The snow was down to below 200 metres, so the road was slushy for much of the journey. Views through the squally showers were dramatic as we rounded the vast bulk of An Teallach.
Inverewe Gardens opened today. We were amongst the first visitors. The coffee was excellent. Outside, coal tits, bullfinches and others were vying for pole position on their own restaurant.
The gardens were remarkably colourful, with lots of new life sprouting from the ground that is constantly warmed as a result of the gulf stream. Some images will follow. Sadly we were unable to walk along all the paths in the walled garden due to a 'jobsworth' Health & Safety officer having forced closure of certain excellent pathways.
Returning via the Corrieshalloch Gorge we enjoyed impromptu halts at a wartime pier, and when a bird the others thought might be a sea eagle flew over. It was probably a buzzard. Ken's an expert - he confirmed that Neil's grey goose theory was probably correct yesterday.
The gorge, also a National Trust property, harboured dangers far more hazardous than the walled garden, and would surely be closed down if inspected by the same person. We admired it from slippery pathways in a blizzard.
Back at home the sun shone for Janet's arrival from North Kessock, and all eleven of us (Lucy stayed in) enjoyed a good meal at the Arch Inn, just a few doors away.
Today's image is of Slioch, from Inverewe Gardens. The snow-capped mountains were impressive all day.
It's good to hear that Mick and Gayle are managing to bumble their way along a lumpy canal towpath, and that JJ is all set to embark on the Pie Man's big adventure. (Peebles to Moffat to Peebles.) We hope that trip is a great success, and an entertaining read...
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3 comments:
The whole seeing a Buzzard and mistaking it for Eagles is a very common mistake, I spoke to a guy from the RSPB on Mull once and he was saying that most peoples first Eagle is actually a Buzzard. Seen several Sea Eagles in my time and they are huge, you can usually see the white tail quite well too. Sounds like your having fun, still jelaous, though just book a self catering place for May Bank Holiday in Gairloch with a few friends to climb Slioch. Mak sure you leave some snow for us!
My favourite neck of the woods, as I may have mentioned before, and we'll be back in the summer. Eagles can be tricky, but you know when you've got it right.
Is the dram in The Park still on for next year? See you then, perhaps.
Have fun.
Louise
Jamie, as I mentioned, Ken's an Expert, and he and the others who went up Bheinn Ghobhlach on Monday did see Sea Eagles - they live in the Gruinard area so they are frequently seen around here - that's why the first reaction to a big but distant bird was that it may be an eagle.
Slioch - another of my favourite hills - enjoy!
Yes, Louise, the dram in the Park is still on for next year, or even this year if you come along to Montrose to get a feel for the occasion, even if you can't take part this time.
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