The price you pay

So finally the skies over NW Scotland cleared, and on Sunday Gail and I went for a most agreeable stroll along from Incheril to the banks of Loch Maree, at the foot of that fine mountain, Slioch. (We decided not to climb up Slioch as it is a steep and rocky ascent and Gail thought that after all the rain on the previous day it would be too slippery underfoot).

Gosh the views of the surrounding landscape were stunning as we gaily trotted along together through the luxuriant bracken.

It does seem a bit unfair that the flattest bit of this glacial valley floor has been commandeered by sheep, and so the footpath along the edge is harder going than one might expect as it traverses the uneven surface of the lateral moraine. 

At one point Gail stumbled and fell into the bracken, and then had the cheek to criticise me for using the opportunity to try to run off up the hill rather than rush over to comfort her and lick her (very minor) wounds - fat lot of good that would have done...

Oh yes it was a glorious afternoon, and I must agree with Gail that if downpours such as we endured  the previous day are a necessary condition for having such lovely soft meadows and heathland, all delicately spattered with tormentil, buttercups, self heal, heath spotted orchids, bog asphodel, cotton grass, heather and sundew, then it is a price worth paying.

It's not just about the mountains

Bertie, Loch Maree, Slioch and the basal Torridonian unconformity

Here are some other important elements of the perfect weekend in Torridon. (You'll need the sound turned on.)

Listening to the birds singing in the cottage garden:

Noisily anticipating adventures with friends:

Monitoring the crackly wood-burning stove:

Motoring along single track roads with Robbie* on the car radio:

*Listeners to BBC Radio Scotland will be familiar with veteran broadcaster Robbie Shepherd's long running traditional music programme, the essential soundtrack to a Sunday afternoon drive in the Highlands. 

Wet weather, a tummy tickle and remembering Hamish

After the excitement of Monday's highly successful lecture, we are taking a break from science for a few days... But keen students should look out for a new announcement early next week!

So, just to update you on other stuff. Over at Gail's west coast cottage last weekend the weather was, well, all that one expects on Scotland's west coast. Exactly as depicted in the animated film 'The Illusionist' in fact. I was a bit worried that we would be staying inside so I decided to draw Gail's attention to her excellent and definitely waterproof walking boots...

Luckily, my new friend Clare, who was staying with us, is a jolly good sport and does not mind the rain at all. Here we are together in the little village of Shieldaig.

And later, admiring the view of Loch Maree, and the majestic mountain Slioch, part hidden in the mist.

Then I went exploring the Caledonian pine forest on the slopes of Beinn Eighe.

Back at the cottage, I discovered that Clare also does most excellent tummy tickles.

What's not to like?

Oh and finally, I want to show you the Autumn crocuses, growing around Hamish's memorial stone. They are extra pretty this year, drawing beauty from the ashes of Gail's dear old Westie.