MR2 Drivers Club North West Region

2004

Written by Debbie Cooper

 Scots, wahay!

Saturday, 3 July - James, Yvonne, Allan, Karen, Mark, Lesley, Jon and I met at Tebay on the M6 for the third annual North West holiday in Scotland. Destination: Crathie, near Balmoral. After being asked to stop on average every 50 minutes, we soon learnt the land signals for tea and toilet stops. On nearing the house I phoned ahead to be met with the key. The owner commented on how quickly we arrived; little did she know we were only getting warmed up. The house was fantastic. We couldn't quite believe anyone would let us stay anywhere so grand!

Sunday - To Spey Bay on the Moray Firth. No dolphins or whales, but we did spot a red squirrel (well the first two cars did, before it shot up a tree). On the way there the sight of four MR2's proved so alarming to one village woman that she actually fell out of her car! After a trip to Tesco we called in to Halfords, for much-needed walkie-talkies and to give Allan an opportunity to fix his windscreen wipers. Back home again, Allan had further opportunity to demonstrate how a large campfire could be used, blacksmith-style, to mend broken wiper arms... We were all most impressed. We also discovered on the way home an amazing humpback bridge. The road just had to be blocked for a photo of the cars going over it.

Monday - We visited Braemar castle, another photo opportunity. The highlight for us girls was finding the teddies hidden in each room and trying out Queen Victoria's toilet! We then got very wet visiting other castles and headed off home for Jon's special lasagne.

Tuesday - A trip to Aberdeen, with no map of the town centre and the GPS being hopeless, we relied on Jon's sense of direction. As a result we were fortunate to get a rare tour of the (cobbled) streets of the docks and drove past the car park twice. We did get our money's worth out of the multi-storey by parking on the top floor, though. I think everyone in Aberdeen heard us. (Another note, re Tuesday: MR2's do not like diesel!)

Wednesday - My Birthday, and thanks to everyone for making it such a great day. even to the extent of decorating the dinning room. Off to a wildlife park. James was alarmed as we pulled up at the gate to find we would be driving, safari-style, among the animals; out of the boot came a big monkey wrench, defence against attackers. Allan, too, riding up on top of his T-bar clearly thought he was a gamekeeper.

Thursday - Lovely weather for a 12-mile walk to Loch Nagar. Or to the Glenfiddich distillery for free tour and samples, as preferences dictate. On the drive back from our walk the wheel decided to fall off our car; this gave Allan an excuse to break the land speed record to come and help us! Breakdown people were called for the second time this week.

Friday - James and Yvonne went in search of Nessie. We visited Alford motor museum and did some gift shopping. Jon again did us proud with his roast dinner; I think we'll let him come again next year.

Saturday - End of the week. To sum up: a great house, fantastic roads, lots of laughs. And we didn't want to go home (we've booked again for next year). Thanks to everyone for my presents and for making it such a great week.