Well, two months late and almost Spring time but poor Bloggy has been a little bit under the weather (nothing at all to do with the fantastic Hogmanay celebrations which are a tradition in Scotland). However Bloggy is made of good strong Highland genes and has recovered remarkably well to start of a new season.
As a result of an incredibly mild winter where temperatures varied on a daily basis from 17 degrees above to 3 below, very little snow and hardly any frost, nature has become a bit confused! The birds have been flicking through the pages of their property journals in search of a new home for the family of 2017 a bit sooner than usual. This early interest may push up prices for last year’s hatchlings who are looking for their first new home together. Who knows it may even generate some interest in the second home market and our bill for peanuts and mixed seeds will be astronomical. We’ll have to wait and see, but judging by the numbers of birds around the Lochan, Lodges and woodlands they are certainly thriving.
The weekend saw two swans visit the Lochan (see Facebook for video and photos) but we did not have enough bistro style restaurants or possibly well known ballets to entice them to set up home on one of the islands. I guess swans are pretty fussy about where they nest and as their preferred diet is frogs, fish and worms (none of these on the Lochan menu) then we will have to be prepared for next year.
Whilst on the outside of the Lodges, we can let you know we have been very busy with some pretty dramatic landscaping. Quite a different look but still managing to maintain the natural look. We are hoping with the new selection of shrubs, trees and plants we can attract a lot more wildlife all year round plus lovely little pockets of colour and texture too.
Now we come to the biggest change of all for Lodges at the Mains 2017 and beyond.
Staying loyal and true to our ‘couples’ we have removed the two single beds from the spare bedroom and made it into a lovely relaxing space for reading, listening to music, doing some art and craft work, sorting out photos on the laptop or just lying back in our fantastic new massage recliner and ‘chillin’! We’ve giving your mindfulness a great deal of thought and there is even a yoga/pilates mat, a cushion for meditation or paints/pastels etc to bring out your creative side whilst on holiday. We figured that it is unlikely both of you will like exactly the same films or television programmes and if one is enjoying watching the television the other can put their feet up in the relaxing zone!! We’ve still to think of a name for the room but no doubt someone will come up with the perfect solution.
We do have a couple of other surprises in the lounge area for this year but hey we are not giving away too many secrets – you’ll just have to come and see for yourselves. Suffice to say we have been visiting Johnstons of Elgin… that’s the only clue you’re getting!
With Easter being later this year, March is a lovely time to come to the lodges, the days are lengthening, the birdsong is amazing, the spring colours are peeping through and there is an unhurried relaxed vibe about the coffee shops, visitor attractions and landmarks.
Here are just a few to entice you –
* Culloden Battlefield
* North Coast 500
* Cawdor Castle
* Jacobite Cruises
This is a very interesting article with some great ideas….
We are only a ten minute drive from Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Fort George, the lovely seaside town of Nairn and of course Inverness.
Within a couple of hours you could be on the West Coast – Isle of Skye (2.5hrs), south on the A9 to Perth, the far north coastline in around 3 hours and all the beauty in between.
If you don’t fancy driving very far, there are lovely local walks and cycles (we have bike storage) and the train journeys in all four directions are full of great views.
Don’t want to drive but fancy a Distillery tour – we can arrange one for you.
Don’t want to cook but fancy a glass of wine (or two) with your meal we can suggest takeaway or have a ready meal of your choice waiting for you when you arrive. Just switch on the oven, pop supper in and get the glasses out.
We will be out and about very soon and will have photos to show you just what you can do and see.
Meantime keep following, liking and sharing us on Facebook and get your diary out to book that well deserved break.
