DANCING ON ICE - THE DAVA WAY

The February walk was along part of the Dava Way and it took place in icy conditions - hence the title of this instalment!

It was, however, unusual in that we had two guest walkers with us. Not only that, but they were young and glamorous as you can see from the paparazzi photos below!

The truth is not so exotic - it was our daughter Elain and her friend Maria getting in some practice for a charity walk later in the year.

We do have our own film star lookalike in Pam who has been compared to someone whose name I forget from Desperate Housewives which I never watch. I will let you try and guess who it is.

Soon we had left the car park behind and headed of into the snowy wastes under a beatiful blue sky. It really was a winter wonderland.

The locals were clearly bemused.

Before too long, the women had navigated themselves past the turn off the road.

This was useful for Jimmy and me as we could then wait for them to come back and get photos of them from the front rather than the rear - which doesn't always work best for some people!

And here they are, all looking a bit downcast at having missed the turn - except for Maureen who always sees the bright side - or else she didn't understand what had happened.

As is the norm for walks lately, we met a dog. This one was a bit old and we didn't find anyone to tell us what his name was. Snowy seemed apt to me.

After we got back on the path we started to gain a bit of height and this did take us up into the snowfields - fabulous views across to the Moray Firth and up to Easter Ross and Sutherland.

It really was outstanding - white snow, green trees and blue sky - what a day.

Here is an artistic photo of an icicle with all the cool cats behind.

Soon it was time for lunch and we found a nice spot on the edge of the trees.

It was not without hazard, however, as first we each had to find somewhere to sit where the deer had not found the same somewhere to shit. Maria wasn't sure if she had succeeded!

Sandra did find a clear spot, but she could not escape from the mad gnome behind her - you can decide which of the gnomes I mean.

Some people decided to sit on the fence and they avoided the deer droppings and the other hazard which was snow dropping off the trees above!

However, there were some fantastic views from here!

But soon we started heading down the hill towards the Dava Way. Agnes and Elain could clearly see something interesting on their right, but for the life of me, I can't see it myself.

This is the tricky photo on this month's blog - it is in black and white showing the landscape taken through the legs of a pylon - I call it the Power and the Glory - good eh?

Another group photo on a bridge - see how blue the sky was.

Soon we were on the Dava Way proper. This is us crossing the viaduct and very nice it was too - a fine piece of engineering.

Just to prove we weren't lost!

Just to prove we can still get our legs up!

Further along we came across this frozen tableau which really looked like a waterfall in a tropical rainforest, but it wasn't.

Then finally back towards the cars and a nice cup of tea through the cathedral of birch trees. A fantastic walk on a stunning day - well done to the Smiths for organising both.

Finally, I just have to say that Neil and Ann were missed on the walk, due to Neil needing a bit of brain surgery. However, he is now on the road to recovery and hopefully they will join us on a walk soon.