TGOC 2014….in the beginning

Kyle of Lochalsh to Plockton

The beginning started a week or so before the Challenge with a troll around Oban, Isle of Mull, Fort Bill, Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton and Strathcarron…..sort of in that order.

Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh

 …..and looking t’other way

The view over to Skye whilst en-route to Plockton

And now some pretty pitchers of Plockton:

  

 

Our home for the night: Plockton Station Bunkhouse

Birdies playing piggy-back. At least I think that’s what they’re doing.

Well. MOST of the pitchers are pretty.

A TGO Challenge plate

These fine hand-made plates are available to order from The Old Bakery in Braemar.

You should buy one...gwan, you know you want to!

For those wot don't know,  The Old Bakery is a brilliant place for Challengers to stop to eat. ..with a special (and VERY good!) Challengers menu.

TGOC2014 so far: Strathcarron > Torridon > Braemar

 

Camping by the Coulags

 

Cafe Akto, Glen Mazeran

 

On the Burma Road, the Cairngorms in the background

 

The Lairig Ghru

 

Snow sculpture in the Lairig Ghru

 

Alan R at Derry Lodge after a long day from Aviemore

 

My Akto at Derry Lodge

 

The lovely clear waters of the R Dee

 

Mar Lodge

 

Lazy view over the R Dee whilst en-route to Braemar

 

Braemar wildlife 

In spite of the incessant heavy rain of the first few days it's going well.

Braemar tonight,  Callater tomorrow - it doesn't get much better! 

Strathcarron from tonight's pitch

The buggers are out and biting

A wander down to Plockton this evening resulted in an unexpectedly early encounter with the evil wee midgies.

Challengers be warned!

Rehydration seemed to help.

Over the sea to Skye

and other places

En route to TGOC2014

The forecast today was for much rain and horribleness.

It ended up being cool but very pleasant with only a bit of mizzle this evening.