23rd April 2008

 

Just returned from our latest Mountaineering trip to Scotland with India &Thunder. Fantastic trip! … great weather throughout, apart from the gale force winds on the tops (par for the course for Scotland) that were trying to pluck you off your perch!

 

It was India’s first trip, and she took to it like a duck to water, as usual strutting around the mountain as though she owned it! Thunders second trip, as usual with him taking it in his stride.

 

When we encountered snow at around 1500ft they both got excited, jumping around with each other and at us as we struggled up the gradient, they having the advantage of ‘built-in crampons’ to grip the snow when necessary. At times the snowy rigde was only 2ft wide, sheer drops either side, both dogs not at all perturbed! …. they were brilliant, such a pleasure to have them with you to share the experience.

 

At our 2nd campsite at 2300ft they went off playing in the morning and you can see the short video of their romping by clicking the video links on the right. Another short summit video shows them standing at the top of Slioch with a rather bitter wind howling across the summit giving a wind chill of - 20ºC.

 

Slioch is 3,214ft high and is part of a group of mountains around the Kinlockewe area of north west Scotland, close to the famous Torridon region. The region above 2,000ft in Scotland’s highlands in winter is considered similar to Artic conditions.

The trip lasted for 4 days, with three nights camping wild. The only problems encountered was the sheep that we came across walking into and out of the mountains! …. Of course Thunder & India had to be kept under close control as they found the urge to chase them irresistible!

 

On another completely different subject….for all you music lovers out there, you may well be interested in visiting Mandy’s Music website that plays all of her music which she has written herself, which is her great passion in life (as well as Leo’s of course!). You will find her site also under our Links page. Give it a visit and tell your musical friends as well, never know you may be able to say one day “I know that famous singer/songwriter” !!

 

9th April 2008

 

We have added a Guest Book at last! You can now add comments (nice ones hopefully!) about our website, ask for information or just say hello!

We have added a few updated pictures of Finland and Austria. China is the most difficult to photograph as she is a constant moving target!