On the hill there were numerous day walks, camping high in the Cairngorms and the opportunity to share in the experiences of Duke of Edinburgh's Award teams on their qualifying ventures.
As ever, it's difficult to pick a single memory from the year - and this January I'm going to cheat and indulge in two special memories.
The first combined hillwalking, sea kayaking, swimming and wildlife into a single day.......
...on a superb trip to Ailsa Craig. In the course of a single day Douglas and I paddled over 35 kilometres, climbed to the 338 metre summit (more difficult than the height would suggest) swam in the sea and explored the lighthouse. But it's the wildlife spectacle on the west side which leaves the greatest impression - on all the senses.
This "day trip" was amongst the best outdoor days I've ever had, and involved me leaving home at 0430 and arriving back at 0130 the next morning, the drive home (literally) illuminated by a rare display of noctilucent cloud.
Talking of which, the second outstanding memory of 2014 was all about cloudscape..........
...on an early morning crossing of the Kilbrannan Sound to Lochranza - the sheer beauty of which was impossible to put into words.
A good friend has recently written compellingly about the gift of gratitude at the turn of the year - and looking back over 2014 that's the dominant theme. In a year which brought both sadness and joy to our family, we've so much to be grateful for. These two memories illustrate great days shared with friends; and I'm so grateful to have shared these and all the other wonderful experiences that 2014 offered.
So there you have it - two moments from another year in Scotland's outdoors. What's your outstanding memory of 2014?
Good reminder - have to make a "best of 2014" myself. :) Great photos, by the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mia :o) I really think you should do a "best of 2014" posting - you have so many great memories from which to choose!
DeleteKind Regards
and many thanks to you for sharing with the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Dan - happy New Year! Hopefully some more posts soon :o)
DeleteKind regards
There are so many such moments, Ian, such an amalgam of the planned and the serendipitous! I'd say the turquoise waters and white sands of Arisaig and the deep sandstone caves of Arbroath are at the top. We are so grateful for those days we shared with you on the water...and for all the other adventures you've shared through this medium. With warm wishes to you and Linda. Duncan and Joan.
ReplyDeleteThanks D & J, it was a good year! Great to share Arisaig and the Angus coast with you - let's do some more this year :o)
DeleteWarm wishes
A best of 2014? Good idea, now the problem of trying to figure out the best after a fantastic years paddling :)
ReplyDeleteCheers
Sarah
Hi Sarah - it's only when going back through the year's events when the problem of picking one day becomes apparent - look forward to seeing what you post as your top memory! :o)
DeleteKind Regards
Yup those were two truly stunning days and both feature in my sea kayaking calendar. :o) It was a pleasure to be able to share those days with you Ian. 2014 was an up and down year for me but as Duncan says a feeling of gratitude for the gifts of life helps you through the darkest days. Roll on 2015 :o)
ReplyDeleteThey were both exceptional days Douglas - and here's to many more second breakfasts in 2015! :o)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes