NOT A PICNIC

For the Christmas walk in 2009 we went to the only place in the Highlands where you cannot have a picnic! And why not - because it's in Dores! Ha ha.

This is the view up the loch - spoiled a bit by the fish cages which have been specially placed to impinge right in the middle of the view at the focal point!

Soon we were on our way, with nearly a full house of dinosaurs. Unfortunately, Maureen and David could not make it. Whilst it was a cold day, it was really nice and we were soon walking on a good path, but this wasn't it!

Luckily the going got a little easier and the path opened out. We came across this dog with two balls in his mouth - none of the men would own up to missing anything!

Further on the track, and as usual, people started to form little groups and talk to each other. Sharon has her eyes closed but can still walk in step and talk at the same time.So much so, that neither she nor Susan noticed that they were being stalked by the notorious Blacksmith twins. At least I think it was them - same height, same grey hair, same walk ...........

Jimmy and Robin clearly could not read the signs.

Soon we came into sight of Aldourie Castle - a real fairytale place - which should suit Robin and Jimmy rather well.

Just along a bit we stopped for some mulled wine taken rather stylishly from polystyrene cups. It still went down pretty well, though.

Then onwards around the other side of the castle. It was here that we were advised that we should not be there as there were some very, very, very, important people staying for the weekend. We thought they would be happy to see us as we are all very important too. No doubt if they read this, they will let us know who they were and invite us in the next time they are up.


Back through the woods and down to the pub.

Charlie the gentleman...or did he need a helping hand down the hill?

And for those of you too busy chatting and making a noise - here is a bit of wild life - a roe deer running across the field at the bottom of the woods.

Back across the beach where we met someone else who didn't want us walking where we wanted to. This time it was some guy who said he was testing out his equipment. It was supposed to look for oil in Argentina or something like that and it was very sensitive and would be affected by us passing by with all our magnetism, I think he said.

No photos of him or his equipment, but Jim did find an old boot.


OOPs - wrong photo - this is the right one.

And soon we were back at the pub for a really nice Christams lunch and a good time was had by all.

Then the sun went down on another year of great walks, wonderful scenery and fine company.

Here's to 2010 and more of the same.