tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45974244581470177162024-03-14T10:20:30.847+00:00Mountain and Sea ScotlandHillwalking and Sea Kayaking in ScotlandIan Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.comBlogger910125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-34946710122074524212024-02-15T19:09:00.005+00:002024-02-15T19:17:32.403+00:00An anything but "dry" January<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMoOW3_eNANaJiwifWyPEzRk0BYSUoA3ZrSEBtwUuYgEY62gTFeXXRH6w6IWEEsQE2IYsugUTdkF7O3yTcBo3OvIlRvB5EmQZiQwlb-94pByRQwjI_ygxsy9S32xWNfrsTR0WE6qv5Pd6TD8vA14UBuhTtcE1gJR9ZnSfTn49cpFeuuqXOQkoK2vvk72g/s4574/20240105_152606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="4574" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMoOW3_eNANaJiwifWyPEzRk0BYSUoA3ZrSEBtwUuYgEY62gTFeXXRH6w6IWEEsQE2IYsugUTdkF7O3yTcBo3OvIlRvB5EmQZiQwlb-94pByRQwjI_ygxsy9S32xWNfrsTR0WE6qv5Pd6TD8vA14UBuhTtcE1gJR9ZnSfTn49cpFeuuqXOQkoK2vvk72g/w640-h472/20240105_152606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>January can, in some years, be a month of enforced abstinence from most outdoor activities. Limited daylight, often hostile weather and low temperatures can combine to make things a bit of a challenge. this year, with more free time, I was keen to grab opportunity where I could, work with the weather and just generally "seize the day". </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrr4jq_DxNROmD98gZHDVTfAEDgxcHwUa0NOmYVdATrHuRD5fttGlG9ttjE853by3KHQ7CsbUFzRSUwn_AxSyWsiZPNBj2PzZrYapbMwHa6ylmvDRxX1nQpZN3gsIuvEFmbonSmJoJUNovBrUUKaI0qRU27p9s2ssLKF7YrjLoV4B0o_DnpRrBuNaAsj4/s4004/20240118_092117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2568" data-original-width="4004" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrr4jq_DxNROmD98gZHDVTfAEDgxcHwUa0NOmYVdATrHuRD5fttGlG9ttjE853by3KHQ7CsbUFzRSUwn_AxSyWsiZPNBj2PzZrYapbMwHa6ylmvDRxX1nQpZN3gsIuvEFmbonSmJoJUNovBrUUKaI0qRU27p9s2ssLKF7YrjLoV4B0o_DnpRrBuNaAsj4/w640-h410/20240118_092117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I did at least one walk every day, averaging 13km per day across the month in a variety of conditions from the sublime to the downright nasty.</p><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylkx59oeSMiY_CUVSoC7MJKGcC-7brloR-FQeNgwPiRYllUXNqwSm_BVcauQz4KAqL5ZPUsiC3GMwAeuhSIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>When the snow came in heavily, accompanied by strong winds and drifting....time to switch from walking to skiing!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMzccGLhAR4ALlovs2ZFMaNhHT-ne1Ii7xJaLbMQuxAW3FhH43X8HAs_r0amn5A9RGusckAWwyVMTSQHMgiHYEFDyqMZEAtJ1Bo1tk1bvWKvP6YNGWASSn7ZcUyQHlehaIVdFtBrFg9HiJd5hSAo1CPS5JiXdTS7d5F-js-cQaZK-QDyAZXW0rryDWi7i/s3727/20240117_153145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3727" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMzccGLhAR4ALlovs2ZFMaNhHT-ne1Ii7xJaLbMQuxAW3FhH43X8HAs_r0amn5A9RGusckAWwyVMTSQHMgiHYEFDyqMZEAtJ1Bo1tk1bvWKvP6YNGWASSn7ZcUyQHlehaIVdFtBrFg9HiJd5hSAo1CPS5JiXdTS7d5F-js-cQaZK-QDyAZXW0rryDWi7i/w640-h516/20240117_153145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were a few days of really good conditions for XC Skiing right from home</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUsFaQrkH9XlCxXHMdLNxr1czPMePNXLGc9Z2F2hsAT83xdnzRNNrfS0q8J2NSwUe4JNjbJCRsnyJW6YTTyE7gNkDx0luTRKtgtzFrIGBaPWW0VO5NWVoqUaFWfF7oaWgoRVTgu871oF1aynLll3d6KkYrwh2n-Z6DWpsNju_sPIFSw_L3uLNiI87_mPT/s4622/20240111_160932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2183" data-original-width="4622" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUsFaQrkH9XlCxXHMdLNxr1czPMePNXLGc9Z2F2hsAT83xdnzRNNrfS0q8J2NSwUe4JNjbJCRsnyJW6YTTyE7gNkDx0luTRKtgtzFrIGBaPWW0VO5NWVoqUaFWfF7oaWgoRVTgu871oF1aynLll3d6KkYrwh2n-Z6DWpsNju_sPIFSw_L3uLNiI87_mPT/w640-h302/20240111_160932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A spell of settled weather in the north west of Scotland tempted Allan and I to plan a few days kayaking</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu7PXuz7m_ShrKxPu8lcj3-Ze3M1wGNzq5H6rf-CcabYS_JUt5d086zCYweodaXFp9iJAYwAAwoJ9HuQxil16jSuWWtVzSRKTJAFI6pOLwwPGclGy284XarKq-TMn3MjW-3cJUVPfNOEVPY3l51xIuYEvmya40Fj1vqRyF-8kvf0w1ru2Yu7lnPvki2_K/s4636/DSC_3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2887" data-original-width="4636" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu7PXuz7m_ShrKxPu8lcj3-Ze3M1wGNzq5H6rf-CcabYS_JUt5d086zCYweodaXFp9iJAYwAAwoJ9HuQxil16jSuWWtVzSRKTJAFI6pOLwwPGclGy284XarKq-TMn3MjW-3cJUVPfNOEVPY3l51xIuYEvmya40Fj1vqRyF-8kvf0w1ru2Yu7lnPvki2_K/w640-h398/DSC_3425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...amply rewarded by some superb winter paddling conditions.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_SdLnObGCHtgPsKacidBeiRCuwmK5WaewFr3eywp5f1hAz9uL-PEm9j8POhv2-h5PX3IYiZT4MuvDdYH5yxrl2mPWdjP2Vt3ldSC3NTPSZYsPmsRX-_pJDCZYrDxUq6Yh8v7ctVDFw-FtvyB93mwhxx2GERQ-xq-yblKYSKslBScYzb4mY5K2vOvNfn9/s2427/DSC_3422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2427" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_SdLnObGCHtgPsKacidBeiRCuwmK5WaewFr3eywp5f1hAz9uL-PEm9j8POhv2-h5PX3IYiZT4MuvDdYH5yxrl2mPWdjP2Vt3ldSC3NTPSZYsPmsRX-_pJDCZYrDxUq6Yh8v7ctVDFw-FtvyB93mwhxx2GERQ-xq-yblKYSKslBScYzb4mY5K2vOvNfn9/w640-h420/DSC_3422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">..and some great wildlife encounters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Wesp0w3FksER5jSC5MmkUtihckv5a5mLTH9E1Z4MWgfTFS1_ay3B_BMST0tT-ju_AOHn6XngvbzcYbsnohZtF08o-cmu0sh6XLU8w0dBDb3lpWjc959-YPQ4-R1v2hqBBcL12Zm1erSPWXX3aUBMH9FlB77p9E9FOhqnP7Sh0kmATs9WbW0u7-m9ojH/s4191/20240127_124954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="4191" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Wesp0w3FksER5jSC5MmkUtihckv5a5mLTH9E1Z4MWgfTFS1_ay3B_BMST0tT-ju_AOHn6XngvbzcYbsnohZtF08o-cmu0sh6XLU8w0dBDb3lpWjc959-YPQ4-R1v2hqBBcL12Zm1erSPWXX3aUBMH9FlB77p9E9FOhqnP7Sh0kmATs9WbW0u7-m9ojH/w640-h466/20240127_124954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Generally amenable if breezy weather gave good opportunities for gravel riding in the Cairngorms...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwUDDr-7k1NjGOV-DGSEAA7jXOlZlEvAWhaNFF0oGGfXxPbOm7utQ-ZEL8FDF9_GBVf3UY0l2Iv-J99vuq6k6qBnxH956NFA1TxqHRFxdeK1Xb2wdzCPXvIY8_T78Sc8xWq5qW3g84LNGhAWc6D2LZDiAT7n8IknILcy2K0oWd3_V_mx6Kf83uwyl7nzo/s3638/20240130_134804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2627" data-original-width="3638" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwUDDr-7k1NjGOV-DGSEAA7jXOlZlEvAWhaNFF0oGGfXxPbOm7utQ-ZEL8FDF9_GBVf3UY0l2Iv-J99vuq6k6qBnxH956NFA1TxqHRFxdeK1Xb2wdzCPXvIY8_T78Sc8xWq5qW3g84LNGhAWc6D2LZDiAT7n8IknILcy2K0oWd3_V_mx6Kf83uwyl7nzo/w640-h462/20240130_134804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">...and several rides closer to home, such as here on Lord Arthur's Hill on the Correen ridge.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, January proved to be anything but a "dry" month for outdoor ventures; the trick now is to keep it up for the year!</p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-85395070067634193312024-01-31T18:23:00.000+00:002024-01-31T18:23:25.974+00:00Winter colours - Wester Ross<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRb9rpDWNXB2aV6srzMcSc_g7ldubS2IV_gingMDJ7O315cvyaonvoyrG0wMfzVK1a_S8NBwBOvOtak2fUgKrK4KkarM_gGVhwA3f4J_PmUYoB7hLl5nYm2DrifxAe4Bz0QmDXKXrZmXho5VHKCFuY8toFDzl7InAHTOLv8wdtBI3BNklNNVV6MS0BQeY/s3364/DSC_3430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="3364" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRb9rpDWNXB2aV6srzMcSc_g7ldubS2IV_gingMDJ7O315cvyaonvoyrG0wMfzVK1a_S8NBwBOvOtak2fUgKrK4KkarM_gGVhwA3f4J_PmUYoB7hLl5nYm2DrifxAe4Bz0QmDXKXrZmXho5VHKCFuY8toFDzl7InAHTOLv8wdtBI3BNklNNVV6MS0BQeY/w640-h356/DSC_3430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On the second paddling day of our trip in Wester Ross Allan and I launched from the jetty at <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=190334&Y=892592&A=Y&Z=126&ax=190334&ay=892592">Laide in Gruinard Bay</a>. This is a handy launch spot but there's virtually no parking at the jetty itself so we parked back up the road a way so as not to block things for any other users. There's also an honesty box, ingeniously adapted from an old fire extinguisher, for donations towards the jetty's upkeep.</p><p>It was another very cold, clear and calm morning - "frost smoke" was rising from the sea as the sun climbed a bit higher.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKuIew9Gk6rSbFrzf68jD9qOeqXn4UyYMw7fPDE9pcQ1zj2NUZdPF5W92mR7sc35t8B1IxF_zuiJuosJwumdlUFl0V9t1wJxRjdtXeElsINM8-MoyA3fZY92UJ31p-nzqEjhUL_jDtUQE9-qAMz71SEP4AdAP8xn6w4wKo4LzydlfeKfOK48JguC6C__b/s4328/DSC_3438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3081" data-original-width="4328" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKuIew9Gk6rSbFrzf68jD9qOeqXn4UyYMw7fPDE9pcQ1zj2NUZdPF5W92mR7sc35t8B1IxF_zuiJuosJwumdlUFl0V9t1wJxRjdtXeElsINM8-MoyA3fZY92UJ31p-nzqEjhUL_jDtUQE9-qAMz71SEP4AdAP8xn6w4wKo4LzydlfeKfOK48JguC6C__b/w640-h456/DSC_3438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We paddled around the inner part of Gruinard Bay and landed at the northern end of the big beach which is so popular in summer. Today we had it to ourselves for a leisurely coffee break.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlzREX3mDNP_2Ry4orsPSx27YjeKlch5tpxOpgucN63vdSgD3WFWqpYUntW4youibvEpbOyHH6BHDrsHAjtSmWOjxv3jznub89_xOaIM8jk8f3fx7ghnhsRN_WsY5CEkQcv8bkbOzzaU4YgYSREflIEAL39XBi2DNKUwrExYOIgSocl70I44Fy2JZIedD/s3835/DSC_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="3835" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlzREX3mDNP_2Ry4orsPSx27YjeKlch5tpxOpgucN63vdSgD3WFWqpYUntW4youibvEpbOyHH6BHDrsHAjtSmWOjxv3jznub89_xOaIM8jk8f3fx7ghnhsRN_WsY5CEkQcv8bkbOzzaU4YgYSREflIEAL39XBi2DNKUwrExYOIgSocl70I44Fy2JZIedD/w640-h380/DSC_3447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Heading north we had a view to Priest Island and the Summer Isles, we've had some great paddling ventures there! Conditions were near perfect and we landed at <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=196627&Y=893525&A=Y&Z=120">Mungasdale Bay</a> for a second stop - not sure whether that was third breakfast or first luncheon though.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxMRCgrkKK7FzXe_i43pAFfzDi_Ua0Yd0YDB6xal8XyRD8BOgpGmXwMTJ1U5kLqjUFMcOOEy82h9kY1rJT1YKhmjFQrkmeL2wMIr9uZU4KKlTwROR9_H_fR548Z2TmNefxYkLcSGVCb9P_GSN7YLk9sKVngzes7FYgNKEw5x0lVeELk2B0JEXx0ChHuqo/s3732/DSC_3458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="3732" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxMRCgrkKK7FzXe_i43pAFfzDi_Ua0Yd0YDB6xal8XyRD8BOgpGmXwMTJ1U5kLqjUFMcOOEy82h9kY1rJT1YKhmjFQrkmeL2wMIr9uZU4KKlTwROR9_H_fR548Z2TmNefxYkLcSGVCb9P_GSN7YLk9sKVngzes7FYgNKEw5x0lVeELk2B0JEXx0ChHuqo/w640-h396/DSC_3458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>From Mungasdale we paddled over to land on the boulder spit at the south of Gruinard Island, infamous for <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-60483849">the experiment that was carried out here to test the efficacy of a biological weapon.</a> The desparate measures under consideration during WW2 are understandable, but not the indifference of the UK government for decades afterward - they were eventually forced to properly (hopefully!) decontaminate the whole island in 1990. The disconnect between a remote UK government and the north of Scotland is neatly illustrated in the staged image at the end of the BBC news article linked above with a Defence Minister pulling down the "Landing Prohibited" sign....dressed in a pinstripe city suit and immaculate dress shoes.</p><p>We stopped but briefly on the bouldery spit - it's hard on the feet in paddling footwear. Interestingly the island has been recently and intensively planted with forestry, so clearly there is confidence that disturbing the soil won't release any dormant anthrax spores. Behind Allan in this image, the brilliant white summits of An Teallach rose into a blue sky .</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrRUaGVPWq0OlocXpicmiUj-q5SzcRtrO-nLNrRxD19T4QVcj4_XPJTBa6yQEYDtv3I-8IFgTIjVTzWwrb0Zm4EBK0WrEAUrp1oa9hEZOEH-h0IE4cBhJtYUBjzg4zQ7IASD-lKr24HPtEReBEQE8mKb9O3rZnzMrwuvS04ma0km0OLQGK_87XgBA2qka/s4231/DSC_3462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="4231" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrRUaGVPWq0OlocXpicmiUj-q5SzcRtrO-nLNrRxD19T4QVcj4_XPJTBa6yQEYDtv3I-8IFgTIjVTzWwrb0Zm4EBK0WrEAUrp1oa9hEZOEH-h0IE4cBhJtYUBjzg4zQ7IASD-lKr24HPtEReBEQE8mKb9O3rZnzMrwuvS04ma0km0OLQGK_87XgBA2qka/w640-h384/DSC_3462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The view across to Torridon when we arrived back in Laide was glorious - winter can sometimes throw up the most stunning conditions.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-OQkRyiwpUY_lDxo1DziKQlV5X3kgppwfbFfbJjKEoxBU86L7PvzVHo1T5HsP5BWRtWspR1iJKKi2JbRYGwGaefNmc5AoGjXV0rFjU35DrdoPXj2rCAvcJDz_hIazv16nWxSDDtndovdJ3nKRQw874V7Lsu_9TAv3DRJgdpPiv5sImwYSZ35_6gtW3CT/s4447/DSC_3463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="4447" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-OQkRyiwpUY_lDxo1DziKQlV5X3kgppwfbFfbJjKEoxBU86L7PvzVHo1T5HsP5BWRtWspR1iJKKi2JbRYGwGaefNmc5AoGjXV0rFjU35DrdoPXj2rCAvcJDz_hIazv16nWxSDDtndovdJ3nKRQw874V7Lsu_9TAv3DRJgdpPiv5sImwYSZ35_6gtW3CT/w640-h340/DSC_3463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Back at our base on Loch Ewe the last of the sun lit the Fisherfield hills s we enjoyed a post-paddle cup of tea, but the best of the colour was reserved for well after the sun had set.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5TzG-AmxcK3K6G0YDvKHDop_V27OSp1tXr6tNTUXTwNfPl-6PVPttUWKJdN01KwT2GLuAWCUCGgjpYC4CHo2rmhTyTdHo4YfIAvFpHZhk9qlm3W6fX_mfCjVUHcX6R4GRctAyfa4IblOKDqVgb0AV4YtkRtoyujg7nZ5wSAro1c9thFX9uRx7d9Lllq4/s4622/20240111_160932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2183" data-original-width="4622" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5TzG-AmxcK3K6G0YDvKHDop_V27OSp1tXr6tNTUXTwNfPl-6PVPttUWKJdN01KwT2GLuAWCUCGgjpYC4CHo2rmhTyTdHo4YfIAvFpHZhk9qlm3W6fX_mfCjVUHcX6R4GRctAyfa4IblOKDqVgb0AV4YtkRtoyujg7nZ5wSAro1c9thFX9uRx7d9Lllq4/w640-h302/20240111_160932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> ....as the sky and sea suffused with the most intense and beautiful lilac pink light. Some winter days are just so perfect!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-26707318660282152202024-01-28T18:44:00.002+00:002024-01-28T18:44:38.150+00:00Beach Life - The Winter Edition<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6kSapdLiEclvSqF3dwJzQpp_Rojo07l9dzlmT72keLTwY1uO5G_xwheIuKkOGHeaPdBQlW2uxDvZwb_1hVMI3Lxnb7VjUemuSXGTLBJvtfvFvbRoUJPwDjK01aZgX6da1ZTdSlERBJK1he1eGpvaqjNv0gOSqBM59H1h9GniHo8Fc_TUj72__KV3mZmY/s4624/20240110_130749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6kSapdLiEclvSqF3dwJzQpp_Rojo07l9dzlmT72keLTwY1uO5G_xwheIuKkOGHeaPdBQlW2uxDvZwb_1hVMI3Lxnb7VjUemuSXGTLBJvtfvFvbRoUJPwDjK01aZgX6da1ZTdSlERBJK1he1eGpvaqjNv0gOSqBM59H1h9GniHo8Fc_TUj72__KV3mZmY/w640-h480/20240110_130749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> We paddled along the southern shore of Loch Gairloch (a tautological name which translates as <i>Loch of the Short Loch</i>) and took a coffee break at <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=175540&Y=873997&A=Y&Z=120">Port Henderson</a> where a narrow strip of sand allows an easy landing on an otherwise bouldery beach.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, when there are so many excellent beaches to savour, it pays to have plenty of hot water for coffee! We headed north and made the 4km crossing of the outer loch to a beach which is simply known as "Big Sand"...for the most obvious of reasons! A landing on the broad expanse of warm-coloured sand was followed by another coffee break. To get these conditions in winter is a rare treat; it was actually pleasantly warm due to the lack of wind, clear sky and our paddling drysuits. An advantage of this winter beach-life is a lack of biting insects and crowds...though it has to be said tha the air temperature was hardly above freezing all day.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-8-p-Y_LZSzvFDKMJbyxnc0DIFwPJ_9aeT4jwuLZr7ncLGcmNJV5nePSNmR1ed-M6vfLpYWFSHcVtsGRLoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>As Allan headed out from the beach I took a short video on my phone to show the "widescreen" situation, which is pretty special.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_puWDlFiBuUGEfZNA0gUQ1bdFtcI08YP88Wm0p_nS7bM-Y2oRblNss4RMU1YXHoovQ9mV4xAGF88eooVA2WSbYD3orKbdX6Ac0bT8B77t68vKMJVddw1m0A96PE0qXLVPE7AtqzF__-3fSBlORm26JBCd1WZl1xRtK3dOtujvkxxnGc9cUI0Y8HVmUJe1/s2427/DSC_3422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2427" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_puWDlFiBuUGEfZNA0gUQ1bdFtcI08YP88Wm0p_nS7bM-Y2oRblNss4RMU1YXHoovQ9mV4xAGF88eooVA2WSbYD3orKbdX6Ac0bT8B77t68vKMJVddw1m0A96PE0qXLVPE7AtqzF__-3fSBlORm26JBCd1WZl1xRtK3dOtujvkxxnGc9cUI0Y8HVmUJe1/w640-h420/DSC_3422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On our paddle back along the north shore of Loch Gairloch we took time to hang out with the local youth - these two young Otters were curious rather than wary, a real treat.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD__LpYBrcgRmU1zkh3_kZaSJ8Nfkw_jNELG_yLLJpfSVc8EW82mWwMS25XHGUCH3sNQw-TGZnN7Cu5ohDBhKqGRVmP5mGBAqv3TaQI2uK1pFNunxw5AEIpZqTSWiKBbKKiGiSz1gD-yDz_mqTJ8OVjrSC4gSqZafH_XWiC1JrGxQkluU10_HtJyK8Dmt/s4636/DSC_3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2887" data-original-width="4636" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD__LpYBrcgRmU1zkh3_kZaSJ8Nfkw_jNELG_yLLJpfSVc8EW82mWwMS25XHGUCH3sNQw-TGZnN7Cu5ohDBhKqGRVmP5mGBAqv3TaQI2uK1pFNunxw5AEIpZqTSWiKBbKKiGiSz1gD-yDz_mqTJ8OVjrSC4gSqZafH_XWiC1JrGxQkluU10_HtJyK8Dmt/w640-h398/DSC_3425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It seemed a shame to end such a superb day as we headed back towards Charlestown but the views to the Torridon hills went some way to compensating for the shortness of daylight.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4DCDR6OFI8L8c30jh7iX5Z1lTczmFhyphenhyphenesN-nmB3Afalsvb6F8x1oS07hSk5XTfx_Sp9bvPn8dprLCTA__mr4NTp5CUy0A7QlbkRkM_qU-uR3cocHuIw3NdvaInenKjvRTBC4UrLl4nOAys35K8LXRwXe74xIV0cde6awpqTVqB4FxOPKQ-tu5be1d70A/s3807/DSC_3427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2011" data-original-width="3807" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4DCDR6OFI8L8c30jh7iX5Z1lTczmFhyphenhyphenesN-nmB3Afalsvb6F8x1oS07hSk5XTfx_Sp9bvPn8dprLCTA__mr4NTp5CUy0A7QlbkRkM_qU-uR3cocHuIw3NdvaInenKjvRTBC4UrLl4nOAys35K8LXRwXe74xIV0cde6awpqTVqB4FxOPKQ-tu5be1d70A/w640-h338/DSC_3427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After packing up at Charlestown we drove out to a spot above Big Sand to watch the sun set over the north of Skye. It had been a great day and the bonus was returning to our base on Loch Ewe to a warm house, home cooked food and a sports recovery drink - all in all a fine day!</p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-76434558956939557382024-01-24T18:12:00.005+00:002024-01-24T18:12:38.217+00:00Ice, Ice Baby.....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacxLu99l_yTtYfWYrU19IwTjdoOKz8ZeUjGyOYYYyOLnu_x-SBbaH4fbB6MU4emNgEOwC5P0AC9qLajURowTDeSz3jI36ZX_vUcAYHv9QOZ4wUZPS-eNaWth90D13JavKM7VUSux_3IR14YEaqCEWU6Q3k5S2Dp24fparBn_WfKTrKjsDpeu1CRN0yiuu/s4928/DSC_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="4928" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacxLu99l_yTtYfWYrU19IwTjdoOKz8ZeUjGyOYYYyOLnu_x-SBbaH4fbB6MU4emNgEOwC5P0AC9qLajURowTDeSz3jI36ZX_vUcAYHv9QOZ4wUZPS-eNaWth90D13JavKM7VUSux_3IR14YEaqCEWU6Q3k5S2Dp24fparBn_WfKTrKjsDpeu1CRN0yiuu/w640-h292/DSC_3389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>During a winter which had so far been alternately wet or windy, the chance of some sea kayaking in settled weather had Allan and I regularly checking forecasts in mid January. As a high pressure system built over the UK we made plans to head to Wester Ross - we were disappointed that neither Lorna or <a href="https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/">Douglas</a> were able to join us for this short notice trip.</p><p>A family connection of Allan and Lorna's kindly allowed us the use of a house overlooking Loch Ewe as a base, which made this winter trip very comfortable indeed. Allan headed up on a frosty morning, I left later in the day and we met at the house. The view first thing in the morning was very encouraging as pre-dawn light coloured the sky and reflected off mirror calm water - it looked like we had a fine day ahead.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRWZTUDG5M4I9BmiEXT-aJjnJhICnr2Aazbqj52Y2hP1JTLNEsuvi4VBqfGxeMo96jXyXrDRq3gAf2ZoTctBTekSSK94ne8P9gW5N77h14m8yEpnWQ6Vm5zPTCDDrVrnpWP4FFNJkqAx-PFKPQYXeR63qX7g9NfQnpwNV2Rv0pUAE0JgFV-GV1Qf661wX/s4928/DSC_3391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRWZTUDG5M4I9BmiEXT-aJjnJhICnr2Aazbqj52Y2hP1JTLNEsuvi4VBqfGxeMo96jXyXrDRq3gAf2ZoTctBTekSSK94ne8P9gW5N77h14m8yEpnWQ6Vm5zPTCDDrVrnpWP4FFNJkqAx-PFKPQYXeR63qX7g9NfQnpwNV2Rv0pUAE0JgFV-GV1Qf661wX/w424-h640/DSC_3391.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><p>We drove to <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=181042&Y=874075&A=Y&Z=120">Charlestown</a> on Loch Gairloch and loaded our boats on the slipway. there was frost on the boats which made for chilly fingers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTZ5OqKZ0ZisLKvTXBND0GGkHqsv5z7JJPL0iC_DPCHwvniHvbcubC0086c29_wQK1ZCBG71R9TgC4u1HBtnhrMgsF6W3M7H83YngphxMRyW5YOIsF0tRiHiAw-EJ4nUVV9iPLsJA5SGvYA-aEizAtI4AlA_S5FPTfmYWyYJVHKuDd4r35eGWkvsxu7j-/s4928/DSC_3392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTZ5OqKZ0ZisLKvTXBND0GGkHqsv5z7JJPL0iC_DPCHwvniHvbcubC0086c29_wQK1ZCBG71R9TgC4u1HBtnhrMgsF6W3M7H83YngphxMRyW5YOIsF0tRiHiAw-EJ4nUVV9iPLsJA5SGvYA-aEizAtI4AlA_S5FPTfmYWyYJVHKuDd4r35eGWkvsxu7j-/w640-h424/DSC_3392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>There was also plenty of ice left by the falling tide. The water in the harbour at Charlestown was free of any ice so the possibility of sea didn't really register with me as we got ready to get on the water.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EyXbgDNA38O1ydosXbKE9fB1deqjiHwgVIajmmviBkgHqkY58sCjmPgiZ44ngB7641PBEGWOyQiSzKzJNfoFx7ysqznM0y2CU-lEfAvBOyx4pCt98-s0DOUx3DShUpzYw3ghvTlVhKFmSMcbkt1rSrTYKp-Aj7kqLt6CARo-S07ibMSUkzPKoFlbtoMS/s4700/DSC_3398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3113" data-original-width="4700" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EyXbgDNA38O1ydosXbKE9fB1deqjiHwgVIajmmviBkgHqkY58sCjmPgiZ44ngB7641PBEGWOyQiSzKzJNfoFx7ysqznM0y2CU-lEfAvBOyx4pCt98-s0DOUx3DShUpzYw3ghvTlVhKFmSMcbkt1rSrTYKp-Aj7kqLt6CARo-S07ibMSUkzPKoFlbtoMS/w640-h424/DSC_3398.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After paddling out of the harbour we turned south and for a short while paddled straight into a dazzling low sun with reflections from the water - it was really hard work to see where we were headed! We'd intended to paddle close to the shore past <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=177543&Y=873517&A=Y&Z=120">Badachro</a> and around Eilean Horrisdale, but found a large area of sea ice over a centimetre thick drifting towards us on the ebb tide.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviz_xFU3HEluV9Osf_4MP_OCmDcbaZ3gI2XarLWT4g0sBToyVX_usG51hiCK8bEuolqj1LWbREKaR_MTWS6Oq3-QnYPBojyvaiDMZPKMtzYez5hMDErO3jGroFWu5iUeY-V7oIDEuXCMXKVKvXXrd3d1-CAu6M7FjWRsC-tNdZ_EY_aed_1kLiBW3gGbF/s4928/DSC_3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviz_xFU3HEluV9Osf_4MP_OCmDcbaZ3gI2XarLWT4g0sBToyVX_usG51hiCK8bEuolqj1LWbREKaR_MTWS6Oq3-QnYPBojyvaiDMZPKMtzYez5hMDErO3jGroFWu5iUeY-V7oIDEuXCMXKVKvXXrd3d1-CAu6M7FjWRsC-tNdZ_EY_aed_1kLiBW3gGbF/w640-h424/DSC_3399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> It was pretty obvious straight away that this was hard ice which was probably drifting in and out on the tide, freezing at low water twice a day. It was too thick to crash through with the boat or the paddle and was, disconcertingly, moving quite purposefully. I've experienced this just twice before, <a href="http://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2010/11/icons-and-ice.html">once on Loch Long</a> and <a href="http://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2015/01/in-bleak-midwinter-icy-factor.html">near Kinlochleven</a> - both occasions in similar prolonged deep frosts.<p></p><p>Manoeuvring a sea kayak in ice even a centimetre thick is difficult and unstable, the paddle has to be crashed through and sometimes glances off, destabilising things. Add to that ice moving on a tidal flow with the possibility of constrictions and it's not a place to be....coming out of the boat would have serious consequences. Allan and I reversed away from the ice and found a lead of clear water to take us back out into the open. Just an hour into our winter day and it was already packed with interest!</p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-83966134685980987472024-01-06T11:28:00.005+00:002024-01-06T11:28:46.526+00:00After the rain....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO6pO7e5r6LIoyeEnfz2zXUH7R9D5BNVPUiOxUW0Fbp4B9sw0HxVSTeSISU4_lCfXSbON39f1zIf_8az3FVQw9uZxU3QM4jylYh0DNOGH75qYfLg3TZRVH1-lGJQl-2MquyKGVAb7wbV_V_KbU9Ll2ZUxwXGDkRykVcgmoSmTmIy66bPNryhqDv5LPeUq/s4574/20240105_152606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="4574" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO6pO7e5r6LIoyeEnfz2zXUH7R9D5BNVPUiOxUW0Fbp4B9sw0HxVSTeSISU4_lCfXSbON39f1zIf_8az3FVQw9uZxU3QM4jylYh0DNOGH75qYfLg3TZRVH1-lGJQl-2MquyKGVAb7wbV_V_KbU9Ll2ZUxwXGDkRykVcgmoSmTmIy66bPNryhqDv5LPeUq/w640-h472/20240105_152606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">December 2023 and into January 2024 saw some exceptionally wet weather in the north east of Scotland - Aberdeenshire received three times the average monthly rainfall in December as storms tracked more to the south than usual, resulting in a run of what felt like weeks of south easterly wind and rain for us. This part of Scotland is usually the driest place in the country, but there have been only two dry-ish days in the last 20!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, at last, the rain pulled away early afternoon on the 5th January with a forecast of much more settled weather for the next week or so. As the sky cleared the temperature fell sharply and a ground mist spread across land saturated by rain. the effect was very atmospheric as the sun set, the mist suffused by a gorgeous glow.</span></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-21378038722095872072024-01-03T19:31:00.004+00:002024-01-03T19:31:56.620+00:00A Winter Light Show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOJY1kYT0OhQXUitI10Xnfrrr6UFLGyOoN202YOrmbVEhyn50CaIahKO8Pl-pCjFORjVxnTyTVYrDdNO8kxTt6dmSg7K8EjXlml4zwZ9QnS3JqugHRDQCywi2A3i8fNxgE2uTUQ0sNVQAbfXFKMlL6GOEiZrNYCA3y97UMN-sL5YedPTDnPH6lg9xYCkS/s4454/20231224_085655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3218" data-original-width="4454" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOJY1kYT0OhQXUitI10Xnfrrr6UFLGyOoN202YOrmbVEhyn50CaIahKO8Pl-pCjFORjVxnTyTVYrDdNO8kxTt6dmSg7K8EjXlml4zwZ9QnS3JqugHRDQCywi2A3i8fNxgE2uTUQ0sNVQAbfXFKMlL6GOEiZrNYCA3y97UMN-sL5YedPTDnPH6lg9xYCkS/w640-h462/20231224_085655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In late December there was a wonderful display of <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/clouds/other-clouds/nacreous">Nacreous Cloud</a> in the skies over Aberdeenshire. From before sunrise the ethereal colours and effects were evident and continued to varying degrees all day.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOspKQUiLRmylpe-q4didmtoiEmQDppXwyBUxMtA5PqAi8M6MLtWx2J-Xfycs4ziF2XaS55b9DN1so5jrVw2Pypfg0barfyGvKoOiiCqFW_oOYO67gmSuBkrB6ebmnBaufiJLtYOpZT2QHrPFttHT-59wKRo5HQvE1uCC4lKKSF1Fhy6OMzFx8U4WOVztt/s4624/20231224_090828(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2908" data-original-width="4624" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOspKQUiLRmylpe-q4didmtoiEmQDppXwyBUxMtA5PqAi8M6MLtWx2J-Xfycs4ziF2XaS55b9DN1so5jrVw2Pypfg0barfyGvKoOiiCqFW_oOYO67gmSuBkrB6ebmnBaufiJLtYOpZT2QHrPFttHT-59wKRo5HQvE1uCC4lKKSF1Fhy6OMzFx8U4WOVztt/w640-h402/20231224_090828(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nacreous (mother of pearl) clouds need really specific conditions and are consequently rare phenomena: the cloud needs to be very high at 10-20 miles above the earth's surface, the air at that height needs to be very cold (below -80 degrees Celsius) and a very low sun angle. They're also known as Polar Stratospheric Cloud (PSC) and the particular ice crystals forming the clouds refract the low sun at an angle down to earth. Because of these specific conditions, nacreous clouds are usually only seen in northern polar regions in winter, or when the polar upper atmosphere vortex sinks south, which was what gave rise to this lovely display.</span></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MDO1trSLTFHFTgmgW3Bv7DL5mTxBe-1zzGAdL3ttbvYS3WSNlPxjeX9OEneuMd6cbPDQyGpxh-oAw9bI3VPMFhFEqasTRnQBN6jL0BGWWqM3n7GFneZD90DFbl_2O1NBImiJbMRu_GmnBqLuWBD-xHgOMiuUo5T2uWNmy-4VDgsJTRFZMePo5iN6HtXQ/s4624/20231224_150248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MDO1trSLTFHFTgmgW3Bv7DL5mTxBe-1zzGAdL3ttbvYS3WSNlPxjeX9OEneuMd6cbPDQyGpxh-oAw9bI3VPMFhFEqasTRnQBN6jL0BGWWqM3n7GFneZD90DFbl_2O1NBImiJbMRu_GmnBqLuWBD-xHgOMiuUo5T2uWNmy-4VDgsJTRFZMePo5iN6HtXQ/w640-h480/20231224_150248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The ice crystals in Nacreous clouds are smaller than those in lower cloud types and can often be composed of atoms of nitric acid and water ice - this combination can combine to release chlorine atoms, so they're not entirely good things!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That said, as the sun began to set in mid-afternoon the colours of the clouds intensified and the shapes changed...it was a captivating sight.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN8jtE6TNNt5Iw1lUqqGdkEGkLvQk879EPRJKZX-98qZjF8tIclnu0vDKiWdlfk8RAVYTDMfusempA9mX-rjmtSF-y7LaHXckShzQrbqX9KoywX-xx6O1aPDDDqr8GgkoxJoVPUBpotZW6lIScN77px69FjFrNft9aFobn48EJDfIjS-A6byx_9uqDFcp/s4624/20231224_160801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN8jtE6TNNt5Iw1lUqqGdkEGkLvQk879EPRJKZX-98qZjF8tIclnu0vDKiWdlfk8RAVYTDMfusempA9mX-rjmtSF-y7LaHXckShzQrbqX9KoywX-xx6O1aPDDDqr8GgkoxJoVPUBpotZW6lIScN77px69FjFrNft9aFobn48EJDfIjS-A6byx_9uqDFcp/w640-h480/20231224_160801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> The most intense colours happened well after sunset when the clouds were still being lit by the sun which had left the surface and was shining at just the right angle - simply stunning!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-85952575578536930072023-05-25T09:16:00.000+01:002023-05-25T09:16:17.693+01:00Blown away by Knoydart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDF2w5uflbkokF9_hD5gQu2pcC4lA5QELkENbUergb4IBYeDVo1SIyASgQU11_WxwQaV34GfECdDUhthBezmLcxKDgERxJ0hTwqXVfXQsZb3up0LfP3EJFXc4HcX7mw1_Bys850x-j2OIZbakfr9Kims4pvLv6MRdxjDL30zuwZjgBf2CXurzRcSeqQ/s4346/20230418_161208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3207" data-original-width="4346" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDF2w5uflbkokF9_hD5gQu2pcC4lA5QELkENbUergb4IBYeDVo1SIyASgQU11_WxwQaV34GfECdDUhthBezmLcxKDgERxJ0hTwqXVfXQsZb3up0LfP3EJFXc4HcX7mw1_Bys850x-j2OIZbakfr9Kims4pvLv6MRdxjDL30zuwZjgBf2CXurzRcSeqQ/w640-h472/20230418_161208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The second half of April had some really fine weather with high pressure close by the north of Scotland. <a href="https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/">Douglas</a> and I watched the synoptic picture carefully for several days before deciding on a trip starting at <a href="https://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?x=167697&y=796802&z=120&sv=mallaig&st=3&tl=Map+of+Mallaig,+Highland+[Town]&searchp=ids&mapp=map">Mallaig</a>. we came from opposite corners of the country but arrived within minutes of each other and after a coffee and croissant from the rather excellent <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mallaigbakes/?hl=en">Bakehouse</a>, got our boats packed and set off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our plan was initially to paddle up to the head of Loch Nevis for the first camp, but we soon modified that. High pressure <u>close</u> to rather than over the country can, in certain circumstances give really fine, clear weather but with strong easterly winds - and this was the situation on this week. Douglas and I both have a healthy respect for the conditions which can be created by this weather pattern; some of our hardest battles have been in easterly winds blowing from a clear blue sky. Lochs Nevis and Hourn which frame the south and north shores of the Knoydart peninsula both have east-west topography and a short paddle to the entrance of Loch Nevis confirmed that the wind was indeed barrelling down the loch....time for a change of plan!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our pre-trip planning had factored this in, we had a camp spot in mind for the first evening of three, but first we explored a bit around the entrance to Loch Nevis, climbing above a beach near Rubha Raonuill to get a view of the hills beyond Inverie.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbC-NyPpaPxwW6ND-UhbwHkt81Cir_HSDbycgdYIQmgmo1yuLXT9GFVOssWIDFVyCQxUk6b5KZaetQmWOmAEcK3WZlrcfaPzyCRb9McOm6POa7lf93KSxeb5F6aTL5-SlgVG642WykBe7kK6PZQSLThrrEgW941CmeXMBk1svPPnANzn4R8wnwgQeCw/s4928/DSC_3294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbC-NyPpaPxwW6ND-UhbwHkt81Cir_HSDbycgdYIQmgmo1yuLXT9GFVOssWIDFVyCQxUk6b5KZaetQmWOmAEcK3WZlrcfaPzyCRb9McOm6POa7lf93KSxeb5F6aTL5-SlgVG642WykBe7kK6PZQSLThrrEgW941CmeXMBk1svPPnANzn4R8wnwgQeCw/w640-h424/DSC_3294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We paddled below the statue of the Virgin Mary in the narrows at the entrance to Loch Nevis, an unusual feature. Officially known as Our Lady of Knoydart, the statue was erected by the Catholic community in the middle of the 20th century. It's actually made of GRP and is known locally as "Plastic Mary". I was surprised to note that the <a href="http://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2012/04/blessing-in-loch-of-heaven.html">last time I paddled through these narrows</a> was over ten years ago!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qZb2IttL3nhYTKEjCI7ABd1EXL4Bqj1fgiySvh7uevfeZfpUx0WQgb4xVQ_7u_CLQAaA96q-HSdpKHhsBPH28_NdpeCHfGO9pDW4xeR7wKYceLyTjknMHYLQwGJJ2JX3Hl4Fnh5bg6W7nbXSz5s7QCO6G3TVnD4wh3Lw9OtSInqk6TarADEyRr5Org/s4380/20230418_204822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3232" data-original-width="4380" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qZb2IttL3nhYTKEjCI7ABd1EXL4Bqj1fgiySvh7uevfeZfpUx0WQgb4xVQ_7u_CLQAaA96q-HSdpKHhsBPH28_NdpeCHfGO9pDW4xeR7wKYceLyTjknMHYLQwGJJ2JX3Hl4Fnh5bg6W7nbXSz5s7QCO6G3TVnD4wh3Lw9OtSInqk6TarADEyRr5Org/w640-h472/20230418_204822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We paddled north from the loch entrance and were faced with a difficult choice of which of several lovely beaches to camp on....sea kayaking can have these difficulties sometimes! Having selected our beach we got the tents up, enjoyed a cup of tea and then set about collecting and sawing down sufficient driftwood for a fire below the rapidly receding tide. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6C4Xi-Q4DMrdDqXTdiRl68tYk_gr3Et2pO2Lqrhj7bAJb6Y-7TuHLr0PFSUly7b41z6nb2yNpcHoRNI06O2LoeEAaVcvSYrXLhHxZTIKnzReXL_ezbIZvHBXJ37IcY39PLlb1lJ2l_ptF6XSaytwskqgs-t8oJm246aRXlz_JGA2-1qnFIDJKne0tQ/s3912/20230418_203014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3040" data-original-width="3912" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6C4Xi-Q4DMrdDqXTdiRl68tYk_gr3Et2pO2Lqrhj7bAJb6Y-7TuHLr0PFSUly7b41z6nb2yNpcHoRNI06O2LoeEAaVcvSYrXLhHxZTIKnzReXL_ezbIZvHBXJ37IcY39PLlb1lJ2l_ptF6XSaytwskqgs-t8oJm246aRXlz_JGA2-1qnFIDJKne0tQ/w640-h498/20230418_203014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were quite pleased with our choice of camp site; a slab of rock forming an arm of the bay gave a super place to watch the sun go down after dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yokUcC3r3GDqW1hBTkBWDIR795JWfAVHIRy1uJGk0HHJiupPlWtv8proyW0wmzzg8R76dSUXnOP_ZogaAhvEzIxp88jWmnRT22gHLZGwxBzKpq1Z_kgp0HPHtINT_KfyuapopZyzKJRlh9jMCixSyxT_tjmhS6AryhsUfl7qrPEs6N_5c5aGm8piNw/s4541/20230418_202255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3050" data-original-width="4541" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yokUcC3r3GDqW1hBTkBWDIR795JWfAVHIRy1uJGk0HHJiupPlWtv8proyW0wmzzg8R76dSUXnOP_ZogaAhvEzIxp88jWmnRT22gHLZGwxBzKpq1Z_kgp0HPHtINT_KfyuapopZyzKJRlh9jMCixSyxT_tjmhS6AryhsUfl7qrPEs6N_5c5aGm8piNw/w640-h430/20230418_202255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sunset was relatively brief on this April evening, but what it lacked in duration it made up in intensity - a gorgeous wash spread across the sky.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHhlDPUDaAXa4SGE_-s5-RKXURBx8V5LfcXMYTTq7OyKhZAH7UOmssyJ8CqWgiWtwrfwjN27hEoEIIyFTWRAQUXUAwCYA5Uv52FdOuEZA-CzVRT8nczBI5kHy_U-10JMbqEFeqyUVloAMONnB_MUOq_8vM_d_7iFqBPpX4YOnhTWmFBmyWQMdLNFjGA/s4624/20230418_204213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHhlDPUDaAXa4SGE_-s5-RKXURBx8V5LfcXMYTTq7OyKhZAH7UOmssyJ8CqWgiWtwrfwjN27hEoEIIyFTWRAQUXUAwCYA5Uv52FdOuEZA-CzVRT8nczBI5kHy_U-10JMbqEFeqyUVloAMONnB_MUOq_8vM_d_7iFqBPpX4YOnhTWmFBmyWQMdLNFjGA/w640-h480/20230418_204213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>....which faded to an intense glow, silhouetting the distant Skye Cuillin. Our plans may have been blown away by the wind, but we certainly weren't complaining about the way the trip was unfolding!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-4132610365100559712023-05-04T20:15:00.000+01:002023-05-04T20:15:15.696+01:00A re-boot<p> When I started this blog back in 2009 it was primarily to create a record and to share some of the sights and experiences in Scotland's outdoors. When things got busy with work or family life, the natural tendency was to post less, but lately I've really let it slip. The last posts were some eight months ago - and they were recalling a trip in April 2022! "Retirement" from a long career at sea in March 2022 was quickly followed by setting up a new venture in "retirement", so there has been a lot going on.</p><p>In my defence, I've been posting a lot on the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountain_and_sea_scotland/">Mountain and Sea Instagram page</a> and while enjoying the ability to post more or less instantly, I have missed the research and reflection that blogging offers. </p><p>It's not like I haven't been getting out and about whether solo or with friends.... There have been some great sea kayak trips.... </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-MvS0qYSL3QNoNrrmrxiVTlkH-Y0C9AyKt0UzgFeu59NtTOoYXEOT5OGOgeaGsFOOWZ1JAnDKWU2A86bO2nBwi7iv8srY6JZfWQsJygxeuu35aQ2WKAvSzwIIl194KFs34EDlHsvV-di5xG8KkvF0pO7mGPItEV8uVHPBOmJdlJa1HxlFhkFC3eYQ/s4928/20210430-IJ-DSC_2542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-MvS0qYSL3QNoNrrmrxiVTlkH-Y0C9AyKt0UzgFeu59NtTOoYXEOT5OGOgeaGsFOOWZ1JAnDKWU2A86bO2nBwi7iv8srY6JZfWQsJygxeuu35aQ2WKAvSzwIIl194KFs34EDlHsvV-di5xG8KkvF0pO7mGPItEV8uVHPBOmJdlJa1HxlFhkFC3eYQ/w640-h424/20210430-IJ-DSC_2542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To the west - here on Loch Hourn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWa8JZoqpDXvPg4q1W4enBY0GBMp_8nkqnHb6d_00Blgmd1sL5Zr4sokiPOlJkRMEqqGKQULfyx90r1rD2vwQ0gGpSKl5tZlMWd98883SHwKa5U38iIMisVwV9kUM4QAAN8i-birIqp2_dmkXCmVjtQzMQ2_6ZyS-h9gbBf1SaSj9RgZWyMuxZCMFBQ/s4928/20220814-IJ-DSC_3112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWa8JZoqpDXvPg4q1W4enBY0GBMp_8nkqnHb6d_00Blgmd1sL5Zr4sokiPOlJkRMEqqGKQULfyx90r1rD2vwQ0gGpSKl5tZlMWd98883SHwKa5U38iIMisVwV9kUM4QAAN8i-birIqp2_dmkXCmVjtQzMQ2_6ZyS-h9gbBf1SaSj9RgZWyMuxZCMFBQ/w640-h424/20220814-IJ-DSC_3112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the "home" patch of the Moray Firth in the northeast </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9VNLZ_0LTn4fvW3b3IruW7L_dNtdnGZZZTOTHJnNmhE5cbLq61MjZ5z-eVuMHtTBqICh7F9pujW7RcyZsDjPzdAy49HNEuchcfbkm15m6lwHwJ4rgXy-ai4MrfPtiVIv3aBwcrVdE6f0DLFN-RpwOHRYfs-XA0OdTm-oftnNit5DlBqv_6Ko9t4Vng/s4577/20220923-IJ-DSC_3237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3164" data-original-width="4577" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9VNLZ_0LTn4fvW3b3IruW7L_dNtdnGZZZTOTHJnNmhE5cbLq61MjZ5z-eVuMHtTBqICh7F9pujW7RcyZsDjPzdAy49HNEuchcfbkm15m6lwHwJ4rgXy-ai4MrfPtiVIv3aBwcrVdE6f0DLFN-RpwOHRYfs-XA0OdTm-oftnNit5DlBqv_6Ko9t4Vng/w640-h442/20220923-IJ-DSC_3237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">In the very heart of Scotland, here on Loch Ericht.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl5VKrgC-wB9ldiIZ_MM9uQ_pf-VYNEvOXzzHLdyWseWUhsHuhhVGtQRhV_5jEcUdNyCZiRVDg_8LhOgLJ24WTjSmEqJHArHLmJDkVdVEuU2NuI-atqaaJS8HkJX0AbgG8Fl7d_4W1zDov9s-ZWK_pGf70_7omnSGf7K0RQd58eBEVcYXduClcu1ECQ/s4249/20230407_140911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2930" data-original-width="4249" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl5VKrgC-wB9ldiIZ_MM9uQ_pf-VYNEvOXzzHLdyWseWUhsHuhhVGtQRhV_5jEcUdNyCZiRVDg_8LhOgLJ24WTjSmEqJHArHLmJDkVdVEuU2NuI-atqaaJS8HkJX0AbgG8Fl7d_4W1zDov9s-ZWK_pGf70_7omnSGf7K0RQd58eBEVcYXduClcu1ECQ/w640-h442/20230407_140911.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">And in the far northwest, a here in Assynt.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJb4purTm8O8NNwF7_z0jSR6xyxJ40FGmbhZ49N577FqjOklC18R_SqEfVYrSOdPMxRJyUMrF99qiKfqVwuBkp0F55OG39v8dFDbWiAj0bnm9qCmL_1G-n5mE52jQyYAJBZyAHK8w2KXah5NY0iFpm96r8nU9e3RKTAxAWusZ0p4bEaaqKlQYMOxbsA/s4000/20220523_132725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJb4purTm8O8NNwF7_z0jSR6xyxJ40FGmbhZ49N577FqjOklC18R_SqEfVYrSOdPMxRJyUMrF99qiKfqVwuBkp0F55OG39v8dFDbWiAj0bnm9qCmL_1G-n5mE52jQyYAJBZyAHK8w2KXah5NY0iFpm96r8nU9e3RKTAxAWusZ0p4bEaaqKlQYMOxbsA/w640-h480/20220523_132725.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The hills haven't been ignored either, whether in challenging weather</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhE-A45VyLkwVC-25Psgi--uJx1ou3FfHp18xLI5KD4IdL8DhJFKrwtOU8MQ9OU3Mz9iYWEHCAOOQiaJZYQFHYTjRMGzyV4feKe2a3e8lPtmOnLG3RtMWih2TjTX7ksLqwtA9X5OJ1yZE4gp4IJzoE8SnJDhlEMk5YzYUGVBPo09OFVxiec81TM-Y4Q/s3513/20221104_114750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2593" data-original-width="3513" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhE-A45VyLkwVC-25Psgi--uJx1ou3FfHp18xLI5KD4IdL8DhJFKrwtOU8MQ9OU3Mz9iYWEHCAOOQiaJZYQFHYTjRMGzyV4feKe2a3e8lPtmOnLG3RtMWih2TjTX7ksLqwtA9X5OJ1yZE4gp4IJzoE8SnJDhlEMk5YzYUGVBPo09OFVxiec81TM-Y4Q/w640-h472/20221104_114750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">or in fair weather.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEJ6IhpyHs2sAbaiw3q5W1AjzbvFXTFwysrhrMTHnQ55lskMPfHW9E0TgQS1JEe3d3PQ-D-MEtWo4ZT_Gca7HZeocmCFSy3JwRMIYlNgCusjhM4VtcyUI7NMfjRhmvZj3gzuXiR5O8CQYmIjG6DbgtQ1canvzESOBCkR3koP2GKRqfqExQOo7m5x3RA/s3495/20221026_171849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3495" data-original-width="3445" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEJ6IhpyHs2sAbaiw3q5W1AjzbvFXTFwysrhrMTHnQ55lskMPfHW9E0TgQS1JEe3d3PQ-D-MEtWo4ZT_Gca7HZeocmCFSy3JwRMIYlNgCusjhM4VtcyUI7NMfjRhmvZj3gzuXiR5O8CQYmIjG6DbgtQ1canvzESOBCkR3koP2GKRqfqExQOo7m5x3RA/w630-h640/20221026_171849.jpg" width="630" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And talking of weather, the range of conditions experienced have been simply marvellous!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV9JMiYRUPfDv4kNY_u4eLuJxhiNS9NnIqSdtQMyVFvmeCSKNIUDnWUAxIQIhhCvpTmCiVQm7DknJeb-YA_FKFZQDSky0Fk-p5PsXnsKgZOLCoReKXGUJ76XHZ9FptElImYTjDYlPP7Vx74XSLRxMFJJhqLaKWDr4YFVbdEKrkRbUqnzk2BECCkDHYA/s2708/20221212_091416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2708" data-original-width="2673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV9JMiYRUPfDv4kNY_u4eLuJxhiNS9NnIqSdtQMyVFvmeCSKNIUDnWUAxIQIhhCvpTmCiVQm7DknJeb-YA_FKFZQDSky0Fk-p5PsXnsKgZOLCoReKXGUJ76XHZ9FptElImYTjDYlPP7Vx74XSLRxMFJJhqLaKWDr4YFVbdEKrkRbUqnzk2BECCkDHYA/w632-h640/20221212_091416.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QxdFE_hUarZGoNlt6vGTkPZM7NeUCB-G3b3onAX6z1yBwuHj6RFkGmR6blKLrX1QvEI4-y3S2a8sQvkK74v0mI22nCNY27RVlVgAvYDs-6-hBLFoeoexWVcFUgqP3su2Eyjb7Wg4nLdvG0rdtZo5VZ081N2ixhDQlmCIfH64g73ThjgkI4AbuHA4pA/s4419/20221219_153354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2148" data-original-width="4419" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QxdFE_hUarZGoNlt6vGTkPZM7NeUCB-G3b3onAX6z1yBwuHj6RFkGmR6blKLrX1QvEI4-y3S2a8sQvkK74v0mI22nCNY27RVlVgAvYDs-6-hBLFoeoexWVcFUgqP3su2Eyjb7Wg4nLdvG0rdtZo5VZ081N2ixhDQlmCIfH64g73ThjgkI4AbuHA4pA/w640-h312/20221219_153354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgJn6dkRAc53lF30SNM361KCDIIdbhcUGfnqal25oN3Le2J7MmZUfjrIkI-yKpLFmY8oJod5MQiGpXe93vZscwacS5T8pWYcDY3Jut6Ep80TL36HtMevic0KXYWT4hxyYnojN6hCFvr2Xxa4izn-rV5Jnz6Yk0Kfret_g_MRcIVZtowaKS4VHecNk4w/s3733/20230311_163536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="3733" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgJn6dkRAc53lF30SNM361KCDIIdbhcUGfnqal25oN3Le2J7MmZUfjrIkI-yKpLFmY8oJod5MQiGpXe93vZscwacS5T8pWYcDY3Jut6Ep80TL36HtMevic0KXYWT4hxyYnojN6hCFvr2Xxa4izn-rV5Jnz6Yk0Kfret_g_MRcIVZtowaKS4VHecNk4w/w640-h462/20230311_163536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>So that's the re-boot started, and hopefully I can do much better in posting here than of late!</div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-20952208720192630942022-09-20T21:00:00.002+01:002022-09-20T21:00:36.369+01:00Pinned on Pabay<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZDmvgbfCQ0o9fDFi32p11mml5GOJ_rjQtM3MKB43uLcGeLbc0XWBnrkgBQ0EWoELe5m7R7_qTd7CYqspp5eNfLOesmmOi22aBfHVtYjv-Gy3RFd1Fln4KikSxbKY6rcFbp3KznEJOvRKEYegNTQt3_QXTBtQPpCwcNRWMQm6ejbagomW3pDs83l-Tw/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZDmvgbfCQ0o9fDFi32p11mml5GOJ_rjQtM3MKB43uLcGeLbc0XWBnrkgBQ0EWoELe5m7R7_qTd7CYqspp5eNfLOesmmOi22aBfHVtYjv-Gy3RFd1Fln4KikSxbKY6rcFbp3KznEJOvRKEYegNTQt3_QXTBtQPpCwcNRWMQm6ejbagomW3pDs83l-Tw/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The morning weather was as lovely as the evening had been, clear and calm. The view to the Cuillin of Skye was our constant companion on this trip and one of the highlights with changing light and angles subtly altering the colour and form. We've all got great memories of climbs on that great arc of ridge - exhilarating and sometimes downright frightening!</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pq3xpzF8r9zQIda6BQlP_gnEWWZLxyMVRYGuVd2fNm_RFBTFF1RbXffFfFb5zdPcxYvc94mOJX7HYSbR1qvvBNf-4iwvTp3lD4wzT5ETk3s8xcQbqdpuKvfokD-e0FMyAeiS9o6reg_Bi2xOPK8c0c2wQcQ-n21KC2US4wsnIKikGZKq6ZOoXVERRg/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pq3xpzF8r9zQIda6BQlP_gnEWWZLxyMVRYGuVd2fNm_RFBTFF1RbXffFfFb5zdPcxYvc94mOJX7HYSbR1qvvBNf-4iwvTp3lD4wzT5ETk3s8xcQbqdpuKvfokD-e0FMyAeiS9o6reg_Bi2xOPK8c0c2wQcQ-n21KC2US4wsnIKikGZKq6ZOoXVERRg/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We had a leisurely breakfast and got on the water - within a few minutes we were back ashore on a tiny island with a "now you see it, now you don't" sandy beach which disappears at higher states of the tide. We'd wanted to stop here because it's rather a fine viewpoint; the first image in this post was taken from the beach.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dGDS9kMCGLWkmEJiQ4AEdfBTRLa5pQDiO3gyjlPevnolGohnh0shoX_JJppYledsfn9kR1sZwpUR7-xJgkeKB3ByLgmCFWv9hI8yoyKj-Y-Sv-TM84s0JwM_rllbcZaapdSHqGB2AR6ktJc2d2baXzF-ePj3y0I7p-MZsM8mTxFaNlNhTSmdkFbnww/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dGDS9kMCGLWkmEJiQ4AEdfBTRLa5pQDiO3gyjlPevnolGohnh0shoX_JJppYledsfn9kR1sZwpUR7-xJgkeKB3ByLgmCFWv9hI8yoyKj-Y-Sv-TM84s0JwM_rllbcZaapdSHqGB2AR6ktJc2d2baXzF-ePj3y0I7p-MZsM8mTxFaNlNhTSmdkFbnww/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The view near to hand wasn't bad either - vivid orange lichens glowing in the morning sunshine, set off by a few Thrift flowers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVTei1vC4TwORKYKhrotC382nvusiLwi5L1Pw0jPabmwUZt4w8m56LS0iZeTstB4XAT36a71XlRchOcAonOHso-iHiLdblhnaot-tOYQSH424c02GsqddjtsEaM-5hfShorqbz0BkG7C2tk6__T0M8CFQnXlqwdordqCYGtVvzA8Vn7BbnuWilOvdIA/s4547/20220424-IJ-DSC_2971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2121" data-original-width="4547" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVTei1vC4TwORKYKhrotC382nvusiLwi5L1Pw0jPabmwUZt4w8m56LS0iZeTstB4XAT36a71XlRchOcAonOHso-iHiLdblhnaot-tOYQSH424c02GsqddjtsEaM-5hfShorqbz0BkG7C2tk6__T0M8CFQnXlqwdordqCYGtVvzA8Vn7BbnuWilOvdIA/w640-h298/20220424-IJ-DSC_2971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Orange seemed to be the theme of the morning; we returned briefly to Kyleakin to collect some things and whilst preparing to get back underway we noticed a bright orange vessel passing under the Skye bridge.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc9WGO5Bmn45QKWGcPg0oMEkT5mXv39pb9vAFKCf7oscbR7KCcunWC_r1iHMxSfdZI7MEXAWkRj_1jfKz5QMt-IXqD1BNhgRyCHSgAYNtEGnzKGiB2SRFWeGA7fvD7k4Zbv-qG4HXv3hlRC_hsjGW8VwJCrGm9WowsXLJ5uk2OhBrQlmM7g6-9xERsA/s3951/20220424-IJ-DSC_2972.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2387" data-original-width="3951" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc9WGO5Bmn45QKWGcPg0oMEkT5mXv39pb9vAFKCf7oscbR7KCcunWC_r1iHMxSfdZI7MEXAWkRj_1jfKz5QMt-IXqD1BNhgRyCHSgAYNtEGnzKGiB2SRFWeGA7fvD7k4Zbv-qG4HXv3hlRC_hsjGW8VwJCrGm9WowsXLJ5uk2OhBrQlmM7g6-9xERsA/w640-h386/20220424-IJ-DSC_2972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>She's the <a href="https://www.vesseltracker.com/en/Ships/Mikal-With-9221308.html">"Mikal With"</a>, a 67 metre long palletised cargo vessel. On most marine vessel websites she has a blue hull and a different owner than recently. She's either owned or on charter to MOWI, a Norwegian aquaculture company.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItYv1v5YPnZUbbCUjCmQ5Xkos-tfwhadEiEub0_wdijKUCXIKSFt6_06XCAQbx6gpU8w9g5lqnAo-6ekHOpYsaZN0KcY-JquoA5ZmGDtTldwfnt91rNFKcHJTMJyBKAHr_0jgf0kt46RdT9p-DikpF2BAe2qNY4Eol9lwoWhe8WoHuDVAKi7DZ7DmzA/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItYv1v5YPnZUbbCUjCmQ5Xkos-tfwhadEiEub0_wdijKUCXIKSFt6_06XCAQbx6gpU8w9g5lqnAo-6ekHOpYsaZN0KcY-JquoA5ZmGDtTldwfnt91rNFKcHJTMJyBKAHr_0jgf0kt46RdT9p-DikpF2BAe2qNY4Eol9lwoWhe8WoHuDVAKi7DZ7DmzA/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We set out again from Kyleakin and aimed for the island of Pabay, which we intended to use as a stepping stone on our way to an intended camp on Scalpay. The breeze had been slowly building and once clear of Kyle Akin it became quite strong from straight off the Skye coast (our port quarter).</p><p>We put our sails up to take advantage of the push and were absolutely blasted across towards Pabay. I found this a really great sailing run, but was certainly not prepared to stop paddling in order to take photos! Our average speed on this blast was 9.4km/h, or nearly twice cruising speed.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lw81alWLS4OhKdsR2tIveCcIdL0cMQgvBWick64-N24j5Wnry7EgR9kUrp6GSfmyuSqjgyOqGbv_wSdKHrYpwPCi8q-h5JoIyeWXY03vEg04uizwFvYLdUFkTjUIPmFf6qU5tpJ06U8CXM0cuk9fzeAnC6lCVIKonwj7zXv-RSymQypcFniJwawiZA/s4443/20220424-IJ-DSC_2975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2943" data-original-width="4443" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lw81alWLS4OhKdsR2tIveCcIdL0cMQgvBWick64-N24j5Wnry7EgR9kUrp6GSfmyuSqjgyOqGbv_wSdKHrYpwPCi8q-h5JoIyeWXY03vEg04uizwFvYLdUFkTjUIPmFf6qU5tpJ06U8CXM0cuk9fzeAnC6lCVIKonwj7zXv-RSymQypcFniJwawiZA/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although a fast passage, it had been an energetic one - it is paddle sailing rather than just sailing! We were all ready for a lunch stop by this point.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKWWn4HKjHOeNPhRGRbSCPzATQx0_UUz1ynJvOUaLWKlJPH0gPPt0O3pG9oTkUnQdnQaCXskBMBCY1yKtVwq8BwT2HTbTbSAhgOlsumHYzdzdHV8CQ9njjCRybek-lz-YR-Iby5PJodb0IPrNefsaOk_Xx3Q8bLzsjkvGZZwkv5Aam0ba0qU2p7tgCQ/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKWWn4HKjHOeNPhRGRbSCPzATQx0_UUz1ynJvOUaLWKlJPH0gPPt0O3pG9oTkUnQdnQaCXskBMBCY1yKtVwq8BwT2HTbTbSAhgOlsumHYzdzdHV8CQ9njjCRybek-lz-YR-Iby5PJodb0IPrNefsaOk_Xx3Q8bLzsjkvGZZwkv5Aam0ba0qU2p7tgCQ/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Approaching Pabay the wind seemed to ease a little and we dropped our sails to paddle into the tiny harbour area. Donny had motored along to Broadford in his F-RIB and made a direct crossing from there to Pabay; he had a pretty wet ride!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUj8InX6pYXKXtXBZGFER141jDVI_m6awwFqcQW7-1ubJZH_4C2dRchMDZ71ziz3e0jtzeE4Xgaiycxu333_Hrf00JKQHjRXNO87BoOkgqbI8fbaZEi8NF27BVp6exgQJ5LhuipsYKOPm1ObZftOYo769BKgfB5KWioCWP14C5pne1lwhtw8s85M3rw/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUj8InX6pYXKXtXBZGFER141jDVI_m6awwFqcQW7-1ubJZH_4C2dRchMDZ71ziz3e0jtzeE4Xgaiycxu333_Hrf00JKQHjRXNO87BoOkgqbI8fbaZEi8NF27BVp6exgQJ5LhuipsYKOPm1ObZftOYo769BKgfB5KWioCWP14C5pne1lwhtw8s85M3rw/w424-h640/20220424-IJ-DSC_2977.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><p>One of the iconic sights on Pabay (<i>Norse: Priest Island</i>) is this post box. It seems incongruous since there are only a couple of houses on the island but is here because the island issues <a href="https://www.pabay.org/stamps/">it's own postage stamps</a> for mail which is transferred into the Royal Mail system in Skye (from where it needs Royal Mail stamps).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZERzBjx0ANWFDpliUK1UfrJlSmHYPvnh8nKaxIzAKi3uK-5ca9akEuAiTXPWDjfvhjRd7VCWlDDn5wDXWHsQV6tc0z12l5-mffGzEesxWrlS1taTBS31V8YKitoAXljBAn6j-LeRAcBzoo-eIwzhLFNPo3GMkQzwPi4fKacfeEgNU7HzfElUipy2Og/s4089/20220424-IJ-DSC_2978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2708" data-original-width="4089" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZERzBjx0ANWFDpliUK1UfrJlSmHYPvnh8nKaxIzAKi3uK-5ca9akEuAiTXPWDjfvhjRd7VCWlDDn5wDXWHsQV6tc0z12l5-mffGzEesxWrlS1taTBS31V8YKitoAXljBAn6j-LeRAcBzoo-eIwzhLFNPo3GMkQzwPi4fKacfeEgNU7HzfElUipy2Og/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Sheltered from the breeze (which was becoming stronger) we lazed in warm sunshine, surrounded by clumps of Primroses. The pale yellow of the flowers set against the blue of sky and sea was gorgeous.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucDV-xw-AUjY_XCBCiMMUhefj9VMHkVcE0rgAws7-6_iUZd6VpTz1uc5EGt4WXMatt0p38JpAMyf3moYLwG34SGiRZUX0ISE5CdZ26yZla9PlBHhYxQO1WmUL2MCkkMlhJuJuVMQKa35X9xCONeh89x15UBxYg2td24pScYUcf_dIN-1LKy50vtQDkQ/s1822/20220424-IJ-DSC_2979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1822" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucDV-xw-AUjY_XCBCiMMUhefj9VMHkVcE0rgAws7-6_iUZd6VpTz1uc5EGt4WXMatt0p38JpAMyf3moYLwG34SGiRZUX0ISE5CdZ26yZla9PlBHhYxQO1WmUL2MCkkMlhJuJuVMQKa35X9xCONeh89x15UBxYg2td24pScYUcf_dIN-1LKy50vtQDkQ/w640-h456/20220424-IJ-DSC_2979.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Above where we lunched a pair of Bonxies (Great Skuas) watched us warily. These impressive piratical predators had picked a nest site with a great view over the low lying island.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Le27wpsUXuUDxqfbQvj3P8p5smndN2msNImTulCFrhAFq4BCRzn9SvcvyppTSMYZRZSUDEoDpFoU2D5v2FM8ZAz_1r4dZSrQdT0HRftO6eKO5czlVXqtcoIPzs_o_KspQJQ6UePBIhvFJKPM585zeOoE8EGo3qEDvubu6cuc9IMQMIQC2lNrPHmsg/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Le27wpsUXuUDxqfbQvj3P8p5smndN2msNImTulCFrhAFq4BCRzn9SvcvyppTSMYZRZSUDEoDpFoU2D5v2FM8ZAz_1r4dZSrQdT0HRftO6eKO5czlVXqtcoIPzs_o_KspQJQ6UePBIhvFJKPM585zeOoE8EGo3qEDvubu6cuc9IMQMIQC2lNrPHmsg/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2980.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>One of the features of Pabay is its geology which is shales intersected by dykes of harder rocks. The whole island is almost flat and nearly doubles in size as the tide falls from high to low water, leaving the geometric patterns of dykes.</p><p>Another feature is that, despite being flat the island has virtually no wild camping spots accessible from the water. The rock layers from a barrier and the softer rock gives good growing conditions for brambles and tangled low undergrowth.</p><p>This gave us a problem; we were pretty much pinned on Pabay. The wind had continued to rise and in the Sound between Pabay and Scalpay was approaching a Force 6. None of us was keen on trying the paddle across unless we really had to, but despite trying along the sheltered parts of Pabay by kayak we could find nowhere to camp. We returned to the harbour to have a re-think. Douglas and I walked up to the "big house" which is undergoing renovation by a new owner of the island. We explained our situation and asked if we might camp near the harbour. The Access provision in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act is wide ranging but does not cover access near to houses or infrastructure. The owner was most kind in allowing us to camp for the night and it was really appreciated by us.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz7OrmnOq2dzo7ZMxDtzWSoViz5GIiFCqaHBWYnWVtW-ZbgODBGlLs0EVgfnSoBIv7mIsltgF5BAO-ESli9S8ONdzfI52-64glUIzPy07vaSoRqaxu95SIO3-PcGR1C0dN44GXOXcwOFjSQUXA9cuSzl4YlsJWk4DiywN2wUESTFW15oKTIELnL4NRw/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz7OrmnOq2dzo7ZMxDtzWSoViz5GIiFCqaHBWYnWVtW-ZbgODBGlLs0EVgfnSoBIv7mIsltgF5BAO-ESli9S8ONdzfI52-64glUIzPy07vaSoRqaxu95SIO3-PcGR1C0dN44GXOXcwOFjSQUXA9cuSzl4YlsJWk4DiywN2wUESTFW15oKTIELnL4NRw/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We pitched our tents in areas which wouldn't affect access to and from the harbour itself and found a spot out of the wind to cook dinner - preceded by fresh soup. The day had been recovered but our plans would need to be altered. The forecast was for the wind to drop almost completely by morning, so we decided on a paddle to the Applecross shore via the Crowlin Islands.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMFJat_5EQdg0PvPtXC55qFBZ4QIbyvj7LyFIpcJM9ngtrOPhE5im6e9Q4Z5YvBqnTqWSCj5ORsiDhA-HEJD9EA0Syq4iHakZkMYQvNw-DzM_KNWbyPXvF5feLfSamV7WO7MqvEjKPJdtlwAJG49mx1IVab45R7gBl4y4-qXWWMxCTzwkI4dVlodUfw/s4928/20220424-IJ-DSC_2982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMFJat_5EQdg0PvPtXC55qFBZ4QIbyvj7LyFIpcJM9ngtrOPhE5im6e9Q4Z5YvBqnTqWSCj5ORsiDhA-HEJD9EA0Syq4iHakZkMYQvNw-DzM_KNWbyPXvF5feLfSamV7WO7MqvEjKPJdtlwAJG49mx1IVab45R7gBl4y4-qXWWMxCTzwkI4dVlodUfw/w640-h424/20220424-IJ-DSC_2982.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As the sun set, the wind came around a couple of points and seemed to drop by several degrees in temperature - it was pretty cold within minutes. Dinner done, we retired to the tents (which we'd pinned very securely to Pabay) for an early night.<br /> <p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-48093163422220971622022-07-01T18:40:00.000+01:002022-07-01T18:40:04.112+01:00A perfect pitch<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_oEveHN3lXw6SerTgrTVzCuY-uW2Pe2OqbSKQaUb-h-0XJPNle8BiMtGoo8RrCQ4BsQjRCpVyPiLrAqNhHqT8fLsioQNlURGnGw3AveNTe5VJOPlNUj4FJsFu_exuniRtfL-RXR_okRjGO1g0GhPVeVefOEb5AfhJXlyYtdk-BzBirmFmDy1ppEEHA/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_oEveHN3lXw6SerTgrTVzCuY-uW2Pe2OqbSKQaUb-h-0XJPNle8BiMtGoo8RrCQ4BsQjRCpVyPiLrAqNhHqT8fLsioQNlURGnGw3AveNTe5VJOPlNUj4FJsFu_exuniRtfL-RXR_okRjGO1g0GhPVeVefOEb5AfhJXlyYtdk-BzBirmFmDy1ppEEHA/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It turned out that our day could and did get better! The camping spot we'd originally planned on was a few more kilometres up the coast, and given the wind direction we realised that it would be right in the wind. So when a flash of white sand backed by bright green woodland caught our eye at the back of a small bay, we had to take a look.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNPLG8nlK_GBqKnzTApWpq9c-yZx9aYRmVJ0bnj7OGaQNDKMAnyryXN7CjztupjZCMKxmC-2Cu54bZzQxZam24ExYrYFQH-PK-09hU13WZFMx5LvzP3PM9-G9d69yre97Y4ZCC53GRW8MZ_fAVIjIeiWnmgM-aG5BVQYGddC0Z5BM_SGc2g6M5b74Hw/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNPLG8nlK_GBqKnzTApWpq9c-yZx9aYRmVJ0bnj7OGaQNDKMAnyryXN7CjztupjZCMKxmC-2Cu54bZzQxZam24ExYrYFQH-PK-09hU13WZFMx5LvzP3PM9-G9d69yre97Y4ZCC53GRW8MZ_fAVIjIeiWnmgM-aG5BVQYGddC0Z5BM_SGc2g6M5b74Hw/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Landing near low water we found ourselves in an enclosed bay, sheltered from the wind and in full sunshine. A few folk were enjoying the late afternoon sunshine, indicating that the bay was fairly accessible, but it did look very promising as a wild camping spot. Our preference is for fairly remote areas which are little used, but never look a gift horse in the mouth!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS5QnsYC5nYcgzwBXGBqiaAmh-QQ2K44Fj9gz0GuZj_-kF3a0YIIpm5aD4VW3F11hl3xMF6jnozjwse1RloYAaXjiE9Jd4X_poL_sGxep2uMntyt7XjLE7ZvlRM6976oAluQs2Pffx3nJH8PNhnRl1z3VJPe9a3wct1h9K7Wrg2R2DBGKzX9wWCriUA/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS5QnsYC5nYcgzwBXGBqiaAmh-QQ2K44Fj9gz0GuZj_-kF3a0YIIpm5aD4VW3F11hl3xMF6jnozjwse1RloYAaXjiE9Jd4X_poL_sGxep2uMntyt7XjLE7ZvlRM6976oAluQs2Pffx3nJH8PNhnRl1z3VJPe9a3wct1h9K7Wrg2R2DBGKzX9wWCriUA/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As the day visitors started to leave, we pitched our tents, Donny and Douglas pitched on the level turf above the beach itself - where there was even a picnic bench......</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXP8oH7IK58eu53ke8fISXQEVbMyrBlCUajM2sEQR1JE46s2qUNs4yYrdFyPrtcgf35gfJeO12nmmRREL0uLLDIsBYgzB4E3Nu46S6M0bif6FQkrdN0uvi88Y1UFSoKedeB_bPVk3XXNazDoDngwcx7WzX3RRcsMdpRwX0e6PjiiQlGNHlkgpcOKYdA/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXP8oH7IK58eu53ke8fISXQEVbMyrBlCUajM2sEQR1JE46s2qUNs4yYrdFyPrtcgf35gfJeO12nmmRREL0uLLDIsBYgzB4E3Nu46S6M0bif6FQkrdN0uvi88Y1UFSoKedeB_bPVk3XXNazDoDngwcx7WzX3RRcsMdpRwX0e6PjiiQlGNHlkgpcOKYdA/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Allan and I chose spots in a beautiful wood of birches at the back of the bay which was alive with birdsong. At the time and in the memory, this felt a perfect pitch.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBoXmG3bzf1AHR8Us3PuZmACItfQEhPV87DWA2FzbALl5tccV7iIO5RQZyBigxcKJ31hjFQ03aok_fkHbXPHHdKEDeFmspviksEoeONyxbt37LpvLF30jaceoHVPMAyiMow-LSi_oc3NzgFwuRKN6vtaL-ta6xwHtaoesEEUw_gciQ85-aGt-IjuGsg/s3850/20220423-IJ-DSC_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3226" data-original-width="3850" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBoXmG3bzf1AHR8Us3PuZmACItfQEhPV87DWA2FzbALl5tccV7iIO5RQZyBigxcKJ31hjFQ03aok_fkHbXPHHdKEDeFmspviksEoeONyxbt37LpvLF30jaceoHVPMAyiMow-LSi_oc3NzgFwuRKN6vtaL-ta6xwHtaoesEEUw_gciQ85-aGt-IjuGsg/w640-h536/20220423-IJ-DSC_2948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once we'd pitched up we wandered the bay, just enjoying the sunshine and the location. We came across this lovely piece of beach art which must have taken both patience and real creative talent to produce. Transient and perfect, it would be washed away by the evening's high tide.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy10lA5JrMgIQowxPUubC6bcr-qZPfH1FyR4mvqf4capFzyPDbaxJt7ePAefSVN1KD1ZVIH4FY-9SubaGUKxEwDD8LLGlZquNI4hP-XkVackQEuDVGt5R07Rf8PUzRUYdAWolH0NO632DZs6Bao256PS7dflP6C512RUhVUlWC4NSBAOcJI7_3z0XnA/s2786/20220423-IJ-DSC_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="2786" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy10lA5JrMgIQowxPUubC6bcr-qZPfH1FyR4mvqf4capFzyPDbaxJt7ePAefSVN1KD1ZVIH4FY-9SubaGUKxEwDD8LLGlZquNI4hP-XkVackQEuDVGt5R07Rf8PUzRUYdAWolH0NO632DZs6Bao256PS7dflP6C512RUhVUlWC4NSBAOcJI7_3z0XnA/w640-h552/20220423-IJ-DSC_2950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Much of the beach was covered in pieces of white "coral" - actually <a href="https://www.nature.scot/landscapes-and-habitats/habitat-types/coast-and-seas/marine-habitats/maerl-beds">Maerl</a>, a corraline algae which when living is a purplish colour. When they die, the calcereous remains of Maerl are broken and crushed by wave action, then bleached in the sun to form dazzling white "coral" beaches such as this one. </p><p>A rare and fragile environment, Maerl beds have comprehensive protection, but are at risk from scallop dredging - one pass by a scallop dredger's bottom gear can destroy a bed which might be hundreds of years old. Loch Carron has some of the best examples of Maerl beds and as a result is protected by designation as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8ZtfxO2YePOfwYwxGbtz15id-A7szOsZwt_K7FyweH7lrY22vhlKIS7cchPKzwlPDkXyrE68g1g0_Z2kJQEaKF2XBeFsbwh5-iDGjHf6tm1s--GWQ-V_YwtiSM0yxIs9PcEMmLbGubKxyQj42ZycyUJVosKcDeM0wYYn0W_x4-Uyo8IhkxXeD9czNA/s3425/20220423-IJ-DSC_2951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3038" data-original-width="3425" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8ZtfxO2YePOfwYwxGbtz15id-A7szOsZwt_K7FyweH7lrY22vhlKIS7cchPKzwlPDkXyrE68g1g0_Z2kJQEaKF2XBeFsbwh5-iDGjHf6tm1s--GWQ-V_YwtiSM0yxIs9PcEMmLbGubKxyQj42ZycyUJVosKcDeM0wYYn0W_x4-Uyo8IhkxXeD9czNA/w640-h568/20220423-IJ-DSC_2951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In the wood, Primroses were in flower on sunny banks - perhaps my favourite of the early Spring flowers; such a cheery sight at the back of a long winter.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZvm45PZfDZWvrzpCYDXQzcxGJN-g2p1C4BOrI0DPjbw236SHX3lWSDNhVCWRND61d1Dy7SelCnLW80rZ-DCaSjiMSU2cNqgSTW5VxqByzZp7MMlpgh2ClveGXoED0zKC4ZKV3t4BgJZL3I-Tvafyk2TF8r2nIRoPIyFFUSh4yQpKLTJuOl5x7WIAJw/s4590/20220423-IJ-DSC_2953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="4590" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZvm45PZfDZWvrzpCYDXQzcxGJN-g2p1C4BOrI0DPjbw236SHX3lWSDNhVCWRND61d1Dy7SelCnLW80rZ-DCaSjiMSU2cNqgSTW5VxqByzZp7MMlpgh2ClveGXoED0zKC4ZKV3t4BgJZL3I-Tvafyk2TF8r2nIRoPIyFFUSh4yQpKLTJuOl5x7WIAJw/w640-h366/20220423-IJ-DSC_2953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After dinner we wandered over to the edge of the bay and climbed a rocky outcrop to photograph the setting sun - it was a really lovely evening.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavfErzoeERgirUfdIoQIV3H__Qsri1BQC33PrhnWxRNsF4wsxcpGvZBOVd0OHLoZDaSXcJJJ0ibaQvnR0do876MaAz5mwB5ks_XNtpRGjSo1Q46HK9C0zMlgtoE9_5Uqnm8OHEFPQbsRVEjM_11AEHd2cM9CM03IZAN_XA6cD5f23S7u1SPLWr7ysig/s4523/20220423-IJ-DSC_2956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="4523" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavfErzoeERgirUfdIoQIV3H__Qsri1BQC33PrhnWxRNsF4wsxcpGvZBOVd0OHLoZDaSXcJJJ0ibaQvnR0do876MaAz5mwB5ks_XNtpRGjSo1Q46HK9C0zMlgtoE9_5Uqnm8OHEFPQbsRVEjM_11AEHd2cM9CM03IZAN_XA6cD5f23S7u1SPLWr7ysig/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our fire below the Spring tide mark was lit to get going while we took our photographs and brought snacks and drinks down from the tents.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4HiGtXDZ0_kOSCQiTyPcOEKHkGWYgQMLAafqt8dzd3rk7kU7-ehDvimkc4fqgDU6rvhLlItY5O4bxs_EFDiP8fUveXpCS-BXc0QNYACReV0i5hv9wcfdNKkq4r2mVaGEgMQKD90SuM6CxxrlPw7Yg2i9H0OE1sqNJsaxd_b4x-LAolGrf1e4QcxwtA/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2274" data-original-width="4928" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4HiGtXDZ0_kOSCQiTyPcOEKHkGWYgQMLAafqt8dzd3rk7kU7-ehDvimkc4fqgDU6rvhLlItY5O4bxs_EFDiP8fUveXpCS-BXc0QNYACReV0i5hv9wcfdNKkq4r2mVaGEgMQKD90SuM6CxxrlPw7Yg2i9H0OE1sqNJsaxd_b4x-LAolGrf1e4QcxwtA/w640-h296/20220423-IJ-DSC_2960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Across the sea, beyond Skye and Raasay, the setting sun slipped down to the horizon to end a truly great day on the water. We sat with a dram by our fire and chatted into a glorious evening.<p></p><p><i>Note: Since we camped here, the bay and its beach have been featured in a national newspaper and on a well known travel website as "one of the most beautiful and accessible in Scotland". This is undoubtedly going to increase it's popularity and perfect as it is, we will avoid camping here for the foreseeable future in order to go a small way to reducing future pressure.</i></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-26991688944148782002022-05-31T09:03:00.000+01:002022-05-31T09:03:00.151+01:00Over the sea from Skye<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSmJA90fVwJn5v9HhdeyVuIrazw2pZvPSARk7PPFLhjRLz2IjT4_MsdjhZu9d7klBCdl-wda2uwHxvMSFpuolmhVgobLOhx1BSI0SS8nxJdelYHMnH3UOM7MbDaBdJ_QcZ0c3i9uolWYQahnpFffihWkNI6psSVeeoKa0aHwQ_DQV-8Y_ahbSLRzhZw/s3674/20220423-IJ-DSC_2930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="3674" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSmJA90fVwJn5v9HhdeyVuIrazw2pZvPSARk7PPFLhjRLz2IjT4_MsdjhZu9d7klBCdl-wda2uwHxvMSFpuolmhVgobLOhx1BSI0SS8nxJdelYHMnH3UOM7MbDaBdJ_QcZ0c3i9uolWYQahnpFffihWkNI6psSVeeoKa0aHwQ_DQV-8Y_ahbSLRzhZw/w640-h414/20220423-IJ-DSC_2930.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A spell of warm and sunny Spring weather is always so welcome here in Scotland - so when a run of fine days was forecast in the second half of April we made plans for a kayak trip. Our starting point was to be <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=175500&Y=826500&A=Y&Z=120">Kyleakin</a> on the Isle of Skye; and we met up on a sparkling morning. Allan and I travelled from Aberdeenshire, <a href="https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/">Douglas</a> from the Solway coast via Glasgow and Taynuilt, where he teamed up with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWRztvG9Vhk5Hz-OqGTVag?app=desktop">Donny</a> for the journey to Skye. Our plan was very flexible....simply to spend some time kayaking around the southern part of the <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=168020&Y=832860&A=Y&Z=130">Inner Sound</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>While we rigged our kayaks Donny got his F-RIB "Guppy" afloat and set off to do a little filming. You'll be able to see the video of our trip on Donny's Youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CImu3GXNV74">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy3FAtIMfz1rSKrlIWWcv-vUOo-5nxFdIpm1nDyI5rzPtIeFj622ICmjtD0Tdlrt7sHSGWOyc8zbmvSxHfj6UXCktKJiNH0WhUIysdIxTUbZyqded60tv_hDG017lx9-Mh4O0sF4IDyjng-V0WFxJsSihtehkYyUpaDKrNzJNCBy82xvAuIrEx9geCw/s4800/20220423-IJ-DSC_2931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="4800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy3FAtIMfz1rSKrlIWWcv-vUOo-5nxFdIpm1nDyI5rzPtIeFj622ICmjtD0Tdlrt7sHSGWOyc8zbmvSxHfj6UXCktKJiNH0WhUIysdIxTUbZyqded60tv_hDG017lx9-Mh4O0sF4IDyjng-V0WFxJsSihtehkYyUpaDKrNzJNCBy82xvAuIrEx9geCw/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the usual routine of boat packing and trying to make sure everything fitted in, we got underway and immediately put up our sails to catch a push from the north easterly breeze. This stretch of water, Kyle of Lochalsh or more properly Caol Loch Ailse (<i>Strait of the Foaming Lake</i>) has strong tidal streams, particularly at the narrow western entrance which is named separately as Kyle Akin (<i>Haakon's Strait)</i> - named for a Norse king who brought a huge force of longships through here and beached at Kyleakin on his way south where he would be engaged and beaten by a Scots army under King Alexander III on 2nd October 1263.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RzYwxviGXosMtqb2bIasXkbEgNdt4LxGYPtvcwBeb7kMpRM7u7h9sbnr0jLKgh_iW0N-P5W9pxYcMHV5f7tTtKhgT19NSj7I5jLrJlcuR9DES-QYoY-IFjIVOSQ2wd-h_ggyu9Lc6zqFUjVMQaD3xqu_Lkpu-Uk3vvOqGtYYNmu7sLiOnlFlQLhsDw/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RzYwxviGXosMtqb2bIasXkbEgNdt4LxGYPtvcwBeb7kMpRM7u7h9sbnr0jLKgh_iW0N-P5W9pxYcMHV5f7tTtKhgT19NSj7I5jLrJlcuR9DES-QYoY-IFjIVOSQ2wd-h_ggyu9Lc6zqFUjVMQaD3xqu_Lkpu-Uk3vvOqGtYYNmu7sLiOnlFlQLhsDw/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The building of the Skye Bridge altered the flows somewhat at Kyleakin and the strongest of the stream can be avoided by passing close under the eastern side between Eiean Ban and the mainland shore - that said it's still an energetic paddle against the tide!</div><div><br /></div><div>We started on Skye and apart from a brief call back at Kyleakin didn't plan to paddle any of the island's coast on this trip - not so much <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skye_Boat_Song">"Over the Sea to Skye"</a> as over the sea <u>from</u> Skye!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql5KmuhAM9jS6Tadu_O8BXGEvtHo6l4uWokDxdn_fC9rmndBie0tKcEUh5lKUXM6tt3zhRvTC4aPtHh0sxfEZRhMJBk8cV84JpqT6yknTKvL1hXWbZeRqixQ4JLPa-mDi3hiBWvIw8ZOg7Fc6Oc2oymWGOJ4a5OrKu-baUYMv-u2Xp-7mx0NHMPOHww/s4465/20220423-IJ-DSC_2933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="4465" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql5KmuhAM9jS6Tadu_O8BXGEvtHo6l4uWokDxdn_fC9rmndBie0tKcEUh5lKUXM6tt3zhRvTC4aPtHh0sxfEZRhMJBk8cV84JpqT6yknTKvL1hXWbZeRqixQ4JLPa-mDi3hiBWvIw8ZOg7Fc6Oc2oymWGOJ4a5OrKu-baUYMv-u2Xp-7mx0NHMPOHww/w640-h358/20220423-IJ-DSC_2933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We headed north after exiting Kyleakin and stopped at <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=175130&Y=828105&A=Y&Z=120">Eilean a' Mhal</a> for first luncheon. Sheltered from the breeze we sat in warm sunshine with a wonderful view across the Inner Sound to the hills of Beinn na Cailleach and Glamaig on Skye. The colour in the water was marvellous and was the standout feature of this day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMqIdZWqT8n7G8pdX6H-zjYAEGmvjvkyU--FeQ0L14T65smalVlzqUFqX2Nqmqhf7HYWIThuBbn9Um_tUAL9DSeVbHycyNSn5YbFNGyAYbFMGWAM1N1-mK42wCjcENxruy5s9XGcpYGNaJiOQqdy5eXyuGR2Q7QT67kcCtJ4orHofVxCjNuF4ELk8CQ/s4539/20220423-IJ-DSC_2935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2349" data-original-width="4539" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMqIdZWqT8n7G8pdX6H-zjYAEGmvjvkyU--FeQ0L14T65smalVlzqUFqX2Nqmqhf7HYWIThuBbn9Um_tUAL9DSeVbHycyNSn5YbFNGyAYbFMGWAM1N1-mK42wCjcENxruy5s9XGcpYGNaJiOQqdy5eXyuGR2Q7QT67kcCtJ4orHofVxCjNuF4ELk8CQ/w640-h332/20220423-IJ-DSC_2935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back underway and we continued north through the maze of the Black Islands, which today were anything but black - indeed there was a riot of colour. This group of islands usually provides sheltered paddling in a compact area which changes from hour to hour according to the state of the tide.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg9Av-3VZAS5xTQ3_f68Pc85ZQ1TgWUZ8zJzBHh_u_hEpnKPNoqXLqFoubPMNJM103L3RAUAOrIYo_lOEgNGJbQKN0kzhDXiu-ydOTYMcRqD8Rx9KL5nOo_tj4MwjLZmzIvFoEdzTek_Gtm-WK95LyiB67kz1IeqMIhCzALgl-we9XqW_1DJ8kG0gpg/s3413/20220423-IJ-DSC_2937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="3413" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg9Av-3VZAS5xTQ3_f68Pc85ZQ1TgWUZ8zJzBHh_u_hEpnKPNoqXLqFoubPMNJM103L3RAUAOrIYo_lOEgNGJbQKN0kzhDXiu-ydOTYMcRqD8Rx9KL5nOo_tj4MwjLZmzIvFoEdzTek_Gtm-WK95LyiB67kz1IeqMIhCzALgl-we9XqW_1DJ8kG0gpg/w640-h382/20220423-IJ-DSC_2937.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Conditions were pretty good for early Spring - dry and bright with a north easterly breeze, and we observed this effect of cloud capping some, but not all, of the higher hills several times during our trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVnJihdHX5M8posg3MxEaJgpVk-7FXVeh3qSr78ztMeQ0qfJZx35IStnaEQleo-lg_9qelYeer-eSQOzzkfRh0RrWzS2s4YIdl003l_xYomgBe_95npyPRjdI6e9prhth1M8O_8kfJHFTTQ3q3XYple1JbIWmES3jXO-lNH7lRyxcGueKMDEqR-o9Tw/s4928/20220423-IJ-DSC_2941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVnJihdHX5M8posg3MxEaJgpVk-7FXVeh3qSr78ztMeQ0qfJZx35IStnaEQleo-lg_9qelYeer-eSQOzzkfRh0RrWzS2s4YIdl003l_xYomgBe_95npyPRjdI6e9prhth1M8O_8kfJHFTTQ3q3XYple1JbIWmES3jXO-lNH7lRyxcGueKMDEqR-o9Tw/w640-h424/20220423-IJ-DSC_2941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> As we left the Black Islands we paddled into the breeze and so dropped our sails. After an energetic couple of kilometres of paddling we came into a lagoon with the most wonderful colour of water as the sun lit the white sand below our boats. Really - could a day get any better than this?!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-81714955348568770132022-05-25T17:01:00.005+01:002022-05-25T19:08:55.874+01:00Bridging the gapThis is a catch-up post from a walk in upper Donside in the second half of April. Lorna, Allan and I have explored many of the area's tracks, especially when Covid restrictions limited the distance we could travel.<div><br /></div><div>We decided on a linear walk from <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=326500&Y=808500&A=Y&Z=126">Corgarff</a> at the foot of the Lecht road down to <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=335500&Y=813500&A=Y&Z=126">Bellabeg</a> in Strathdon. By the A944 road this isn't a particularly long route but we intended to use parts of altogether older roads. We would also link a series of bridges which have historical interest - the "bridge" theme would continue in that our route would bridge a gap between walking routes we know well.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAkM1zHbTXRqP4sRK4YjFH8h4RQfjVwII7cdptO1BlxjqPfAnbQutH02dyrET3Myn2BVlyrXtjVzF3uz-OksNhn4v5W3aYrXIe9JVKpV07Y-RZA39QTWIqcssS6JEAwnNAiiXEumM-038spb85qPQRd9MsFO1277rAWOW15QC7-hDwCfxSeP2MiKoNw/s6000/20220416-IJ-DSC01323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAkM1zHbTXRqP4sRK4YjFH8h4RQfjVwII7cdptO1BlxjqPfAnbQutH02dyrET3Myn2BVlyrXtjVzF3uz-OksNhn4v5W3aYrXIe9JVKpV07Y-RZA39QTWIqcssS6JEAwnNAiiXEumM-038spb85qPQRd9MsFO1277rAWOW15QC7-hDwCfxSeP2MiKoNw/w640-h426/20220416-IJ-DSC01323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We set off on a lovely Spring morning, heading SE from Ordgarff along the track which is signed as "Old Military Road". This simple statement has a deal of history behind it because this is a section of road built between 1748 and 1757 as part of a massive roadbuilding and infrastructure project following the 18th century Jacobite rebellions.</p><p>That said, the first of the bridges isn't typical of the "Wade Bridge", being a graceful, slender arch over the Allt Damh - seemingly defying gravity! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxAEmPkJRuzJdG90dRQVK-0jxMiKtfTAX-DarDlgt2PfZ0D04InqlvgPLIM-iMFVvyh3lMM0qWS5yaT87f6afGU3oQ0r70Sr7yM21XNIry2QPLCdZquyWejGgOa3BF2L1pdWL9F8IZF_8QyFsPNoHL0esW6qODuKVIMYVof8ZVeWiAx4rA5FLyodb0Q/s6000/20220416-IJ-DSC01324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxAEmPkJRuzJdG90dRQVK-0jxMiKtfTAX-DarDlgt2PfZ0D04InqlvgPLIM-iMFVvyh3lMM0qWS5yaT87f6afGU3oQ0r70Sr7yM21XNIry2QPLCdZquyWejGgOa3BF2L1pdWL9F8IZF_8QyFsPNoHL0esW6qODuKVIMYVof8ZVeWiAx4rA5FLyodb0Q/w640-h426/20220416-IJ-DSC01324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just under 2km further along the track is Delavine Bridge. This is much more representative of the bridge construction on the 18th century military roads. Delavine was one of three bridges repaired and stabilised over three years from 1997 to 2000 to keep these scheduled monuments intact. A plaque on Delavine bridge records the work, placed on the outer parapet where it is particularly difficult to read without standing in the burn itself! It is typical of the larger bridges of the period in construction and in being 4 metres wide.</p><p>The familiar term is "Wade roads" and "Wade Bridges" in reference to General George Wade, a military Commander in North Britain from 1724 to 1740. Wade is actually the only person named in the British National Anthem - one of the more clunky verses which isn't used today reads:</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Lord grant that Marshal Wade</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>may by thy aid victory bring</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>May he sedition hush</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And like a torrent rush</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rebellious Scots to crush</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>God Save the King"</i></div><p style="text-align: left;">The "Wade" road here is part of a 100 mile (160km) route from Coupar Angus to Fort George near Inverness via Braemar, Corgarff and Grantown on Spey. The whole route was built in nine years between 1748 and 1757, starting just two years after the final Jacobite defeat at Culloden Moor. For context, the 26 mile/42km Aberdeen Western Peripheral route took five years to complete in the 21st century!</p><p style="text-align: left;">By the time construction of this road was started Wade had long since left the Highlands and in fact died in the same year work on this route started. His successor, Major William Caulfeild (note the spelling, not "Caulfield") was appointed Inspector for Roads in Scotland in 1732. While nowhere near as well known as Wade, Caulfeild oversaw far more of the network: Wade was responsible for 250 miles (400km) of road, forty bridges and two forts; Caulfeild for 900 miles (1400km) of road and over six hundred bridges - an astonishing series of works. </p><div style="text-align: left;">The road we now walked is part of the longest single stretch Caulfeild built at 100 miles and the line it took was clearly good because the vast majority of the route is still public road, suitably upgraded for modern traffic. This stretch wasn't absorbed into the road network and remains as a great walking route. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ingenuity, effort, endurance and craft of the road planners and of the regiments of soldier-navvies who constructed the military road network is a great testament to one of Britain's greatest engineering feats. </div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbBfhNqjt-UAGVpwCkvdmN9JlmLcSnFgZrCk9aMCNVz37D-EVy7QxxpOqcAaTYQP-69HdLFK2xpDOnA4FfbFSJGCzgmtl5BdI5rnHOGl41BB56sCpURBjcNqrTRVReAMd_114n24Wa-RUZdmqte63iYcz3ILsX3U7SDpGr9FCTa_9utD_77699QXFIg/s6000/20220416-IJ-DSC01326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbBfhNqjt-UAGVpwCkvdmN9JlmLcSnFgZrCk9aMCNVz37D-EVy7QxxpOqcAaTYQP-69HdLFK2xpDOnA4FfbFSJGCzgmtl5BdI5rnHOGl41BB56sCpURBjcNqrTRVReAMd_114n24Wa-RUZdmqte63iYcz3ILsX3U7SDpGr9FCTa_9utD_77699QXFIg/w640-h426/20220416-IJ-DSC01326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A little over a kilometre further on the road crosses the third bridge of the section, this one spanning the Burn of Tornahaish. Here also the bridge required restoration works and all three bridges on the section are now leased from the landowner, Candacraig Estate, by the Gordon Trust on a 99 year lease. Smaller than Delavine and without a parapet, the span and height above what is a very small burn gives an indication of the volume the Burn of Tornahaish is capable of in spate.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPTwSHkZIkBXy0XtwVy1RgG5ag7lNR0wo46cWlFNsNqsqdTQIxEshaBz-WTC7lFoaqd8Knv-FjV6-8IsxrAVc-3zwp_cN8NmW4_bolL-T6j67zC8X29MFXRgFfVSksiqIeNeyULBuXwGXP1RGCUWCnkX8qvJxUAIjiESV7n9b-tD-dM3OsGX8iVDG1Q/s6000/20220416-IJ-DSC01327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPTwSHkZIkBXy0XtwVy1RgG5ag7lNR0wo46cWlFNsNqsqdTQIxEshaBz-WTC7lFoaqd8Knv-FjV6-8IsxrAVc-3zwp_cN8NmW4_bolL-T6j67zC8X29MFXRgFfVSksiqIeNeyULBuXwGXP1RGCUWCnkX8qvJxUAIjiESV7n9b-tD-dM3OsGX8iVDG1Q/w640-h426/20220416-IJ-DSC01327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The track climbs up from Burn of Tornahaish to join the A939 road, or more properly become the A939 road. From here the Military Road goes to Gairnshiel then on over the hill to Crathie on Deeside. We walked uphill for a short way before leaving the road on a track cutting back uphill, having bridged the gap of several kilometres between our previous walks. Here we had a choice of routes to reach Bellabeg. One route would take us over to link with <a href="https://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2021/01/strathdon-treasure.html">a lower level walk</a> we've done before while the other would climb up onto the high ground to cross the summit of <a href="https://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2013/08/whats-in-name-craignagour-hill-and.html">Scraulac</a> - a route done several times previously.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxmzAISnDG12edLYK2qoz4Y3pLjHV8g35ntYRYrJVTAXUaW4RnVdKShAbuBtM22fA8WTQlw1q0z4B3kzgbVRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>We chose the higher level option as the weather was good and we were in no particular rush. The summit of Scraulac (which I think may be from the Gaelic for <i>Scree Place</i>) is really wide, though today a bit breezy too. An estate worker passed us on a quad bike here and was the only other person we saw on the entire route.</div><div><br /></div><div>We left the estate tracks to descend Scraulac's north east ridge, finding a remarkable hidden building en route. A good track which became a metalled road soon led us down to the public road at Culfork. This really is a "road less travelled", a loop of minor road running parallel to the A944 but on the opposite side of the river Don. A relatively new venture along here is <a href="https://cairngormsglamping.com/">Cairngorms Glamping and Camp Site</a>, which looks to be a super place to spend a holiday!<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMqo71o6qp5iV4uJgjMdreeThy6AtPDtpatKhJE3RUBuVwcrcPRbjPs974goCuFdmrXByqIDXj17XWGXJ3MTrL8pTU_2zxDJnBzWX0Mmjq3bSqTUF6TGZjyUCsaNpoKMV2gAWI9QgduxO8YeSKb2gBVZzSR6B0O5CWeBhu2XKDEBDUgPlWWqBSxkBug/s4726/20220416-IJ-DSC01329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4726" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMqo71o6qp5iV4uJgjMdreeThy6AtPDtpatKhJE3RUBuVwcrcPRbjPs974goCuFdmrXByqIDXj17XWGXJ3MTrL8pTU_2zxDJnBzWX0Mmjq3bSqTUF6TGZjyUCsaNpoKMV2gAWI9QgduxO8YeSKb2gBVZzSR6B0O5CWeBhu2XKDEBDUgPlWWqBSxkBug/w640-h542/20220416-IJ-DSC01329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Cutting off the road just outside Bellabeg, a track descends around a wooded hill to the last of the historic bridges of our walk. Poldullie Bridge was constructed in 1715 by Sir John Forbes of Inverernan and crosses the River Don. A remarkably graceful single span bridge, the elegant form is best seen from above as in the images on the <a href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/119990/strathdon-poldullie-bridge">Canmore site</a>. Sir John Forbes made a fatal choice in throwing in his lot with the Jacobites at the 1715 rebellion and was captured following the battle of Sherrifmuir. He died in Carlisle prison the day before the date of his execution. It was this rebellion which prompted much of the roadbuilding effort in Scotland in order to "pacify" the Highlands. Movie buffs might recognise Poldullie Bridge as it featured in the 2019 film <a href="https://www.screen.scot/film-in-scotland/made-in-scotland/film/mary-queen-of-scots">"Mary Queen of Scots"</a>.<p></p></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1etd17s5YE0mujZAdBJywMH9FYo9cyGgDIwr7SmcI9tk5fByPk2UbQ7881tp-XxFZ4_SY5Zqxw3owV_71tRc4kABEJ7glmK9eZLQXwX52zC2UU1wDuv0mcjaCo3sX3vMeig197tCGm2F6Owf9Q-F_nha2T5QbLTdGj8HBMXrhFJ9XviQ4Hsj7rPFKOA/s1600/20220416-HW-Ordgarff%20to%20Bellabeg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1etd17s5YE0mujZAdBJywMH9FYo9cyGgDIwr7SmcI9tk5fByPk2UbQ7881tp-XxFZ4_SY5Zqxw3owV_71tRc4kABEJ7glmK9eZLQXwX52zC2UU1wDuv0mcjaCo3sX3vMeig197tCGm2F6Owf9Q-F_nha2T5QbLTdGj8HBMXrhFJ9XviQ4Hsj7rPFKOA/w640-h306/20220416-HW-Ordgarff%20to%20Bellabeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>From Poldullie Bridge we climbed a steep bank to the main A944 road and strolled downhill to Bellabeg where we'd left a car earlier in the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>This had been a great walk with lots of history and great views. The route we took is 19km/11.8 miles and it took us six hours at a fairly relaxed pace with a couple of stops. Ordnance Survey 1:50K Landranger map 37 (Strathdon and Alford) covers the whole route. As there is no public transport between Bellabeg and Corgarff this route does require two cars and a shuttle. It would also make for a great mountain biking route with scope for variation.</div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-11574138321462830262022-05-13T13:44:00.005+01:002022-05-13T13:46:09.314+01:00Jottnar Grim Hard Shell Jacket - Long Term ReviewA hard shell waterproof jacket is one of the staple items of any outdoor kit list - especially when you operate in Scotland. I have used a variety of waterproofs over the last 40 years, a period which has seen the development of "breathable" fabrics which have so enhanced comfort and usability of jackets.<div><br /></div><div>This review is based on long-term use of the <a href="https://www.jottnar.com/collections/mens-outdoor-clothing/products/grim-mens-hard-shell-waterproof-mountain-jacket">Jöttnar "Grim" hard shell jacket</a> which was purchased in January 2021 and has been extensively and regularly used for walking, backpacking and ski touring since purchase.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Jöttnar aren't perhaps the best known outdoor brand, but have increasing visibility among mountain users, and for good reason. The brand name sounds Nordic but Jöttnar are a small British company based in Cardiff. The company was formed in 2013 by Steve Howarth and Tommy Kelly, two former Royal Marine Commandos who served in the Mountain Leader branch, a specialist group within the Royal Marines trained for mountain, arctic and harsh environment operations. For more about the company's story, there's a very informative article and short video on the <a href="https://www.jottnar.com/blogs/news/commandos-cofounders">Jöttnar website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The company philosophy and "house style" seems very much a reflection of the founders' background and of the Commando ethos - the kit they produce is streamlined, tough, designed-for-purpose, innovative and has fantastic attention to detail. I heard of Jöttnar through word-of-mouth, was shown some of their kit by a friend and was veryy impressed by what I saw.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Conflict of Interest statement</u>: I own several items of Jöttnar clothing, all of which have been purchased at full retail price or in a limited time sale with a small reduction. I don't have any connection with the company other than being a very satisfied customer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDbQWsqomgxICQezpLw8jvEgH3oq2sqtFDJOtO2EHLI0UNX0HO4Um2Dl9zQrukU1CbAdLDJTeR3EgONn6tJ7sGILRRfCWJPy2BA9piBYungQg-RsDYNqhytgRnZeIURhaD6v1dgYinm9dkJavhdMs9PHFdRtT7L4IjY47xGbmmU0l3CW3sVVx5ijXBiQ=s6000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDbQWsqomgxICQezpLw8jvEgH3oq2sqtFDJOtO2EHLI0UNX0HO4Um2Dl9zQrukU1CbAdLDJTeR3EgONn6tJ7sGILRRfCWJPy2BA9piBYungQg-RsDYNqhytgRnZeIURhaD6v1dgYinm9dkJavhdMs9PHFdRtT7L4IjY47xGbmmU0l3CW3sVVx5ijXBiQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jöttnar describe the Grim as: "<i>a fully featured hard shell technical mountain jacket. Grim protects you in the most severe conditions, without sacrificing those features which lend it versatility for all-year use</i>". I was looking to replace a very well-used mountain jacket which had started to delaminate and fail after several years of hard use and the Grim seemed to be a good option.</div><div><br /></div><div>You won't find Jöttnar products in outdoor stores, the company sells directly to customers via their website. While this does mean that you can't try on garments, the customer advice is very responsive and helpful, and there's free standard shipping on all UK orders.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yuidpYyLY_8a-DbW_4j_LvHb1UZQ_zZ_kJWPD_8EAXl8WI1TKF6s0xSlbrbtDGKCV2SCUKPPg8S65Rx5y4jgeRuOk7UB0g_yLpzOg60acTU4ooTq2vF5P2JKMlcBKiMN97M3OQyvtuwet0deiS9nvKhk_f6ho1vpsddb0_2Hkngc4DlyOuv89QAHWA/s6000/20210205-IJ-DSC01122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yuidpYyLY_8a-DbW_4j_LvHb1UZQ_zZ_kJWPD_8EAXl8WI1TKF6s0xSlbrbtDGKCV2SCUKPPg8S65Rx5y4jgeRuOk7UB0g_yLpzOg60acTU4ooTq2vF5P2JKMlcBKiMN97M3OQyvtuwet0deiS9nvKhk_f6ho1vpsddb0_2Hkngc4DlyOuv89QAHWA/w426-h640/20210205-IJ-DSC01122.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>The Grim, like all of Jöttnar's full-spec hard shell jackets, is constructed using a fabric called "Skjoldr" (<i>Shield</i>) which is their own fabric developed in collaboration with a japanese fabric technology company. Skjoldr is a 3-layer highly breathable 80 denier fabric with a membrane and DWR coating. The full specification and information on this fabric are available <a href="https://www.jottnar.com/blogs/guides/skjoldr-a-tech-guide-to-our-exclusive-waterproof-fabric">here</a>. The 171gm/m2 Skjoldr used in the Grim has a fairly stiff handle and feels very robust. I like these characteristics very much - you're left in no doubt that this is a fortress of a jacket, and the slightly stiffer fabric means that it doesn't flap madly in strong wind as lightweight fabrics tend to.</div><div><br /></div><div>In use, the Grim has been a revelation. Noticeably more windproof than Goretex XCR, ProShell or the eVent fabric used in kit I've recently owned, it just shrugs off weather. The main zip has a substantial storm flap behind it (with a very well designed chin guard). this is a feature I've always looked for in mountain jackets - 3000ft up on a Scottish hill, head down into lashing rain and half a gale is no place to be exploring the difference between "water resistant" and "waterproof"!</div><div><br /></div><div>The pockets are positioned really well so that they don't get obstructed by rucsac hip belts or climbing harnesses. The Grim jacket has a near-twin in the range which is the Odin which is essentially the same jacket but with chest pockets. There's also the Hodr jacket with four pockets. The Grim's pockets are large and the zips run faultlessly. On one walk of several hours in truly biblical rain there was slight water ingress to the pockets, but absolutely nothing came in via the main zip.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOufgM7PzZHmyqgzU85-XmyquZNQf5kM2EcaubCg_5fYTOgMDjE2-3VN3O784ahCpiTYzuzguCiEcE-DPCrAVb-GO7ZPN1Yh1Oa3tJz8kVjVZvv1EeemEgkglSPsDI27smWS27HVXMj_pM38UrqIeTgdfySTrJMBBCabcsuSr2deQrkwa8J4xJtokLQA=s6000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOufgM7PzZHmyqgzU85-XmyquZNQf5kM2EcaubCg_5fYTOgMDjE2-3VN3O784ahCpiTYzuzguCiEcE-DPCrAVb-GO7ZPN1Yh1Oa3tJz8kVjVZvv1EeemEgkglSPsDI27smWS27HVXMj_pM38UrqIeTgdfySTrJMBBCabcsuSr2deQrkwa8J4xJtokLQA=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Linda Johnston - taken in -15 Celsius weather, hence my expression!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>There are pit zips under the arms to vent the jacket if required. I've found that the breathability of the Skjoldr fabric is so good that I've very rarely got warm enough to think about using these, but they're available if needed and very easy to operate on the move. Jacket length is perfect for me, fairly short at the front but with a scoop back to protect the bum. There are hem drawcords which are snag free (i.e. not loops which could catch on gear or rocks).</div><div><br /></div><div>A small zipped pocket is positioned on the left forearm. This would conveniently fit a ski pass and I've used it to stow a wipe for goggles and a small laminated card with route notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The sleeve lengths have extra built in so that the wrist isn't exposed when reaching up (climbing/scrambling) or forward (nordic ski touring). When I was looking at the jacket I did think that the measurements given would make the sleeves too long for me at slightly below average height, but this isn't the case at all in practice because of the design and the cuffs themselves. these have reinforced Hypalon tabs and velcro closures at the front, and a lightly elasticated cinch underneath. this means that the cuffs can be pulled over gloves without faffing with the velcro (which on previous jackets has had a tendency to freeze and be difficult to fasten in wet/just below zero conditions). It's another feature of the Grim which just works.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fit is streamlined, clean and uncluttered, but with plenty of space to layer underneath. I'm 5ft 8ins (173cms) tall and 41in (104cm) chest and the Medium size is a perfect fit. There's plenty of room in the shoulders to aid movement like placing axes, long reaches with walking poles or whilst ski touring.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I can't easily show on these images is the design and cut of the jacket, which is exceptionally good and a reflection of the attention to detail and ethos of the company's founders. Everything is there for a reason, and if it's there it adds to the jacket and is incorporated really well. </div><div><br /></div><div>My initial impression was that this would be a jacket I would use mainly in winter but the performance has been such that I used it right through the year on the hill in "Scottish summer" weather. I have to really be working hard to generate even the slightest moisture inside the jacket and this soon dissipates - the Skjoldr is very, very impressive stuff and seems to this user to out-perform anything I've previously used.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXUsBgkGnw_i2l_yiFFxoE_2R7Ztb-81uTRPQBdJX4-TnpJJaDbw3Qa71O4OSPlY7yn-Gw6pnH-cl7QcLZvkI6FvHLqiQpYedAwHVAqCcq276MMCoFDm8MjFnrHxEYxywVeo-z8ITsXMvKyh6FrHkm8Nuz-bw0uHIR393KkTgosbrpmpCa8BeqAnSp5Q=s6000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXUsBgkGnw_i2l_yiFFxoE_2R7Ztb-81uTRPQBdJX4-TnpJJaDbw3Qa71O4OSPlY7yn-Gw6pnH-cl7QcLZvkI6FvHLqiQpYedAwHVAqCcq276MMCoFDm8MjFnrHxEYxywVeo-z8ITsXMvKyh6FrHkm8Nuz-bw0uHIR393KkTgosbrpmpCa8BeqAnSp5Q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Inside there's a smaller stretch chest pocket which just about takes a smartphone and a larger internat mesh "dump pocket". This fits a pair of gloves nicely, would accommodate touring ski skins and is a great size to keep a 500ml water bottle in. The internal taping is absolutely flawless and here too the design effort is really evident.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHESZyYG9dGj5FE4g0AODqD5Dd19sGnaLA0nNqb_Q9K5Q4Gik8iAN9OVi9aeVtsDwWwLp6gqzeohPbjHQbQBXRDz596fD73fDhgWnKEhs7YefqY2Y3q8IH6u5wrYBwJB-VWs0YQmTftfsYQKjDhtiMPPpp1wD_JH37Bti89mqnJLejB-TXov6VCjRYww=s6000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHESZyYG9dGj5FE4g0AODqD5Dd19sGnaLA0nNqb_Q9K5Q4Gik8iAN9OVi9aeVtsDwWwLp6gqzeohPbjHQbQBXRDz596fD73fDhgWnKEhs7YefqY2Y3q8IH6u5wrYBwJB-VWs0YQmTftfsYQKjDhtiMPPpp1wD_JH37Bti89mqnJLejB-TXov6VCjRYww=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br />The hood is helmet compatible but adjustable to cinch it down. It moves with the head faultlessly and has a very well designed stiffened and mouldable laminated peak. This image was taken on a ski tour in very cold conditions when it really showed how protective a hood can be.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one minor criticism I have of the Grim is that the hood can't be stowed or retained when not in use. This means it can blow up against the back of the head if not being actually worn. A flap or retaining arrangement would be the only thing I'd change about the jacket - it's a very small criticism though!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Grim weighs in just over 550grams for a Medium size - not ultralight and that's a good thing as far as this user is concerned. But neither is it heavy and the jacket rolls down neatly when not being worn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jöttnar jackets are all single colourways, most of which are understated (though there are some brighter options available). I like the understated colours! A <a href="https://www.jottnar.com/collections/womens-outdoor-clothing/products/grim-women-s-general-purpose-hard-shell-waterproof-mountain-jacket">women's version of Grim</a> is also available.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 15 months of very regular use in Scottish conditions hillwalking, backpacking and ski touring as well as general walking the Grim still looks like new, the DWR has remained effective and it has performed faultlessly. Conditions of use have ranged from 20 degrees Celsius to minus 20 degrees Celsius and have included dry gales, wet gales, rain, sleet, hail, snow, ice, drizzle and freezing fog. In all these conditions I've remained dry and comfortable when wearing the Grim. The term "bombproof" is a little over-used, but is genuinely applicable here. Add in superb design, form and function and you get an outstanding piece of outdoor kit. Put simply, this is the best waterproof jacket I've ever owned - in 40 years of outdoor activities. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's no getting away from the fact that Jöttnar products are high performance kit designed for sustained usage - and the £449 price is reflective of that. The price was certainly a factor when I chose the Grim and it required delaying the purchase in order to save up, but I haven't regretted the outlay one little bit. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-31701793833530715452022-04-18T10:14:00.001+01:002022-04-18T11:26:43.410+01:00From swimming to snowmen<p><br /> After the warmth of late march, early April saw temperatures drop dramatically in north eastern Scotland as pressure systems realigned and allowed a bitterly cold northerly airstream to establish for a run of two weeks.</p><p>In our local shop I overheard a Mum remarking that on a Sunday afternoon her toddlers had been in the paddling pool in the garden, and by Thursday morning they were building a snowman in the same garden!</p><p>The hillwalking has been good though, clear northerly air gave great views like this one from near Coilochbhar Hill showing Pressendye and some of the other Donside hills.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKhtjv-Gl64t4AFaifvZD1Lo2DlgnxEqHQHw8acnTKf6rJ0YtC19gpqazaQdIIPReYrl9mlKYi0KFQaLIJQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-18909385938980058302022-04-13T11:17:00.003+01:002022-04-13T11:17:48.352+01:00The end of a fine Fyne journey<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp8xlKwZnQqqpqPeGYRCuKTjkc1OTWHed7Z73lHQyZLc-dQGm5YGFEMDjUIhe-KyIL1XfucfdkZCMJl9XS4NZxHOU7T6TdwEmkheWhIuWEh9MD-L9VOX1Zcl7YXpPl88FpO-fwHnYAw9L0aZ4Wp7RHn003JunxlG1KuRUqm9aqUTX1gzxAr5_Cjh8lg/s4882/20220326-IJ-DSC_2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2762" data-original-width="4882" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp8xlKwZnQqqpqPeGYRCuKTjkc1OTWHed7Z73lHQyZLc-dQGm5YGFEMDjUIhe-KyIL1XfucfdkZCMJl9XS4NZxHOU7T6TdwEmkheWhIuWEh9MD-L9VOX1Zcl7YXpPl88FpO-fwHnYAw9L0aZ4Wp7RHn003JunxlG1KuRUqm9aqUTX1gzxAr5_Cjh8lg/w640-h362/20220326-IJ-DSC_2923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I woke to birdsong and warm sunshine at our camp near Ardlamont Point. We ate breakfast while enjoying the sights and sounds of the place.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsTBJYC7GV42tC7XZXUyOehhmy4BSmzx9LWHwQm3BO0bZL8dlJVTwxHCEumpSzrKNdLG-BQCf2NVIozTTX9bJbOzk3_RjGAwRVgPDGkl3PBRzGnlgpp31rWKDBntufeoPrCe2c7XJx57m1ZG5yx7WoCr_HyJp05jxQWONWINl8jiOeOSll56wni2D9Q/s3876/20220326-IJ-DSC_2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3876" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsTBJYC7GV42tC7XZXUyOehhmy4BSmzx9LWHwQm3BO0bZL8dlJVTwxHCEumpSzrKNdLG-BQCf2NVIozTTX9bJbOzk3_RjGAwRVgPDGkl3PBRzGnlgpp31rWKDBntufeoPrCe2c7XJx57m1ZG5yx7WoCr_HyJp05jxQWONWINl8jiOeOSll56wni2D9Q/w640-h424/20220326-IJ-DSC_2926.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Donny left earlier in his F-RIB than we did in our kayaks, he wanted to get back to the launch point at Kames at a relatively high tide which would considerably reduce the carrying distance with his boat, kit and outboard engine. It had been great to do another trip with Donny; his film of the journey is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhcSgU8Vcw">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPEtYV0HtuBpVDUkk0DCY6AMmoKJmRarfQM9FDWXDwcHBhT29CkUd61s_c_FayQcLCrDlk25EcWGnoaWpAjMfhGtzX1dXJtZ3GnvEGi_RshAB-4dDDCBzbhOYO4Rk2jaO5PLlm1CdEF7nJ3OEMHE4BCrnesg8f_OdAziRlWu-3zbks13XaTjMrh8vBw/s4928/20220326-IJ-DSC_2927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPEtYV0HtuBpVDUkk0DCY6AMmoKJmRarfQM9FDWXDwcHBhT29CkUd61s_c_FayQcLCrDlk25EcWGnoaWpAjMfhGtzX1dXJtZ3GnvEGi_RshAB-4dDDCBzbhOYO4Rk2jaO5PLlm1CdEF7nJ3OEMHE4BCrnesg8f_OdAziRlWu-3zbks13XaTjMrh8vBw/w640-h424/20220326-IJ-DSC_2927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After a leisurely breakfast while waiting for the dew to dry off our tents we packed up too and got underway. We erased all trace of the previous night's fire, which was lit below the Spring high water line. There was remarkably little plastic washed up here; it's possible somebody has carried out a beach clean. We scoured the length of the beach and removed the few bits of plastic bottles and a fish-farm feed bag to take away with us. This beach makes a fine camp site, it's one we'll return to in the future.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3DVsuyYdwg1TD8IWNFzjmiwvdxmjZuuflMHeURmzcJI1EBoQ92EqnpItlvuC3cMVSqGAisTNUWPLj75defTlMeVLB-q2U5PdPLzNAJq7t4eKlMWpdeUxOpUpe4LFUjb2ze2bdO6XnBRgmA8Bjnz_UrvPFTkkeBsqetYHqTAXyQmnRVokkTP8Iw8qFA/s4314/20220326-IJ-DSC_2928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2859" data-original-width="4314" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3DVsuyYdwg1TD8IWNFzjmiwvdxmjZuuflMHeURmzcJI1EBoQ92EqnpItlvuC3cMVSqGAisTNUWPLj75defTlMeVLB-q2U5PdPLzNAJq7t4eKlMWpdeUxOpUpe4LFUjb2ze2bdO6XnBRgmA8Bjnz_UrvPFTkkeBsqetYHqTAXyQmnRVokkTP8Iw8qFA/w640-h424/20220326-IJ-DSC_2928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The paddle back to Kames was remarkable for the very warm and still conditions we experienced. We sweated profusely even at a slow pace of travel - in March! We returned to our launch site late morning and packed up - it was the end of a fine Fyne journey.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87POfJj9zP2ywwrnwj-beyYsJHkINTbRB3xXcTXQKBuo1OcZ8n1hh__JVWZ3dE043lhcw-sbiTR83K9hiADFYdP4O5zz_3KU5Dbsg1vXqAJ9zie_1mh9uzyjMqhFCbx5A4-sehabK6EXoPCVFuMV3cQ3h3Maf9fIYd1j5G7_y6g3_7RKL7cOexuugYQ/s1600/20220326-SK-Loch%20Fyne%20and%20Inchmarnock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87POfJj9zP2ywwrnwj-beyYsJHkINTbRB3xXcTXQKBuo1OcZ8n1hh__JVWZ3dE043lhcw-sbiTR83K9hiADFYdP4O5zz_3KU5Dbsg1vXqAJ9zie_1mh9uzyjMqhFCbx5A4-sehabK6EXoPCVFuMV3cQ3h3Maf9fIYd1j5G7_y6g3_7RKL7cOexuugYQ/w640-h306/20220326-SK-Loch%20Fyne%20and%20Inchmarnock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Our journey to Inchmarnock and around lower loch Fyne had been comparatively short in distance - we travelled 64km over two half days and two full days, but had been packed with good things, the most important of which was getting out on a multi-day trip again with good friends and in a great location. The weather had played a big part in the trip and had encouraged us to arrive at camping spots in the mid afternoon rather than cranking out distance; it was a routine which worked very well.<p></p><p>Ordnance Survey 1:50K Landranger maps 62 (North Kintyre and Tarbert) and 63 (Firth of Clyde) cover the area in which we paddled. We launched from the concrete slipway at <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=198177&Y=670049&A=Y&Z=120">Blair's Ferr</a>y where there is parking for several cars across the road from the slip. The <a href="https://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/BlairsFerry">slip itself</a> was built during the Second World War for operating landing craft in preparation for the D-Day landings. The car parking is on concrete slabs which were the vehicle muster and turning area and the imprint of the I Corps insignia can still be made out, pressed into the concrete ramp.</p><p>There are no significant tidal streams to be concerned about on this trip, but Ardlamont Point and Inchmarnock can be difficult places to paddle in strong wind, being exposed to most wind directions. Ardlamont Point in particular <a href="http://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2011/05/entertaining-crossing-to-bute.html">can be a challenge</a>.</p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-64282860841515692922022-04-11T10:38:00.002+01:002022-04-11T10:38:33.081+01:00An evening to savour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmseBF6cbfoMLKVRv5a-onMT5w2h3hvVTwa1hA4ZvvxyYybf53cOTrjWE0zvBpctQJGDxBO2U_RAQUCCf6dT3HEVhlhMBQlnCtENDHDd5oyBUpRz_QAtEAQn_EmE1kT9UIRzJ-kkPQ5jtOR8WTFB9P7R44ujXkjywhdyH4s5N0vayvp0XcKpZuAIj4Q/s4220/20220325-IJ-DSC_2905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="4220" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmseBF6cbfoMLKVRv5a-onMT5w2h3hvVTwa1hA4ZvvxyYybf53cOTrjWE0zvBpctQJGDxBO2U_RAQUCCf6dT3HEVhlhMBQlnCtENDHDd5oyBUpRz_QAtEAQn_EmE1kT9UIRzJ-kkPQ5jtOR8WTFB9P7R44ujXkjywhdyH4s5N0vayvp0XcKpZuAIj4Q/w640-h402/20220325-IJ-DSC_2905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Loch Fyne Light Show started with a distinct softening and warming of the light quality. We picked up cameras to watch as the sun sank through a cloudbank over the Kintyre shore.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48qEZeyNnz38yWCx8oNYVf9myZjFhcg3bTVFZjUel6M1qbC21mzDgM8zPDSFZ8Ir86hIoV4LsjSZx-lNfYfwChWvpkF3jyzzlI-vGmaqFB5HlHTCPBFoSFM6Yi9ABhzlfhza62t8B5HzESSy28fDzkGFVHWiJb1yyT2jhSJ0iLezKh9UIXYtzZdEc5Q/s4376/20220325-IJ-DSC_2903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="4376" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48qEZeyNnz38yWCx8oNYVf9myZjFhcg3bTVFZjUel6M1qbC21mzDgM8zPDSFZ8Ir86hIoV4LsjSZx-lNfYfwChWvpkF3jyzzlI-vGmaqFB5HlHTCPBFoSFM6Yi9ABhzlfhza62t8B5HzESSy28fDzkGFVHWiJb1yyT2jhSJ0iLezKh9UIXYtzZdEc5Q/w640-h410/20220325-IJ-DSC_2903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Donny walked to a vantage point on a nearby rock rib to take some video - you can see Donny's film about our trip on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhcSgU8Vcw">his YouTube Channel here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FAkZA_7wTd3fQ3wpoDqfcQVzh9Mfbp-fR4IdF2N0DG0a-0IoFXtaxv-YINK9NLUqZDZEveBmdiDNiI16YDLVD-9MhbD1nvYslAOMxeutA_29q8E5BmfdDiV5qzL15-QuNosFnS-RuXVKSCz7uSzkO83_0-cpMFUZdFcVHn13U1Qigf6QVi8GDJMAHA/s4255/20220325-IJ-DSC_2910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="4255" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FAkZA_7wTd3fQ3wpoDqfcQVzh9Mfbp-fR4IdF2N0DG0a-0IoFXtaxv-YINK9NLUqZDZEveBmdiDNiI16YDLVD-9MhbD1nvYslAOMxeutA_29q8E5BmfdDiV5qzL15-QuNosFnS-RuXVKSCz7uSzkO83_0-cpMFUZdFcVHn13U1Qigf6QVi8GDJMAHA/w640-h360/20220325-IJ-DSC_2910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I joined Donny to get a view with no rocks in the foreground and was rewarded with this lovely path of sunlight beaming across Loch Fyne.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtbAIaxPY879xy2G-vSnRMHBsDTQZ8z2HUoyzN4eQsd4hhfalhJVQPfIWgJ4H7xDSHiKLixG116XwFbzh5VYp9bX6F6lpBjk49RpI1rm12JUVL-7tsjmQP35SChr7R7S_Clj8ztbuRnQwEX_1VaTkH86bZjfl_rI52pgO5oHUBU2cFVk7q4eIlGF3cw/s3519/20220325-IJ-DSC_2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="3519" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtbAIaxPY879xy2G-vSnRMHBsDTQZ8z2HUoyzN4eQsd4hhfalhJVQPfIWgJ4H7xDSHiKLixG116XwFbzh5VYp9bX6F6lpBjk49RpI1rm12JUVL-7tsjmQP35SChr7R7S_Clj8ztbuRnQwEX_1VaTkH86bZjfl_rI52pgO5oHUBU2cFVk7q4eIlGF3cw/w640-h290/20220325-IJ-DSC_2915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I spent a good twenty minutes just taking it all in; the last two years have seen few trips due to Covid restrictions and work pressures....it was so good just to "be" in the outdoors again, in the moment with a lovely sunset.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoArBl8gTd9FDE-L4_hzuOtzgkPvGYKDPKXI01AfxAL3p7fX4dBOMIWZ-y0-Wl0J9VvezNab0yWhNDqqrhRspHf3pSP6LiMOlnUtOL_nMfyDuLRxmh9zJ07gRYp53lIb9HPZHUhM7faIV8aaZLoicKicJwSi1KcTQu0ATDh1U7ZMea87nyk8ea-NSbmQ/s4570/20220325-IJ-DSC_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="4570" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoArBl8gTd9FDE-L4_hzuOtzgkPvGYKDPKXI01AfxAL3p7fX4dBOMIWZ-y0-Wl0J9VvezNab0yWhNDqqrhRspHf3pSP6LiMOlnUtOL_nMfyDuLRxmh9zJ07gRYp53lIb9HPZHUhM7faIV8aaZLoicKicJwSi1KcTQu0ATDh1U7ZMea87nyk8ea-NSbmQ/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The sun dipped below the Kintyre hills and the sky put on a final flourish of gorgeous light....just superb.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLmZpzzOTj6RYiYKhrh5A5kdT5u2ybwViVOhgFP8JZ03gQkUlgHSTwZ0xXooJuoGHsJ_75eWsoqwGRw6g5YhK8yXP_9x5yZnbxMmrLrcocj5mtKUF3ZbI58IAopz7RZAeCQgDrL3vjvpI9pZxn3kW0TCn_o8SG-wMobk8e7dqYn1lfCxrov7g6B--FA/s4113/20220325-IJ-DSC_2917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="4113" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLmZpzzOTj6RYiYKhrh5A5kdT5u2ybwViVOhgFP8JZ03gQkUlgHSTwZ0xXooJuoGHsJ_75eWsoqwGRw6g5YhK8yXP_9x5yZnbxMmrLrcocj5mtKUF3ZbI58IAopz7RZAeCQgDrL3vjvpI9pZxn3kW0TCn_o8SG-wMobk8e7dqYn1lfCxrov7g6B--FA/w640-h266/20220325-IJ-DSC_2917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As Donny and I wandered back over to join Raymond and Allan at our camp site the light show faded to a pastel finish, but there was one last and beautiful element to come.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdKctgx1vtcc_Mma4kA1U9QG_17K7USqmZMx_i9MhG26WRnA1FxCe-iKzTqFpy0JbZ7jliwHs_vHpo3vuK0WYd2KXoXAOglRZyI8Ff4CRfDb9n6ck9RSCgvxlLuWr-blOY9qXJB4xssO3e5ntSe3E7dpPh1k9QrcO2hZN1RL0dbWmSdfr5LSRZXCbcg/s4551/20220325-IJ-DSC_2918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="4551" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdKctgx1vtcc_Mma4kA1U9QG_17K7USqmZMx_i9MhG26WRnA1FxCe-iKzTqFpy0JbZ7jliwHs_vHpo3vuK0WYd2KXoXAOglRZyI8Ff4CRfDb9n6ck9RSCgvxlLuWr-blOY9qXJB4xssO3e5ntSe3E7dpPh1k9QrcO2hZN1RL0dbWmSdfr5LSRZXCbcg/w640-h288/20220325-IJ-DSC_2918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After sunset the pale, ethereal light was as gorgeous as the sunset had been, though in a completely different way. My photographic skills don't do the light quality any justice whatsoever, the softness and opacity of a calm evening. It's this changing "<i>Solas</i>" (light) which really makes a day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6gt5aszXfNMIwY-1SilGHVW1WzsA7pdOyxHEnowke-qJI9kA-UfT75ZLsPAWX1agPJnWxBEDS0GN0_ct3K6N90E8wBNWe4y5ukSoJq0Q18xuLlky3w6bPGGOTYKqgO9964Ol-jAW3dyixrevf0c-5ODI7T9RAm4C4pTzHvJ-MV2LFv54V4brtK4PPw/s4101/20220325-IJ-DSC_2921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="4101" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6gt5aszXfNMIwY-1SilGHVW1WzsA7pdOyxHEnowke-qJI9kA-UfT75ZLsPAWX1agPJnWxBEDS0GN0_ct3K6N90E8wBNWe4y5ukSoJq0Q18xuLlky3w6bPGGOTYKqgO9964Ol-jAW3dyixrevf0c-5ODI7T9RAm4C4pTzHvJ-MV2LFv54V4brtK4PPw/w640-h438/20220325-IJ-DSC_2921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The temperature dropped after sunset and we got our fire, built well below the Spring high water line, lit and away.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxskl9j-wMgxtH2z8kLQkcpEKjDQ6OxDjceA5f_H7sekx-vlDVoTGU80yyJQ7MZDaZBDKY0lGZOD-Z0tNOteQtOYBwX7STqhFEtxTOe1aM7X215VMa61ULjlgSXFh24WIbjSVDnY8-92Sjmhuo907KoJfW5YB5B6drX0PKv-z-GMottz4NOpTmHbm4uQ/s4289/20220325-IJ-DSC_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4289" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxskl9j-wMgxtH2z8kLQkcpEKjDQ6OxDjceA5f_H7sekx-vlDVoTGU80yyJQ7MZDaZBDKY0lGZOD-Z0tNOteQtOYBwX7STqhFEtxTOe1aM7X215VMa61ULjlgSXFh24WIbjSVDnY8-92Sjmhuo907KoJfW5YB5B6drX0PKv-z-GMottz4NOpTmHbm4uQ/w640-h488/20220325-IJ-DSC_2922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Contained by a few big logs, it soon built a very satisfactory heat with remarkably little refuelling required due to the lack of wind. We sat around and enjoyed after-dinner treats and the odd dram - life seemed particularly agreeable on this Fyne evening!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-42714899948167738072022-04-09T19:53:00.001+01:002022-04-09T19:53:33.031+01:00A Fyne afternoon for a swim<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobMcuiJtFYrZLXfL3sTi3rFJsyNGINWTMZt0SBM0SNh1M5vMx3bh42TgSPIi_SusB3wrqe2SbGtcexcUgpY4NTbYH5Row6ByNUGgD-szBZwq2Q2xyEkjctcdODlfM3oaGZ3QHdY6YQHPe7BnkuCua3zKpPqnkfAomXF4pFfYztWXhY8ePE5qbDtG7GQ/s4665/20220325-IJ-DSC_2893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="4665" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobMcuiJtFYrZLXfL3sTi3rFJsyNGINWTMZt0SBM0SNh1M5vMx3bh42TgSPIi_SusB3wrqe2SbGtcexcUgpY4NTbYH5Row6ByNUGgD-szBZwq2Q2xyEkjctcdODlfM3oaGZ3QHdY6YQHPe7BnkuCua3zKpPqnkfAomXF4pFfYztWXhY8ePE5qbDtG7GQ/w640-h406/20220325-IJ-DSC_2893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Replete and refreshed from our second breakfast in Tarbert, we headed south down the Kintyre shore before crossing back to the Argyll shore of Loch Fyne. Conditions remained absolutely perfect with calm water and warm sunshine - we had to keep reminding ourselves it was still March!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPyJ4PYtRezOte68Cn_QdDR0nxnPOMT2WM2zidRx_9SWy8JTmUOn9Ge7WXhIOs-AxSdwSUCUmZ9Nh8jebsuDe82ZGEEElintLXBaVBoZVjVhSI3WRTjs0KDbwZDnSedWTz6eXWW7dadStpg-MmYJKVoZzzOL5tgJ4P1rp4AdpjhMMrSwLg9wF98bsAw/s4928/20220325-IJ-DSC_2897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPyJ4PYtRezOte68Cn_QdDR0nxnPOMT2WM2zidRx_9SWy8JTmUOn9Ge7WXhIOs-AxSdwSUCUmZ9Nh8jebsuDe82ZGEEElintLXBaVBoZVjVhSI3WRTjs0KDbwZDnSedWTz6eXWW7dadStpg-MmYJKVoZzzOL5tgJ4P1rp4AdpjhMMrSwLg9wF98bsAw/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2897.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Close by the Argyll shore we landed on the tiny island of Sgat Mor (the name is possibly <i>Big Skate</i> after the fish). We were delighted to find this tiny shell sand beach on which to take a leg-stretch. We didn't stay long as the island is home to a colony of Great Black Backed gulls who voiced their displeasure very forcefully.</p><p>Sgat Mor has a small navigation light in a tower on the highest point, and for good reason. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sgat_M%C3%B2r_and_Sgat_Beag">It seems to have been a regular shipwreck site </a>and even with the light has seen groundings, the latest in 1994.</p><p>Our plan for the day was to reach our intended camp site early in the afternoon so that we could take some time to just enjoy the great weather, rather than cranking out distance. Soon after leaving Sgat Mor we arrived at a spot we'd scoped on the way past the previous day. Donny was already there and had enjoyed a doze in the sunshine; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhcSgU8Vcw">you'll be able to see this trip in video on his Youtube site.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ13-KvgD4Mpah8BnA28bk9ezHc9NpH-FGHsd_U3_in0_WhKtUlMOp4uZdos2cYz3VGz3d_yRNdp5VedaFb6WI8vt3l991jjUl1EO13kP-car-3531RIFX2qBShMks6ggRtcWc-xlU4xE-VtfqTijNg-Uuie0twneziKQuRtKNpOar0PzuCplyx2Mg8A/s4439/20220325-IJ-DSC_2899.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2725" data-original-width="4439" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ13-KvgD4Mpah8BnA28bk9ezHc9NpH-FGHsd_U3_in0_WhKtUlMOp4uZdos2cYz3VGz3d_yRNdp5VedaFb6WI8vt3l991jjUl1EO13kP-car-3531RIFX2qBShMks6ggRtcWc-xlU4xE-VtfqTijNg-Uuie0twneziKQuRtKNpOar0PzuCplyx2Mg8A/w640-h392/20220325-IJ-DSC_2899.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We soon had the tents up on a patch of turf above the beach, which was backed with colourful early Gorse and alive with birdsong. A couple of hours were spent just relaxing, collecting firewood and airing out kit. As is the way of things, the time slipped by really pleasantly doing, essentially, not a lot. This is an important part of these journeys for me, when all that's necessary is to keep fed, warm and comfortable all life's other hassles and stresses can be put on hold as doing pretty much nothing takes up all my time.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlSl-a4H0TRamSyZ4vbCu8OzW6bQUgT6FnT5aylLDnMPQUHg1v6j4UQRg53A6OeSOI9_bqehz9sVkA8Z2THaxw-vZIQtDdsiE4qufuh6qo8vWG_dxfeyA6hxNq8IjSUP4mnbbD3ZW8bvQmbm3FEyS4xMCgXFTgiNYz7JD0wFZ2tk__E21sUyzu86vew/s4525/20220325-IJ-DSC_2900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="4525" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlSl-a4H0TRamSyZ4vbCu8OzW6bQUgT6FnT5aylLDnMPQUHg1v6j4UQRg53A6OeSOI9_bqehz9sVkA8Z2THaxw-vZIQtDdsiE4qufuh6qo8vWG_dxfeyA6hxNq8IjSUP4mnbbD3ZW8bvQmbm3FEyS4xMCgXFTgiNYz7JD0wFZ2tk__E21sUyzu86vew/w640-h406/20220325-IJ-DSC_2900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our camp looked straight across to the hills of Arran which were in a blue haze. Strips of sea mist around the north of the island made it appear to be floating above the sea rather than rising from it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7B9Rr18_pxGU7EWKGrU4z4m2FGYCaVqXKUDTOIlxe_bKSG9atHbA1_41hb6xPNEildQLXqpG5D77ZEL1Wcii5tpO9ppkJ8WFOieoDFJV3gzpETZzppjPs_woSWCBxJF_9KRNbC5k64T5U817Ug3jYBsHT6xRXjngu3gS3bPlb_qigKgfCnGqa6MgEw/s4884/20220325-IJ-DSC_2901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3235" data-original-width="4884" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7B9Rr18_pxGU7EWKGrU4z4m2FGYCaVqXKUDTOIlxe_bKSG9atHbA1_41hb6xPNEildQLXqpG5D77ZEL1Wcii5tpO9ppkJ8WFOieoDFJV3gzpETZzppjPs_woSWCBxJF_9KRNbC5k64T5U817Ug3jYBsHT6xRXjngu3gS3bPlb_qigKgfCnGqa6MgEw/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As the afternoon wore on the warmth increased and the light took on a lovely quality. We were all rather warm in just t-shirts and light trousers and so a swim was debated.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rz4eFzHJZ_j12OnEcwxRxXxSMZNoZ-yGs-icYIlOU_3k_CB7q6xBNDvvNiRq7obj4Uif4pB2FFfRMwI7tyB1y4EdFszPx0wic0c32JgouladPx7xKjORgy8Fjizkb4a92AUhAaiuIcFfjztks7THZbEqazhK5sERuaijZ2pPIvxYs6G27yBIFtcjLQ/s1024/IMG-20220326-WA0005%20(002).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rz4eFzHJZ_j12OnEcwxRxXxSMZNoZ-yGs-icYIlOU_3k_CB7q6xBNDvvNiRq7obj4Uif4pB2FFfRMwI7tyB1y4EdFszPx0wic0c32JgouladPx7xKjORgy8Fjizkb4a92AUhAaiuIcFfjztks7THZbEqazhK5sERuaijZ2pPIvxYs6G27yBIFtcjLQ/w640-h360/IMG-20220326-WA0005%20(002).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Donny, Allan and I took the plunge and can report that the water was on the bracing side of refreshing, but that once immersed it was a brilliant experience. We emerged invigorated and dried off in the warm sunshine. Only once have I swum in the sea earlier than 25th March and that was in similar conditions in the Sound of Arisaig -<a href="http://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2013/03/an-unplanned-swim.html"> in February of 2013!</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm1jIABoeozTnjCmvUsfvUK8A29kcjtJw3Phn1aEIjxfLfm6Gqm5k0RdfSXgBOwk5ObUgPPVEmmrQMewB2ItHy8A_A0GbT4OdMQXy6RARK8YN-mR5ZM1Vq31KrZO6XNSSsrSeQVeY_vQDt2-z9BpkpU60vnIrmKa4jjtYuDCTrBHC2u9E_q6Zhi4k7w/s4834/20220325-IJ-DSC_2902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3202" data-original-width="4834" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm1jIABoeozTnjCmvUsfvUK8A29kcjtJw3Phn1aEIjxfLfm6Gqm5k0RdfSXgBOwk5ObUgPPVEmmrQMewB2ItHy8A_A0GbT4OdMQXy6RARK8YN-mR5ZM1Vq31KrZO6XNSSsrSeQVeY_vQDt2-z9BpkpU60vnIrmKa4jjtYuDCTrBHC2u9E_q6Zhi4k7w/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> After getting dressed and cooking a dinner of home made Spaghetti Bolognaise courtesy of Raymond, we built the fire using some larger logs to contain and reflect the heat. The early evening light was promising something special, so we finished all our camp chores and prepared for the light-show.<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-74381918095712215352022-04-07T11:32:00.003+01:002022-04-07T13:14:51.265+01:00Fyne, just fine....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wn1LXjWJP8V8hEOPtXRSWJiPRGl_NXpSu7qMWDa7sYVrQMpI3om9mqNv1_o_xueERr_LzNTVjYnfRBVkkeLE4qRKINJ6zHrzyfp2mE7eb14WbpoBOdxxc3JWQwiNuvjqJJyfvwSQDy-TCST3OLgzR3yjxnkM7X9MqHgVcV29EHDJ85ruv4u4BaoWDg/s4928/20220325-IJ-DSC_2883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wn1LXjWJP8V8hEOPtXRSWJiPRGl_NXpSu7qMWDa7sYVrQMpI3om9mqNv1_o_xueERr_LzNTVjYnfRBVkkeLE4qRKINJ6zHrzyfp2mE7eb14WbpoBOdxxc3JWQwiNuvjqJJyfvwSQDy-TCST3OLgzR3yjxnkM7X9MqHgVcV29EHDJ85ruv4u4BaoWDg/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2883.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The morning sun on the tent woke me early at our camp on the shore of Loch Fyne. Up and about, I made breakfast and enjoyed the sunshine on what was clearly going to be a fine Fyne day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_IwnVutya8PgmsHEbjYvKCFZTp6_QqftvFid6vBhGou1dZmsut6BZkR4KG6ZSx0WjiB3BfUm948YdHvZ3VJZcknWpshRag03jD7X5Cafo6ecpPQGLfArnO6KMcWmr6NGwWNGd5NiogdFO3xeAFSQTCBTu8MAmulY77Odlsq_aAgLrNifd4Q67ij4YQ/s4928/20220325-IJ-DSC_2884.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_IwnVutya8PgmsHEbjYvKCFZTp6_QqftvFid6vBhGou1dZmsut6BZkR4KG6ZSx0WjiB3BfUm948YdHvZ3VJZcknWpshRag03jD7X5Cafo6ecpPQGLfArnO6KMcWmr6NGwWNGd5NiogdFO3xeAFSQTCBTu8MAmulY77Odlsq_aAgLrNifd4Q67ij4YQ/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2884.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We left our tents up until the last minute as there was quite a bit of condensation from the cool night air, but by 0900 we were packed and ready to carry three kayaks and one F-RIB down the pebble beach to the water.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7R1KK65sy7RFJ_j14c_5ffHk5Mo3UoPt5lypTenbLZaJ98APwAjbHPyLgjY-VBX5ah8sW-j014AH5CepcxCXjNl7XjmWa8gulRx8Nu8407ZdxVKusgVr3VyXbOXBeklYvJ4-1z8HaxvfrIgoBsw0ip0qDgMC5f17XSiSJCw09GM8z9pNdxZ9NloOaA/s4928/20220325-IJ-DSC_2885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7R1KK65sy7RFJ_j14c_5ffHk5Mo3UoPt5lypTenbLZaJ98APwAjbHPyLgjY-VBX5ah8sW-j014AH5CepcxCXjNl7XjmWa8gulRx8Nu8407ZdxVKusgVr3VyXbOXBeklYvJ4-1z8HaxvfrIgoBsw0ip0qDgMC5f17XSiSJCw09GM8z9pNdxZ9NloOaA/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2885.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And what a morning! Our plan was to head over to Tarbert for second breakfast and we made the 6km crossing of Loch Fyne in idyllic conditions.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCztOAGG2sY7keDH_QoaX42sXD7vydg4AEC-RxfEp2fIF2CaKI113sgQf456BB8j-U6Y9larMJKZT1WwRAiNHYhDbc8GvQvn1RTI7egX2kid2T4zKJXnxmJ_yw8dlaKCHAXv_0muFAIhYZhRdQAjXHyUMpUGtMDOtjmE6vPgOHEk6WeE8biiUaBNnrQ/s4668/20220325-IJ-DSC_2887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="4668" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCztOAGG2sY7keDH_QoaX42sXD7vydg4AEC-RxfEp2fIF2CaKI113sgQf456BB8j-U6Y9larMJKZT1WwRAiNHYhDbc8GvQvn1RTI7egX2kid2T4zKJXnxmJ_yw8dlaKCHAXv_0muFAIhYZhRdQAjXHyUMpUGtMDOtjmE6vPgOHEk6WeE8biiUaBNnrQ/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>To the south the Arran hills were cloud-capped - in fact they had cloud cover throughout the four days we were in the area, even when everywhere else was in bright sunshine.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eqPk1q_OMkgT0Y14TFiMlRJZWJdYCeAnwUfZsRMu-pUZ_eUKxrUob2tebZEftLSjvdZoHwVJ7cSxLQ0Lqu1uFqYYENtebX4YjM1BtDZCZmYmaTSb2Wc1hcY9nhtko9zzO8_0uDuFyxHfoAgJnFK_-t8iQB7BBjubqxktT4-gwiqy3fOCNXbGAgx60w/s4049/20220325-IJ-DSC_2888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="4049" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eqPk1q_OMkgT0Y14TFiMlRJZWJdYCeAnwUfZsRMu-pUZ_eUKxrUob2tebZEftLSjvdZoHwVJ7cSxLQ0Lqu1uFqYYENtebX4YjM1BtDZCZmYmaTSb2Wc1hcY9nhtko9zzO8_0uDuFyxHfoAgJnFK_-t8iQB7BBjubqxktT4-gwiqy3fOCNXbGAgx60w/w640-h392/20220325-IJ-DSC_2888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We stayed on the north side of East Loch Tarbert so that we wouldn't be in the way of the ferry which sails on a very regular route to Portavadie from here. On this beautiful morning all of the <a href="https://www.calmac.co.uk/fleet/mv-isle-of-cumbrae">Isle of Cumbrae's</a> passengers seemed to be sat outside to enjoy the weather and we got a cheery wave from some smaller passengers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNIgX9lWBmYbUgCy0RyGEmqzqBz4gAta3yCfD8069XnKLC2sc2sJt0fHGKjRCDfn0PAK5wy9FVuPpn2geX53B5e2-76YIhOmjvMHTmrdKHR3F2KOfcD4Z-dPKVAfBxGlmaMo_Nc-lc1SttDxh6Ou89VP8kyfBnS_IgB1fd8uwylsaFObnftNeWajHIg/s3943/20220325-IJ-DSC_2889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2616" data-original-width="3943" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNIgX9lWBmYbUgCy0RyGEmqzqBz4gAta3yCfD8069XnKLC2sc2sJt0fHGKjRCDfn0PAK5wy9FVuPpn2geX53B5e2-76YIhOmjvMHTmrdKHR3F2KOfcD4Z-dPKVAfBxGlmaMo_Nc-lc1SttDxh6Ou89VP8kyfBnS_IgB1fd8uwylsaFObnftNeWajHIg/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=186542&Y=668800&A=Y&Z=126">Tarbert</a> is in a very strategic position and has a long history. The name is shared with several other places and indicates a place where boats could be dragged across a narrow isthmus between to bodies of water - from the Old Norse/Gaelic "<i>Tairbert</i>" or draw-boat.</p><p>This Tarbert has a narrow neck of land less than 2km wide separating East and West Lochs Tarbert; being able to portage a boat here avoids the long and potentially hazardous passage around the Mull of Kintyre. The strategic value of the tairbert was demonstrated spectacularly in 1093 when King Magnus "Barelegs" was ceded all the land on the western seaboard of Scotland which could be circumnavigated in a longship. He sat in his longship as it was dragged from one Loch tarbert to another and so claimed the entire Kintyre peninsula!</p><p>The <a href="https://www.tarbertcastle.info/">castle</a> was first constructed in the 13th century, subsequently strengthened by Robert Bruce, was captured by James IV from the Lords of the Isles and last changed hands in the 17th century before falling into disuse.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV0zzvWlRYnk8r2JChtBCSK42c9JVHBcdZe4wZZTKSzUzDj5330AZzCD1VlLRQUdLUUj5o3v0ph1Aj1z70acUIhXrDeQiayHq780Ix0cx1bu-ty1DeoqWGTK3itDsLpGiXz0ctcJRqT64q3Esc_O8EUnkadiJpq11G85JobjfTxdiUJO8prWpeXZwrg/s3781/20220325-IJ-DSC_2890.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3781" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV0zzvWlRYnk8r2JChtBCSK42c9JVHBcdZe4wZZTKSzUzDj5330AZzCD1VlLRQUdLUUj5o3v0ph1Aj1z70acUIhXrDeQiayHq780Ix0cx1bu-ty1DeoqWGTK3itDsLpGiXz0ctcJRqT64q3Esc_O8EUnkadiJpq11G85JobjfTxdiUJO8prWpeXZwrg/w640-h424/20220325-IJ-DSC_2890.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Tarbert is a busy port used by fishing vessels and leisure craft as well as two ferry services. We looked at landing near the harbour head but the receding tide had left some evil looking mud, so settled for a slip near the yacht club which also has a signboard about the <a href="https://paddle-argyll.org.uk/">Argyll Sea kayak Trail</a>; this being a prominent stop on the trail. You can buy shellfish direct from the processor at the top of the ferry slip, so all in all a good place to pause!</p><p>We couldn't see where <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWRztvG9Vhk5Hz-OqGTVag?app=desktop">Donny</a> had landed in his F-RIB, he seemed to have disappeared. The mystery was solved when he strolled around the harbour to meet us having blagged a berth on the best pontoon in the marina - for free - for a couple of hours stopover!</p><p>We wandered into town (don't expect a metropolis!) and settled on the excellent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafecadora/">Cafe Ca'Dora</a> for second breakfast. We were just in time before breakfast serving turned to lunch serving and enjoyed an outstanding "Full Scottish" accompanied by great coffee - Cafe Ca'Dora is rated as 12/10 as a sea kayaking food destination by us!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xgOP9kjj_EBlHrNKGmsJhcWOj6_vylwtq90lKLjJuC1SCJJ9JdiD2SfbGdOtJcl6n08tie1G3_2b3XFHR-gjuHMA6iKdrxYEItn-DzRl2lLeOkFXcFa3ZbD7vnDNSf_WqkYjKV-FtatgsYg1queO51MAwo1DhwxutHRkCKN7owZPCD4whDXPAXZHEg/s4602/20220325-IJ-DSC_2891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4602" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xgOP9kjj_EBlHrNKGmsJhcWOj6_vylwtq90lKLjJuC1SCJJ9JdiD2SfbGdOtJcl6n08tie1G3_2b3XFHR-gjuHMA6iKdrxYEItn-DzRl2lLeOkFXcFa3ZbD7vnDNSf_WqkYjKV-FtatgsYg1queO51MAwo1DhwxutHRkCKN7owZPCD4whDXPAXZHEg/w640-h454/20220325-IJ-DSC_2891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We returned to the slipway and whilst repacking our boats took a closer look at this graceful craft beached at the top. She's the "Freydis", a 40ft/12 metre replica Viking longship built by volunteers in Tarbert to take part in the annual Loch Fyne Viking festival. Named after Freydis, daughter of Erik the Red and sister of Leif Erikson, who has various claims to fame in the Norse sagas as an explorer, not all of them savoury!</p><p>Sadly, Freydis has seen <a href="https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/better%20days">"better days"</a>; some of her planks are sprung and she'd need some TLC to be seaworthy again, but what a fine Fyne vessel!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb286MxCwa8aXYViiS3-WZg0vjJ5LnmKDHGy1Nrpsk28_SfJCn3MxvuC5PkbPGw2bEqUixKzm1z8eseBAMlKUHfGgBl98LT5D-PI8XCibAGT6O6e8O76X6bpQfbZh4xs_MCw53MOgHVyhL0UHGAjZlA_ZrW8FzyyY7e9QccIJ_zEcsEQbbbZKOzT03g/s3701/20220325-IJ-DSC_2892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3089" data-original-width="3701" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb286MxCwa8aXYViiS3-WZg0vjJ5LnmKDHGy1Nrpsk28_SfJCn3MxvuC5PkbPGw2bEqUixKzm1z8eseBAMlKUHfGgBl98LT5D-PI8XCibAGT6O6e8O76X6bpQfbZh4xs_MCw53MOgHVyhL0UHGAjZlA_ZrW8FzyyY7e9QccIJ_zEcsEQbbbZKOzT03g/w640-h534/20220325-IJ-DSC_2892.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Freydis' dragon prow is particularly impressive, carved from a single piece of wood and adorned with metal "scales" and a fearsome tongue....now, I wonder what a scaled-down version of a dragon prow would look like on a sea kayak?!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-27317509375488733932022-03-31T19:43:00.001+01:002022-03-31T19:43:22.130+01:00A noisy morning and a quiet day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAuF7kwnMhz0y40mXG69yMzyWsvvODkm3sIlj2cbO6bA9zDQoqjWWkzd0IqMJRYymgPGUs3XHioeBqKfHIDI7KcCskm7csVCd1uP1Aymv1BAaHXSyL3UTmXGsw8v0Fh0cRWcdifNLnh9QsEm0yoatJjQlnorhBpHOao3LCHJZe8pak42rcLDnouiUrw/s4402/20220324-IJ-DSC_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2851" data-original-width="4402" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAuF7kwnMhz0y40mXG69yMzyWsvvODkm3sIlj2cbO6bA9zDQoqjWWkzd0IqMJRYymgPGUs3XHioeBqKfHIDI7KcCskm7csVCd1uP1Aymv1BAaHXSyL3UTmXGsw8v0Fh0cRWcdifNLnh9QsEm0yoatJjQlnorhBpHOao3LCHJZe8pak42rcLDnouiUrw/w640-h414/20220324-IJ-DSC_2866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I slept fairly well at our first camp site, but only until the first hint of light. the clear, fluting song of a Blackbird singing solo was the start of the dawn chorus, and was a strikingly beautiful sound in the quiet dawn. What was neither beautiful or quiet were the many geese, a Raven, a Pheasant and several Oystercatchers who joined in soon afterward, a more discordant dawn chorus would be difficult to imagine!</p><div style="text-align: left;">No matter, it was a lovely morning when we emerged from the tents, and surprisingly there was absolutely no condensation on the tents or the ground - quite unusual for this time of year. The sunrise was a slow and stately affair, the forecast for overcast and hazy but warm conditions looked pretty accurate. I never underestimate the privilege of waking up in places like this....we were less than 60km/40 miles from the very centre of Glasgow, Scotland's busiest and most populous city and yet we might have been in another world.</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwbABerzMIbniUzFuwQujc1hnJeVtPyCGGVjflYHt1buugGUjfUQ5hN5Cf7rA6qjOEO-DA-Prr3t63dfrSnsTxPVg21cx7-peAE1OrraYtLxtGwmiIc0aUX_apz3rdw14zkrvk9uqMmpMEBe4nAPTCZuYZRoPlAIlP6gcdSkU9uYjLtEAL89IBU_OGw/s4201/20220324-IJ-DSC_2868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2938" data-original-width="4201" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwbABerzMIbniUzFuwQujc1hnJeVtPyCGGVjflYHt1buugGUjfUQ5hN5Cf7rA6qjOEO-DA-Prr3t63dfrSnsTxPVg21cx7-peAE1OrraYtLxtGwmiIc0aUX_apz3rdw14zkrvk9uqMmpMEBe4nAPTCZuYZRoPlAIlP6gcdSkU9uYjLtEAL89IBU_OGw/w640-h448/20220324-IJ-DSC_2868.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The party would split here; Douglas and Mike would head back to Portencross on the Ayrshire coast, Donny would head off to explore in his F-RIB with the possibility of joining up with us later in the day. Raymond, Allan and I would head back north into Loch Fyne. It had been great to catch up with everyone - I've so missed these journeys with good friends during the pandemic.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOevynTHIo4H2Wu8jX7e-9aBQqVj6-YJCZMAC2sbJnRrHDAAXoGWjwmKbNdm_b5YTFvWXRILEdiR7K-MJnkxO7LOGV38pDSKZti4hNJiqp9q75ofB9TuTo9ZbENrVmYkZQDSPcjF4zZt04zCGaGrefQqO3dSPzwx7oVyJiiSAHcyqC72mqVHGpEG0TXg/s2720/20220324-IJ-DSC_2871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2720" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOevynTHIo4H2Wu8jX7e-9aBQqVj6-YJCZMAC2sbJnRrHDAAXoGWjwmKbNdm_b5YTFvWXRILEdiR7K-MJnkxO7LOGV38pDSKZti4hNJiqp9q75ofB9TuTo9ZbENrVmYkZQDSPcjF4zZt04zCGaGrefQqO3dSPzwx7oVyJiiSAHcyqC72mqVHGpEG0TXg/w640-h344/20220324-IJ-DSC_2871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As we paddled back up the west side of Inchmarnock we were accompanied by the noisy neighbours; a flock of Canada Geese and small groups of Greylag Geese. They allowed us to get fairly close, then splashed their way airborne in noisy indignation to land just ahead and repeat the process - why they didn't just fly around behind us I've no idea!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4uNOGb-lKlYbSasFS4IcmA5lbO7hemS9n8FQ1Uvh4hGu073wvXbBcKIZgdUx0TijsHXINSieFarGgXmlxl6Ew7VPRK2Uv296p-_pDnQgQnJAUQddFA6oo0R8PDZ6Dbkw-XijyShO0ErYeqrUuY1hWrOuQb95bFgP3tFyf9t-gBcPLb7V46JLquYoxg/s4364/20220324-IJ-DSC_2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2863" data-original-width="4364" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4uNOGb-lKlYbSasFS4IcmA5lbO7hemS9n8FQ1Uvh4hGu073wvXbBcKIZgdUx0TijsHXINSieFarGgXmlxl6Ew7VPRK2Uv296p-_pDnQgQnJAUQddFA6oo0R8PDZ6Dbkw-XijyShO0ErYeqrUuY1hWrOuQb95bFgP3tFyf9t-gBcPLb7V46JLquYoxg/w640-h420/20220324-IJ-DSC_2872.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This was a strange day of weather; neither cold nor warm, calm with absolutely no wind, dry and with soft-focus light. I'm sure that the conditions subconsciously affected our pace and energy - we all remarked on being a bit lethargic during the day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRvF2hUyqgYiRSQRGRhig7qLNl_WkEZ_YI-AIZBpKgAPd7uCADfv_-lmnpgX3dczq5QSg_ygsjaznkyTy3jzVq5s8CtCtedne_AdYOxl0zXv7Q3OExVmp7Wzhz1wn-EzuSU4AK24pbPQrJxXHVEbvAyAwlk_NybzFohTgAHsGdbIZITALs286QW7KCg/s4304/20220324-IJ-DSC_2875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4304" data-original-width="2848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRvF2hUyqgYiRSQRGRhig7qLNl_WkEZ_YI-AIZBpKgAPd7uCADfv_-lmnpgX3dczq5QSg_ygsjaznkyTy3jzVq5s8CtCtedne_AdYOxl0zXv7Q3OExVmp7Wzhz1wn-EzuSU4AK24pbPQrJxXHVEbvAyAwlk_NybzFohTgAHsGdbIZITALs286QW7KCg/w424-h640/20220324-IJ-DSC_2875.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">At the mouth of Loch Fyne the Ardlamont buoy sat on top of its reflection, perfectly still</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQemeykzn5WlTp2X0cguJLQaBa1ETqZdr53X92JE6K5qgzCwDnBFurM5cg2-EUFZRiit-HMzSG-TZkkooLnO1gpkkAYoEJ56tqVuH2MfTrheK3rps2TYJBBCIhQ4lSUL25OyfH2Xrq1mJL7LZ5y9oKpf5y0skqmLPGG6mjFCPEI9dXtJymMipyeXPtA/s4314/20220324-IJ-DSC_2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="4314" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQemeykzn5WlTp2X0cguJLQaBa1ETqZdr53X92JE6K5qgzCwDnBFurM5cg2-EUFZRiit-HMzSG-TZkkooLnO1gpkkAYoEJ56tqVuH2MfTrheK3rps2TYJBBCIhQ4lSUL25OyfH2Xrq1mJL7LZ5y9oKpf5y0skqmLPGG6mjFCPEI9dXtJymMipyeXPtA/w640-h422/20220324-IJ-DSC_2876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'd had a very distant view of dolphins - which Donny later confirmed as Common Dolphins. For some years a lone <a href="https://whalescientists.com/solitary-dolphin/">Common Dolphin nicknamed "Kylie"</a> (as he frequented the Kyles of Bute) had made a permanent home near the buoy and had, it seems, been able to communicate across a species boundary with Harbour Porpoises but there was no sign of him when we paddled past.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnwJ4FtVHbZZji-d-gkYf4Ld_4kDmuAoZEgXVNB_xQIpaEDyXWTQbPSykzXbuNkExtyF2cOmzAoCm99M5IGWjm9cA3ty6Fzq8KOszJu3dFfP_tsnwfyutxnKDMrHKgHEJvc9-BsDzLAB4_6TLU_fHDTt_H73FIXY-CS5chffqziSuNPu_Rn6S4UnvQA/s1021/20220324-IJ-DSC_2877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1021" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnwJ4FtVHbZZji-d-gkYf4Ld_4kDmuAoZEgXVNB_xQIpaEDyXWTQbPSykzXbuNkExtyF2cOmzAoCm99M5IGWjm9cA3ty6Fzq8KOszJu3dFfP_tsnwfyutxnKDMrHKgHEJvc9-BsDzLAB4_6TLU_fHDTt_H73FIXY-CS5chffqziSuNPu_Rn6S4UnvQA/w640-h460/20220324-IJ-DSC_2877.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Near to Ardlamont Point we heard a familiar high pitched chatter and looked along the cliffs to get a great view of a Peregrine Falcon (<i>Falco peregrinus</i>) arcing out over the water before returning to the crags - a really lovely sight.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO0XZR7x7eLc6wZl-YCI91jGtIGy8mnms8by5DvmIkECKyaZP97OfKjITbexpRX3tzoFiKu9XNIpLoxe7k0JTuzP6RVH0yG65NvxsB9s7k8S4gyX5jvsGLd5hUVQywVJLSuQtHBITgxbEI8n_wjyR-klOTT2juleSQjP5yvnspUBqslImYrFYm54qQw/s4776/20220324-IJ-DSC_2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3051" data-original-width="4776" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO0XZR7x7eLc6wZl-YCI91jGtIGy8mnms8by5DvmIkECKyaZP97OfKjITbexpRX3tzoFiKu9XNIpLoxe7k0JTuzP6RVH0yG65NvxsB9s7k8S4gyX5jvsGLd5hUVQywVJLSuQtHBITgxbEI8n_wjyR-klOTT2juleSQjP5yvnspUBqslImYrFYm54qQw/w640-h408/20220324-IJ-DSC_2878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I got quite tired paddling during the afternoon, maybe out of practice, maybe the strange weather, and took almost no photographs. We trimmed our plans to head right up into Loch Fyne and instead headed to a beach recommended by Donny as a potential camp site. Arriving mid afternoon after meeting up with Donny gave us plenty of time to select the best spot and to gather driftwood for our evening fire.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOLgf3CRNZlMqS14zpz8tqEaJD28Ys8KN-RfU2V5f8aruWMUfpoDWSygGleigW3V6CQe4e3MQShcUNFg8ARpRXP68s55Mo5yld2IHGof8ryDaJqEsMcdKKDLEL-E0s2CHQGP8Fvf3dO2nKrHxAulx5SbZRkY80L9xGKB_s01J_u6ou0LMxHKauNwPeA/s3838/20220324-IJ-DSC_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3838" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOLgf3CRNZlMqS14zpz8tqEaJD28Ys8KN-RfU2V5f8aruWMUfpoDWSygGleigW3V6CQe4e3MQShcUNFg8ARpRXP68s55Mo5yld2IHGof8ryDaJqEsMcdKKDLEL-E0s2CHQGP8Fvf3dO2nKrHxAulx5SbZRkY80L9xGKB_s01J_u6ou0LMxHKauNwPeA/w640-h544/20220324-IJ-DSC_2881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The wood was very dry and lit immediately, soon developing into quite a hot fire. Purists can relax, the apparent proximity of the can of Brewdog sports recovery drink to the fire is an effect of the camera - the can (chilled in a nearby burn) was well out of range and no Brewdog was harmed during the making of this blog post.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ta8i9suO40H-KPcmmJEE9li6fMVyJU47QdUMA01PW_X2cKxsHO8uCx-P0eS4QbVoQA8ZFR3CRRmVym6kgURD1VXcQp2opX1iZWmdvmP4vIguy2NRlhy0GZR_RdWys7N6bN3l3iI-sUOrhN5eOVuZHnDBvuWuB82bFym3xHyES-auOOmo_6kZCeqWkg/s3087/20220324-IJ-DSC_2882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="3087" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ta8i9suO40H-KPcmmJEE9li6fMVyJU47QdUMA01PW_X2cKxsHO8uCx-P0eS4QbVoQA8ZFR3CRRmVym6kgURD1VXcQp2opX1iZWmdvmP4vIguy2NRlhy0GZR_RdWys7N6bN3l3iI-sUOrhN5eOVuZHnDBvuWuB82bFym3xHyES-auOOmo_6kZCeqWkg/w640-h584/20220324-IJ-DSC_2882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Dinner was Allan's excellent Venison Casserole, eaten around a fine fire (a Fyne fire?!). All of us were tired and we headed to the tents pretty early with the promise of another fine Fyne day to come.<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-16890354251180234562022-03-30T12:54:00.001+01:002022-03-30T12:54:54.210+01:00A very special induction<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHseARWrb71NFmwnQwXyLvlrs3AkIL2osWZDQU53kJmNAJzTtD-HtBzHuPYA4khkw1FoYb0WbErw7mj34GvoI1mQZLocZLyRCVgZyyYIf0NZrONh_Huxf6ZV5KL4-T300f8ULma54ag8UDT65F5pmqzmZQHywneb3UJ39BQq29AnCn4vfeJTKhQ9hpQ/s4314/20220323-IJ-DSC_2838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2300" data-original-width="4314" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHseARWrb71NFmwnQwXyLvlrs3AkIL2osWZDQU53kJmNAJzTtD-HtBzHuPYA4khkw1FoYb0WbErw7mj34GvoI1mQZLocZLyRCVgZyyYIf0NZrONh_Huxf6ZV5KL4-T300f8ULma54ag8UDT65F5pmqzmZQHywneb3UJ39BQq29AnCn4vfeJTKhQ9hpQ/w640-h342/20220323-IJ-DSC_2838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The third week of March promised some very fine and warm weather in Scotland. Having studied the forecasts and checked availability we decided on a sea kayak trip over four days and three nights in the Firth of Clyde and Loch Fyne. Allan, Raymond and I would start <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=198222&Y=670069&A=Y&Z=126&ax=198222&ay=670069">near Tighnabruaich</a> in the West Kyle, Donny would launch his F-RIB from the same spot and Douglas and Mike would kayak from <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=217852&Y=649126&A=Y&Z=126&ax=217852&ay=649126">Portencross</a> on the Ayrshire coast to join us for an overnight camp.</p><p>Our planning was very flexible, there was no fixed itinerary other than getting out on the water for a journey and to enjoy the fine weather. From previous knowledge of the area we had several potential wild camp sites in mind for our first night and were able to keep in touch through the day to decide which one would work best for our varied starting points and times.</p><p>It's a fair drive from Aberdeenshire to Tighnabruaich, but Allan and I made good time and after stopping for brunch en route we were packing the boats shortly after 1pm - Raymond arrived a few minutes after us from his home near Stirling. We noted Donny's car in the parking area so he was on the water already, a message from Douglas and Mike indicated that they had set off late morning and the weather could not have been better....the plan was coming together!</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWjrDdGT-obXw2VSfuuButf_hMcgKXfCGzZGra2HacFDLCzuaYPuhv326_gocs_g2LAMBR2PnbbGIapGD9A5FqACWNXpYGUy5p9YFEN6QyAvYm60rs0Gn5BGqFokq6qDYCuhBLN0JvUr6vawFro5Oa3-Jw-c0JVHfUBCutMhoeu5PEyCHHnCTk95G3w/s4239/20220323-IJ-DSC_2839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2374" data-original-width="4239" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWjrDdGT-obXw2VSfuuButf_hMcgKXfCGzZGra2HacFDLCzuaYPuhv326_gocs_g2LAMBR2PnbbGIapGD9A5FqACWNXpYGUy5p9YFEN6QyAvYm60rs0Gn5BGqFokq6qDYCuhBLN0JvUr6vawFro5Oa3-Jw-c0JVHfUBCutMhoeu5PEyCHHnCTk95G3w/w640-h358/20220323-IJ-DSC_2839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We paddled south down the West Kyle of Bute and past Ardlamont Point into open water at the mouth of Loch Fyne, it was a cracking day to be on the water.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu02PV_X-Wrac4RiGBr3Z4i5e9RyoJ1xrcgkXX-1GiE11tftpTGbwGm5ymVbv4gSvbkj9Bu1rhp4Bkh_T92ahICWshHm2wsWjiPd6EDIawQ2HeG3D8N5FeqpD576ZN706gsivfuEkVXMC_Z86Txy1pTPt0lTSJPV6fqQyJKYh9Aw0k_eirLic4h-oTOQ/s4266/20220323-IJ-DSC_2840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2389" data-original-width="4266" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu02PV_X-Wrac4RiGBr3Z4i5e9RyoJ1xrcgkXX-1GiE11tftpTGbwGm5ymVbv4gSvbkj9Bu1rhp4Bkh_T92ahICWshHm2wsWjiPd6EDIawQ2HeG3D8N5FeqpD576ZN706gsivfuEkVXMC_Z86Txy1pTPt0lTSJPV6fqQyJKYh9Aw0k_eirLic4h-oTOQ/w640-h358/20220323-IJ-DSC_2840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The slight breeze dropped completely as we crossed to the north end of the island of <a href="http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=202122&Y=661484&A=Y&Z=126&ax=202122&ay=661484">Inchmarnock</a> - a couple of messages exchanged just as we set off had confirmed our meeting point as the south end of the island where we knew we'd get a good camp site provided that it wasn't inhabited by cattle.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsm6UfKgVYpNDmJJb9ZtqcJZN8WAmKVhEjyoiT5cEClAvffCXbgAJ1V8bfg03DTcn9Ud27-ipP9nBCEDgOvoNZQL6319zhDBONpVQpRSrDmkCtIQVjfUteBT-JRVmMS-Xoov7XnKHICk3RlRzyZ751r9E3SuIy2QWK208yBHJheSMyno3m3KFcw903w/s3908/20220323-IJ-DSC_2842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2639" data-original-width="3908" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsm6UfKgVYpNDmJJb9ZtqcJZN8WAmKVhEjyoiT5cEClAvffCXbgAJ1V8bfg03DTcn9Ud27-ipP9nBCEDgOvoNZQL6319zhDBONpVQpRSrDmkCtIQVjfUteBT-JRVmMS-Xoov7XnKHICk3RlRzyZ751r9E3SuIy2QWK208yBHJheSMyno3m3KFcw903w/w640-h432/20220323-IJ-DSC_2842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We couldn't quite believe the conditions we paddled in...warm sun on the face, a heat haze and perfect reflections on mirror calm water. All the more remarkable, conditions were due to be similar for the whole week - and the clocks hadn't even gone forward!</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii1uGvu5EOBjjj0Muv50DVDfSgLJi9LJsyIhmEV_XIOj1mXg3s3fbLmeCX2HaaepqITzxZ7dKIsbTTouY4B6vrEArJgwB3kXnrawjOdZwpjry-8uhaJYulQ6jNbhVGl-HkBuzRIeF1pIldyoc1PI-WSHES7xiNwQaRqPSQsMd2kuAfwPaNhGBlLggdg/s3813/20220323-IJ-DSC_2843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="3813" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii1uGvu5EOBjjj0Muv50DVDfSgLJi9LJsyIhmEV_XIOj1mXg3s3fbLmeCX2HaaepqITzxZ7dKIsbTTouY4B6vrEArJgwB3kXnrawjOdZwpjry-8uhaJYulQ6jNbhVGl-HkBuzRIeF1pIldyoc1PI-WSHES7xiNwQaRqPSQsMd2kuAfwPaNhGBlLggdg/w640-h498/20220323-IJ-DSC_2843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We landed at the shingle spit at the north end of Inchmarnock for coffee and a leg-stretch, greeted by this bright orange <a href="https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/starfish-and-sea-urchins/seven-armed-starfish">Seven Armed Starfish (<i>Luidia ciliaris</i>)</a> which was a very neat colour match with the deck of my Cetus MV. </p><p>"Inchmarnock" means <i>Marnoc's Island</i> and is named for the Celtic monk St Marnoc. His name appears in several other place names in south west Scotland including the town of Kilmarnock. Near where we landed a stone "cist" or burial container was excavated to reveal the remains of a Bronze Age lady buried with a jet bead necklace and a finely made dagger. the remains were carbon dated to about 3500 BC and the lady (subsequently named the "Queen of the Inch") re-interred beneath a heavy glass pane.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg4H9U2BZHuHqwwaOj6IsArQMp5fGPQmbp4pi8NKMqaw5fkblQ6Ut9FJtBj58eTm2KHX3fmg511BDmxJeyILHY47iA2ocVJwymQxRyLxwPWP4mrkhe21aEwON4BFJk2MLYnfaS5OF61n57UgGr7iawB1HUkDKwb3H-FclWnJZ3aY-BkrfeprUlemj2A/s4928/20220323-IJ-DSC_2845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg4H9U2BZHuHqwwaOj6IsArQMp5fGPQmbp4pi8NKMqaw5fkblQ6Ut9FJtBj58eTm2KHX3fmg511BDmxJeyILHY47iA2ocVJwymQxRyLxwPWP4mrkhe21aEwON4BFJk2MLYnfaS5OF61n57UgGr7iawB1HUkDKwb3H-FclWnJZ3aY-BkrfeprUlemj2A/w640-h424/20220323-IJ-DSC_2845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Rested and refreshed, we paddled at a relaxed pace down the west side of Inchmarnock, sighting deer and a Peregrine Falcon along the cliffs. It didn't feel like an afternoon to be rushing along.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVGf_dnGnIT-oPTTbXg2_1tqBAPPbPqtIuIxn3gnc640o7JEFKTCntxgdMX8Q_o9nJcW6MaP3enyb4tQ_-C_8JoGStd5B-96oIetAp3EphM3W7K3ipcHI_jBN_hhooGhGagdTXaNhJivc_07J_05yHS8sfMDARb1TyRVNgeCbba6H6yRHz6j26Hbh5A/s4789/20220323-IJ-DSC_2846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3172" data-original-width="4789" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVGf_dnGnIT-oPTTbXg2_1tqBAPPbPqtIuIxn3gnc640o7JEFKTCntxgdMX8Q_o9nJcW6MaP3enyb4tQ_-C_8JoGStd5B-96oIetAp3EphM3W7K3ipcHI_jBN_hhooGhGagdTXaNhJivc_07J_05yHS8sfMDARb1TyRVNgeCbba6H6yRHz6j26Hbh5A/w640-h424/20220323-IJ-DSC_2846.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In fact, quite the opposite, this was an afternoon to take things very easily and to enjoy the beautiful weather.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGNrPMkf6KcEU7_rzclYd_ilQIquN99pfNBHK_laMO_faaOiIfRZBbGXztfV9DFSrhEtOgIx3ONbzk10-vOushx8OvGErBSFr7whOO7b_3nlA3t_2zWAiTkwJKicgp9XwdSEXPn-fB0zBJqsxHrX5TzxGbnJud7RbXNwyIGH_GkLLADhNC4qt8jSMMA/s3964/20220323-IJ-DSC_2848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2713" data-original-width="3964" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGNrPMkf6KcEU7_rzclYd_ilQIquN99pfNBHK_laMO_faaOiIfRZBbGXztfV9DFSrhEtOgIx3ONbzk10-vOushx8OvGErBSFr7whOO7b_3nlA3t_2zWAiTkwJKicgp9XwdSEXPn-fB0zBJqsxHrX5TzxGbnJud7RbXNwyIGH_GkLLADhNC4qt8jSMMA/w640-h438/20220323-IJ-DSC_2848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A call on the VHF radio from <a href="https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/">Douglas</a> alerted us that we were just a few hundred metres from the beach above which we'd camp for the night.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycwAvCqD1UnuvogsSBqFsj3zV_XK1raNNdjAVPoGvih-pcQQXMC2vQoYpPo9HZ2Koxi23XaD5QQrDXH9NVITIQ-qv0iu_b9r6hmKUfqcmOpYRa915aF1F7HwzJGNjcSgUaOmDcAoD94D5iluxOkVaupKjwPAmh5AiRaTXFkVi1svUpSTV6Fbe0NLbVw/s1024/IMG-20220323-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="1024" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycwAvCqD1UnuvogsSBqFsj3zV_XK1raNNdjAVPoGvih-pcQQXMC2vQoYpPo9HZ2Koxi23XaD5QQrDXH9NVITIQ-qv0iu_b9r6hmKUfqcmOpYRa915aF1F7HwzJGNjcSgUaOmDcAoD94D5iluxOkVaupKjwPAmh5AiRaTXFkVi1svUpSTV6Fbe0NLbVw/w640-h146/IMG-20220323-WA0015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image courtesy of Dr Douglas Wilcox</span></p><p>Douglas took this wonderful panoramic image of Allan, Raymond and I just about to arrive at the camp site; I think it really sums up the day and the superb position.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_xKGKcSw0KxNMI8BODjpVO3p0t7WHYVpWgntVZLDwtHFx6xF8ANomOmcSvmAj2bbHaFEE-RP4CsUA0PzoyY1_C68z3Ejv_L5NK6qZABli3rNGE58fi2pllvyG3jVMG7yNpj-wwfrdA3Bo2ZIdH2_B717Fhb-Cd9A_x1TFk41sGrfIi3Q2UOwVKeMIw/s4338/20220323-IJ-DSC_2849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2629" data-original-width="4338" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_xKGKcSw0KxNMI8BODjpVO3p0t7WHYVpWgntVZLDwtHFx6xF8ANomOmcSvmAj2bbHaFEE-RP4CsUA0PzoyY1_C68z3Ejv_L5NK6qZABli3rNGE58fi2pllvyG3jVMG7yNpj-wwfrdA3Bo2ZIdH2_B717Fhb-Cd9A_x1TFk41sGrfIi3Q2UOwVKeMIw/w640-h388/20220323-IJ-DSC_2849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the water the position is no less superb, a gently shelving shingle and pebble beach with an area of flat turf above. This place is sometimes frequented by the herd of Luing cattle which are grazed on Inchmarnock - this breed can be aggressive and don't make good neighbours if camping. It's their home, so if they're around we go elsewhere to camp!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUnjR0qSY76mXttaI6ZKrdfmsaQQzdQTKUbYCzTSkDUtFZKeMSaXQjWtlXSivdYGRhbFukj585rDl5D9gDb59lThDkuj_ezAHUmAPe46hPn3gz5G8f0-2uiu5ZuAvOt9qs7mOnqOKdRLgK3VZkK-lkCQwNtEl_ztHVg9UhA4lBc08rdfpCW92kofOtg/s4388/20220323-IJ-DSC_2865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2524" data-original-width="4388" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUnjR0qSY76mXttaI6ZKrdfmsaQQzdQTKUbYCzTSkDUtFZKeMSaXQjWtlXSivdYGRhbFukj585rDl5D9gDb59lThDkuj_ezAHUmAPe46hPn3gz5G8f0-2uiu5ZuAvOt9qs7mOnqOKdRLgK3VZkK-lkCQwNtEl_ztHVg9UhA4lBc08rdfpCW92kofOtg/w640-h368/20220323-IJ-DSC_2865.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> After putting up our tents and settling in we joined Douglas, Mike and Donny for dinner around the camp fire. this early in the Spring there was plenty of driftwood for a fire to be lit below the high water mark. Raymond, Allan and I had each cooked a fresh meal for one night of this trip - we started this evening with a chilli con carne and rice, accompanied with a glass of red wine - no need to rough it!<div><br /></div><div>This trip was significant for a couple of reasons, the first being that this was the first time we'd been out together for some time, and the first overnight trip of the year for most of us. The second reason was that all the people on the trip apart from me are retired or semi-retired....and I was imminently to retire. So, this was a very special induction into the club!<br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ChrvvhAMW9QenkotYnMcjhqyGEAZvWz2irWu5L5jxtrebKpXiLP9WjTi3MfrycO4dWNuLAuTkDo8u2lE7fUHMp7u22dCD1kH1ySQWT3CmPVjE-BsVAW4DbmbN2wip_1X1_oBx5uUpNowN9f-b55BZg6_mVMiVkocXmGthy2LLDA6aXI4FQ5C1D9yhQ/s4928/20220323-IJ-DSC_2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ChrvvhAMW9QenkotYnMcjhqyGEAZvWz2irWu5L5jxtrebKpXiLP9WjTi3MfrycO4dWNuLAuTkDo8u2lE7fUHMp7u22dCD1kH1ySQWT3CmPVjE-BsVAW4DbmbN2wip_1X1_oBx5uUpNowN9f-b55BZg6_mVMiVkocXmGthy2LLDA6aXI4FQ5C1D9yhQ/w640-h424/20220323-IJ-DSC_2861.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Sat by the fire on a lovely evening in a superb location, sharing a dram with good friends....I think I could get to like this retirement thing! 😊</div></div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-84917684230226819002022-01-22T20:42:00.002+00:002022-01-22T20:42:57.425+00:00Equipment Review - Kahtoola MicrospikesIn icy conditions the soles of walking boots and shoes are seriously compromised in terms of grip, and some form of traction is very desirable. On steep ground or on the hill, especially in the mixed conditions typical of Scotland I use <a href="https://grivel.com/products/g12">12-point articulated crampons</a> with stiff mountain boots but this combination is not well suited to tracks, forest roads or footpaths.<div><br /></div><div>In autumn 2020 I purchased a set of <a href="https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/">Kahtoola Micropsikes</a> to use on my regular walks when things got icy. This review is based on regular use through winter 2020-21 which proved to be exceptionally cold and prolonged even by Aberdeenshire standards. The Microspikes have been used in temperatures from 3 Celsius down to -20 Celsius and in underfoot conditions ranging from hard, frozen turf, iced forest fire-roads, refrozen snow, in hard, clear ice and melting ice.</div><div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjil5DN--I--B6HNSCE697mszVmV1OPFR_NUBPCJY1LLrwEkpABqcgnMBDCz4Stv3oYJISXJ69K19xc7WZbeyKp8_Xf1Wp31RvqAzuOPtNX3jvskOY0JfJ6LqYyP2IOStONAYn6_37WpdTch7HeqRoIX-nj3ipXNfP6EBYlB7pVhUS45YtiGJ82vH4IAg=s6000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjil5DN--I--B6HNSCE697mszVmV1OPFR_NUBPCJY1LLrwEkpABqcgnMBDCz4Stv3oYJISXJ69K19xc7WZbeyKp8_Xf1Wp31RvqAzuOPtNX3jvskOY0JfJ6LqYyP2IOStONAYn6_37WpdTch7HeqRoIX-nj3ipXNfP6EBYlB7pVhUS45YtiGJ82vH4IAg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Microspikes don't require stiff or rigid soled boots which means they should fit a range of footwear (indeed many folk use them on trail running shoes). The upper part is a shaped Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) harness with reinforced eyelets which is claimed to retain its elasticity down to -30 Celsius.</p><p>The Microspikes are quick and easy to fit with a little practice and don't require footwear to be removed in order to put them on and take them off. The technique is to place the forefoot into position then use a raised tab on the rear of the harness to pull the heel into place. I found that I was able to easily fit and remove the Microspikes on-the-go, which is useful when they may not be needed for all of a walking route.</p><p>The design of the harness holds the spikes in place nicely and there is no tendency for the footwear to slide out even on quite steep descents. A real positive is that I haven't experienced any pressure points or "cold spots" from pressure as can happen with some crampons. In the image above the Microspikes are being used with a walking shoe on hard ice.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghH7gNMuYpNJzHX_0kiEcE8d1Z3C0T95TYAN71iEZjstfpfKPgUtwaMiRUHlK8bhpZYh5ZpPQZDWbEfAKqSeNta93s4G3v5PzNsVasCirxmY4MRY4-juozWBht6AzKHZmRv0q-uZ6-nlG_gFtTqPYSHi6Fn-3ujyTwQBS6ePl1rSHmipgtp25m5DXj-A=s4941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3063" data-original-width="4941" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghH7gNMuYpNJzHX_0kiEcE8d1Z3C0T95TYAN71iEZjstfpfKPgUtwaMiRUHlK8bhpZYh5ZpPQZDWbEfAKqSeNta93s4G3v5PzNsVasCirxmY4MRY4-juozWBht6AzKHZmRv0q-uZ6-nlG_gFtTqPYSHi6Fn-3ujyTwQBS6ePl1rSHmipgtp25m5DXj-A=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></div><p>In this image they are being used with a general purpose walking boot in mixed conditions with heavy frost and frozen patches of forest road. Unlike with crampons, it's not necessary to use a "duck waddle" modification to your natural walking style when using the Microspikes, due partly to the much shorter length of the spikes compared to crampons and also because there are no front points which could catch the ground.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitkNoxfLdFpO9IZcDOF9lTjnqPk6awXbd5LFqRtcZHzi8rlszZYmcqNrVLa7RLJHNnCH6HCwQaHn8iz4311R2oUW81BVAh6lzK0EPG9JoFVn9DMP4qdEY1Vz4QxpvxGK7BNoWA3uM_g6RDLIhHmmYlhAaFQdNyLoDYf9mrfK3XP_0KUvZD9Qr_TM7gSw=s3674" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3674" data-original-width="2963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitkNoxfLdFpO9IZcDOF9lTjnqPk6awXbd5LFqRtcZHzi8rlszZYmcqNrVLa7RLJHNnCH6HCwQaHn8iz4311R2oUW81BVAh6lzK0EPG9JoFVn9DMP4qdEY1Vz4QxpvxGK7BNoWA3uM_g6RDLIhHmmYlhAaFQdNyLoDYf9mrfK3XP_0KUvZD9Qr_TM7gSw=w516-h640" width="516" /></a></div><br /> The chain and harness hold the Microspikes in place very well, I've not experienced any misalignment when walking across level or rough terrain. Sometimes with articulated crampons strapped tightly to stiff winter boots and secured with toe bail and heel fastener there can be cold spots on the feet from the pressure. I haven't experienced any cold spots with the Microspikes as they aren't holding the foot rigid and any pressure is distributed across the harness.<p></p></div><div>So, although for mountain walking my preferred combination is and always will be stiff winter boots and 12-point articulated crampons, the Microspikes definitely bring benefit in winter walking for lower levels, making otherwise inaccessible icy paths easy to walk. I can also see a place for them in Spring mountain walking when most of the snow is off the hills and there are just occasional patches to be crossed which don't require front-pointing technique.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Microspikes retail for around £50 in the UK, and I think that they're very good value at that price. If you walk regularly on icy tracks and paths, live in an area which has winter conditions most years or walk on hills with some icy patches, they're well worth considering as part of your kit. I purchased my set from <a href="https://icegripper.co.uk/products/kahtoola-microspikes-16">Icegripper</a>, a main UK importer of Kahtoola products. The Microspikes arrived quickly, and I can vouch for the customer service - the initial set sent out were the wrong size and when I informed the company the correct size were sent out before I returned the original set.</div><div><br /></div><div>Conflict of interest statement: I purchased my set of Microspikes at full retail price an have no connection with either Kahtoola or Icegripper other than being a satisfied customer.</div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-25802114996026077832022-01-05T20:04:00.001+00:002022-01-05T20:04:32.239+00:00Short day, short view<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxwrHwTlZTPB6ZDw1-xWbOeUEJtbMnwoxuA355ShGF6qY_thDCz6Z7QYVO-xGfe4_67g98GlG5lpPiK27ELxOBDyDFhWj9Nr80VQG0c9fHuZyuXChHZab5WDKzR7lokYh25AnWnutru3tH4UiQtc8lgCtK6SB4gyGDwytB6i_mDJUDmASGQUtWm6Wqvw=s3826" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2462" data-original-width="3826" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxwrHwTlZTPB6ZDw1-xWbOeUEJtbMnwoxuA355ShGF6qY_thDCz6Z7QYVO-xGfe4_67g98GlG5lpPiK27ELxOBDyDFhWj9Nr80VQG0c9fHuZyuXChHZab5WDKzR7lokYh25AnWnutru3tH4UiQtc8lgCtK6SB4gyGDwytB6i_mDJUDmASGQUtWm6Wqvw=w640-h412" width="640" /></a></div><p>Life, work and other things meant that this blog was a little neglected during 2021. That's not to say that I didn't manage to get out and about though, and there will be some catch-up posts coming in the next few weeks.</p><p>Just a couple of days prior to the winter solstice and there isn't much daylight here in Aberdeenshire, realistically six hours is what we get. When Allan and Lorna and I left our homes in inland Aberdeenshire we were in bright sunshine with temperatures well below zero Celsius.....just 45 minutes drive north to the Moray Firth coast and things were a lot different; very misty conditions and the temperature a couple of degrees above freezing. With just a light wind and a low swell we decided to set out from <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=351060&Y=867455&A=Y&Z=120">Cullen</a>, paddle east to Sandend and return to Cullen. It's an area we know very well but we took no chances with the visibility and set up a GPS in case things closed in further.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPcwsF3EjhJ3tuzRwSnVPsNG--0opFERiUNqRIYGVm8F-xcNZyUkRlQxCYft1iA7F3w-NVM3wptAicaxsQSpnqrDfLeA_w3p-d4DzsUnX-r8-_l7hagVt-KSFwldO9p_7TKUWTqN8k-wntlQBbfbZ9OjDFZQ-3bAef24Dk1oWQ1bJ22GEFhOfMq6n6JQ=s4766" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3157" data-original-width="4766" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPcwsF3EjhJ3tuzRwSnVPsNG--0opFERiUNqRIYGVm8F-xcNZyUkRlQxCYft1iA7F3w-NVM3wptAicaxsQSpnqrDfLeA_w3p-d4DzsUnX-r8-_l7hagVt-KSFwldO9p_7TKUWTqN8k-wntlQBbfbZ9OjDFZQ-3bAef24Dk1oWQ1bJ22GEFhOfMq6n6JQ=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></div><p>The misty conditions certainly made for an atmospheric journey through the rock stacks which are such a feature of this coast, everything seemed out of scale as towers and rocks loomed out of the mist. We mentally ticked off known landmarks as we went and had soon warmed up from the chilly start.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8ZdWAxEp1w9EDuSHYhRLUcCAt0WEV9TfJuMRrjEYMyR74DdJeMbA9WREJZ8rHqMy28mJHGZS_honYLIrve1_MHT6bonwdgmyi97OCWAZlr0vRKvDgfK3QhrR46u3KqfeY3p68mhV4nr5F5YntsXmJYFCwpmS50FNlfAOOE8mXgjQ5HNKg0kUwef6-bA=s4314" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="4314" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8ZdWAxEp1w9EDuSHYhRLUcCAt0WEV9TfJuMRrjEYMyR74DdJeMbA9WREJZ8rHqMy28mJHGZS_honYLIrve1_MHT6bonwdgmyi97OCWAZlr0vRKvDgfK3QhrR46u3KqfeY3p68mhV4nr5F5YntsXmJYFCwpmS50FNlfAOOE8mXgjQ5HNKg0kUwef6-bA=w640-h408" width="640" /></a></div><p>The swell was low but long-period and as is typical on this coast had "sets" of two or three much larger swells at regular intervals. Near to top of the tide this cave-arch doesn't have much headroom, so good timing is a must!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl5Jc-6Pja3Gu6dfsbdLPspX_vkM7Zea2oJT7052D8g5NrfRa245ALPUT4G2UKOyCgCNHi5COt5QIBP5i8UKbPdrhJFxmunN8R9nqDJRrRAtgzHB1YotcZks-dTIlNmarJ1nUO4cdLs1ygg2YPLhgow-cP01cGeGboyljX42S-TIIbioWqFe3tJjV8Gg=s4928" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2763" data-original-width="4928" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl5Jc-6Pja3Gu6dfsbdLPspX_vkM7Zea2oJT7052D8g5NrfRa245ALPUT4G2UKOyCgCNHi5COt5QIBP5i8UKbPdrhJFxmunN8R9nqDJRrRAtgzHB1YotcZks-dTIlNmarJ1nUO4cdLs1ygg2YPLhgow-cP01cGeGboyljX42S-TIIbioWqFe3tJjV8Gg=w640-h358" width="640" /></a></div><br /> We took lunch in the tiny harbour at <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=355606&Y=866606&A=Y&Z=120">Sandend</a> before heading back around to Cullen. The mist had started to lift a little and the swell eased to give a leisurely return leg.<p></p><div><br /></div><div>An unremarkable paddle of just 13km maybe, but as usual this coast gave plenty of interest, and it was a bonus to be able to get out in our kayaks right on the cusp of the shortest day of the year.</div>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-17718966902324956322021-12-29T17:55:00.003+00:002021-12-29T17:55:52.770+00:00An atmospheric walk on the Correen Hills<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5O71M3futB08SryGqVmR32gM77sDhk-mq0fEHTl-fCuP6ebyz2MwTaIBJhIcoRKnlMZ_cEmK2nFgNX05CYmNKE2a8WncLGiV58TqAVhSZuIwgfSPaYLYqMO3W0dqj7ckjUVgaU_SZ6a-gTOSKuBFjvST3kUexg0RUmvt90JcddRcY7i8XCXk5c4djfA=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5O71M3futB08SryGqVmR32gM77sDhk-mq0fEHTl-fCuP6ebyz2MwTaIBJhIcoRKnlMZ_cEmK2nFgNX05CYmNKE2a8WncLGiV58TqAVhSZuIwgfSPaYLYqMO3W0dqj7ckjUVgaU_SZ6a-gTOSKuBFjvST3kUexg0RUmvt90JcddRcY7i8XCXk5c4djfA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>When Allan, Lorna and I made plans to meet for a walk over the Correen Hills the forecast suggested a misty start - and that's what we got. We'd taken a hand-saw to cut away some of the branches from trees fallen during Storm Arwen and which were making progress up the forest and onto the ridge hard going - a 45 minute spell of trimming has made the route a good deal easier.</p><p>Emerging onto the ridge we had visibility of just a hundred metres or so for three quarters of the way around the broad, curving ridge. But as we approached the <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=349500&Y=820500&A=Y&Z=120">path junction near Edinbanchory Hill</a> which marks the turn towards Lord Arthur's Hill the mist began to thin and we strode on in ethereal light.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOhDpZdvcAo-g7UpUxjNWwXjeLPBvSifrn-EZFgbjBicmCXKL308pFSD7jttPWodsmPQsU8Wi2CXrrFFwDmgl1_g7KWNM-MXE2sbponoIGcQi3K82FYvhAkqW5EI8na4mhlIYC_b91LM7S9PCfdqPotDs8yx1wPTQVjRUDrKZTEQ_jPrimfHxntFm06w=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2719" data-original-width="4624" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOhDpZdvcAo-g7UpUxjNWwXjeLPBvSifrn-EZFgbjBicmCXKL308pFSD7jttPWodsmPQsU8Wi2CXrrFFwDmgl1_g7KWNM-MXE2sbponoIGcQi3K82FYvhAkqW5EI8na4mhlIYC_b91LM7S9PCfdqPotDs8yx1wPTQVjRUDrKZTEQ_jPrimfHxntFm06w=w640-h376" width="640" /></a></div><p>Looking across the valley of the River Don, Coiliochbhar Hill emerged from swirling mist. This hill <a href="https://mountainandseascotland.blogspot.com/2013/01/soaking-up-atmosphere-on-coiliochbhar.html">has given it's own wonderful misty conditions</a> in the past.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdLjrpqSJSTwNwaqdCTkaH0Fmz6ffIF2OHGfWTSH12pvGp78k-MwHOw5yfpUHnyxwVrjhTXdanPoC9Fp_T-guo9xmN_L9y3IdIkYXq-0J6xZ7lICe0eeAXgcMNaIAH_lhG0p6LwojBCFKxr_d1lSzNaTpCLaYJFOsgGufEvBGfiTnOFwNnnVs9esS5NA=s4405" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2565" data-original-width="4405" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdLjrpqSJSTwNwaqdCTkaH0Fmz6ffIF2OHGfWTSH12pvGp78k-MwHOw5yfpUHnyxwVrjhTXdanPoC9Fp_T-guo9xmN_L9y3IdIkYXq-0J6xZ7lICe0eeAXgcMNaIAH_lhG0p6LwojBCFKxr_d1lSzNaTpCLaYJFOsgGufEvBGfiTnOFwNnnVs9esS5NA=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our pace sowed right down as we stopped frequently to watch the changing scene; ridges and hills appearing and disappearing as the mist boiled, dissipated and re-formed - the effect was quite magical.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgipd4ueaXinsR2jr8A4RShexIPuH9GGaOVR5wGaVOL_lICI6ybGZEfDS8SPeaV7GLK98odBpD9cYFaQl1grIy5Fl_vWdVZJvbFf9qfshV3gogWo8SSOjuR_dqLIm9tY-Zg2PXpfQgfGjpCyU9ThXtJFa3Da1G0_oMWex-du0ujqlnxPilQBpL4_nLbfA=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgipd4ueaXinsR2jr8A4RShexIPuH9GGaOVR5wGaVOL_lICI6ybGZEfDS8SPeaV7GLK98odBpD9cYFaQl1grIy5Fl_vWdVZJvbFf9qfshV3gogWo8SSOjuR_dqLIm9tY-Zg2PXpfQgfGjpCyU9ThXtJFa3Da1G0_oMWex-du0ujqlnxPilQBpL4_nLbfA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We seemed to be in an area of relatively clear air, in each direction a thick cloudbank was evident. Underneath everything was grey and monotone, around us the light was superb.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-dbKLC8XXhDlMRl1YiCVFAEt62bxgpI9IEHOrmlsp3WgBAlMe3JfYImkyPM4hrcq2bg97zY_IiVxhgXGT1T1flEEPokbS5iPJmXoqQKkI2x5DqDn9CU_FDBT5mRdoKsexb_e_NuVudIvY5UIapdWm-PZPeNt33fX-gIZ8BIjrJvLKyJwxt6nlHrPMrA=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3180" data-original-width="4624" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-dbKLC8XXhDlMRl1YiCVFAEt62bxgpI9IEHOrmlsp3WgBAlMe3JfYImkyPM4hrcq2bg97zY_IiVxhgXGT1T1flEEPokbS5iPJmXoqQKkI2x5DqDn9CU_FDBT5mRdoKsexb_e_NuVudIvY5UIapdWm-PZPeNt33fX-gIZ8BIjrJvLKyJwxt6nlHrPMrA=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div><br /> We made the final pull up onto the summit of <a href="http://streetmap.co.uk/map?X=351500&Y=819500&A=Y&Z=120">Lord Arthur's Hill</a> in bright sunshine. The lack of wind allowed us to sit for half an hour and enjoy the changing views in comfort - in late December! As we went down the hill towards Tullynessle the air chilled and the mist began to re-form - but what an atmospheric walk it had been!<p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-82792978683726570382021-12-25T09:41:00.003+00:002021-12-25T09:41:17.312+00:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQFEWJp01P5ZwsU2b0iM2FB5cycz2erKWs43Ac0Gu-qP4NajempKJMxAqIadzyyzTol80SrrjeeN_rAR9qkC16Ahp1dafp-fdyaq6pKFrDivebVSkiQfWYIbq7hXwM6ZA8ffkNCZZZcgUHlfLFfFLZrUTbSTnoVeQVBN4LxTqOdjHE87xnzWB_WOyVlQ=s3060" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3060" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQFEWJp01P5ZwsU2b0iM2FB5cycz2erKWs43Ac0Gu-qP4NajempKJMxAqIadzyyzTol80SrrjeeN_rAR9qkC16Ahp1dafp-fdyaq6pKFrDivebVSkiQfWYIbq7hXwM6ZA8ffkNCZZZcgUHlfLFfFLZrUTbSTnoVeQVBN4LxTqOdjHE87xnzWB_WOyVlQ=w640-h512" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Wishing you peace, health and happiness, wherever you may be this Christmas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597424458147017716.post-51344483672883981512021-11-11T08:27:00.002+00:002021-11-11T08:27:19.108+00:00Remembrance - 11th November<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI8IZrNaBFJ7XxMQtzNVmSzPKn71Xy5PqqnS_m-kLkDN8EmQBn1lZwmJKLD2g-Fqjcf6yvC0CnnZ5eux_pH36dhxWVtJjy4vpvJZVdkR1y5rrv1PQj7sorFGjl3gxONVJIYE6bQKSho-zhPqULssKt4887GC8Ym92JTNWasffqvoBAvIzmujmaxtOShg=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI8IZrNaBFJ7XxMQtzNVmSzPKn71Xy5PqqnS_m-kLkDN8EmQBn1lZwmJKLD2g-Fqjcf6yvC0CnnZ5eux_pH36dhxWVtJjy4vpvJZVdkR1y5rrv1PQj7sorFGjl3gxONVJIYE6bQKSho-zhPqULssKt4887GC8Ym92JTNWasffqvoBAvIzmujmaxtOShg=w396-h640" width="396" /></a></div><br /> In remembrance of <u>all</u> those men and women who have lost their lives in the service of their countries, those who still suffer the physical and mental scars of the conflicts in which they served; and those who are left with loss and grief.<p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them"</i></p>Ian Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14130778756061507141noreply@blogger.com0