lovely grounds that were very pleasant to wander round. Strange that there were very few other people there but we were not complaining - no entrance fee and a great estate to explore.

Next on our adventure was Loch Garten RSPB Osprey Reserve. Fabulous place! So inspired I joined RSPB - allows free entrance into lots of reserves, got free RSPB handbook of British birds, and a couple of back copies of their magazine. We were able to observe the ospreys through telescopes - they were sitting on eggs and the parents did a swop over while we were there! Wonderful bird hide complete with children's entertainment/education area, shop and big screen to view the nest close up. There were red squirrels frolicking about in the trees outside the hide. These little fellows are declining in numbers and it was wonderful to watch them scurrying around in the pine trees.

We ended the afternoon by having cake and hot chocolate in a lovely wee cafe in Carrbridge! A great day out.