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Saturday 6th June Tarland Day 16
Since we left Loch Lomond we have been out of wifi sight so this entry logs the events since then. We are currently sitting in another very rural site, still in the Highlands, just north of the River Dee. The sun is shining, I am munching a sandwich made with a 'Balmoral' loaf ; a tasty, brown malted loaf bought in Ballater this morning.
Thursday.
Today was golf. Braemar has a golf club, the highest in Scotland but quite short at just under 5000 yards. As the brochure on Deeside golf me, tee times are very rarely a problem. There were few people about, but the course turned out to be remarkably well maintained with well defined fairways, good, if a little fluffy, greens. They proved to be quite challenging however, with plenty of movement on the surface.
As you will see from the pictures, the 1st Tee was elevated, as indeed were several others. Although the river runs through the course, it played, and should play little role in the game. However, several burns that run across several fairways do come into play…a lot!
I enjoyed my round and managed 28 points. Given that it was my first attempt that, I feel wasn't to bad. Getting the clubbing correct was hard as the wind played a significant role.
Clubhouse was well run and very friendly. Well worth a return visit!
Friday
With the weather predicted to be wet and windy it was hard to plan. However, a walk along the valley beyond the golf course was agreed and, after a little rain, we managed to stay dry and admire the scenery and see a little of the wildlife.
Oddly, given its position, and thinking of them as being more a coastal species, there were lots of Oystercatchers feeding on the course. We also managed to see an Osprey and a Buzzard, Bullfinch, lots of Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail, a real beauty hiding in a tree. Whilst the rain fell and we sheltered in the old clubhouse with a local golfer, he spotted a roe deer hiding in the trees.
Tea in the clubhouse followed where we could watch a German Pro, all long blond haired but stuffed under his cap, lead his squad of learners as they prepared to play. Preparing was the operative word, as he made sure that they all warmed up correctly with lots of stretching and other exercises. Then he led the way by duffing his tee shot down the steep bank in front of the 1st tee! Never mind, it can only get better, can't it? Hitting his 2nd/whatever shot into the green from about 100 yards, he over hit it and put it into the river!
This group of 4, relatively young players is followed by 2 more groups of three. I guess he will drop back and join them later. We were told in the clubhouse that this is the german way as all golfers muts be fully qualified before they can set foot on any propor course in Germany.
By this time the early morning rain had finished and more golfers has arrived.
Meryl in the meantime had explored the town, spent some money and wandered along golf road to meet me!
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