Sunday 15 May 2011

A walk with the 'OIL' man

We went for a lovely walk in the hills with Gail's friend Ian this weekend. 

Wow his car is a bit smarter (and cleaner) than Gail's ...


See how I am gazing in admiring fashion at Ian.

Of course, I didn't neglect to remind Gail that I adore her the most.

And here I am at the top of the big hill, receiving in return the attention that is my due.
(We are sitting in a wind shelter. You often find these little stone constructions at the top of hills in Scotland, as up high it is almost always blowing a gale and so walkers need somewhere to shelter and eat their squashed sandwiches and drink their flasks of coffee. They are great places to sniff out scraps of left overs.)

Normally, we'd expect to meet mountain hare and ptarmigan up here, but it seemed they were being shy so it was just us and the occasional noisily flapping red grouse.

At the end of the day, we came down off the hills and into a pretty birch wood. The grass was so soft on the paws, like a deep pile carpet, a relief after all the stones higher up.


The humans appeared to be slowing down a bit. Well you know, they're not as young as when they first met, a quarter of a century ago!  Whereas me, I am now in the full bloom of youth, at one with the fresh green leaves dancing on the birch trees, and the bluebells, violets and delicate speedwells newly bursting through the undergrowth. (Sorry there are no photos of the flowers. Blame Gail.)

So anyway I sat down patiently to wait.

And when the others caught up I remembered to wag my tail and say "thank you" politely to Ian for such a nice day out.

PS You might recall that last summer I stayed briefly with Ian and his two gorgeous Westies, Florrie and Lucy. I was most disappointed that the Westies didn't come along today, and rather worried. But it's all OK.  Gail explained that, 'cos Ian is mostly working abroad at the moment (in Yemen, yikes!) the 'girls' have gone to stay temporarily with his son who lives in the Channel Islands, and are having a splendid time with beach walks every day. Here they are, about to board the plane on their way out to Guernsey.
I do hope I see them again some time.

26 comments:

  1. Hey Bertie!

    Nice to see you out having a good time. We will be out this afternoon, but unfortunately, no Oil Man to hang out with. We think everyone should cultivate the friendship of an Oil Man, again, too bad for us, none on the horizon, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.

    Cheers,
    Jo and Stella

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  2. Oh BERTIE... I am so very much in love with the beauty of your countryside. Your furend Ian looks like a very much nice gent. I wouldn't want to go to Yemen to visit him though.

    Ummmmm I might have a Blogville Scientific assignment fur you.. next month. Have you ever given one of your interesting talks... to kitties and puppies?

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  3. That was a GREAT walk Bertie. It looks like have the whole place practically to yourself! Too bad Ian's pups couldn't come and play, but it looks like you got some extra attention with two peeps all to yourself!

    The Road Dogs

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  4. What a lovely day. We especially liked that rock shelter -- it might be a but rough on shoeless paws, but it is a perfect example form following function.

    We hope Ian stays safe in Yemen.

    Wirey love,

    Jake and Just Harry

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  5. That was a fantastic walk! AND if you were disappointed in the Westies non appearance, at least you got ALL the attention.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  6. hello there,

    i just found you over at santa's and just wanted to tell you i think you are very cute. i'm a 9 month old white miniature schnauzer and i think i might be jealous of your spots,they are so cool :)

    yuki

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  7. Trying to trick me with that reference to ptarmigan. Ha! I googled it for sure and they are nommy birds.

    What a lovely outing and nice to see your pal. I hope he stays safe working in Yeman.

    Slobbers,
    mango

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  8. That looks like FUN! You and Gail go for the best walks!

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  9. Nice walk, Bertie. I'm sure you picked up some material for one of your classes or perhaps a paper to be published later, am I right?

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  10. Bertie, you have such beautiful places to go for walks, you're so lucky! OIL MAN looks like he adores you too!!

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  11. You sure have a nice place for all those walkies. Wish I could visit across the big pond!

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  12. Bertie you sure live in a beautiful area. Is Gail a wind shelter too?
    Benny & Lily

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  13. Oh Bertie! Another beautiful Sunday hike!! Thank you for sharing it with us!!

    Rottie Kisses!

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  14. Bertie . What a great day out . Are you telling me you've seen a ptarmigan ?

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  15. Beautiful day, gorgeous scenery, entertaining company, youthful vigor. What could be more....uh...romantic (?) Bertie? BOL! (Am I being too facetious? Hope not)
    Sorry about the lack of canine company, though. But geesh...that hike was beautiful. Hope you get lots more.
    Sending lotsalicks
    TOBY IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  16. Cool walk Bertie! The wind shelters would be nice during storms here in Florida :)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  17. I thoroughly approve of the walk Bertie and Gail. Great photos thanks for sharing.

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  18. That looks like one great walk Bertie, we love your header phot, is that a new one - you look like a real explorer there! Dex & Louis x

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  19. A great walk Bertie and well done on your Munro! I got up a big hill on holiday (merick) but Mum said it didn't qualify. boo.
    I shall has to get TNP and Mum to venture further in. But TNP says it nice to only drive a couple of hours when he has work the next day. I don't believe this work place exists though. I has never seen it.

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  20. hey Bertie,

    What a fantastic adventure you and Gail had with Oil Man! Very interesting about the rock shelters. I can just imagine all the food it traps. Did you find good nibbles? :->

    I love reading your posts because you are always so kind and well-mannered.

    Sorry your friends could not make it, but it sounds like they are having a very nice time visiting their human's son. I am sure they missed seeing you, though. Hopefully you will vacation with them soon.

    Suka

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  21. Bertie Buddy, when you get a chance would you please shoot me an email?
    frankiefurter(at)wildblue(dot)NET

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  22. What a great time Bertie!! Your friend Ian looks really nice nad he knows to pay you the right attention, hes a keeper fur you!!

    wags
    Jazzi and Addy

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  23. What beautiful Scottish scenery...though I could almost hear the wind blowing from here.

    Love and licks, Winnie

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  24. Wow Bertie you are ticking off these hills at a fast rate, do you pick a stone up on the way to add it to the shelter?
    Realy enjoyed this post, but Ian's a bit posh having a number plate like that :)
    You are so lucky you can wag your tail I have to realy work hard at wagging mine.
    Have a good week
    See Yea George xxx

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  25. Hey Bertie it looks like you sure had a pawsome time with Ian! Oh yea your Mom too!

    woo woos, Tessa

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  26. Wow! What a change in terrain that day! It's pretty obvious that you are fitting the role of a great hiking companion to Gail and her friends. (We bet Ian was missing his pups ... it looks like you were the perfect gentleman!)

    We're jelly,
    Jake and Fergi

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