Fine dining in a fine setting on Loch Shiel

Passing Glen Aladale gives a very fine view up the glen, which is in the heart of some really rugged mountain country.  On our late winter trip in 2015 Douglas, Mike and I had camped on the shore here - a cold experience. 

We crossed over to the south shore of the loch to explore Eilean Mhich Dhomhnuill Dhuibh (islands of Black MacDonald), tiny rocky islands with more interest than we'd previously thought.

Our pace slowed quite a bit as the late afternoon wore on, we'd had early starts and conditions were now quite warm and still, we didn't feel the need to rush anywhere - and our planned camp was just a few kilometres further on.

The low sun threw the view ahead into a series of silhouettes, there was something of the Japanese painting about the low hills receding into softer focus.

Before long we arrived at our camp, a place we've used before.  A shingle beach with level ground behind, sheltered from most weather by woodland - it has a lot to offer....but will be hideously midgey in the summer months.  No such problems at this time of the year though!

A small breeze got up to assist the last short distance to the beach.....

...Our boats were soon drawn up on the shingle.......

.....and camp was being established on the grassy bank above the beach.  Tents up and kit carried up in the ubiquitous blue travelling luggage favoured by sea kayakers (Indispensable Kayak Expedition Accessory bags), we turned our attention to gathering firewood for the evening.

Lorna meanwhile got the stoves going to heat up a real treat; home-made Venison Casserole and potatoes - there really is no reason we can think of not to eat well on trips such as this; we think of good food as an essential part of the trip.

As dinner was cooking, the fire was lit, which Douglas achieved with a single match and no artificial firelighting aids.

A cheery blaze was soon underway which would be well established by the time we'd eaten our main course and which would warm us through the evening as we enjoyed being in this place. We were delighted that Tony was able to join us during the evening having driven from Glasgow after work and paddled up from Acharacle to arrive just before sunset.  He was in good time for a dessert of poached pears in brandy with clotted cream, accompanied by a dram from a choice of fine distilleries.  I don't think any of us would have swapped this for dinner in a fancy restaurant....life seemed particularly agreeable!