Seems to have been a long time since I blogged, lots been going on for sure but we’ve been busy so………….here’s a good view to start the New Year.

Leaving Rona

We have Brian and Gill here for a few weeks to help out and ‘have a holiday’, so last week we managed a few days off, haircuts, Doctors and shopping. Plus two visits to Shieldaig to take in the New Year with Kenny and Linda.

Rhu Roin

Weather was good and it was nice to see the Torridon mountains looking crisp in the winter light. We had a tour around the area and there are no surprises why visitors keep coming back to this area.

Coming Home

Coming home early Saturday morning last the views were spectacular but time was not on our side so a quick snap at the side of the road was all we could manage.

Flat Calm, Joy!

Into Portree in a rush, pick up the fresh stuff from the Co-op then off to Rona, good to see the sea flat calm .

Danish Delivery

We had had a text from Denmark telling us that there was a supply of wine coming from Denmark, a few bottles (cases) later MV Aspire was on its way, now what do we do with all this wine?

The Job I left.

After unloading the wine there was just enough time for a walk about to see what Brian had done, I left him this gap to fill in the doorway and he did a great job (picture to follow). After that the day went downhill…………Since we got back the pressing job was firewood but a deer lawn too. On the old ‘fields’ from the Dry Harbour settlement we can see that if we clear some of the regen’ birch we could give a good acre of grass for the deer, so that is the plan. Plus a high seat for our cottage guests to sit watch and wait.

The deer lawn.

From the High Seat.

That was the last week, what about before the New Year and since the last blog of the 20th Dec’?

Awful Weather

That pic just about sums it up, awful weather. Been a bit damp and breezy since the 20th, we had a bit of sunshine but it has been grim with South Westerlies coming in thick and fast.

Some Drama Too

But too much rain, good that we got the drains sorted out.

Days of Rain

Apart from this drain which I thought was clear but no, stones and ground had fallen against the intake and hey presto a new water supply.

Apart from This Drain

In amongst it all their was time for a walk, with this years greylag tagging along. The goose seems to have decided to hang about rather than take its chance with its family. They left this one stayed.

Our Semi Tame Goose

It has been quite a wildlife bonanza lately with many sightings of otters, Sea Eagles, the deer of course and the bay full of seals, over 150 at the last count.

Spot The Seals

Poor weather does not mean horrible days, the opposite in fact with very dramatic clouds and sea state.

Cloudy Day

Depending on the direction of the wind the Bay can be quite dramatic too.

The Bay was Boiling

In between storms Brian and Gill our pals from Cheshire arrived with the big bag of Xmas mail one week late but no worries, extra presents are always welcome.

Remote Cottage Mail

The only job to do before New Year was to get the antlers/trophies packaged and sent off to Portree for on delivery to Denmark, so with Brian’s joinery skills we put together the last of the box and fixed the stags heads inside. Hopefully the Customs will not get too excited about the box!!!!!!

Antlers Package Ready for Off

New Year crept up on us and with a bit of kilt sharing we headed up to the top of the hill for the annual ‘taking in the bells’. A good night, not too cold just breezy but one firework later we were heading back down to the Lodge for a wee celebration.

Dancing in the New Year

Always a good day the 1st of January, just as we mean to continue, champagne breakfast!!!

Nothing For it But Champagne

Mind you it was about 12.30 when we took the photo.

Talking about photos, I lost my camera. In between the ferry that took Brian and Gill over and taking guests to the cottage my old Panasonic has disappeared with all the weeks photos in it, Goodness knows where it went but maybe one day it will turn up, fingers crossed. In the meantime, lets look forward to a very Good New Year!!