Day 112: What a hoot!

14/11/2021

This morning it was cool, but not cool enough for Eloise to pass up on her banana and yoghurt ice creams that she made yesterday.

It was then in the car on our way to Edinburgh. The first stop was almost halfway, at Polkemmet Country Park. We visited the Scottish Owl Centre which featured the world’s largest parliament of owls.

It was pretty amazing checking out the majestic owls. Eloise and Lachlan were a wee unsure about the big ones but warmed up quickly to them. Eloise loved trying to spot them in each enclosure.

We walked through Wee Owl World where Lachlan and Eloise felt right at home. There was also the rare ‘Kookaburra Owl’.

After looking at the owls from all around the world it was time for the flying display. Before the flying squad was introduced everyone was told to stay quiet due to the owls sensitive hearing. Eloise could not contain her excitement and squealed every time one flew past or overhead. Also shouting at Lachlan to make sure he saw the action.

We were a wee disappointed walking around the enclosures earlier because we could not find Hedwig anywhere. Surely they had a Hedwig. Luckily, the second owl at the flying display was the one everyone was waiting to see. Hedwig the Snowy Owl.

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), also known as the polar owl, the white owl, the Arctic owl [or the Hedwig Owl], is a large, white owl of the true owl family. Snowy owls are native to the Arctic regions of both North America and the Palearctic, breeding mostly on the tundra. Most owls sleep during the day and hunt at night, but the snowy owl is often active during the day, especially in the summertime. Concern was expressed by some in the media that the popularity of the Harry Potter films would cause an increase in the illicit owl trade of snowy owls. However, there was no strong evidence of an increase in snowy owl’s confiscated from the black market, despite a larger than typical number of snowy owls being reported at wildlife centres.

After having a hoot of a time at the Scottish Owl Centre we walked out past the first tee at Polkemmet Country Park. Liam started dreaming but knew we did not have time today.

It was a short drive onwards to Edinburgh. We were quickly reminded of how beautiful this city is and enjoyed driving about admiring the buildings. Well, Sophie admired the buildings, Liam was busy weaving about the narrow, windy cobbled streets which were designed for horses back in the day. We turned a corner and had a great view of Edinburgh Castle.

In the afternoon we caught up with Murray who had kindly invited us to his own stadium, MURRAYfield. We were all excited to watch the women’s rugby, Scotland vs Japan. Apparently, it was too cold for Murray to wear his kilt so we let him off this time. As we walked in we got a family shot with Nessie the team’s mascot. Poor Eloise was petrified, Lachlan was intrigued.

Luckily we had Murray with us to explain the rules and sing the Flower of Scotland.

Somewhat rugby-related, worth a watch.

After Japan attempted a comeback at the end of the first half, Scotland ran out winners 36 touchdowns to 12 baskets. Eloise had fallen asleep at three-quarter time but Lachlan was cheering loudly throughout.

A fun evening out and about.

It was a happy meal kind of night on the way home, Eloise chose the book option over a toy. She has so many books but makes Dad read Winnie the Pooh everrrrrryyyyyyyyyyy night. Dad was glad Eloise was keen to read her new book tonight.

Back in Koala land, “Australia [claimed their] maiden Twenty20 World Cup title as Mitch Marsh carts New Zealand’s bowlers”.