Back in May I went on a bus run to The Highland Folk Museum at Kingussie, the trip was with the Elgin and District Parkinson's Support Group. I think the Museum is well worth a visit, choose a fine day as there is a bit of walking to be done (If the bus isn't operating).
My next omission (Should definitely have been included at the time) was a wee bike trip set up by Mark (Nursey Fair). His FB invite to assorted 'friends' was to meet up at his place, ride the section of the Great Glen Way to Ft Augustus, stay overnight at The Stravaigers Lodge, a meal at The Boathouse and the next day load the bikes up and drive back to FW.
The day before the ride I met Mark in Inverness, loaded my bike into his car and, after a brew, set off to Ft Augustus, where, on arrival we checked out The Sravaigers Lodge to ensure beds were available and get ourselves plus two booked in for the following night. The idea was to leave Mark's car at the lodge and Nic, Mark's wife would come and pick us up, meaning that we had a car waiting for us at the end of the bike ride. The idea of staying at Stravaigers was because the riders would have a meal and a bottle or three of wine and no one had to miss out on a drink because of driving! Bunkhouse and table booked Mark and I were forced to head over the road to the pub to wait for Nic. A large glass of red later and our lift arrived, so to be polite we had to have another drink plus a bite to eat before hitting the road back to FW.
A pleasant evening with the family Fair and then sort out stuff for the next day.
The morning was a tad driech so it was on with waterproofs as the three intrepid riders set off! Anna, working. Pip, an appointment. Paul, something to do with an ambulance!! However, the 'support crew' were to meet us that evening for the eats and a drink or two.
Mark reckons Nic is only looking so happy because he's carrying all the gear!
On the forestry road above Loch Lochy, the weather is starting to clear a bit now.
Time for a muesli bar break while Nic does a bit of stretching out.
Drying off and warming up, soup stop at the Gt Glen Water Park.
Not sure what's been going on but Mark has a smile on his face and Nic's looking sheepish!?!?!?
Nic doing some face stuffing! Claimed she'd got to keep energy levels up (She was in front most of the time!!).
Mark and Nic at the old Bridge of Oich. Five miles to go, I can feel a coffee coming on already!!
Yup, that's where we're going to eat!
Some serious eating going on, wonder what's for pud? Must ensure there's room left for the wine!
Paul, TC and Pip.
What a nice picture!!
Nic and Anna.
The riders and 'support crew!
All done and dusted, bikes packed and ready to head for home.
Back to sunny FW, stow the bikes and personal kit then off to the shops, I'm cooking the Fair family meal next day!!
Saturday dawned cool but sunny, Mark and Nic had things to do so I'd arranged to meet up with Pip for a wee spin around the trails in Leanachan. A quick (Well fairly) thrash up the hill from Mark's, past the Commando Memorial looking very atmospheric with the sun glowing through the mist.
It's one of the most impressive memorials I know, in its setting above Spean Bridge with Ben Nevis and the hills of the Nevis Range as a back drop.
I was due to meet Pip at ten o'clock by Spean Bridge Woollen Mill, spot on time, saddle up and away. First (Proper) stop was the coffee shop at the auction mart (Well it would be rude to go by without stopping). A cappuccino and scone later and we were off again; Pip was duty navigator and led along some pleasant forest roads and onto the old Puggy Line (A disused industrial railway track, now footpath), this section involved a few detours to get around fallen trees and after extracting myself from a bog, eventually regaining the track and giving dog's abuse to all things underfoot (Pip trying hard not to laugh out loud), we at last got to rideable trail. Excellent single track took us virtually all the way back to the road and our starting point.
Me, still with dry feet!
Trail blazer / navigator Pip!
Well that's the lot for 2012, half an hour to the bells, time to empty my glass and refill it! Let's see what 2013 can do!?! Bring it on!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
No comments:
Post a Comment