Thursday, 11 January 2018

In which we explore the Cairngorm Snow Roads



I'm delighted to report that we had the most wonderful outing on Sunday. Such a good idea of Yam-Aunty’s to go exploring the newly designated ‘Snow Roads’ in the Cairngorms. (Although Gail wishes to point out that the roads are not new, and neither is the fact that they are snow prone. Fans of Jim Naughtie and BBC Radio 4 will already be familiar with hearing that the snow gates are closed on the notorious A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul route).

I digress. What is sort of new is that art installations have been places at key locations along the roadside, adding extra spice to what are already spectacular viewpoints.

For quality images of these sculptures, and of the surrounding landscape, I refer you to the superior photography on our dear friend Yam’s blog, although we gather you will have to wait a few more days before the Snow Roads are featured there.

Long time readers know that science is my forte. Hitherto I have declined to venture into the precious world of art criticism.  Brian Sewell I am not. I would however like to point out a particular feature of ‘Still’* (a square sculpture with mirrored internal surfaces, located by a quarry just north of Tomintoul) - a feature which I suspect a more conventional art expert would have missed.

You might think nothing could be better than a picture of yours truly, looking adorable against the sparkling Cairngorm whiteness.

But you would be wrong.

Let me explain. Posing inside 'Still' allows you to see my fine jaunty tail and well-toned rear end, and the magnificent scenery in the background, not once but twice over in the same photo. A sort of artistic ‘buy one get one free’ deal!

Quite a result, I’m sure you’ll agree.

*Note we are in whisky country here, just a stone's throw from the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries, hence 'Still'?

17 comments:

  1. I thought the artpiece will miss a thing... and viola your mirror-twin appeared and now it is real art. be careful on that snowy roads... we hope the white stuff will not cross the channel... our sunshine drivers would cause chaos immediately...3 flakes and we have doomsday...

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  2. Nuffin like a terrier derrière.

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  3. What lovely photos taken by Yam Aunty. Thank you so much for sharing. I gather that you all had a wee dram of single malt. I might tell you that we think that there is nothing like a wee dram of single malt from those distilleries

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  4. Another fantastic day out! We'd love to be running all over the place.

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  5. Oooh, it does look chilly up there, Bertie, I'm glad you were wearing your lovely blue coat.
    It's very cold here too and a gale force wind blowing - but no snow !!

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  6. Excellent backdrop for you there, Bertie!

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  7. Hari OM
    Deary me Bertie lad, I do hope any who wander over to the MENO-blog are not disappointed with my results, for your Gail has yet again framed you handsomely against a backdrop which - it has to be admitted - would be difficult to 'misshoot'! It was a supery-dupery outing, wasn't it?! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  8. Bertie absolutely breathtaking scenery that you are showing and enjoyed with two mighty fine ladies!! WOW Now you know I'm a wee bit infatuated with your WFT...so this was my favorite line
    " Posing inside 'Still' allows you to see my fine jaunty tail and well-toned rear end,"!! BUNS OF STEEL my handsome friend
    Hugs madi your bfff
    PS mom says thank you for your comments on our poem today

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  9. Snow roads. Hmmm. Snow roads = we aren't spending money to plow them?
    Bonnie

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  10. Excellent photo there at the "end" Bertie!
    all that snow looks very cold
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  11. We have snow roads too - teehee!
    FYI lady can throw Precious and stay in her bath . . . One of her few talents.

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  12. What a beautimous outing with YAM-Aunty...and a cute hiney too!
    xoxo,
    Rosy

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  13. What gorgeous country. And quite right about "Still," Sir Bertie! Glenlivet country is Dachshund Grandpa's country!
    Xo
    Tootsie

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  14. Love the reflective sculpture of Still. We have one in Nati that lets you see yourself from all angles though I must say you have a much better backdrop. We are getting snow in Nati now.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  15. Dear Bertie,

    Wow, I would have loved that walk. Snow is in my soul. All we have is rain. I am very jealous!

    Also, that is indeed an amazing view! And by that I mean the view of both your frontside and your backside at the same time!

    It looks like you had a fabulous walk!!

    Licks,
    Cobi

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  16. Bertie - Reflective art installations on the Tomintoul high road. What is the world coming to ?

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  17. Looking EXTREMELY handsome, Bertie!!

    -Osa, Otto's little sister

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