Life in Munich means that Scotland is now a holiday destination. But when I arrived at Edinburgh airport it felt as if I had never left. The Easyjet direct flight was late as usual but Ana picked me up well after midnight on Friday. On Sunday we joined a Tayside Sea Kayak Club party to paddle southwards from Stonehaven, one of my favourite trips. Here is Stonehaven harbour...
... and here are some of the many inlets and caves on this stunning part of the Scottish coast.
In one cave there is a seal colony that seems used to the kayaks. They come close, swim under the kayaks and one even nibbled on the paddle. This is why Scotland is a truly world class sea kayak destination.
The cliffs get higher and are still colonised by large colonies of sea birds.
I was missing the smell of the sea...
... the kayaking friends...
... and the great fishing. We caught lots of mackerel plus a decent sized pollack for evening BBQs.
Here are more seals on the return to Stonehaven.
... and here we reach Stonehaven harbour after a great trip.
Finally the Scottish "no mercy" heatwave (anything over 20 degrees, stay inside, drink plenty!) kicked in and Ana and I decided to paddle on the Tay towards Balmerino.
Flat water, great views...
... and near Tayport harbour we spottet several dolphins coming our way. Here is one of them.
Here is Ana passing Tayport lighthouse...
... and here are the three oil rigs that dominate the Dundee horizon on the Northern shore.
We were carried by the tide past the car and rail bridge...
... which is below.
Lunch on a beach in Balmerino.
After lunch the tide was flowing out but we had to paddle into the wind.
... again past Dundee...
... and the lighthouse in Tayport.
What else? Another trip to Arbroath with grey skies so no pictures and an adventure somewhere in the Angus glens. It is great not to lose the Scottish experience and to start a new life in Munich because this is the European lifestyle that I hope to live in future!
HW
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