Aviemore Course

The other week Andy went to Aviemore for a Mountain Leaders course. It was held at Glenmore Lodge and covered navigation, rope work, water crossings and main other topics.

Most of the outdoor session were up in the Cairngorm mountains

Getting ready to cross a river, we all got wet, but this was our warmest day.

The final bit was a 2 day trek and camp, it was wet, misty and windy. We camped near the top of the Cairngorm mountain and were level with the snow line. That evening we met up at 10pm to do 3 hours of night navigation, its not really dark here till after 11 pm so a late night but good fun.

Waterfall walk

A dark moment approaching the hills above Fairy lochs. Brighter behind us.

The reward for the slog.

Calm waters in Shieldaig bay, but the midges are out............

Around Cove

Above Inverasdale, looking down over loch Ewe

At Cove

Memorial stone at Cove.

Sunday walk

The old gun emplacements at Cove

On the edge of loch Ewe

Magpie moth

The "Drinker" moth & I think, some eggs it's laying. On the moorland above Inverasdale.

Wild flowers

Bog asphodel

Butterfly orchid

Stormy weather

Dark clouds crossing the hills

Big waves hitting the rocks - if you enlarge this one there are 3 gannets on the right

Surf rolling up the beach in front of Sands campsite.

Highland Gathering and Hill Race

Saturday was the annual Highland gathering, it was a bit grey and we had some heavy showers but it did not put anyone off. The marching band above got the thing going at 10.30 am. Andy was there early to set up the Hill race a new job we have offered to do.

All the local classic cars were on parade

And the woodman with his chainsaw was there again with some fantastic creations, we bought an Owl and a Meerkat for the garden. Tried to buy one last year but he had sold out by the time we went to the stall.

The first leg of the hill race going up the farm track.