Icy Lochs

The ice queen was busy again last night, designing these lovely icy grass formations on the loch edge.

Icy and Moody

We decided to go up the tourist track to Ben Ledi today, but the path was really icy under a thin layer of snow. Some fell runners seemed to manage in their trainers, heck, being a scaredy cat, I had to put my crampons on for most of the walk!

Burn's Night

To celebrate Burn's night, a piper, a highland dancer and a haggis came along to the cabin site. Arthur hurled us all around the room as well, 'strip the willow' was the best ceilidh!

Loony Weather...Still.

Well, it's finally gone and done it, Loch Lubnaig has frozen over. I wouldn't walk on it though. I hear the Lake of Menteith (the only lake in Scotland) has been enjoying curling stones being hurled on its surface, but this water is a bit deeper!

It's wierd though, as it has seemed to warm up a bit. We can tell due to the blown air heating in the van not screeching on overdrive, keeping us awake all night. Doesn't bother Daisy though, she has the best seat in the house (van). Despite her bed having prime position on the best hot air vent, she still insists on laying like lady muck right in front of it, frying her brain! Mmmmm, maybe that's why she's so loony!

Early Morning Walk

Overlooking a nearly frozen Loch Lubnaig from underneath larch cones. Despite getting up early, it turns out the route to Beinn an t-sidhein is closed for felling work so we couldn't climb up high for the views after all. Never mind, we discovered some new logging roads to explore in the Strathyre Forest instead, including this frosty waterfall.

Och, I can't drag myself out of bed in the mornings lately, but I made the effort today! The sunrise and sunsets have been amazing, hitting the snowy mountains all pink 'n' stuff, so we wanted to walk up higher to have some better views. Here's moonset on the cabin site at 08:25, I know, that's not even that early - hah, I don't miss the commutes into work :-).

The Water's Freezing!

Oops, even the river beds are drying up!

It looks like the loch isn't far off freezing either, despite it's depth. The average day here has been -10 midday for a few days, face crackingly cold, but brilliant views and blue skies. If only we got the sun for more than an hour through the glen here!

Snow Angels

Lovely bright sunshine and soft powder snow. This calls for a snow angel to oversee our year ahead!

Happy New Year!

The ice palace is just getting frostier!

A few days later and Stank Gorge waterfall is like an ice queen's cavern.