I've always had something about the Highlands of Scotland, and it's getting stronger as I get older. Particularly the West Highlands - there is no place on earth like them. Nothing beats travelling across the bleak majesty of Rannoch Moor, the heart-stopping scenery of Glencoe, and the wild silent spaces of Ardnamurchan.Torridon is another place I'm fascinated by, although I haven't made it there yet. Mostly, it's the mighty Liathach that for some reason draws me there, but there's something about the whole area that just seems and sounds magical.Here's a great video of a day driving through Torridon in the winter. It's so reminiscent of Scotland it's difficult to explain.Even the start, driving behind the gritter in the snow (something I haven't had to consider any of the years I've... Similar posts

It’s as if God is taunting me. The insanity of leaving such a wondrous world. There are still no clouds when the dog persuades me down from my perch in the morning. A pure blue sky with nothing but the hint of a long gone aeroplane, so high that we never heard it. A perfect summer’s day. In late September. I can see what looks like two ferries at once, one that left the mainland, and one that left the far island. One takes a line closer to the near islands so when they pass, in the region of the smallest island, they are not close. I count the slices of bread left. They will last 2 more days after today. Dog-dog sits glumly at the window on the world, so I give her some of my toast. She ignores it but not enough that I can take it back. Yes it’s a perfect day. For... Similar posts

The West Highland Line (Scottish Gaelic: Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean - "Iron Road to the Isles") is one of the most scenic railway lines in Britain, linking the fishing port of Mallaig on the west coast to Glasgow. Passenger services on the line are operated by First ScotRail, primarily between Glasgow and Mallaig with the daily Caledonian Sleeper overnight service between Fort William and London Euston. Our sleeper train terminated at Fort William, but the true glory of the West Highland Line is yet to come. The section between Fort William and Mallaig passes over a magnificent viaduct at Glenfinnan, through Arisaig with its fine views of the Small Isles of Rùm, Eigg, Muck and Canna, and the sparkling white sands of Morar before coming to Mallaig itself.K Class Loco “The Sherwood... Similar posts

After diversions due to voting on the Lisbon Treaty and Kodiak's birthday, I'm ready to get back to my vacation stories...Both of my aunts had always dreamed of visiting London. Since they were so close, they figure a weekend trip to London would be a good way to accomplish a lifelong goal. My parents decided to stay in Ireland and I rented a cottage near Red Wine Strand in Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula. Peter stayed home to work and look after Toby.Our drive up to Dingle coincided with the one truly horrible weather day of their trip. When we woke up in the morning, the rain was coming down at a good, steady clip. It was the sort of rain that you just know could last all day and probably will. The entire family went to Muckross House in the morning, then to the Lake Hotel in... Similar posts