GIGGLES, GRINS & PONIES

by VICTORIA CAREFORD-WHITE

“A pony-tail!” Isabelle giggled, as I tied her hair back, set the helmet atop her head, and secured the strap beneath her chin. I couldn’t help giggling too. The kids had been troopers on the overnight ferry from mainland Scotland out to where the North Atlantic meets the Norwegian and North Seas.

Isabelle, aged 8 at the time, is an animal-lover, who wants monkeys, meerkats, turtles, and every other animal as pets. Her brother, Thomas, aged 10, I think secretly likes being dragged away from his computer. Each year, we try to fi nd vacation adventures for them that are both educational and fun. This year, we had chosen the Shetland Islands, home of the world-famous ponies.

Seabirds called out to welcome us as the ferry docked. Thankful to be on land again, we breathed in the fresh country air and set out across the heathery Shetlandic moorlands in search of the pony stables just a short distance away.

Looking like proper little riders in their helmets, the kids lit up as they came face-to-face with their chocolatecolored counterparts and learned to groom their silky coats. Thomas was matched with Bjorn who was a gentle, older pony. Isabelle to Sebastian, who was very cooperative. Of course, both were happy to be fussed over.

I had to laugh as Thomas “picked out” Bjorn’s hooves, applying as much concentration to the task as he gives his Minecraft ® game. Next, they saddled, mounted, and led Sebastian and Bjorn around an obstacle course, before taking a path down to the beach.

When the walk turned into a trot, both kids broke into wide grins and Isabelle hardly noticed her helmet sliding over her eyes. We could have stayed and cooed over Bjorn and Sebastian all day, but Britain’s northernmost point had more adventures in store.

At Muckle Flugga, we found puffi ns and gulls aplenty. We clapped at seals and gawped at gannets nesting in the cliff faces. Then we visited a working croft where the kids fed lambs, ducks, and geese. And cheeky Thomas christened a turkey “Christmas Dinner.”

Plan the perfect Scottish adventure with your travel advisor today.

Why did the cow go on holiday? Because it had a wee calf.

Minecraft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation

Like#vanlife, only nicer

A lot of people have big dreams of packing up the family and heading west in search of adventure. Bold explorations in the rugged wilderness are baked into our culture, after all. At Southwest Adventure Tours, our clients enjoy all of the boldness and adventure without the prickly bits of going it alone. Think of our tours as great American road trips, done in comfort and style.

• Expertly designed tours, customizable to your preferences • Hiking, biking, boating, helicopters, horses, and much more • Professional driver/guides with amazing stories to share • Delicious food and comfortable hotels (with swimming pools!) • Airport transport, luggage handling, reservations, permits Choose from small group, private, or self-drive tour options. We’ve done all the heavy lifting, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.

VIDEO

INTERVIEW