Red in Morning ’Jotown’s’ Warning

The day at Laggan started with a nice ‘red sky’ dawn,ominous ? In any event I was packed and on the road before 9 a.m., firstly travelling along Loch Laggan, looking across at the mountains with a dappled sun shining onto them below , and I stopped several times to drink in the views (and keep drinking my tea!). Then as I travelled I saw a sign for Creag Meagidh National Nature Reserve,http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/northhighlands/cread_meagaidh  I’d heard of this area as a great climbing venue,especially in winter, but hadn’t previously visited, so drove onto the car park, changed into my boots and went for a short walk before the later rain promised !

Following a good path, and later track from the car park, I was soon climbing up into the hills, towards what I found out to be ‘The Window’ at the top of the valley, and the access into the mountains behind … what a pity I hadn’t planned for this, ah well, I can still return.

I climbed a few hundred meters along the path, until it started to drop, and so, turning round I started back towards the car park, and the black skies above..  as  I was almost at the car park had a very interesting chat with the estate manager, who encouraged me to return, and park Wally there whenever I wanted – I’ll do that !

I continued then towards Fort William, passing the Spean Bridge memorial to the Commandos,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commando_Memorial  inundated with ‘foreign tourists’ !!

Then into Fort William, where I got some supplies, and went to the Glen Nevis campground,http://www.glen-nevis.co.uk/  for a few days leisure, oh and a tricky ascent of Ben Nevis (by the Commando route !)…more to follow, on my return…

-and the heavy rain descended-as forecast whilst England was basking in record temperatures ,I was avoiding the puddles !

Happy Days…

Basking ?! in Scottish Sunshine !

Well as the rest of Britain basked in hot sunshine, I awoke to a very cloudy sky at Laggan in the Cairngorms, and as the morning wore on drizzle moved in, whilst I had to listen to the radio telling me how sunny it was all over the rest of Britain !

Ah, well, at least I had a story  to read on my Kindle (although it wasn’t vey good), and the car park got busier as several groups of people,clearly from the Forces arrived, and set off up the hill.

As lunchtime arrived, a small amount of excitement went round, as a member of one of the Forces group had clearly had a fall, not far up the hill, and various people were running up and down with first aid kits – the injured member soon appeared, with a nasty bleeding head injury, and bloodied knees and legs…accompanied by others in the group carrying his bike, and smashed helmet – he must have taken quite a tumble, on the track just above the car park, although I couldn’t understand how he could have fallen so badly there. Although fast it’s relatively straightforward… in any event he was soon followed by an Ambulance, and after initial treatment he was loaded onto a stretcher and taken away, blue lights flashing…makes you think a little, should I go out ? – of course I should, so early afternoon having collected my gloves and glasses I’d left here last week, I was off up the hill, ready for a couple of ‘Red Runs’.

At least it wasn’t raining, although in the distance I could see the low cloud, of Scottish sunshine !

Loch Laggan in the distance looked pleasant, although sullen.

Then I was ready to swoop down the trails flashing along the rocky terrain, and remembering some of the track from last week certainly helped me, and I was soon onto the lower red ,ready to chance the Airs rock slab, however, I mistakenly ! avoided it, and then I was too far below to return….so it was all the way to the bottom, a quick drink, and back up again before back up and a quick trip round the skills Orange route, at a very fast speed, launching myself in the air a few times!, until I was safely back at Wally, calling it a day !

I then celebrated with a nice hot shower (and only £1 !), before early dinner beckons, and an early night before I set off again tomorrow – the forecast is not good though…should have gone to Cornwall !

Sun on the Battlefields

It was a beautiful morning in Elgin, as I packed Wally, said farewell to Kate and Wayne, as I returned to my nomadic life !

As I travelled along the road to Inverness I saw signs for ‘Culloden’, and decided to visit the battlefield there. Up along the roads towards the large visitor centre, there didn’t seem to be many British or English flags flying… nor would I find much to do with the English, just the weary downtrodden Scots ! Ah well, to be so badly treated …it’s no wonder they never forget !?

I contributed my £2 parking fee, and walked out onto the Moor of Culloden, a great expanse of moor, fairly flat, although with some slight ‘ups and downs’ – the warm breeze whistled across the moor, but wit the hot sunshine it was a really pleasant walk, around.

Red and blue flags fluttered in the wind, indicating the Government and Jacobite forces starting ‘line up’, not a vast expanse really for around 10,000 men.

There were quite a few people there, probably taking advantage of the sunshine, on what is normally a bleak, muddy moor…but today ?

I walked around the entire battlefield, or, at least the main area, in less than an hour, along with people from all over the world.Then it was back on the road, into Inverness for some ‘shopping’…a map case ! at Tiso before heading down and along the A9 to Aviemore, the sunshine still accompanying me, but as I got up onto the plateau of the Cairngorm mountain the wind, although still warm was ferocious, blasting grit at me as I wandered around the mountain railway station. I had wondered about stopping the night, for a walk the next day, but decided I would never get any sleep with the way Wally was being rocked in the wind, so dropped down for views of the mountain… and decided to keep driving…

I went on the back road, through Kingussie, before seeing signs for Ruthven barracks – which I had seen many times as I travelled along the A9, but never actually seen it close up, so off I went, to the foot of the path up to the barracks, or, I should say the remains,built on a natural mound of earth, overlooking the valley and surrounding land .

The structure is still quite impressive, and currently being renovated and preserved, and the views from the barracks itself were great..  I had the place to myself, as it was getting into the early evening, and obviously all the ‘sightseers’ had gone !

So, with a last view from up the valley, I was off myself, to find somewhere for the night….I returned to Laggan Wolftrax, as I had left my gloves and glasses  in the shop last week , and they were keeping them for me !

So, a curry and Naan bread, and starry skies,with the place to myself……what more does a man need  ? Goodnight !

On the Soup Run

So, having done nothing (apart from Relax on Monday), I was ready for a bit of sport today, Wayne was on afternoons, so we had decided to go biking.

Expecting sunshine (like the rest of the UK) I was surprised to hear it raining all night, and still drizzly and overcast this morning – however I had a washing machine (and drier) at my disposal, so after a heart porridge breakfast, Wayne and I were off to Fochabers Forest, for a bit of excitement.

We were soon there, http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6mrk49 and ready for the off…although still raining slightly, the weather looked as if it may clear up.

We were soon climbing,up,up,up and up the forest road, until eventually we were up at the top, ready to descend the Dragons Tail, followed by the Soup Dragon… 

We both flew down the trail, which was good fun, although greasy tracks, which had a slope on them all the time, so struggling to remain upright, but soon at the bottom car park, a quick snack…and back up the hill again, for a challenging run down the Gully Monster, a black graded,severe route …but it was soon tamed,or was it us that were tamed ? In any event we both managed to get down the bottom in one piece… and time to go..

We did manage to stop at the place, which gave all the trails the ‘soup 'name… Baxters soup factory,and cafe http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,SIG49699Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html where we had a great lunch of special Cullen Skink soup, and (for me ) a giant pancake and ice cream !

Then it was back to Kate and Wayne's, to plan where to go tomorrow, and the rest of my trip… and I did expect an afternoon ‘snooze’…but time ran out, and I had to make dinner !

Where to next ?

You’ll have to wait and see !

The Morning after…

It started well, with the ‘Birthday Boy’ appearing with a cup of tea for me..(he looked a bit ‘pale’), then it was off to the garage for the Sunday papers, and into the house, to see most had surfaced.

Kate did us all a whopper Breakfast Buffet…and then we settled down for an afternoon of reading the papers, watching rubbish TV shows, and chatting, until mid afternoon  when Wayne’s family had to leave to catch the plane back…down south, and we had the bottles to put out !  

Then it was a quiet evening…and early night, all the festivities over Goodnight !

Surprise Surprise !

Well,the big day had arrived,

I’d had a number of emails from Kate with plans for the evening,and I’d worked out what I was to do, even the Fancy Dress I was to wear !

I hid at the campsite doing housework and things,  until mid afternoon, when I had showered, and even had a shave, to get rid of the grizzly ‘man of the mountains’ look ,although it was quite easy each morning not having to shave, but it had started to get ‘itchy’…so it went !

Then I was off, having packed Wayne’s special Birthday present ,his very own Campervan , what a nice Father in Law !So….let the party commence !

First of all a trip up into Speyside, with a quick visit to the famous Glenfiddich distilleryhttp://www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/glenfiddich.htm ,then into Dufftown for early evening mass at St Mary’s ,where I had been last Easter , then back into Elgin, to briefly meet with Wayne’s family, already ‘in costume’, who were off to give their son, his big surprise !, followed 15 minutes later by me, with another surprise !!

To say he was shocked !, there he was expecting all his mates to turn up for a party…and the family turned up !!…followed by his mates later – Great.

So, helped by a little wine,beer,lager, those shocking ‘little drinks’ and   a roaring fire  ,all the characters started turning up…Tiger himself, the ‘serving wench’ of a wife,2 wupee cushions,willy wonka,wilma (Flintstones) 2 ‘Wallys’,along with ‘Wheres Wally’,Werewolf,washing line,Stevie Wonder,lots of others and not surprisingly …the Wing Commander !

What a great night we all had, partying well into the small hours

 

 

 

Then it was into my very own bedroom…Wally on the drive, Goodnight !

Hang On….the Indians are Coming !

When I say it was miserable when I awoke…I mean It !

grey skies,drizzly rain,and muddy surroundings ! What a start to the day, and this is by choice…

However, got to get moving as my days riding would be the red route here at Laggan http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-66dlg8, whether I would be able to launch myself down the ‘Airs Rock’..who knows, I was certainly ready for it, and togged up in foul weather gear, anyone would think it was the middle of winter !

Up the dirt road from the car park, climbing the forest trails, I almost had the area to myself, apart from some other lads,arriving in a personnel carrier (probably them idle Forces people !) ..up I continued into the low cloud and rain, eventually passing by the infamous Airs Rock, would I be able to get down it in one piece ?

Eventually I got up to the ‘Wolfs lair’ viewpoint, the top of the trails, ready  to descend at whatever rate I could manage…although the warnings were stark …but at least with all the mud about I should have a soft landing, and away I went…down the winding track, over rocks,jumps and tight corners with big side walls – almost like the old ‘wall of death’ !

Having completed the upper section, I blistered on towards the lower section…and Airs Rock, could I make it…I got right to the edge….looked over, looked again, …and decided No, not today ! So I did the little Airs Rock next to it, as a consolation…perhaps when it’s dry I'll make it…

Then on, and down through the downhill section, blasting over the jumps ,as though I knew what I was doing…and down to the car park, for a lunch of hot lentil soup !

After lunch I went back up the trails, and did the lower section ‘Fun park’ area again,and back to Wally to peel off my soggy gear !

Then it was off to Nairn http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=4693 campsite, where…the sun was shining, and it was a lovely day !

I was able to get onto the internet, to find this forecast http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2041055/UK-weather-forecast-Britain-set-Indian-summer-hottest-autumn-26-yrs.html so, the Indians are coming at last !! I might be able to dry out some of my gear !

Confession – Good for the Soul !!

So, to start with the truth, following my last posting, designed to keep Wayne guessing whether I would be putting in an appearance at his ‘Surprise Party’ on Saturday, up in the wilds of Elgin ! –you don’t really think I could get caught do you ??, and i wonder whether I’ll get away with it , time will tell, so this won’t be posted until after Saturday evenings surprise !

I promptly turned around from England, and back into Scotland, traversing underneath Edinburgh, along the Firth of Forth in lovely sunshine, and then I trekked back into the Cairngorms, which seemed rather dark and dank as by late afternoon I arrived at  Laggan ‘Wolftrax’ http://www.forestry.gov.uk/wolftrax where i would be riding the following day.

In the dank and drizzle I could do no more than cook a steak stir fry, and have an early night in the Forest !

Confession Time !!

Well, it was a beautiful start to the day, up on the top of St Abbs head, looking at the morning sun coming up over the sea, and lighting up the fishing boats already out on the North Sea, for the days catch… with the moon still out, although only a small amount of it left, it was a great start to the day.

I decided …there were things to face, so I travelled the short distance South, and into England

The sun shone brightly over head, as me and ‘Wally’ were welcomed back into the great country of England, oh it felt great to be back…

However, all good things have to come to an end, for a while at least, and I had to face the music… this article will explain the rest…. I may not be back for a while ,

Keep smiling !!

http://www.osadvertiser.co.uk/news/ormskirk-news/2011/09/17/liverpool-drug-gang-jailed-for-total-of-63-years-100252-29438542/

Chasing Rainbows

I’d had a good nights sleep, although interrupted many times, gazing at the stars initially, then trying to catch and sun at dawn… i didn’t quite manage that, however, this is the view at 7-10 a.m. from my bed ! Dry, slightly overcast, I was hoping for a nice day to go along the coastal path, further North.

After a special boiled eggs and soldiers breakfast,washed down with some good coffee,using my new cafetiere (having left the others at home !)and lemon/lime marmalade… it was time to get ready to go. I had just started off as the rain started, only bits at first, although it started getting heavier, so i returned to shelter in Wally for a while, and caught up with the blogs…

I then made another start, having, thankfully as it turned out,changed into wet weather gear – although by then the sun had started shining, although it was very windy.

First of all past my own ‘private’ bay – Petticowick beach, which I had been sleeping ‘on top’ all night ! Then it was up and along the cliffs following the coastal path, towards a distant waterfall ,this section of cliff being called ‘Waterside’ – I was to find out why !

Up and down the path I went, not really being able to get on to any of the beaches below, as all had steep,severe cliffs dropping down to them, which I decided not to risk climbing !

I had passed the waterfall, up and down the cliff path as I went, and was just above a section of beach, which had the clear remains of a wrecked boat on it, not surprising really when you look at the coastline and it’s rocks.

Although still breezy….  it was a pleasant enough walk along the clifftops, the path obviously having been funded by the European Union, with all the stickers on the marker posts declaring it !

As I was just wondering whether to keep going further along the coast, I noticed the black clouds gathering above, so I put my waterproof top on,just in time as the rain swept in from the west, not just ‘stair rods’ but it seemed like the ‘stairs’ as well , although at times the rain eased, and I then had views of a full rainbow, across the sea below, often framing a merchant ship ploughing it’s way along the coast ,although I couldn’t photograph that ..I continued battling the rain, eventually arriving back at ‘Wally’ just as the rain started to ease, so I continued up the hill to the lighthouse to dry off in the sunshine. By the time I’d got up to the top of the hill, the sun was really warm, and pleasant, couldn’t believe I’d been drenched 15 minutes before .

I gazed out to sea, whilst the sun dried my back, it was a real big change, and looked to be in for a good while at least.

I had by now dried off in the main, so returned to Wally, dumped my waterproofs, and went down to Petticowick beach for a bit of meandering.  There was a great pinnacle of rock there, from a shattered sea stack, which struck me as being very much as a persons face, what do you think ?

then it was dashing around the cliffs, before the tide captured me, eventually going back up to Wally, and an evening relaxing. It stayed dry, and sunny…although no great sunset – so you’ll be spared that, for tonight !

So, tomorrow off again, where to ? Unsure yet, I’ll see how the weather is, and where’s good-although the English border is not far away, and the weather down there has been far better than Scotland !

Until the next update….Sweet Dreams

Heaven on Earth

I was again up bright and early, and set off from Glentress, with just the deer of the forest to accompany me, running down the road in front of me, then it was a few mils drive back to Innerleithen,http://www.7stanesmountainbiking.com/Glentress---Innerleithen  my days riding target.

Having got there, my first real task of the day…was to wish my ‘webmaster’ son-in-law Wayne, a Big Happy Birthday – like I said to someone else a while back – he doesn’t look his age (30)….but he used to !! (living with my daughter would do that to anyone !!) Wayne looks after the ‘technical’ bits for me and the blog, so ‘Thanks’ Wayne!

The trails here,although graded ‘Red’ (difficult ) were also rated as almost ‘Black’ (severe), so I anxiously scanned the trail map at the trail head, viewing my days ride….although looking at the bench, thought they may have been exaggerating !

As usual the first part was a long,slow climb up through the woods, as I went through the dense woodland, the sun had started to shine through, until I found myself..what’s the saying about the sun always shining on the righteous !!-Although I haven’t seen much of that on this trip.

Continuing up through the woods and across Minch moor, until I arrived at the top, 567 mts high. Just before I had got to the top, I had been joined by three other bikers –from Cheshire ! -and we all sat at the top, chatting for a while, before they carried on doing a longer trail, across to Glentress, whilst I remained taking in the views …

So, then I was ready, for the big descent, and it lived up to it, immediately crashing down the hillside, in twists,turns,jumps and…puddles. I was soaked,muddy and exhilarated..really enjoying the testing course, which got faster as I swooped down the hillside.

 

 

 

 

 

I was then ready for the final section, severe,skull and crossbones,rocky…what to do ? There was only one thing for it….swoop down and enjoy it, so that’s what I did,smashing my way over the rocks and jumps, taking to the air on several occasions, as I hurtled down, now ready for the finishing burst, and all too soon there I was, at the end…the sun was  shining, I was splattered in mud,even my hair was out of place ! 540 mts of ascent, in 3 hours.So, how do you follow that ? – well, firstly I went back to the fancy centre at Glentress, and had a shower, heaven,clean and warm, lovely. Then it was lunch in the cafe, look at the bike shops, and wonder where to go next.

I had been told by several people, including the postlady at home about St Abbs head, http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/82/# where I would be able to park ‘Wally’ on the cliff tops and look out to sea…so, that’s where I went, after topping up supplies at Dunbar on the way, along a road that said ‘narrow 2 mts wide’ (less than Wally !) , up along this road, almost to the now defunct Lighthouse cottages, although the Light still works. The views at the top were spectacular, but, as the cottages were now rented out I decided to drop down the hill slightly, to a parking spot I’d seen on the way up, still looking out to see, but with none in sight – a brilliant choice, as it was well protected from some overnight winds !

I then rambled around, exploring as it got dark, watching the changing night sky, and the sun set on the other side of the country, and later viewing the wonderful starry sky, and milky way in all it’s glory…. a great place to stay….I went to sleep, without closing the blinds,so I could view the sky all night long…and did , Goodnight !