The only Driving that Counts is Front Seat Driving.

Mither aywis said “if ye get a guid November ahin ye, ye’ll hae a guid winter”. (Something like that.)

November has brought colour, storms, sunshine and frost. And we’re only halfway through. It’s brought lots of journeys up the A82 to Inverness and Raigmore Hospital, and it’s brought lots of unexpected family time. It’s brought lovely Saturdays. The first one being my sloe picking day. The next being the Mallaig Book Festival - A Write Good Hoolie. And this Saturday brought my nephew from Edinburgh, and a fantastic road trip back to Mallaig.

Here’s the pictorial story.

Eden Court Theatre and the talented band Dallahan. A treat from my sister Marion and brother in law Ian.

The east coast haar crept in quickly. And 5 mins after this photo from the cafe at Raigmore, it crept out again…

Ì haunt the corridors of Raigmore and lurk in their dining areas.

The haar reveal.

A Write Highland Hoolie in Mallaig, where I sat still, mesmerised, from 9.30am to 5.30pm - listening, not speaking. I was late and my 2 friends were sitting in the front row. I whispered in a panic “we from Fort William always sit in the back seats!” The East witch said - “Ì draw. I ALWAYS sit in the front seats.”

Mel Shand - Artist. My bestest friend of over 40 years.

With the West witch in the middle.

I maintain it’s at least 18 years since Rory and I spent any significant time together. We had such a great weekend. Road trip to Mallaig - again, and never too much. Followed by a night by the fire with a dram and Local Hero. He was my perfect guest. He took loads of photos -just like his old auntie and we both seem to have a penchant for photies through the windie.

He travelled on the Ember bus. Loch Linnhe.

Glencoe.

Cammusdarrach. (Above 4 are Rory’s photies)

Lunch in Mallaig beside a much needed fire after his run into the Altlantic Ocean.

The dog doesn’t love the Big Red Bus. Billy’s campervan. He refuses to sit where he’s meant to.

I don’t care if you don’t like it Courr. You have to sit in the back seat.

“I don’t like it.” “I’m too far away.”

“I want to sit in Rory’s seat.”

“YES!!!!” Sorted. It took a bit of work but he finally pulled it off.

Rory’s windie photie.

My windie photie. Floor 3, having a breather before floor 6 destination. Raigmore.

My safe place. Sister Marion, and Ian’s house - Craig Dunain.