Monday morning we left Frodsham with reports of the entire UK covered in fog. Airports closed, traffic chaos, expected delays – we expected the worst on the way to our new destination of Gourdon in Scotland. Leaving at 10am, we thought we would arrive between 3pm and 4pm, but with the weather hazard, who knew how long this would take.

Just north of Liverpool however, the fog lifted and we were doubly blessed with sunshine and picturesque views of rolling green hills and old fashioned farms on our way to ‘The North’. I am not trying to value-add here, the sign posts actually have ‘The North’ as a possible destination.

Hamish was content to listen to his iPod as we made the journey North and it wasn’t long until we crossed the border into Scotland. Rod and I hi-fived and Rod attempted talking with a Scottish brogue, until I gave him my honest opinion of his impersonation. You’ll be pleased to know it hasn’t stopped him and he has spent the day calling Hamish ‘laddie’ – but Hamish says he’s not a laddie, he’s a Hamish.

We arrived into Gourdon and found our cottage easily. I like to think we’re getting better with the navigation, but to be honest, there are only a couple of streets in Gourdon; we couldn’t really miss it. Apart from The Travis and Dawn’s house, the cottage is absolutely the best accommodation we’ve had so far. It’s spacious, it’s warm (but not too hot like other houses in Europe), it has ocean views, the pub is 50m and the Chippie is 55m – and, it’s been recently renovated. This place was nice before the renovations, but now it’s just beautiful.

Rod popped up to the local shops to get some Scottish sausages for dinner (delish) and Hamish and I started unpacking. Rod’s antibiotics are making him feel a bit yuck, so Hamish and I particularly enjoyed dinner, whilst Rod managed one small sausage and some mashed veggies. Hamish didn’t take much rocking to fall asleep (as my Dad would say) and Rod and I cosied up on the couch (in front of the fire) to watch a Jimmy Carr DVD.

We awoke after a bit of a sleep in to bright sunshine. Scotland – who knew it would be sunny? We took a couple of photos to prove it, ate breakfast and watched the fog roll in. Never mind. We rugged up and walked up and down the coastline, did a spot of rock pool viewing and shell collecting before heading back home. The locals are very friendly and one lady kindly told us where we could take Hamish to a nearby park.

After midday, we headed to just south of Aberdeen to do a big grocery shop at ASDA. Cross between, Target and Coles – but better. And cheaper. The fog lifted and settled for the rest of the day. Just about to tuck into some of my homemade chicken and vegetable broth (it’s nay called soup in Scotland). Thinking about relocating here. Loving it.