Weekend read: Heart of Time

One of my New Year's resolutions is to finally finish my fantasy novel, Heart of Time.

I started it during Nanowrimo in 2014, and managed to write about 70,000 words. But it's not even half finished, let alone edited.

Eona and her prison mate Lia are still trapped in a dungeon and they're refusing to tell me how they are planning to get out.

Until they do, I'll edit and upload the finished chpaters to Wattpad.

Here's a preview, please read and comment.

A weekend in the Cairngorms - Day 2

On the second day in Glenmore, I decided to walk up Meall a'Bhuachaille, a 820m high Corbett. But first, an amazing breakfast at my youth hostel: hot apple pie with lots of ice cream. Judging from the looks of my fellow guests I might have started a trend.

Off I went through nice woodlands until I reach An Lochan Uain - the small green lake.

And then off into the open heather landscape.

Soon Ryvoan Bothy came into view - will keep it in mind as an emergency accommodation, it looked quite cozy inside (although I was glad for my warm youth hostel room nonetheless).

 Then it goes up. The stairs are steep and I'm soon questioning why exactly I'm doing this.

The bothy is soon far below.

 The first major views were very rewarding:

And finally, the top, marked by a large storm cairn.

Great views of Loch Morlich:

Look at those views!

Suddenly, there were reindeer! I couldn't believe my eyes, it was amazing...

At some point they disappeared in the direction I had come from, so I decided to start the long descent.

I had to laugh when I saw this sign. Allow 5-6 hours - I needed only three, and I'm not even in good shape.

Pity the weekend was over so soon. I will be back!

A weekend in the Cairngorms - Day 1

I decided to leave the city for the weekend after my birthday and escape to the highlands. I spent two amazing days in the Cairngorms - taking the train up to Aviemore and staying at Cairngorm Lodge youth hostel.

From Aviemore train station, I walked to Lynwilg (using part of the new Speyside Way extension) before climbing Geal-charn Mor (824m) - the Big White Hill - a short but beautiful hike. Hundreds of young pheasants watched my every move, as did some very curious sheep. 

I had never seen a sign like that before: 

Spot the pheasants!

 I can never get enough of heather:

The mountain is getting rougher:

The views are getting better by the minute:

I've made it!

Someone seems a little confused by my outburst:

 One last time...

Walking in Holyrood Park

Breaking in the new camera, now that the sun has finally decided to shine on Edinburgh.

Home sweet home

I have moved - here are the pictures...

View on Arthur's Seat from the street in front of my house

The kitchen

(will need to get a proper bin to get rid of that green bin bag)

My fledgling herb collection

And the tea collection (the box is going to be filled with ingredients for loose tea, like lavender, apple pieces, etc)

The bedroom...

... with walk-in closet (needs a bit of work)

The bathroom (with a lovely big bathtub, haven't had one in years)

The stairs to the living room (modified bookshelf)

Relaxation & plant corner (please note the 3 remote controlled candles - got them for a quid at the charity shop) - although the plants are still seeds)

Living room

 My amazing bureau!

Darwin's new kingdom - with tipi