Barefoot running, buzzards and beautiful Argyll

The first guests are coming drifting back to the beauty of Argyll which brings a big cheer from us. Not only that but Ray who was here on Friday night took these fantastic photos. The bird is a buzzard wheeling around about 200m from the house and the others...well, I am sure that they don't need too much introduction. Weekend of sporty things with a wee run up Dun na Cuiche for me on Saturday, this was only an 8k or so run but an elevation of 236m in between 2-6k which is fun! The view however is stupendous especially when enjoyed with my pals. On the way back we had a little barefoot run around the shinty pitch....well, why not?! Today was the Crinan Puffer race which five of our local running group entered and all ran amazingly. I was a marshal person today due to my ( healing....yes!!) torn knee ligaments and despite feeling a deep green envy did enjoy shouting and encouraging them along. The elite runners passed me by aloof and un-aknowledging of my whooo hoos and clapping hands but the later runners increasingly responded and smiled back! There is a ratio here...lets call it the  elite/smiley principal which means that the speed of runner is inversely proportional to the amount of smiley-ness when approaching the end of a race. I love the running community! Toby was seventh over all which predictably he was not so pleased with but he did beat all his old adversaries....so result!!

50x5 challenge

Freya and I are on day five of the 50x5 challenge together, it is so nice to do it alongside her and we are getting a few good cycles in whilst the weather is still so good. We have been along the main road to the Dubh Loch at the head of Loch Fyne but by far the best was driving the twenty minutes to Loch Awe yesterday, parking and cycling along the glorious Loch Awe. The weather was perfect and traffic very sparse. we are more or less equal at cycling, when my knees and neck hold up and so it is a pleasure to tootle along together. we are of the same opinion regarding frequent stops to take photos and have a drink.We did a leisurely seven miles before turing and retracing our steps to collect Toby from work. Todays 5k will be on our own  two feet at jogscotland....

A wee hill run

Two guests this morning breakfasted with log fire blazing and porridge to keep the cool spring weather at bay. They departed Fort William bound through the hills of Glencoe and I scooted off to a rather more local hill to do some hill training with two friends. The annual Inveraray trail run is not far away, and I organise it so this was the first foray for my ski embattled knee and I think that I and it did very well...there was some walking and some talking and some heavy breathing but there was some running too! The run in in May, on the 12th and is a short sharp run with a 236m climb along a four mile route. It must be said though that this hill only covers 1.5 miles...3 up and down so it is pretty steep going but the views...well, the views are great so judge for yourselves! It is above Inveraray Castle and the walk up is available and free all year round!

Signs of Spring?

A new sign for a new season. Unique as always Garret has adapted a bird table and nesting box given to us by a dear friend into a new house sign. Sadly this means he doesn't do any work any more as he is glued to the kitchen window commenting on any bird that glances sideways at the semi detached residences waiting to tempt them in. Chilly snowy run this morning with the daytime beginners group.Early bath time now!

Unexpected breakfast guest

You couldn't pay for entertainment like this.... this wee chap turned up this week and performed impressive acrobatics during breakfast time outside the dining room window. There was a time when the squirrels were more wary of the abundant seeds and nuts provided too close to the house but they are visiting more often now.
We are busy painting and preparing for the start of the new season...Easter is only a whisper away now and with the weather this good there should be plenty of folk tempted by lovely Inveraray. The next couple of days are going to be busy for Freya with multiple music competitions including Brass and The Bard...in Ayr of course! Rosie will be riding and preparing for a season working at the stables so no help with the ironing from the girls this weekend! Garret and Toby have their sights set on the ski slopes but they never help with the ironing anyway!!

Mother's Day

A little visitor for mothers day on the seed bags...

After we had seen this chap we headed off to Glasgow to roust the son and heir out of his lair and spent a couple of hours watching the blood, gore and decapitations galore that was Hansel and Gretel. Much enjoyed by all which is saying something, not easy to accommodate the many different film tastes that exists for the five of us although Freya did watch the worst of the horror through splayed fingers. A trip down memory lane with lunch/tea in TGI Friday's where we bored our offspring with our last trip there (Toby in a highchair...). Rosie was so pleased with herself getting a Les Mis soundtrack CD which was lovely, chocolates from Toby and wee viola plants from Freya. Lucky Mummy! And we bought Toby home with us for a couple of days.

Local Beer Festival...

A great local event just along the road at Fyne Ales....