It’s not all Tio Pepe and sunbathing, you know

Fiona heads to the Canary Islands for some winter sun but there will be no frying eggs outside in the baking heat this time...

As winter officially arrives, the chief and I fly out in search of spirit-lifting sun. Our destination is the Canary Islands and a return visit to this part of the world is long overdue.

The last time I was off the coast of Africa was some 20 years ago. Then, it was hot, hot, hot and one of the highlights was frying eggs outdoors. We cooked breakfast on baking stones before exploring the winding caverns formed by molten lava.

Lanzarote is a volcanic island and so is Tenerife, which is where we choose to go. Especially as you can fly direct from Edinburgh. This is a short trip. Just five days. Yet five days is infinitely better than none for a winter break is a rarity in the Armstrong MacGregor household.

When December comes we always seem to be too caught up with end-ofyear work and house things. We are too busy finishing film and photographic projects. We are clearing leaves from drives and gutters – and perhaps even coping with snow.

We are preoccupied with festive planning. To send or not to send cards? (Probably not this year). Turkey or beef on the Christmas table? (At this stage, who cares?!) Decisions, decisions…

Then, when January arrives, of course, there will be all the after-season clearing up. And the start of new work projects.

So getting away, even for a short time, is therapeutic. Books and sun hats are packed. We live in hope.

“We really should get away more,” I tell my husband as we lie on loungers under a palm tree.

A waiter appears with a glass of iced Tio Pepe and another of chilled Orvietto. The MacGregor likes his dry sherry. I am a firm white wine girl. Waves are crashing on the shore. The sand is jet black and soft between the toes.

It is all very pleasant.

For us, that is. Not for the rest of the family. The Mac Naughties are not quite home alone but they are certainly not home with those they want to be home with. The doggies are being cared for by neighbours and canine updates ping across countries – some more welcome than others.

One day the two hounds disappear for an hour and return covered in mud. A picture appears on the mobile of the sorry pair being hosed off outside.

Yet Rummie and Barra would not have liked the four-hour plane journey or the heat. Well, sort-of heat. Do not feel too jealous about our brief break. Yes, the

One day we huddle under towels as the wind whips the coast.

sun shines bright in a blue sky but only properly on two days.

One day we huddle under towels as the wind whips the coast. On another the red flag flies and the sea is deemed too dangerous to even test with a toe. Then a darkening Mediterranean storm drives us inside and we watch as the heavens open.

But what else can the hopeful traveller expect? For it is winter. Even in Tenerife.

The weather in Tenerife is a mixed bag for the couple.