Lake of Menteith - Mary Queen of Scots Islands

The launch beach is just past the SNH Ferry terminal. This carpark is 30ft from the beach below.

Very still and calm although it was reading 2degs on the car temperature gauge.

An easy and quiet paddle out to the Inchmaholme priory and the smaller island of Inch talla.

Inchtalla ruined castle. The island of Inchtalla, looks as though it's more of a crannog. Only rubble visible at ground level.

The site of the of the ruined castle. Worth a wander around.

It Always Rains in Scotland...........

No takers for a paddle 'too cold' quotes in emails. The launch beach at Millarochy Bay, just past Balmaha. Click on the photos for better sizes.

Too hot for a cag and shades req'd. Looking across at the Luss Hills.


Looking NE from behind Creinch.


Lunch stop, Port Bawn beach, Inchcailloch. No sound except for a drumming woodpecker and some squirrels throwing acorns down.

Luckily, didn't need my trowel out, as the composting toilet was open, just off camera left. The building on the background is a wee summer office for the rangers.

Live Ship Tracking

An interesting site showing live tracking of all sorts of ships and their destination and locations etc http://www.shipais.com/

Helps avoid being squashed at the likes of Rhu Spit by big subs !

Nordic or XC ??

Whilst in Aviemore, Saw these skis, Tenner for 3 pairs. One pair has a sticker from a XC in 1984 ! Boots come in at £50 new.

There is a few days every winter when the Ochills are plastered and I have done every munro within three hrs drive, 142, so.........is there room in the garage ?, of course !

Too windy to paddle

Must get the laser dinghy fixed, the mast step needs reglassed in. As I drove 200 miles in two days, without paddling, crawling along the A9, trucks overtaking me when I was cruising at 50mph, with the boat on the roof in the gusts.

However, you can't beat a scots history day. So visited the Leonardo Sketches at the Smiths muesum at the City of Stirling. Ironic as they are owned by the Queen, Elizabeth the first of Scotland. The local church is the only surviving church still standing with, Westmintser's, that has coronated Royalty.

The battle site, behind me was where Robert the Bruce rasied the standard of the Scots Army.

Ben Lawers - First snow of the winter

Went up Lawers, very windy and cold, felt like winter. Fiona enjoyed the snow higher up, yes it's early Oct.

Shazza sending a photo text of the snooooow.
The last gully line to the summit.
The triangulation pillar needs adopted or rebuilt, not gonna last many seasons.