Memories of 2017

The turn of a year is a time to look forward to the possibilities and challenges ahead, but also to reflect on the year just ended. I've once again been very lucky to have enjoyed some superb days and nights in Scotland's great outdoors. As in previous years, I've absolutely failed to select just one memory from 2017 - so here are a few.... :o)

A change of work routine during 2017 has resulted in fewer longer trips; instead there have been more "local" adventures........

.....and really, there's plenty to go at - even very close to home!

The colour palette as the seasons turn has been a joy; one of the highlights of my year has been to be at home regularly enough to notice the subtle changes.....

...and some frankly jaw-dropping natural light shows.

There were some cracking hill days in 2017, spanning all the seasons (sometimes in the same day).  Whether on the bigger hills or the smaller ones, easy days or tough battles, mountains continue to be a gift that just keeps on giving.

I had no difficulty selecting the year's outstanding multi-day trip.  A wonderful journey to (and over!) Jura and then around Colonsay by sea kayak would have been a highlight of any year......

...in the very best of the early Summer weather when we seemed to travel under perpetual sunshine....

...and in majestic surroundings.  The story of this trip starts here, and you can follow our journey in "Sea Kayak Stereovision" on Douglas' blog (with much better photos than mine!) starting here.


But, if pushed, I'd have to say that the single outstanding memory from a year in the outdoors during  2017 is.....

...a truly fantastic encounter with a pod of dolphins on the Sound of Arisaig.  These captivating animals actively sought us out and played with us for hours; it was the most thrilling and intimate of wildlife encounters and all the better as we didn't seek it out......

...it's left us with memories to last a lifetime. 

But once again the year was made by people and by shared experience.  A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone with whom I've enjoyed the outdoors in 2017 - from struggles in tough conditions to nights around the fire - these experiences are all the better for sharing with friends - Slainte Mhath!