Sailing into the sunset.

Apart from a wet Wednesday the rest of the week has been warm and dry with a lovely breeze. We have been able to sit out in the late afternoons and evenings after dinner enjoying watching the boats go by and encouraging the crew with a friendly wave. We watch as they gradually disappear down a sparkling Loch Ness on their adventure.

The sunsets have been quite dazzlingly bright and sunglasses are required.The forecast for next week is continuous fair weather with temperatures in the low 20C...very pleasant.

RockNess Music Festival 2010

The RockNess Music Festival is based at the village of Dores at the eastern end of Loch Ness and take place on Friday 11th June through to Sunday 13th June. We have watched them setting up the big blue and red tents used as stages as well as the rows of sleeping tents that people can hire for the three day event. The line-up includes Fatboy Slim who was the driving force behind the original RockNess event four years ago. Some of the other turns on show are Friendly Fires, Leftfield, The Strokes, Ian Brown, Doves and Blondie as well as many more. The weather is set to be fair over the weekend so the beautiful backdrop of Loch Ness should be amazing, hopefully with a smashing sunset.

World record on Loch Ness

Last week a 28-strong group of Asda employees from stores throughout the UK completed the 21 mile paddle along the length of Loch Ness in just 5 hours and 19 minutes claiming a world record for this event.Their feat means they have raised a sizeable amount of money for the Tickled Pink initiative supporting breast cancer. They started at 7am and crossed the finishing line at Dores beach just after noon....we were tired out just watching them!

Sunset over Loch Ness.

Witnessed a beautiful sunset reflected in the water of Loch Ness the other evening and we went out to watch the ever changing colours in the sky and in the water. Had thick coats on as it was below freezing but the 'wee dram' clasped tightly in our hands helped keep us warm inside.

Loch Ness winter morning.

During this week we witnessed a most unusual scene over Loch Ness - mainly due to Daisy, our early morning alarm cat. She woke us up just before 8 in the morning by leaping on the bed ready for her day to begin with fun and frollicks...the snow has driven both our cats slightly stir crazy ... and their owners are not far behind !
Her sister Maisie was stealthily crouched round the bottom of the stairs ready for the attack. As we looked out of the bedroom window this was the scene of the freezing fog drifting along Loch Ness from the west from Fort Augustus. There was frost on the grass this morning after a beautiful sky full of stars with a temperature of -1C . Although the snow has mostly gone it now reveals the thick ice underneath. We have managed to get our car out this week for the first time in four weeks by going through our nearest neighbours driveway and driving up via Aspenwood and into Inverness. Certain parts of the forest track near Farigaig Pier are still like a skating rink. All through these past 5 weeks of extreme weather conditions - well below zero temperatures, blizzards, freezing fog, thick ice - the thaw has finally arrived. Some of the scenes have been truly magical but it will be so nice to get back to some form of normality i.e. not wearing wellington boots, thick socks and huge warm clothes every day.The birds have had to be fed every morning as they were truly hungry and really depended on the food put out...often waiting unusually close as the food was supplied at their various feeding stations.
We have all suffered in some way but also there has been a great feeling of togetherness from friends and neighbours as we have all had to pull together and help each other out. There has been a great sense of warm friendship in such a small community which has been truly smashing and what life is all about.

Freezing fog.....

Could not see anything out of the windows yesterday morning except a very thick fog which stayed for most of the day. Could just make out the trees in front of the house but no sign of Loch Ness and we felt really cut off. The whole of the east coast had it very bad and Inverness airport was closed for a while due to the extreme foggy weather. At 5pm a mountain rescue team were called out to an area known as the Lost Valley in the Three Sisters in Glencoe in the Highlands to assist two climbers who had foolishly ventured out in these atrocious conditions. Unfortunately one of the climbers had died after falling in the mountainous area and the other is now recovering in Fort William Hospital. Today the fog has lifted slightly and we can see a little more of the loch and Urquhart Castle looming eerily out of the mist on the opposite shore. It will be below freezing all day and promises of -4C tonight. The log fire beckons.

Up on the roof.

Yesterday was forecast to be fairly dry with the odd short shower so we decided to clear the gutters at Aspenwood. Over the last few weeks we had noticed that the leaves were getting less on the surrounding trees so therefore more stuck in the gutters. There is always a problem with pine needles and balls of moss rolling down from the roof tiles and clogging everything up.
Ray has come up with a cunning plan to saw away the front section of the down pipes thus allowing us to manually remove debris and prevent a back up of leaves etc which would eventually cause rain water to spill down the outside of the pipes and guttering. We have tested this at Lower Birchwood and it is very successful.
As we worked clearing all the gutters and pipes plus hosing jets of water along the channels the short showers turned into pouring rain and somehow we got drenched. Looking up at guttering in the rain wearing glasses is not a good idea but we soldiered on for a couple of hours and completed the task. The water on Loch Ness is extremely choppy today with lots of white water and there is a gusty 30mph wind coming from the west so we are very glad there are no ladders involved today.

Spot the Buzzard.

Yesterday dawned clear and bright so we went into Inverness to collect a few items. As we were driving back home along the shoreline of Loch Ness a buzzard swooped low in front of the car and quickly disappeared into the woodland. They are unmistakable as they have a wingspan of between 3 to 5 feet depending on their age. A bit further on we passed another one sitting absolutely still in a tree, only spotting him as we drove past. By now I had the camera actually ready and sure enough another buzzard flew across the road and rested on a nearby branch in the forest. He remained absolutely motionless and blended magnificently into the woodland scene with perfect camouflage.

Scottish Highlander Barge

Whatever the weather certain passenger cruise craft have to carry out their business and entertain their guests. During an interval in the recent misty weather we saw the Scottish Highlander barge go up to Urquhart Castle in the afternoon on one of its 7 day cruises.The 117ft long craft travels from Inverness to Fort Augustus on the first day of its cruise where it docks for the night and the entertainment begins. The following day it journeys back up Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle allowing passengers to view the ancient structure at close hand from the loch whilst enjoying drinkies and lunch prepared and cooked by a master chef . By the time the barge returned to Fort Augustus, passing our house en route, the night was beginning to close in and it looked quite magnificent lit up in the darkness. The Scottish Highlander barge caters luxuriously for 8 passengers and cruises along the Great Glen from Inverness to Fort William stopping for day trips to various sites of scenic or historic relevance along the way.

Sunset from the beach.

Although it was a bit chilly the other evening we wrapped up well and went down to the nearby beach to sit on the seats and watch the sun setting.Took an essential warming dram with us and it was quite beautiful just sitting on the peaceful shore of Loch Ness watching the sun quickly disappear behind the mountain.

Boleskine Wetland Project.

Monday was a warm blue sky sort of day so after a good breakfast we set off on the Easter Boleskine walk. Bit wet underfoot through the forest in front of our house and we were glad to get up to the road leading to Foyers and along to the gate of Easter Boleskine. The next bit we find the most strenuous part of the round trip - a rather steep climb up the path to the house - but well worth it as there there are stunning panoramic views looking down onto Loch Ness. In front of the house there is an established forest trail and a very ambitious project is now taking place nearby on a piece of land owned by the Forestry Commission for Scotland. The project has been mainly engineered by the owners of Easter Boleskine House, Frank and Katie.

This project was started back in 2007 and after much hard work and fund raising the wetlands is finally beginning to take shape. The view from inside the new hide is breath taking with the backdrop of the mountains and Loch Ness.

The variety of wildlife using the wetlands is already better then expected for the area.While we were there we saw several large dragonflies, different species of butterflies, a tiny brown toad and the acrobatic swallows were performing with delight.

Find out more about this very interesting Boleskine Wetland Project.

'Ness Express' success..

The Ness Express boat service which started in April 2009 has been a great success with the general public as well as our own guests. It can seat 12 people and travels at the exhilarating speed of 30 knots. It leaves Fort Augustus four times during the day and goes up to Urquhart Castle jutting out on Loch Ness and back, a trip of about 90 minutes. We do enjoy waving to the passengers as they zoom past the house often accompanied by loud shrieks of excitement. This trip is now included in the new Trips by Boat folder in Aspenwood. This also includes the dolphin trip from Chanonry Point on the east coast, the seal trip from Plockton on the west coast and several trips on Loch Ness as well as other local trips of interest.

Lunch at Dores Inn.

A very warm breezy day with temperatures hovering in the mid 20C and a welcome change from the recent overcast showery days of late. Drove 7 miles to the village of Dores at the eastern end of Loch Ness and took a walk along the crescent beach and then into Torr Woods. Enjoyed a 2 hour leisurely stroll through the woods and worked up a good appetite for lunch at the Dores Inn. The Inn was packed and it was a good job that we had booked. There was a good choice on the menu and lunch was tasty and very enjoyable.

Life on the ocean wave.

A real mixture of weather patterns this week with something for everyone and no two days alike. In all weathers the working boats and trawlers travel along the loch. The pleasure boating craft are about on Loch Ness although there are not so many boats as previous years. Quite a few large private yachts from abroad and we enjoy researching their flags.

Had large private yachts sail past bearing the flags of Germany and Denmark.

















A yacht from Norway was moored at Farigaig Pier and the owners walked up our driveway looking for a route through to the shop at Foyers and the Falls of Foyers. We had a very interesting chat and then sent them safely on the right path.
The new boat service Ness Express has been very popular and looks great fun.

New in 2009..''Ness Express' on Loch Ness.

 The Ness Express is a RIB ..Rigid Inflatable Boat.. and is a new boat service operating on Loch Ness. It departs from Fort Augustus at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm weather permitting of course and takes you on a 90 minute journey to Urquhart Castle and back. It holds 12 pasengers and operates from April to September and looks a very exciting service. Guests staying at Aspenwood have been on it and really enjoyed the thrill. It is 10m long and powered by a 315hp Yannmar diesel engine and can cruise at 30knots. Find out more. See it in action.

Lifeboat Rescues.

Latest press release from the RNLI Lifeboat stationed on Loch Ness.

 News Release
11th July 2009 Loch Ness
Family rescued and marathon canoeist pulled to safety on Loch Ness.A terrified family with five year old daughter were rescued after being driven onto rocks on Loch Ness following and engine failure on their cruiser this evening.
Loch Ness RNLI were busy completing the rescue of a long distance canoeist who had capsized near Urquhart Castle when they were tasked by Aberdeen Coastguard to search for a cruiser that had run onto rocks following a suspected gearbox failure.Volunteer crew members Neil Hillyard, Sandra Delday and Howie Whyte were recovering the kayak and belongings of Stuart Walker, who was in the middle of a mammoth trip from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, after he had been plucked to safety by Gordon Menzies in the tourist cruiser Morag no Chridhe. The RNLI team were directed by the MRCC (Maritime Rescue Control Centre) in Aberdeen to locate and assist the hire cruiser Eriskay with family members Dad David, Mum Janice, Grandmother Margaret and five year old daughter Rachel on board. The family's boat had suffered a power failure and had been driven onto a rocky shoreline one mile north of Drumnadrochit.In what has been described as very challenging conditions, the RNLI lifeboat Beatrice Dorothy transferred crewman Howie Whyte onto the stricken cruiser. After a check to see that the boat wasn't holed, it was taken under tow to Urquhart Harbour. Family member Janice Hill says..My mother-in law, daughter and myself were hysterical with fear. We thought that was it. Then we saw the RNLI lifeboat and realised help was coming. The lifeboatman, Howie, was so calming and friendly and made us feel really safe. Mother-in-law Margaret says ..I was ready to jump off the boat into the water I was so terrified. The family hope to continue their holiday tomorrow when they are given a replacement hire boat. They will be visiting the lifeboat station tomorrow and hope to meet the crew and see the facilities that enabled their rescue.
Canoeist Stuart Walker did not need medical treatment but is considering whether to continue his epic journey.

Musical chairs...

The weather has been glorious lately with temperatures of about 23C and the promise of a continuing warm week. A bit of sea mist over Loch Ness in the early morning gives way to blue skies for the rest of the day. Went up to meet our guests on Saturday evening and we enjoyed sitting outside with a glass of wine at the new picnic bench and having a chat.

The old table is now by the rotary washing line and may be useful while hanging out any washing. The long bench has been moved to a cool spot under Aspenwood Cottage decking just a few feet away from the nut feeders. This will be extremely useful for close up photographs of the many birds and red squirrels who visit the feeders regularly during the day.We have taken some of the old garden furniture away from the cottage and placed the 2 chairs on the beach for worn out walkers to collapse into and eat their lunch in some comfort while admiring the fantastic view. We shall also be able to relax in them of an evening and watch the sunsetting over the mountains opposite. Also be useful for me to sit in and offer words of encouragement, and a whisky, to Ray when he is in a fishing mood.
We have also treated ourselves to some new garden furniture and placed our old bench at the top of the track which leads down to the beach. We often see walkers stopping at the top of the track studying their maps and being very hesitant about going down the track. This is a great shame as they miss out on a visit to one of the few secluded beaches around the loch. We have put a sign on the back of the bench advising them to rest here before dipping their toes in the cool waters of Loch Ness.

Lunch at 'Contrast'

Enjoyed a second visit to the 'Contrast' restaurant situated on Ness Bank on the River Ness in Inverness.Weather not so good today so nobody at the outside tables although last time we visited it was quite busy. This restaurant serves a very good lunch and is part of the Glenmoriston House Hotel which also encompasses the 'Abstract' restaurant adjacent-evening meals only. It has large windows looking onto the River Ness ensuring a light and airy atmosphere. The service is friendly and the choice of dishes is very tempting. We both chose the Highland Red Deer Fillet and it was absolutely delicious. As it is opposite the Eden Court Theatre they also do a pre-theatre meal from 5-6.30. Worth a visit.

To the beach....

Really hot weekend so went down to the nearby beach to splash about in Loch Ness and cool off. The water was freezing but very refreshing. Forgot to take a towel but dried off in a few minutes in the heat. We have ordered some new garden furniture for Aspenwood so intend to put some of the old chairs down on the beach. They will be very useful - not just for us to sit on but also for the many worn out walkers we see go down to the beach. We feel that a chair will be more comfortable than a hard rock. Thankfully it is much cooler today.

Barnacle geese over Loch Ness.

The weather over the weekend has been absolutely gorgeous with clear blue skies and temperatures of 26C . Sitting quietly outside with a cup of tea in the early morning gazing over Loch Ness we heard the familiar increasingly louder cries of a skein of Barnacle geese. They came from the north over Urquhart Castle and flew above us before strangely returning towards the castle possibly to collect any stragglers to join the group. After a short while they came back towards us and continued noisily to the outer Hebrides, usually Islay, where they will stay for the summer before returning to Greenland or Norway.