Chilli

Chilli from the Millcroft, claimimg some of Jamila's sticks as her own.

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Saturday for a picnic

Lots of seaweed thrown up on the beaches at the moment, mainly "oarweed" which the dogs love to chase when thrown like sticks - they also seem to enjoy eating it!

Andy playing with Jamilla, Birdie & Chilli on the beach at Opinan before we walked to the headland.

Super surf rolling in, note the "spindrift" blowing off the tops of the waves.

Day for a picnic

As soon as awoke yesterday, (Saturday) it was one of those days you just had to go out & enjoy. Packed some lunch, picked up Birdie, parked at Opinan and down to the beach to watch the surf.

Walked along the coast to the headland where we enjoyed a picnic, watching the waves crashing onto the rocks. Skye was topped with snow, as were the Torridons & the Western Isles.

A memorable day indeed.

The only downside to the trip was my camera batteries gave up after just a few pics (don't you just hate it when that happens).

Applecross

http://www.applecross.info/



This link is worth a visit to get a flavour of other parts of Wester Ross, we went a few weeks ago with Karen & Geraldine from the Millcroft. A superb, autumn day with blue skies, brilliant sunshine, lovely autumn colours & a breathtaking view around every bend in the road. Proves that it's often better to visit outwith the main, tourist season - and also means you only see about half a dozen other cars all day!

We were lucky enough to see a flock of about 40 waxwings, down from Scandinavia for the Scottish berries. Very exciting for me as I'd never seen one before.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/waxwing/index.asp

Busy Wednesday

Up & out early this morning as Andy had interview at the High School for the Janitor job. Margot collected Sasha & we took dogs for a mega walk as they were a bit fractious indoors. Squalls came & went & the dogs had a great time in the sea & we had the beach to ourselves apart from a few gulls. Home just in time to get news that Andy has been successful, well done!

Jamilla & Birdie amusing themselves

Oyster catcher & Ringed plover

You might have to enlarge this pic to make out the plover!

Monday, bright & beautiful, a walk at opinan

Took Jamilla & Birdie to Opinan this afternoon for a play on the beach before walking to the headland, Sron na Carra. Views out across the Minch were wonderful & on the return walk, the Cuillins on Skye were amazing - sun going down behind & rain clouds shedding their load over them.

The girls had a good time. Amongst the debris, Jams found a plastic bottle & Birdie took great delight in pinching it from her & tormenting her with it. At one point, a seal watched them, probably wondering what all the barking was about.

The RAF did a fly-past twice & then went straight overhead, very low & very exhilerating!

Saw oyster catchers, a buzzard, a peregrine, several cormorants, ringed plover & sundry other birds.

Watched a fishing boat pitching on the rough water, glad to be on terra firma!

Poor Andy spent the afternoon working in the loft & missed it all :~(

One more of Jamilla in the snow

This was Friday on the Tollie path just before we got back to the car.

Windy Sunday

This is a poor picture but this guy was wind surfing in a full on gale, bouncing off the waves & spending more time in the water than on it, but good for him for being out there.

Time for a pint?

This escapee seems to be considering calling at The Millcroft!

Cold day in Gairloch

Saturday was cold & grey but better than expected & affording clear views of the snow-dusted mountains across the bay.

Arctic conditions?

We prepared ourselves for the snow, sleet & black ice, promised by the weather forecasters. Awoke this morning expecting a white-out & bitterly cold winds whipping up snowdrifts.
What did we have? Rain, gusts of cold wind & an outside temp of 6c; not that we're complaining!
It's brightened up a bit by lunchtime so we're off to do a walk at Laide woods with Penny.

More Tollie path pics

Mountain walk and a snowy end

A cold day today only 2 deg C most of the day. We took the Tollie path over towards Loch Maree, lovely view and snow on the higher hills. We saw a few storms and got caught by one at the end, Jamilla turned white. Nice to be home to the warm, but a lovely 4 hour walk on a wintry day.

Laide Church and Beach

Lucky with the weather today, it was grey, wet and windy at Gairloch, but once at Laide, 14 miles further north we had an almost dry walk watching the big waves crash onto the sandy & rocky beach.

Beach Walk

Weather dry today so we took off for a walk along the beach after hanging out the washing. Ended up by the harbour and saw a fishing boat un-loading its catch and also Sammy the one eyed seal (middle of the first picture). Home just before the rain and dry washing. Walked down to see Ann & Ian in the village and stayed chatting till 8pm, Andy & Ian had a couple of beers and talked about motor bikes from the past and DIY jobs to do, a nice end to a dark afternoon in the far north.

Bye Bye Hamish

Wet and windy day today, so work outside is cancelled, an afternoon walk along the seafront and a quick shop in Strath store before Hamish goes home to his village of Aultbea.

The Blueprint Cafe can be seen next door to the Post Office on the second photo, we have been there many times while on holiday as they do really good Italian food, the owner Julie is from Preston in Lancashire.

Buzzard at Laide wood

Pleasant day today, following a run of wet weather. Took Jams & Hamish to Laide to collect Penny & walk in the woods. This buzzy was sitting atop a tree overlooking the car park & oblivious to the barking dogs. Had a good walk to the waterfalls which are prettty amazing after all the rain, before following the yellow route uphill over the boggy ground, glad of our wellies.
Both suffering a headcold at the moment, so enjoying the fresh air. Home for a hot drink & lazy evening catching up with missed TV.
The nights are closing in quite quickly now, dark by about 4-45pm. Nice to sit in the cosy lounge & watch the lights of the fishing boats returning from the minch.

Hamish, Penny & Jamilla

After 24 hours of rain

Storm damage in Flowerdale

Web problems

Hi Blog readers. Been having a lot of problems with AOL this week, been unable to get online several times, therefore a lack of postings.
Fingers crossed that we're sorted now.

Wet Tuesday morning

A wet start & finish to our walk this morning but pleasant inbetween. Jamilla, Sophie & Josie-the beardies & Chilli.

Western Isles in the far distance

Birdie