Explorers Garden & Enchanted Forest

On Saturday we had a short stroll past the Dam and on to the Explorers Garden above the Festival Theatre. Nice in the autumn colours. Worth a visit in the summer as well.

Then went to the Festival Theatre and saw a demonstration of Scottish Weapons and Dress. Max got to the from and led the charge !

Watched a couple of hours of open Mic performances while Cherry completed her knitting !

In the evening we had a nice meal at the Old Armoury and then went to the Enchanted Forest. A walk round an illuminated lake with many small historical or mythical sets.

Dougie MacLead & Eddi Reader

We all headed North on Friday afternoon for a concert at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Dougie MacLean did a very good 45 minute set on his own. Then Eddi Reader and band played for about an hour. Both excellent and everyone really enjoyed.

ESOA Champs

Max and Colin headed out to cold, wet and windy West Lomond hills in Fife for the East of Scotland champs. Colin was off form and very slow. Max did well coming 4th in a good run on the Light Green course.

Crieff Day 5

High Ropes in the morning. Scary Stuff. Max did incredibly well completing all the tasks - even complete the leap from telegraph pole to trapeze ! Hannah did very well as well although the telegraph pole was a bit too scarey.

Nice dinner at the brasserie.

Crieff Day 4

Disc golf in the morning then Cherry & Max had a go at Archery in the afternoon. Tennis later in the afternoon and some great doubles.

Crieff Day 3

Another sporty day with a short badminton tournament and a game of squash. A swim in the pool and haircuts for Cherry, Hannah & Max.

Crieff Day 2

Busy day. Started with a walk up the Knock. Then Max, Hannah and Colin played 5's in the sports hall recording a great victory. In the afternoon we did outdoor laserquest which was brilliant. Nice dinner at the Brasserie.

Holiday at Crieff Hydro Hotel

Travelled up to Crieff Hydro for a 5 night stay. Stayed in one of the chalets just above the hotel. On Monday we went to the Family Fun and played lots of short tennis and badminton. Colin was persuaded to put on a Sumo suit and get slaughtered by a 6 ft rugby player.

Survival of the Fittest

Colin ran a 10 k obstacle course through the centre of Edinburgh on Sunday morning. Great fun with obstacles ranging from an army assault course, water slides, wrecked cars and skips.

Some photos here

http://www.sleepmonsters.com/photosystem/menshealth/index.php?search_value=773&event_id=7508&page_action=Search

Came in place 372 of 1303 in a time of 1 hr 3 mins.

Fight with the Night - Craigmillar

Ridiculously difficult night orienteering at Craigmillar Castle. Loads of horrible nettles as well. Yuk.

Manor Water

Colin was on his own for a trip down to the sheepdog trials and hill race in the Manor Water valley near Peebles. This is a very nice race with a long steady ascent over 5 miles with it runnable all the way to the ascent of The Scrape the final summit. Really wanted a PB so pushed hard all the way up maintaining a steady pace and resisting any temptation to walk. Reached the summit in 58 minutes and then enjoyed the long fast run home. Suffered a bit from lack of water and felt I might have gone a few minutes faster if I'd brought a drink.

Very pleased to finish in 1 hr 35 min 30 seconds over a 1 minute better than previous fastest in 2006.

Hopefully some photos to follow.