Another quite weekend watching others out and about.

It is still a very slow recovery for me, still not up for the hills and my mate Pete has arrived for his annual winter trip from sunny Cornwall. I have had lots of friends out this weekend on the mountains and  sending me some great photos of the wilder places they visit many thanks makes my day. Pete was sorting his gear out last night and the smell of hill gear and the jangle of ice gear was in the house again. I was envious of his day planned today with “Big smiling Al Barnard” the weather looks interesting for them.  Roads are closing as I write! Some other pals Ned, Glenda , Steve and Denise are off to Canada tomorrow for a few weeks skiing and ice climbing such is life have fun and do not forget the photos please. Patience is a virtue and I am learning  slowly.

Chounaird ice hammer.

I had a good walk at Findhorn yesterday before the weather broke the huge sand bars are home to many seals and though they were on the other side of the river I could hear them as I walked along the beach. There must have been over 50 of them and with the erosion waves and the trees make this a special place.  The wind was changing as snow is coming again this afternoon and the sky was grey and heavy. I saw many birds and a few herons there is a wealth of wild life in this place.  Pete was out Surfing (brave man) at Lossiemouth and came back pretty cold when we had another visitor Ray  Harron.  Ray  had been on the Cannich hills Carn Nan Gobhar Munro 149  the hill of the goats  a nother wild place away from the crowds. He brought more homemade soup, I am amazed by the kindness of everyone even after such a time. Thanks to all and for the magic photo.

The wild Cannich Hills – a remote area this Saturday – Photo Ray Harron

The roads on the East are closing as Pete heads off, Cairngorm is storm bound just now with winds and drifting snow. The forecast is unsettled so winter is still with us with heavy snow on the mountains. It is well worth looking at the Avalanche report every day and being especially careful.

I have another great photo from another friend Natasha who was out in another wild area . She was also out in this remoter part of the Cairngorms in this wild arctic Plateau  where navigation is critical. They were out on Mondadh Mor Munro 39 a big wild hill and a great test of navigation and fitness, top day again for these hardy girls. There are some incredible photos also of a really wild area.

This morning I must get on with my lecture in Findhorn Universal Hall on Friday night it is for a local Charity Outfitmoray and all money goes to the them.   It will be an warts and all talk !!! Plenty of room and tickets also at the door.

Findhorn Talk this Friday!