Barnluasgan-Tayvaliich-Keills

A glorious day here on the West coast today..Freya and I just had to get out and about on the bikes. We drove to Barnlusgan and cycled the few miles to the gorgeous Tayvallich and then onwards to Keills right out of the westernmost point. Twenty one miles on a beautiful day with just enough breeze to keep cool and blow us back faster then the outward journey. The photos say it all really.

Running with the dogs and without.

An up to date picture of my running buddies requested by some guests at the weekend, a delightful conjoined German/ Australian family who were missing their own border collie half a world away. Holly is to the left in firm possession of the stick and Nancy is behind. They run with me frequently both on and off the lead...I really miss them if they can't come. The weekend was hectic, stressful and immensely enjoyable with the race I arrange each year up the Watch Tower Hill (Dun Na Cuiche) in Inveraray. 236m of climb (no dogs to pull me up!), some good banter and great competition at all levels of the race. This year we had a children's run too which was really rewarding. All the pictures can be seen here.

On dry land and all at sea.

Bed and breakfast land is starting to pick up again now with five folk staying last night, the day is gorgeous so no problem drying the sheets today. All guests were french, and all lovely, well, we don't get any other kind of guest. They chatted and laughed together over breakfast as if old friends. Running and cycling continues apace with the 5x50 challenge ( run, walk, cycle, row etc 5k/ day for 50 days). Freya and I braved the still ( always?) chill water of Loch Fyne clad in wet suits and every accessory we could to try to keep the cold at bay. A shame there isn't a full face mask too....the cold whisks your breath from you leaving you gasping and shocked which isn't conducive to swimming smoothly or, in our case at all. A little ungainly doggy paddle was managed over a huge distance...say...20 yards or so? In fairness we had done a 10k cycle too to take up the slack. Incubated eggs have hatched and ducklings emerged to the big world squeaking and surprisingly robust. Chicken eggs replaced them in the heater and so hopefully chicks should follow too.

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!