Sprained ankle!

After trying to decide how many things we wanted to cram in today (forfeiting a bird of prey display because of timings) we stopped in our overnight village for supplies and a quick nose around. Whilst walking along, Gary spectacularly slipped off the narrow curb and twisted his ankle. He had to sit down for some time in considerable agony, Peter Griffin style, whilst I went and bought some peas from the shop we’d just been in. He managed to hobble back to the van once the pain had subsided, relieved it wasn’t broken and elevated it with peas on whilst I drove on to the first stop at Dunrobin castle - a Disney inspired-looking castle. We only looked at the outside as we had already decided to crack on anyway, despite the ankle. On to Brora beach, hoping to maybe spot some seals but no luck. Very lovely but very chilly and windy albeit sunny. On to Whaligoe steps, steep steps leading down to a cove that was used in the 1700s as a port. Gary seemed to be able to cope with the steps though rather slowly. Next stop, Castle of Old Wick, an old ruin atop a hill overlooking the sea, beautiful views, v v windy, underwhelming ‘castle’. Bit of an amble round then on to Wick town for tea and cake then on to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe just north of Wick. A much more impressive ruin, again overlooking the sea. First being built from 1300s then added to over the centuries. Depleted by Oliver Cromwell’s cronies as he did with most castles in his day.
Gary’s ankle seemed to be holding out, thankfully although just slightly stiff. As we’d managed to cram quite a bit in today despite ankle drama, thought we’d better find a stopover for the night before everyone else does on a Friday night. Picked a lovely spot by the sea again and was lucky there were spaces. Nybster Broch. Had a little recce on to the beach and the surrounding Iron Age broch, a dry stone wall roundhouse found in Scotland. Although massively overgrown with grass, it had been slightly excavated so you could make out the rooms. Reminded me of Teletubby land! Back to the van for dinner and spend the rest of the evening cooped up inside again due to the high winds. Definitely been very bracing winds the last few days and hard to be outside without many layers/hats but thankfully dry and sunny. Hoping it’s just an east coast thing and once we turn the corner tomorrow it’ll ease? This is the North Sea! Ankle seems to be holding out. Lots of frozen peas, anti-inflamatories and rest (RICE) hoping it doesn’t seize up overnight. (Just so you know, it didn’t, phew!). Hopefully that’s the 3rd thing and all should be good from now on. (Licence expired, near crash, ankle!)
Been beautiful driving around the Highlands but not as imagined, yet. We are purposely driving anticlockwise saving the west coast until last as apparently that’s more scenic and breathtaking. Not seen much wildlife yet either despite having the DSLR camera and zoom lens with me. And definitely no highland coos yet. I’m pinning all my hopes on when we reach John O Groats and turn the corner. Lots of sheep and lambs though. Please don’t eat lamb!Leia mais