Dream Country

stats of the week: run 11 km, hiked 20 km, gym 1.5 h
stats of the previous week: hiked 70 km
stats of the week before: run 13 km, hiked 30 km

We had glorious days with brilliant weather in my beloved Scotland. Highlights were the boat trips to the Isle of May, Bass Rock and Staffa as well as our stay on the small island of Canna. As we did quite a lot of walking - with an ascent of Goatfell on the Isle of Arran - running was not the focus. I enjoyed day after day, it was a great pleasure to be back to the country I love most.

The birds were most exciting. Gannets on Bass Rock

Gull chicks on the Isle of May

Isle of May Puffins

I now decided not to take part in the L'etape du Tour Femmes. I don't feel capable to manage 3,000 meters of ascent, even more so seeing the weather forecast of temperatures higher than 35°c. This will let me concentrate on running now what is necessary with only 8 weeks to Copenhague Half Marathon. 

A dream comes true

stats of the week: run 17 km, cycled 145 km, gym 1.5 h

All my thoughts are now turning to next Friday. It will be the day that one of my lifelong dreams finally comes true: visiting Bass Rock.

This small rocky island, just off the coast near Edinburgh, is home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets. Around 150,000 birds nest there, and we will have the rare privilege of walking carefully among them in their remarkable world.

The landing trip is organised by the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. There is only one trip each day, and the number of visitors is strictly limited. At 200 pounds per person, it is certainly expensive. However, this is a once in a lifetime experience, and I prefer to think of the cost as a contribution to the protection of these magnificent birds.

Temperatures in Scotland look pleasantly comfortable, with no sign of a heatwave. Looking at Mollans, where temperatures are consistently above 35°C, we are very glad that we left Provence in time.

Photo wikipedia: Bass Rock

wikipedia by Andreas Trepte: Northern Gannet