Tell Me What Else is magic For?

For June, in Scotland, it was uncharacteristically warm.

It had been a busy Saturday, and when the last call shouted at ten to twelve closing time couldn't come quick enough.

By ten to one we had everyone, staff and stragglers out. As we stepped out into the night, we were both hit by the residual warmth remaining in the air.

Reluctant to return to our lodgings we headed down the road towards the park. Normally this town, at this time, would be scary and the b&b would be the place to retreat to. But the heat and sunshine had melted over into the night and there was a relaxed and good atmosphere.

We stepped thru the gates into the park and giggled as we looked at the Forest of trees bathed in moonlight - it was like a fairy tale.

In shirt sleeves we wandered in and out the paths, occasionally jumping at a noise in the bushes.

We were happy to have this little bonus of time together because it wouldn't be long until the ship sailed and he would be gone for six months - until Christmas.

As we reached the lower levels of the park - we were surrounded by trees glowing in the moonlight, the sleepy sounds of birds roosting in the nests and the occasional far away voice - it was heaven. An escape from the noisy pub and constant chatter of the people we worked with. It also provided us a quiet haven, away from the persistent comings and goings in the b&b.

The same thought hit us at the same time .... With a grin on our face we found a little nook at the side of the woodland path, and settled down on the grass.

Suddenly, a brilliant White light shone down on us and we froze; then an engine started and the lights became brighter, the noise of the engine got louder!

We jumped to our feet and peered through the light - a large four x four was bearing down on us. We took to our heels and hand in hand ran down the path.

The four x four was still coming along behind us, and we were still running. We headed down a smaller darker path, heading to the lower reaches of the park, to where the river ran.

We could hear voices shouting and we were starting to panic; we ran off the path and stumbled across the undergrowth and then stood silently behind a tree.

Silence. Only the tinkling of the river going past us, and again the snuffling of little animals in the dark.

We waited a few more minutes and then headed towards a side exit of the park where the park met with the abbey cemetery.

As we stepped out of the park and headed back to the b&b we laughed at our late night exertions and promised never again to venture into the park late at night.