Kayaking on Loch Lomond

We got six brand new boats at work, Perception Arcs. So, time to get them unwrapped ! DJ eager to get them unpacked and out on the loch.

Sunny Seal watching

Seal watching at Rhu Marina, Clyde Gareloch. Nine seals in total. We drifted past using a tidal eddy.

The Navy Navigation Lighthouse at the end of Rhu spit.

Do I still have to paddle ? No, we can just drift on the wind. You can just make out the wee trolley, cheap in Decathlon.

A wee ruined tower, just past the RNCYC pier.

The canoe tied up.

Wee trolley came in handy for the 100yds back to my parents hoose. Now time for flapjacks.

Ben Lomond - Winter's still about

Up Ben Lomond today, very icy on the upper path. Chap asked which was down when we were taking photos at the top, told him, it is easy every way was down.

Sponsored by Powerade


Rimed up summit butresses.

Last day of the School hols.....

Last day, so headed up Ben Cleuch, not quite a munro but you start at nearly sea level. Very cold, numb face. The Law was very slidy with icy snow so a few feet off the path was fine. Very warm sun though. Perfect on the summit for half an hr, cooked up some soup, using an MRE flameless heater and hot choc. Back to work tomorrow.

Loch Ard Canoeing

A bit chilly, 1degs C, when we left, and a bit choppy but with a Windsurfer as a bow paddler we made no time up to the island, with the bothy. A quick setup of the Volcano stoves and tea and beans, not mixed, was ready. No need for gloves and a warming sun.

Swiss Army Ranger Volcano Stove

Recieved this cool stove, from a Group buy on http://www.bushcraftuk.com/ forum. Used the packaging for fuel. It can use a meths, trangia style, burner too.

The cup fits snugly on top, sealing the chimney effect.

Only a few mins 5-10, for a cuppa to be ready. Lighting the cardboard and letting it 'volcano' first then popping on the bottle or cup.

The burner certainly 'volcanoes' well, you can almost see wood gas effects, the gas would ignite if a match was held to it. Blowing in the lower hole shoots the flame up a few inches more.

Even though it was 3degs, the dog was happy watching/snoozing !

The cup, big enough for pasta/pot noodle for one, fits snugly into the side rack while the bottle is on. Note the cork upside down to avoid it blasting off, the bottle can be turned by the handle that supports the cup when it's boiling. This prevents the fire falling out.

A short video showing how to lock the bail for water bottle boiling.

http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff241/dyNick_Scots/?action=view&current=MOV08123000001.flv