WALKING INDEPENDENTLY

Following a blisteringly hot July, it was soon time for the August walk. Unfortunately, the weather broke and August was mostly damp. In fact, when we went for our walk from Ruthven Barracks to Glentromie and through the Insh Marshes, it bucketed down.

The forecast was bad, but the start of the walk was merely cool and threatening.

A bit like the Barracks lowering over our car park. A symbol of a nation soon to be reborn.

Maureen watches carefully to see that Sandra tied her laces properly.

Once that was done, off we trekked into the hills, with fine views backwards towards the warmth and dry of the cars.

 Up past the lonesome tree and cottage, stark reminders of how the land had been ravaged by rule from the south.

Of course, in a newly independent nation, this would be a cosy wee home for someone.

At the first obstacle we decided there was some value to being better together - at least until we got across the burn.

 But there is always some who see the merits of going it alone.

And yes, it can be done.

Not only that, you can help out your neighbours.

By now the raindrops were beginning to appear on the camera lens. But that did not prevent us from seeing the bright prospect ahead.

Even with the wetness sweeping in, there was a silver lining.

And so we headed off for a new horizon, not knowing what lay over the hill but sure that it would be good when we got there.

By now, we should have been able to see the Cairngorm mountains. However, because of the mist we could only see Cairn Gormless.

This confused us and we didn't know which way to go. So we decided to give devomax a try and crossed over there for trial. Some crossed over with more style than others.

Once in the promised land, we found that it was not the promised land we had been led to believe. We were still held back by artificial barriers and obstacles and we couldn't plot our own course forward.

This wasn't for us, so we grabbed the chance and like salmon we leapt across the river to freedom and a new terrain.

The river was clear and the trees were green - it really was a promised land.

We stopped for a fabulous little picnic by the river. This was the river that fed the distillery that was so important to our balance of payments. We ate food and drink that was locally produced and so special, that it earned the country a fortune abroad and at home. It really was a lovely spot.

 Everyone was happy in this land of milk and honey.

 Well, some were more happy than others - it was a bit wet, after all. 

Yes, Maureen, it really was still raining.

 From the wilds of Glen Tromie we passed into the meadows around the Insh Marshes - a different kind of landscape altogether.

We passed by the Glentromie Distillery, where the casks waited to add to the immeasurable wealth of the nation.

From there on the weather got worse and the rain teemed down, making photographs difficult. Soon though, we were on the road back to the Barracks and a short trip to the Boathouse at Kincraig for tea and cakes.

Despite the hardships and the obstacles put in our way, we had seen the future and the promised land. Was it all true, or had it just been a dream?