Bandit Country

After getting abi back yesterday we decided it would be nice to have a family day out and so set off bright and early (all right at half past ten) to the Black Isle Wildlife Park. It is one of Abis all time favourite places and we usually end up spending about as much on food for the animals as we do on entrance fees.Today was no exception. After the very cheeky goats who'll grab the bag out of your hand if they get half a chance and the frankly rather intimidating geese (they form flocks round the visitors and are the ornithological equivilant of teenagers in hoodys).We got to the raccoons and mere cats and the very chatty parrots and minah bird. This is the bit of the park where I would quite happily spend a bit more time, however, by now Abi has spied the adventure playground and lost all interest in the animals dumping any remaining food and setting off at a gallop yelling 'SLIIIIIDE'.

After that we headed up to Strathpeffer for a wander. We had a quick lunch where Katy covered an area of about 12 square feet with sandwich (why put grated cheese in them- it's just asking for mess). Ten minutes after finishing Abi was already asking what was for dinner. We then headed off to the Eagles Stone (a Pictish Monumement from around the 7th Century)and thn down to the museum of childhood. Abi spent a happy half hour playing with the dressing up clothes and then another 45 minutes negotiating what she could have from the gift shop. I did get some really nice (and very reasonably) priced stocking fillers though so it's well worth a look.