Sunday run in the hills

Margot is doing a 13 mile off-road charity run in a month, so we though a training run on Sunday was a good idea. We started near the car park by the Sheildaig Hotel and ran down the stalkers path to the the second loch (Loch Gaineamhach) then up to the top of a small hill (Creag Bhreac) 441m. We returned the same way and had sunshine and showers, just over 11 miles, too rough to run all the way, but more time to enjoy the views.

Picture are of

Margot striding uphill.

The rewarding views deep into the local mountains

The waterfalls between the two Lochs

The Highland Cattle at the start

Jamilla returns to Flowerdale

Jimjams improved enough to tackle the lower walks of Flowerdale which is looking lush from the sun & rain. She even managed a swim against the current in one of the swollen streams!

Paul & Christine's visit

Slioch in the distance

Christine & Margot at the "height" of our low level walk.

The Cutners come to town

Paul & Chris Cutner with Andy at the picnic stop on our walk on Thursday. Paul & Chris visited Gairloch for a couple of days during their Scottish holiday.

Lovely to see old friends from Southport.

Hard work - but someone's gotta do it

Plumbing, under the floor.................

Access hatch in the porch

Jimjams on guard outside.

Summer time & the livin' is easy

Jimjams want's to play

or maybe have a short rest?

Tough up here?

Lochinver trip on Sunday

Stac Pollaidh in the mist

Looking out over the Summer isles - not too summery today!

Lochinver trip

Any guesses?

Beach near Achiltibuie. Used to be a camp site here but unfortunately for us, the 999year lease ran out last year & the owners decided to let it go; pulled down the shower/toilet block & walked. We still might go there on a wild camping expedition......................

Sutherland's geopark, hand's on, experience at Knockan Crag.

Jock comes for a holiday

Medallion man!

Jock, Chilli & Jamilla enjoy the beach

Jock

Jock appears to be digging his way to the Antipodes

Costa Europa

The cruise ship was moored near the harbour for several hours this morning, a small vessel longside appeared to be carrying out repairs. Later, she moved out into the loch & again was moored for a few hours before moving on.

Seal welcomes us back into harbour

Seal follows us into the harbour

Getting closer, expecting a reward,

proving that not all hoodies are baddies!

Sunday evening boat trip

Great Skua hoping for a treat from us.

Racing out of Charleston harbour.

Arriving back, thanks to Jim for the ride.

Update on sea eagle

Have been informed that the bird we saw a couple of weeks ago, was in fact a mature female, born in 1998. (left click to enlarge the picture)

2009 Gairloch Gathering

Big Sands campsite, where the Gathering is held, looking across Longa Islant to Skye.

Jamilla, Sophie, Josie & Chilli with handler -Andy- who ran the hill race in the morning. This year's gathering seemed a big improvement on last year, more stalls, more people & better weather. The day is rounded off with a dance in the evening featuring The Peat Bog Fairies supported by local group, The Howlers. There will be some hangovers tomorrow!

June skies

The moon

Sunset