Sun, sea, snow and sand

On a day of stunning sunshine, we've done some of the "bests" of the area. Once we had defrosted the car, we drove out to Portmahamock, stopping for a potter in the village which was very quiet. Then, ignoring Mr A's concerns about the state of the single track road from there out to the lighthouse, I pressed on regardless and we were blessed with stunning views and a crunchy walk out to and beyond the lighthouse. By the time we were back in the car, the roads were in a much better state as the sun rose a little in the sky.

From there, we headed back to ANTA for a coffee and a snack. L bought us a gorgeous merino wool throw for Christmas. I've got it on my knees right now.

Then we crossed the firth to Dornoch and had a poke around the shops (bookshop, butcher, Harry Gow, Dornoch Stores, some craft shops), followed by a walk on the beach, and a visit to the bar in the Castle Hotel for a pint. Mr A's previous downer on Dornoch has been largely upended, I think.

The last stop was more prosaic: the supermarket for supplies for this evening. We had hoped to eat out but couldn't get a table at Platform 1864, so we've consoled ourselves with a wonderful piece of venison fillet from the butchers in Dornoch, and Mr A is going to give it the treatment.

In the extras are a stunning photograph of Tarbat Ness lighthouse taken by L with his iPhone14 (we're going to get that printed up and onto the walls of this cottage) and an alternative view north from Dornoch beach. I couldn't really decide between that and the one I blipped.